Allure

13- Ryon

There’s a knock on my door, and I make a pointed effort to ignore it. I peer at my clock through squinted eyes.9:26.

No.

“Ryon?”  Tristen’s voice creeps from my bedroom door. I groan in response’ roll over in the opposite direction and pull my pillow over my head.

Hell no.

“I’m sorry.” She chuckles and enters more. “I thought we could go shopping for furniture today, while you’re off and I don’t work until 3.” Absolutely not.

“Get out.” I beg. I don’t like being waken up.

“Hey it has to be done sometimes, I know you don’t care much about what set we pick but you live here to.”

“Not if you don’t leave me alone.” She laughs but I’m almost 100% serious.

She sits on my bed and I groan, aggravated. “Yes, fine, now get the hell out!!” I pull the blanket over my head.  And the bed rises from where she was sitting.

By ten o’clock I finally roll out of my bed and into some sweats, I brush my teeth and freshen up before walking into the kitchen to put on coffee. Once the coffee’s on I retreat back to my bed and wait for the beep signaling it’s finished.

“Someone’s in a better mood.” Tristen asks while I sit at the breakfast nook sipping my coffee. “Mmm.” I smile. “Good morning.”

She chuckles and shakes her head as she pours herself a cup “Good morning.”

On the drive to IKEA Tristen is exceptionally curious about Richard. I’m able to answer most questions with Maybes’ and I don’t knows’ but I know she doesn’t truly believe me. She believes I might have known him longer than I let on. I got on campus two weeks ago but I’ve been out here since I graduated living with my aunt so I could work.

We pull into the parking lot and even in sweats Tristen steals the attention of the few people in IKEA. After trying out 4 sets, me not truly interested so long as it wasn’t leather or white I was okay, we both fell in love with a light grey L shaped Chaise.

“This is it. Please tell me this is it.” Tristen smiles as she sits on the couch.

“It’s nice.” I agree in approval

“Yes, ma’am this is one of our most sought after sets.” Terrence our aid for the day states “It also comes in these colors on the swatch to your right.”

“No. Ryon you have to sit on it.” She runs to me and pulls me down beside her and tucks me under her arm.  I smile slightly embarrassed. “This color is perfect.” She responds to Terrence. “Tell me you love it please.” Her forehead rests on my temple and her arm is still draped around my shoulders I feel her breath tickle my ear as her words hit me.

“Yes, yes I love it.” I smile more amused by her reaction than the set it’s self .

“So will we be purchasing this today ladies?” Terrence’s voice sounds hopeful.” And Tristen looks at me begging me with her eyes.

I smile and before I can nod my head Tristen is hugging me and saying yes to Terrence.

 “If you don’t mind my saying, you’re a beautiful couple.” Terrence says after as we fill out our delivery information.

Tristen doesn’t say anything. “Uh..” I mumble and hand him the clipboard with both of our school ID’s on them, “We’re students.” I point to the circled part on the paper signaling we are eligible for Dorm discounts from our school. 

“Oh… my apologies.” His brown face drains and Tristen laughs quietly.

“It’s alright” She smiles. Thank you.

“Are you free today, love?” Richards text has me hopeful and afraid.

“I am.” I smile to myself.

“I’d give anything to come pick you up, but will you meet me at  Martins in an hour?”

“Absolutley.”

I’m not sure exactly what to wear, I don’t ask where we’re going and I’m terrified to be going anywhere with him, the coffee shop is common ground, easily explained if any questions arise. I stare in the mirror at myself trying to build my self-confidence. I settle on blue skinny jeans, the stretch makes them fit perfectly to my frame, and a basic v neck t shirt.  I pull at the roots of my hair so that my curls fall a bit longer, and apply little make up.

“Oh…You’re leaving? “ Tristen ask as she pauses in front of the door pulling on her shoes.

“It appears so.” I smile knowing she’s never seen me leave the apartment- unless with her- for anything other than work or school. Same with her work, school, home.

“Well, have fun. Be safe.” She hugs me and rushes out of the door.