The Roommate | zdh ✓

Thirteen

EDITED 7.11.2020
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Zach's p.o.v

She likes me back. It's hard to grasp that someone beautiful as Everly would ever like a guy like me. I hurt her, yet she still found good in me.

It has been a week since we both confessed our feelings to each other. We still haven't discussed if we're in a relationship or anything, but to be honest I don't know if I'm ready for one. Not yet anyways. I just don't want to mess things up.

Other than spending time with Everly, I have become this new person. I actually have been trying in school. My grades are at their highest, which is C+'s, but for me that's improvement. I probably won't admit it to anyone else, but Everly has made me into a better version of me. I just want to be good enough for her.

To do that, I know I can't be known for being a tough guy around school anymore. So, I started to act nicer to classmates, which was totally weird at first. I also stopped doing annoying things in class, I bet the teachers appreciate that. I even participate in group projects. I know, crazy, but I know that all of this would make Everly happy–and seeing her happy maies me happy.

I retune back to the apartment, only to find the place empty. That is until I hear Ben from the other room, calling my name.

"Hey, Zach, you there? Come in here."

I enter into his room, and see Ben laying on his bed listening to music. He pulls out his earbuds, and sits up facing me. He looks a bit nervous. Ben's been acting strange lately, what's up with him?

"So, I wanted to tell you something. Something that I am still processing myself, and I'd appreciate it if you just listen and then comment after. You're my twin brother, so I figured you'd want to know." Ben fidgets with the end of his shirt; a habit he's had since he was young.

I grow anxious. Did something happen that I don't know about?

"You can tell me anything. Like you said, we're twins. I'll sit and listen, that's all." I smile, reassuringly for him to continue.

"Okay well..." Ben's voice comes out shakey.

I grab a hold of his hand, and rub circles on the palm of his hand–something that we used to do when we were kids.

He slightly grins, and takes a deep breath before continuing. "I think I'm bisexual." Ben takes a slight pause, and closes his eyes. "I think this because of recent events that has made me question myself."

His eyes were open, and looking down at the floor. I stay silent as promised.

Ben soon clears his throat. "So, Nick and I kind of a had a moment at the party last weekend. Nothing major, just enough to realize I have had feelings for him for a while. I know he beat me up, but that's in the past. I forgave him already. I really do think he's changed." Ben chuckles. "Nick's surprisingly really caring and sweet. I just wanted you to know that."

He looks up at me and waits for me to respond. So I speak what's on my mind.

"Well, I didn't see that coming. I also can't believe you have feelings for Nick of all people. Yet if you say he's changed, I believe you. Either way, I'm proud of you. Thanks for trusting me enough to tell me. I love you, you know that right?"

Ben looks at me with bulging eyes. "Man, when'd you get all soft? Oh right, Everly." He smirks at me.

We both laugh, and soon Ben speaks again. "But for real, thanks Zach. It means a lot."

I hug him tight, and we sit there for a few minutes until I groan and say, "Wait, does that mean I officially have to go and make amends with Nick? I mean, I was going to for Everly, but now I gotta do it for you too?" I pout my lips, and Ben pokes at my face.

"Duh! Go do it now, Nick should be in his dorm room by the time you get there." He shoves me off the bed, causing me to stumble across the room. Man, my brother is rude.

"Fine, I'll see you later. If Everly comes back from class before I get back, tell her I want to take her out tonight." Ben gives me a playful look, and I blush.

"Oh stop, we're just hanging out." I say.

Ben shakes his headc and I just ignore him.

I knock on the door of Nick's dorm. It takes a couple minutes until the door swings open. Once Nick sees me, he immediately tries to close the door. I quickly stop it with my foot.

"Wait, I came here on behalf of Everly and Ben." I surrender by putting my hands up.

Nick's eyes lighten with the mention of my brother. Hm, maybe he actually does care about Ben.

He sighs, and openes the door wider. "What do you want, Zach?"

I scratch my head, and look down at my feet. Why did I feel so weak when trying to apologize?

"Toughen up, Zach." I say to myself.

"Look, I'm here to make amends. We got off at a bad start. I know Everly said things were good between you two, and that made me want to come and do the same. Then today, I find out you and my brother have a thing.."

I look up at him, only to find him with a slight rosy tint appearing on his cheeks. Wow, Ben is going to love this.

"Anyways, I figure we'll bump into each other a lot more now, so why not be mutuals? Deal?" I ask.

Nick stands in silence, thinking about what I said. "Okay, deal. Only because we'll be around each other a lot more. I really like Ben, and I don't want to fight with you."

He holds his hand out, waiting for me to close the handshake off. I do, and we both say goodbye.

After that, I feel good. I came back to the apartment with good news to tell Everly and Ben. They both thank me for being civilized with Nick. I tell them it was nothing.

I take Everly for some dinner, in a restaurant that served both of our favorites. As I stare at the girl in front of me, a memory surfaces in my head.

*flashback*

I sit on the chair with my feet swinging back and forth. I just gor my first detention in 7th grade. My mom gets done talking to the principal, flirting, as always.

On the way out, my mom turns to me. "You're already a screw up, great. Your father is not going to be pleased young man."

She drives out the school parking lot, head in flames. "I used to wish for you and your brother to find someone early on in high school, knowing you both had a bright future ahead of you. Now, I can't imagine anyone loving you. For Benjamin, I know there's hope for him. Yet I've lost hope for you."

*flashback ends*

I smile to myself. Even though the memory is sad to relive, it makes me happy to see that my mother was wrong.

Everly meets eyes with me, and gives off her toothy grin. "What? Why are you looking at me like that?" She giggles.

I smile to myself, happy that I found someone to love. For the first time in my life, I'm pretty sure they love me back.

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Wow, two chapters in one night. You lucky ducks! Hope you liked the chapter :). I thankfully have been loving my writing and the way this book has played out. Can't wait to write the next few chapters <3
Vote, comment, & add this book to your library if you haven't! (which idk what's taking you so long) ;)