Page 138 of My Roommate from Hell
It looks as amazing as I hoped it would. The hall has been split into two halves, with one side decorated to look like Heaven, everything a shade of white or gold. Each of the tables is covered with a flowing white sheet and decorated with white candles and halo-themed centerpieces. The Hell side is the opposite: the tables are flame-red and styled with black candles and mini tridents.
People have also put a lot of effort into their costumes, and I am so glad Tyrell gave me his spare outfit to wear; a single pair of devil horns clearly wouldn’t have cut it. It seems the crowd is evenly split on which camp they fall into, as there are just as many angels roaming the dance floor as there are demons.
Speaking of… is Zarmenus here?
I do a quick sweep, trying to spot him. It’s more difficult than usual, given the sheer number of demons that keep catching my eye, only for me to discover it’s just a particularly well-done costume. I try to see where the most people are grouped, because if there’s a crowd, Zarmenus is usually the center of attention.
I can’t see him anywhere.
I’m also not sure why he would be here seeing as he didn’t come back to our dorm. The only explanation I can think of is that he is so upset by what happened last night he doesn’t want to see me, and he’s hiding out until I leave. Did he not hear me tell him I like him back? I left before I could get his reaction, and that was the last time I saw him. Maybe he thinks I rejected him.
“Want a drink?” asks Tyrell.
We go over to the bar. Madison has found the rest of the other Gaymers and joined them on the dance floor. Tyrell and I walk up to the bar.
“Talk to me,” he says, after he orders each of us a Coke. “Did you tell Zarmenus? Is that why he isn’t here?”
“No, I really don’t know where he is.”
“Oh, weird. Are you still going to tell him?”
“I want to,” I say, keeping my voice low. “But he might’ve already gone back to Hell.”
“I don’t think he’d do that. I was wrong about him when we first met, he’s a good guy. I’m sure there’s an explanation that will make all of this make sense.”
I’m not so sure. Maybe his parents showed up, forced him to go home, and forbade him from talking to me ever again.
Tyrell hands me my drink.
“When did it change for you?” he asks. “When did it become real?”
I think it over. “I’m not sure. It was gradual, I guess? And by the time I figured it out it was too late to stop.”
“That’s what happened with me and Myron. We tried to be casual because we knew we wanted to go to different colleges, but you can’t control how you feel.”
I take a sip of my drink. “Do you think there’s any chance he likes me back?”
“You’ll have to ask him. But he seemed different yesterday. More conflicted than normal. Plus, he did say he likes you. I’d say yes.”
My phone chimes.
Could it be him? It doesn’t seem possible. All this confusion and anticipation seemed like it would never end. Tyrell seems to know the gravity of this, too.
I check my phone, and almost can’t believe what I’m seeing. Zarmenus has sent me a message.
He’s finally replied.
Hey sorry my phone died, what’s going on?
I show Tyrell the message. A surge of excitement floods through me. Is this seriously happening?
“Well, go on,” says Tyrell. “Ask him where he is!”
Where are you? Can we talk?
He reads the message. Every second feels like it lasts for an eternity.
Finally, my phone chimes.
