Roommates

chapter 6

Lee

I entered the condo and went straight to the bathroom.  Recently, I've made a habit of taking longer showers, once I get in there all of my thoughts consume me.

I'm doing well at school and in the lab, but, with everything else, I have no fucking clue.  

For a whole week, people acted as if I was some kind of hero.  Asking me who I saved, who I beat up, if I was an ally.  It all felt so weird, I was just trying to do what's right and protect Zola.

Zola doesn't shun me or treat me any differently, she welcomes my company.  But, I can't help feeling like I failed her.

She didn't want to go to that party and I should've respected that.  Instead, I brought her to a foreign setting and left her, I allowed her to be snatched up and almost taken advantage of. 

I'll never forgive Cullen for what he tried to do to her, especially knowing how rape hits home for me. 

I slid some lounge clothes on and made my regular path to Zola's room.

Zola's laying in the fetal position on her bed, I can hear warbled nonsense so she must be playing Animal Crossing.

I've noticed that Zola isn't struggling academically or at work, she's struggling socially.  I assume she's carrying a cloud of embarrassment and shame with her, so I've made it my mission to help her fight the blanket of pain.

"Look, I added a rocking chair to our room." Zola waved me to the spot she always made in bed for me. 

"Damn, that shit's fire." I looked around the room she made for us on Animal Crossing and laughed.

"Ew, why are your villagers so ugly?"

"Leave my babies alone, you know what-" Zola exited the game and clicked onto Mario Kart.

I excitedly grabbed the controller.  After she taught me how to play, I became obsessed with the game.  I unintentionally glanced at Zola's hand and looked up at her again.

Her tattoo always catches my attention, I've been curious about it ever since we met.  However, I'm aware of what the semicolon tattoo means, so I didn't think I knew her well enough to ask until now.

"If you don't mind me asking, why'd you get that tattoo?" I pointed to the black semicolon with blue and purple butterflies.

She lifted her hand and stared at the tattoo with a slight smile.

"I got it to remind myself how far I've come mentally.  When I was around 17, I tried to... commit suicide.  It wasn't my brightest time and I don't really wanna talk about it, but I made it through.  Each of the butterflies represents a family member.  My dad, mom, brother, and sister." I could see tears brimming her eyes, but I don't regret asking.

"It's beautiful, mama." I held her hand and watched her calm herself down.

"Thank you, now get ready to get drifted on."

"Girl, you ain't gone drift on nothing, you trip off bananas."

Zola

I entered the condo and heard several deep voices and laughter.  I walked into the living room to investigate and stopped in my tracks.

It looks like there's a modeling convention being held in my living room, and Lee's at the head of it.

"Oh, my bad, mama.  These are my friends, but if you're uncomfortable-"

"No, no, of course not.  Hey, I'm Zola." I introduced myself to the group of fine ass men.