I don’t like to apply my cream in public, because it looks like I’m snorting something as I rub it under my nose. The last thing I need is for the officials to be told that I’m doing cocaine or something.
My nostril hairs burn a little at how strong this cream is, but I figure that’s normal for something new. I’ve been using the other cream for so long, I’m worried that it’s less effective than it once was.
As I walk through the doors into the garage my phone vibrates in my hand. Putting away the tube of my bizarre secret, I glance at it to find there’s a text from an unknown number.
Unknown
Hey roomie. It’s Rhodes. The address is 4135 Bluebird Drive. We’re on our way home now since we have company coming over soon. What do you need?
Me
A shower and a change of clothes would be great. I look like I wet myself because I fell into the water.
It doesn’t escapemy notice that he didn’t act like I was a guest in his home. Even though Edna went through the trouble of the phone tree, I haven’t put the new numbers into my device yet. It feels as if I never stop moving long enough to do it.
I’m also worried that having their numbers in my phone would be too much temptation for me. I can’t semi ignore how hot Skylar and Rhodes are while I’m working, but I’m afraid that they’re beginning to wear me down.
I’m so fucked.
I look through my car for a towel that’s thankfully clean and put it on my seat to keep it from getting wet. Fuck, this day is enjoying adding insult to injury.
I plug the address into my GPS and get going, ignoring any further messages. The weather is frigid, despite my hoodie and sweatpants now that they’re wet. The slides are definitely fucking with my ability to keep warm as well. They were just something to throw on to get home, and wet socks fucking suck.
I’m shivering despite the heater running as I drive to Skylar and Rhodes’ house, and I desperately need to stop chattering before I break a tooth. It would figure that what hockey hasn’t managed to do, the elements will instead.
I’m fully aware of how dramatic I’m being, but I can’t help it. I’ve lost everything that I own due to the flood, and I’m feeling pathetic.
There’s a gate in front of the community, and I nervously give my name. I’m a complete mess, but to his credit, the securityguard ignores it. He takes my driver license, takes a photo of it, and then I’m on my way.
The houses are all really nice as I drive through the streets, and I find myself relaxing slightly. These feel like homes where people live, and there are even kids biking around with their parents. This is very different from my apartment without any soul.
I can tell these homes are probably covered in the artwork of their kids, and that they may even have parents that eat dinner with them. I had a lot of nights where my sister and I would heat up whatever was meal prepped while my parents worked double shifts up until high school.
I know they did the best they could with what they had, but I definitely missed the ‘how was your day’ aspect after school. Sometimes, I wouldn’t see my mom or dad for several days until they got a break in their schedule. That’s why I appreciate their support.
My sister works at an orchestra in Boston, and still happily plays the violin to this day. She teaches classes for extra money, picks up serving jobs as necessary, but fucking loves the thrill of playing and swears she doesn’t mind. We didn’t take a damn thing for granted, especially not when they could attend a performance or hockey game.
I almost miss the house, and wince as I slam on the brakes and pull into the driveway beside a Jeep. It’s a four car driveway and huge, with plenty of space for people to park on the street. Happy to finally be able to get out of my vehicle, I groan as I get out and grab my bag.
There’s not much inside unfortunately, but at least it has my essentials. Locking up the SUV, I walk up to the door and ring the bell. The porch is charming, and I can tell it’ll be really pretty in the spring if they prep the soil.
Shaking my head at the thought, I remind myself that I’m not here for long. I’ll figure out who’s fucking with my things and then move out. Ugh, not to mention, the apartment complex is probably going to charge me out the ass for the damage.
Lovely.
“Hey,” Rhodes says, his eyes moving over me. “I’m sorry about the flooding at your place. Let’s get you up to your room so you can shower. You look kind of rough.”
“I feel like I’m wearing a diaper,” I groan honestly. “I’m also freezing.”
“Move your ass, Rhodes, or I’m gonna spank it!” Skylar yells.
“He likes to threaten to do that a lot, doesn’t he?” I observe mechanically.
I don’t think my filter works anymore.
“This house is filter free,” Rhodes smirks.
“Ugh, I said that out loud, didn’t I?” I ask. “That’s pretty bad.”
