Page 34 of Uprooted
“Oh, damn. That feels good. Being right is a hell of a drug.” She closes her eyes and throws her head back, relishing the moment.
“I shouldn’t put off having a life because of my career… and I don’t need to earn the right to find happiness… and it’s possible that I’ve been hiding because the idea of trying to juggle both is absolutely terrifying,” I say, putting it all out there.
“I’m proud of you. My baby bird is ready to leave the nest.”
“To be clear, as far as Aro goes, we are just friends,” I remind her.
Right when I say the words, a message from Aro pops up on my yuriOS. I try to hide my excitement at seeing his name in my notifications.
1625 Incoming message from Aro pt’Burosa
Aro: Hey.
Elowen: Hey.
Aro: Meet me for lunch tomorrow?
Elowen: Sure. I need to spice up my noodles. Can you bring back a jar for me?
Aro: Nope, that’s not part of the plan. If you can fix up your own noodles, what would you need me for?
Elowen: This is true.
Bri snaps her fingers in front of my face, getting my attention. “That smile on your face right now.” She points. “That’s not the face of someone messaging their ‘friend.’”
“You’re reading too much into this,” I tell her and turn back to my message screen.
Elowen: When do you get back?
Aro: Hopefully tonight.
Elowen: I’ll see you tomorrow, better have those noodles ready when I get there.
Aro: I will. And I miss you too.
Elowen: Presumptuous.
Aro: You know what it does to me when you use big words.
Elowen: Intransigent.
Aro: Now you’re just torturing me.
Bri wipes a towel over her face. “I love this for you, by the way,” she says, waving in my general direction.
“When did you get so perceptive?” I follow her to the next machine she’s going to use. For a brief moment I’m inspired to also work out but quickly change my mind.
“I always have been. It’s a gift and a curse.”
“Ever point any of this insight at yourself?” I ask.
“That is a completely different set of skills. I like to save my wisdom for others. I prefer to glide through life joyfully ignorant.”
22
Aro
I hate politics. Six hours ago, my father and I walked into this room, sat down and we haven’t moved since.
