Page 9 of Afterglow
“Maybe one day.”
It’s weird being a third-culture kid and having almost no ties to your ancestral home. I imagine that’s how the old generations of many Indian Parsis felt. Tanzania and Muscat felt more like home than Mumbai.
“How’s your family, by the way? Are Sano Aunty, Barjor Uncle doing good now that your brother’s with them?”
“Oh, yeah. They love having him there. They’re living their best lives.”
I’ve done an excellent job hiding the bitterness in my tone, because she seems to miss it. They’re having a grand ol’ time without me. Without their problem child.
“Very nice.”
“Anyway, where’s my little bacchu? I wanna squish her chunky cheeks.”
“Landon’s giving her a bath before bedtime.” Her hand slides to cover her face. “You can squeeze her cheeks tomorrow. It’s witching hour, and she’ll shriek like a banshee if we screw up the routine.God, I’m so tired.”
Oh, right. That’s why I came over.
“I should go shower, too.”
“You know where to go.”
I feel bad for asking, but I don’t wanna go home.
“Would it be okay for me to stay the night?”
Indi peeks through her fingers. “What’s going on? Is everything okay?”
Everything is not even close to being okay. But I can’t seem to tell her that what we thought was a learning disability is actually full-fledged ADHD, and that I’m getting kicked out of the apartment they helped me move into three months ago.
“My roommate—” is all I can manage.
“Is she being an asshole?”
Yes, but I can’t tell Indi about their ultimatum either. She’d call Gabe, and they’d go fight Zoe in the alley or something. Those two are fiercely protective of their loved ones. And they can be scary. Maybe it’s their height. Every short girl needs a tall best friend and vice versa. I’m not above stabbing their enemies. I guess I’m protective of them, too.
They’ve been through so much these past few years. And they don’t need me to burden them with my problems. They have grown-up lives, partners, and families to worry about.
“No, no. Nothing like that. It’s just…her boyfriend is staying over tonight, and?—”
I can’t get myself to tell her everything.
“And you don’t wanna hear ‘em bang?”
That, too. Now I don’t have to lie so much.
“Yeah.” I laugh nervously. “It’s gross.”
She frowns. “Well, you can stay as long as you want. We leave in two days, but you know you’re welcome to stay here anytime, Bea.” Her free hand finds mine and squeezes before letting go. “You’re family.”
My heart clenches. I fight back fat, hot tears until they can be drowned out by the whir of the fan and cascade of their fancy rainfall shower head.
I feel a little better after the hot shower and a good cry.
Weak, lamenting moans trickle into the guest room from beneath the door. I’m not about to walk in on my best friend having private adult time, but I can’t help but poke my head out and peek down the hallway.
Nope, nothing there.
The noises get louder as I near the living room.
