Page 36 of Paradox
I force my focus towards the television screen as he turns it on, along with the playstation. But as Eden leans his elbow on the armrest, he takes his tattooed leg and stretches it out along the sofa.
My jaw slackens but I quickly shut it again. “I–is that GTA 4?”
“Do you see a PS5?”
“I was only asking, jeez.”
“Then you should try to make it sound less judgy.”
“What time is it?”
“Like, seven thirty.”
“Oh… okay.”
“You’re doing it again.”
“What?”
“Sounding judgy. Like you’ve got an issue with how I spend my time.”
I shrink back, shaking my head. "I don't, I just—"
"Get yourself a coffee,” he interrupts, eyes fixed on the TV.
“I’m not really a fan," I mumble out the lie and make a point of turning my body away from Eden, because—what the hell is wrong with me?Have I forgotten my black eye, or all the times he taunted me as a kid? Or am I really pathetic enough to forgive it all just so I can remain rooted in place, sneaking glances when I think he’s not looking?
"For fuck's sake," Eden growls suddenly, pausing the game. "You gonna sit there and stare all day?"
"I–I'm not staring.”
“Bullshit. It’s creepy as hell.”
“I’m sorry. I just… I’m not sure what I’m meant to do.”
“So you expect me to be your keeper now, too?”
“I don’t expect anything.”
“Well I can’t handle you just sitting there.”
“What do you want me to do?”
“I don’t know. Go take a shower. You fucking reek.”
“I do not!”
“Yes, you do.”
Taking the front of my hoodie, I bring it to my nose. Then I pull the neck out to smell my chest and underarm. “It’s not like I have much of a choice.”
“You haveallthe choice.”
“I've been trying, but…nothing I have is clean.”
“It’s not my fault you don’t prioritise your hygiene.”
“You have a freaking shower.” I extend my arm towards the bathroom before smacking my hand against my chest. “I have a bucket and some snow.”
