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“I appreciate the offer, but you don’t strike me as the kind of guy that wants to live with anyone, let alone a woman that he’s not dating.”
I lean back.
“Maybe I’m realizing it’s time I have a roommate.”
She chuckles. “I’m accepting your offer because it’s a win-win for both of us. You get a roommate, who can scare your maybe-stalker away and put a hold on your dad’s push for a husband.” I wince just saying that word out loud. “And I get a roommate that I can take on dates with no strings attached. We both get what we want.” I can’t believe, I just found a way to get closer to her.Did you get closer, or did you force yourself into her space?
Shut up in a polite way.I chastise my sassy subconscious.
“It sounds good and easy when you put it that way, but we need rules like… when you or I want to go out on a real date,” she says.
My heart pounds in my chest at the thought of her going on dates.
Focus. Right now, all I need is to move in, one step at a time.
“Yeah, we can certainly lay down some rule for this plan to work.” My response is immediate, as I consider how to create an unbreakable contract, ensuring she will never leave my side.
“Well, we can draft it together.” I nod “But in the meantime, maybe you should take a day or two to think about this plan. I will tell you right now: I am a handful, but my excuse is that I have a disease, and you don't seem like someone who would like a monkey wrench into his plans. I suggest you mull it over—" she smiles
“What’s this disease?” I ask instead.
“Don’t worry, it’s not contagious.” She gives a strained smile.
“Good to know, but what is the disease?” I ask again.
“SCD- Sickle Cell Disease. I live close to the hospital because of my health situation, should I be in crisis” I nod like I know what it is, but I don’t. “I am a carrier, not a full-blown SS but close enough. I’m SC. An SC carrier is just a small step below. I still have crisis, and I try to manage it daily.”
I nod again.
“The rain has stopped,” she quickly says. “I will head home. Thanks for hanging out with me. And if you change your mind tomorrow, that’s okay.” I watch her grab her bag and move quickly to the door.
“I won’t be changing my mind,” I state in a firm tone.
She doesn’t respond and opens the door.
“Anu, please text me. So, I know you got home safe.”
“Goodnight and thanks again,” she says, leaving behind a mind full of questions.
Soon as she leaves, I go to my laptop to google the Sickle cell disease.
The first thing I see is Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder where red blood cells become abnormally shaped, resembling a crescent (or sickle). I read further into the disease and look for the symptoms
Painful episodes (pain crises)
Anemia (low red blood cell count)
Fatigue
