Is Life A Lie?

Chapter 9 - Gaining Perspective

“Hey Hayze”

At that tentative greeting, I looked up and saw Declan and Alex walk into the room. Alex was the one who had said hey.

During the Christmas and New Year break, I had scoured the surrounding real estate for a room to move into. I decided that I had landed on my feet since moving to America and was ready to take my independence one step further by moving out. Declan, my dear ol pal, had decided that moving out of the on-campus accommodation was the best thing for him, so the both of us were moving into a 3-bedroom house a stone’s throw away from campus. The other bedroom was occupied by a second year anthropology student. Hello house parties and freedom!

Alex and Declan were here to help me move my stuff. Over the break, Alex and Evil Ginger, ok, Claire or whatever, had spent Christmas and New Year’s together. Silly of me to assume that I’d spend my first American Christmas with my first American friend. Then again, I suppose I had brought it upon myself. I had been nothing but nasty to Gingerdoll. The fact that Alex seemed to be hanging on to this one for longer than her usual 3 weeks did not help. That aside, the space did seem to have helped and I realised that I was just glad to have her back.

“Hey guys! Thanks for coming! I’ve got everything in boxes, all you gotta do is put them in the car,” I gestured around me, where my life had been haphazardly dumped into seven large boxes.

“Too easy.” Declan sniggered. In true caveman fashion, he lunged for the largest two boxes and headed to the car.

“Wait, is there going to be enough space, what with Dec’s stuff in there too?” I furrowed my brow, this possible dilemma only now occurring.

“Nah, we dumped all his stuff at the house before coming over.” Alex was talking to me. This was the first time we’d been alone together in so long. And she was talking to me. Man, after how cold I’d been, I did not deserve this.

“Hey Alex, thanks for coming yeah? This means a lot.” I cleared my throat loudly before the threat of tears could become any realer. I wanted so badly to give her a hug but I did not want to cross any lines. Oh fudge that, I thought. This is my best friend. Holding my arms wide, I grinned at her and she squeezed me tight.

“Don’t be silly Hay. This is what friends are for.” She ruffled my hair and started on a box.

Seven boxes later, we gathered in my room again for anything I might have forgotten. Alex was certain I would find more things to take with me. I snorted and told her I wasn’t her typical girl. Her response to that was a pointed gaze at my pink curtains. (I can explain, that was my mum’s fault.)

“Goodbye my lovely, you served me well. Until we meet again,” I whispered to my barren room. Giving the wall closest to me a rub, I was interrupted by Declan’s sniggering and Alex’s eye-rolling.

“You’re moving like 8 miles away, RELAX!” Alex burst into giggles. “God, we’re friends with such a weirdo.”

“We’re MATES with such a weirdo!” Declan interjected.

“Wow you guys. So much disrespect.” I glared at them and stalked off, blowing my room one last kiss.

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“PHEW we’re done!”

“I can’t move.”

My slaves were moaning while I breathed out a huge sigh of relief. We had successfully moved, and unpacked. Hazel and Ruell had come over to help with the unloading and unpacking, and had already left. Alex lingered and I couldn’t help but be pleased. Wonder where Gingerbitch is? Hmmm.

I sternly told myself I had to stop this. We’re friends. I’m lucky she even wants to be friends with me. After my bad behaviour (constant insults to Gingerdoll, giving Alex the cold shoulder, blanking her at our group gatherings, rubbing Eugene in her face) I was certain she was definitely over me. If I hadn’t done enough, I’m sure hot steamy sex with Ginger was enough to put me out of her mind. Ugh.

“Thanks again guys.” I ran to our newly stocked fridge and grabbed 3 beers. “CHEERS, flatmate!”

As we clinked our bottles and drank, no matter that it was 4 in the evening, I looked at my new flatmate and Alex who was still here and realised that I was grateful I had them in my life. At that moment, I stopped giving a damn about labels and what ifs, and started to enjoy what was.