Thunder and Lightning || Dodie Clark

VI. Messes

Dodie and I stayed in for the weekend. I ended up cancelling on Connie's movie plans, but promised to tell her everything in more detail in person. I never really was a big texter anyways.

Strangely, I couldn't ask for a better weekend. Dodie's presence filled me with the silent reminder of confidence, which was something I lacked. We watched television and she played me a short snippet of a song that she was finishing. But I wasn't allowed to listen to the whole thing until it was completely done. I didn't think it was too fair.

When Monday rolled around I couldn't stay in any longer. I could have skipped classes, but that was a big no go. Mom would have the biggest fit if she found out that we were paying for classes I wasn't attending. But I hated the idea of leaving Dodie after two nights ago.

"I don't want to go to classes," I groaned.

"We can go out tonight when you get home. Maybe hit that party you mentioned Connie planned on having?" Dodie suggested, kissing me on the cheek. The small act gave me more butterflies.

"A party? Are you sure?"

"Yeah, why not. I can't stay hidden in the house forever, no matter how much I want to."

"Okay love," I brushed my fingers against her jawline. "I'll see you after."

"See ya."

I walked to campus. The only evidence of the previous storm was the canopy of clouds fading away. I didn't hate going to school, it did bring me to Dodie and a lot of amazing people in my life, but I didn't love it.

"Hey Murph," a girl from my sociology class waved. I didn't even know her name and suddenly felt bad. I gave a small wave and smiled. "Do you have last night's homework?"

"Um, yeah. Why?"

"Can I get the answer to the fourth document? I couldn't figure it out."

"Well, okay," I shrugged. I scribbled my email onto her hand. "I'll try to get it to you before it's due."

"You're a life saver. I'll see you in sociology."

I found it weird that out of all the people in course to ask, she asked me. And I didn't even know her name. Well, I hoped she would get her homework done.

~.~.~

I couldn't be more stressed. Calculus was murdering me, I had a research paper due in English, and my new job took up now a third of my free time.

I got a job at a cupcake and coffee shop. I mainly washed dishes until the younger kid showed up. Then I moved up to help out with the register. It payed a little higher than minimum wage.

When I got home after work, it was normally too late to watch our show. Dodie saves food for me, but we don't get to eat together. We're both stressed.

"How was work?" Dodie asked as I set my stuff down.

"Good, I guess," I shrugged. "It is what it is. I kinda just wanna take a nap, but I have so much fucking school work go finish."

"Do you want some coffee?"

"Please," I nod. I typed religiously and cranked out the words I needed to reach my count. Dodie set the steaming cup on the coffee table.

"Is there anything I can do for you? I've gotta finish editing this video, but it can wait if you need anything."

"I'm okay, thank you. We can just hang out after? Connie was wondering if you wanted to come see a movie with us tomorrow."