The Roommate | zdh ✓

Three

EDITED 7.09.2020
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Ben's p.o.v

"Oh-" I'm taken back by Zach's words, and stare at him with wide eyes. I then clears my throat, and make my way closer to Everly. I extend out my hand and say, "Nice to meet you. I'm Ben, obviously."

I won't lie, I thought she was very beautiful. My last girlfriend cheated on me, but I don't even know why I even dated her in the first place. The whole relationship just didn't seem right. We dated for a year, and I wanted to end it myself many times. I guess you could say she did me a favor; at least that's what I tell myself.

It sucks honestly. I feel for people deeply too quickly, and try so hard to make them happy. In the end, I'm the one who ends up hurt–I always am. Wow, that was deep. I am too consumed with my thoughts, I don't even notice Everly had shook my hand, and is now talking to Zach.

I look over at my brother, and know now that I have no chance with anything more than a friendship with Everly. It's obvious by the way he looks at her–like she is the only one in the room. Everly is definitely not like any of the girls Zach's dated. However, she does remind me a bit of his ex. Yikes, wonder if he's noticed.

I soon come back to reality, and hear Everly speak with her body facing the both of us.

"Well, this is weird. You seem like very nice people–and trust me, I was not expecting to be sharing an apartment with you two either–but I completely understand if you want me to leave."

I shake my head. "It might be weird for a bit before we all get to know each other, but," I gesture over at my brother, "I think Zach and I can agree that we'd love for you to be our new roommate."

Zach looks at me, and grins. He turns his head back at Everly and says, "Ben's right, it'd be nice to have you stay. I know that living with boys that are twin brothers might be an adjustment, but we're not the worst roommates in the world."

"I don't know–" Everly bites her lip nervously.

Zach looks into the girls eyes with a pleading look. She glances at us both, and gives us a warm smile.

She sighs. "Alright! I guess I'm staying. You guys seem cool, so I have no reason to leave."

Everly gets up, and walks towards her bags that were placed by the door. I quickly go to help, but Zach beats me to it. Of course, acting charming in front of the beautiful girl. Classic Zach.

I lean against the wall that separates the kitchen and the living room. I watch as Zach smiles up at Everly.

"I'll help you with your bags, and show you your new bedroom. It's right down the hall." Zach points at the right side of the apartment.

Zach and Everly start to disappear, as they walk further away down the hall. I hear mumbles coming from them. I have a feeling they will get along great.

Giving Everly time to settle in, I decide to make dinner. I don't know what she likes yet, but I figure everyone must like pizza–if you don't, we can't be friends. I take out the pizza from the freezer, and empty it onto a round pan. Then I heat up the oven. I start to walk around the living room, and almost have a heart attack when Zach jumps at my back.

"Zach! Really? Please stop doing that." He's done this about five times now since we've moved in, but what can I do?

Zach laughs and starts to sit down on the couch. "Dude, I will never stop scaring you. It's the highlight of my day. Plus, I'm your brother, so it's my job." Zach looks around the room, and then turns his head towards the hallway.

He clears his throat. "Hey uh, what do you think about Everly?"

His tone changes, and I can't tell if this is a trick question. Can he sense that I might like her too? I don't know if I should lie or just say my honest opinion about her. Hm, guess I'll just say what comes out I guess. What could go wrong?

"Honestly? I like her. She's pretty, kind, and seems really sweet," I notice his face expression change. He seems sad.

I continue, "but I know you think of her the same way, so don't worry, I won't get in your way."

I know Zach is going to ask what I mean about getting in his way. He probably is confused on why I don't just want to fight over her with him. Truth is, I can tell from all the looks and smiles, that Zach Dean Herron, the "bad boy," likes Everly a lot.

In high school, Zach was known as a player, and one who didn't like to follow any rules. All the girls would swoon over him, and even fight with each other on who'd get to date Zach next. Yet, I think Everly is different from those girls. I don't know how her well enough yet, but she doesn't seem to be bowing down at Zach's feet.

Zach was about to say something, until we both look up to find Everly. She stands just a few feet away from us.

"Ben? Do you really think I'm all those things?" Everly stares at me with a sparkle in her eye.

Oh no, my brother is definitely going to kill me from the look I'm getting from him right now. I don't even know what to respond with. Did she really hear all of it? Should I tell the truth, or lie to save my life?

I glance at my brother to see him already staring at me (more like glaring). I want to tell Everly whatever I'm feeling, but at the same time I know what I have to do. I wasn't going to let myself get in the way of whatever Zach was feeling. I don't want to hurt him, not again.

"I do, I do think you're beautiful." I mentally slap myself. Oh my god, wait, why did I say that? I told myself I wasn't going to hurt Zach, and this is what I do?

Before I can say anything else, Everly blushes, and quickly looks down towards her hands. She slowly looks back up to me. Her hazel eyes shine.

"Thanks, Ben. It's been a long time since someone's given me a compliment. I was thinking, since I'm new and all, do you mind showing me around campus tomorrow?" She smiles.

I ignore the guilt that eats at me, as I feel Zach's eyes piercing through my head. I nod at Everly. "Yeah sure, I wouldn't mind at all."

Zach is most likely planning my funeral right about now, but this is the first time a girl might actually make me happy. Everly seems the complete opposite from my ex, so maybe it'll be different this time. I need this. Zach can get any girl. Me? I am just ordinary Ben.

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So, longer chapter! You're welcome. I finally had the urge to edit, it's been so long since I last updated. There are so many reads like lol who reads this?? Thank you so much for the stars + a few comments that are just full of positive things. It makes me want to continue this story :) Bye! next update will be soon!
—Izzy x