The Haze [The Rosati Series]

two

I jolted awake, breathing heavily, as sweat eased down my forehead. My eyes darted to the digital clock that sat to on my nightstand. It read eight thirty-two a.m. I let out a sigh of relief as I let the reality of my surroundings soak in. The terrible nightmare I'd just experienced was still fresh on my mind, and all my senses were alert and in a hectic overdrive. Instead of falling back asleep, I decided to get up, take a shower in the nearest bathroom, wash my face, and put on some of the clothes Amerie had been nice enough to offer.

Afterwards, I roughly finger combed through my hair and settled for my tangled, long, brown waves to flow freely past my shoulders. Just as I was about to head to the living room to see who was up, I paused in the bathroom's mirror to take in my appearance. My eyes were still slightly red and puffy from all the crying I did yesterday; you could scarcely see a dark shadow under each of my eyes which left me unsettled, and I was in desperate need of a brush. I had picked out a solid black t-shirt, a pair of denim jeans from the stocked dresser in my room, and a pair of one size fits all, black flip-flops. When I could no longer bear the sight of me, I sighed deeply and headed towards the living room. Amerie and Derrick were lounging on the couch casually watching re-runs of Judge Judy. I chuckled quietly to myself before going to join Amerie on the sofa.

“We would watch this every Saturday morning together.” I laughed.

She sent me a small smile. “I wouldn’t doubt it; I love watching this show. I find it amusing.”

I nodded my head in agreement with her, relishing over the Saturday’s we spent griping at countless people that ended up on The Judge Judy show. Derrick hadn’t said much of anything, but he was also silently watching the television. Just as Judge Judy switched off to a commercial break I heard Amerie’s mother, Ms. Thomas, enter.

“I hope you guys are hungry, because I’m going to cook a big breakfast.”

I nodded my head politely and stood up. “Do you need any help with preparing anything?”

She waved me off. “Oh no, but that’s sweet of you to ask. What Amerie can do though is run to the store and pick up me maybe eggs, milk, and baking soda.”

Amerie started to shift her position on the couch as if to get up also.

“I can do that, it’s really not a problem.”

She frowned slightly. “Are you sure? Would you feel comfortable driving my car?”

“I could walk; the store isn’t far from here, and of course I’m sure. It’s the least I could do.” I reassured.

“Thank you so much dear. Amerie will give you enough to cover the cost.” And with that she disappeared into the kitchen where pots and pans could be heard being thrown around.

Sure enough Amerie disappeared somewhere towards the back and emerged moments later with a wad of money. I could see a fifty dollar bill on the top as she pushed it into my hand.

I shifted my weight nervously. “Isn’t that a little more than needed for just eggs, milk, and baking soda?” I asked hesitantly.

She smiled thoughtfully. “Since you’re going to be here for who knows how long, you should pick up a few things for yourself.”

I shook my head. “No, you’ve guys have already done so much-“

“Just take it.” She said firmly.

“I couldn’t-“

“You said we were best friends right? Well this is nothing. If it makes you feel better you can pay me back when you can, good enough?” She raised a brow.