Page 68 of Between Hate and Desire

LENNON

I wakeup feeling like absolute shit. Not that it’s any different from the past two and a half months, but this isn’t the same. After last weekend’s bar fight between Hunter and that drunk guy, I’ve gladly stayed inside the apartment. That was enough socialization for me for a while.

Something about that night brought Hunter and me closer, and I’m genuinely thankful for his friendship. I wouldn’t be able to get through this without him. When that guy at the bar asked if I was single, I had no idea how to respond. What would I say: “Technically, yes since he’s buried six feet under, and I’m still in love with him.”

Talk about emotional baggage.

Thank God Hunter showed up when he did. I probably would’ve broken down in tears right then and there.

I mean, I could’ve gone without him having to fight for me. But it was a nice gesture considering the guy called me a cheap whore for no damn reason.

Over the past week, I’ve buried myself in books and even managed to cook dinner a couple of times. I know I’m going to need to go shopping soon because we’re running out of shit again, and it’s not fair to make Hunter do everything. He works all day long while I’m off, and I should be chipping in more even if I’m unmotivated.

It’s as if Sophie reads my mind from across town and sends me a text.

Sophie

Wanna hit the grocery store with Mads and me? I’m sure you need supplies in your cave.

I huff, laughing at her assumption, but only because she’s right.

Lennon

I do, but God invented grocery delivery for a reason.

I’m messing with her, but I like seeing how far I can push her.

Sophie

Pretty sure God would say get off the couch and go see your sisters. Oh wait, he’s talking to me now. Yep, that’s exactly what he said. Picking you up in 20. Gives you enough time to scrub off the couch stench.

I roll my eyes. She definitely plays the older sister role well.

Lennon

Rude AF. But fine. Give me 30.

Once I’m showered and dressed, I patiently wait since I’m ready before she arrives. Doesn’t take that long since I only blow-dry my hair and don’t worry about styling it. For work, I used to always curl it and make it look nice, but while I’m on summer break, I can’t find a reason to.

“You look nice,” Sophie says as soon as I plop down in the passenger seat. “Smell fresh and clean too.”

“You have a very backward way of saying I was smelling like shit and looking like hell,” I deadpan.

Sophie smiles, then drives out of the parking lot.

“For the record, I’m not feeling the best, so this isn’t me giving up or anything. I feel exhausted. Probably coming down with a summer flu or something.” I groan dramatically loud as I lean back in the seat.

“Better buy some Lysol then. No one wants to catch whatever weird sickness you have.” Sophie laughs.

She thinks I’m making excuses, but I do feel off.

“Anyway…” I clear my throat loudly to emphasize I’m ready for a subject change. “How’s the roommate situation going? Did Maria’s boyfriend move in, or are they off again?”

“Carter’s moving in this weekend. Can’t you tell how excited I am for it?” She narrows her eyes, frowning. “Apparently, he wanted to wait for his lease to be up and has been slowly bringing his shit over.”

“Did you talk with Maria about making some house rules at least? Figure out stuff like food, cleaning, laundry.” I only ask because I know what she’s about to go through. I know if Brandon’s accident never happened, Hunter and I would still hate each other, and I don’t want that for her. It’s stressful as hell.

Sophie sighs, turning onto the highway. “I tried, but Maria’s too in love to realize this is going to change things. She basically said we’ll figure it out as we go and that we’ll all be responsible for our own messes and food. Except that asshole always eats my snacks when he’s over. Carter doesn’t even ask. He takes whatever the hell he wants.”

---