Page 142 of My Roommate from Hell
Speaking of human-demon relations, things have never been better on that front. Ever since the Order of the Golden Sun disbanded, acceptance has grown stronger and stronger. There are already plans for more demons to visit Earth, trading places with people from all walks of life, not just college students.
Also, we’re still going to be roommates next semester. I’m going to be incredibly busy, as Leeke was pleased enough that she gave her recommendation, and I got the internship. It’ll be difficult to balance that and full-time study, but Zarmenus has promised he’ll do everything he can to help, and I believe him. He’ll support me in that, and I’ll support him in showing humans how demons are nothing to be afraid of. I can’t wait.
The doctor reaches a door and opens it for us.
“Ready?” asks Zarmenus.
“Not really.”
He offers his hand, and we enter the hospital room. Ashley is sitting up in bed, holding a tiny baby. My breath catches. He’s so small and so precious.
“Hi,” says Ashley as we approach.
“Hi,” I say, speaking to both her and the baby. How is it possible for him to be so little?
“Meet Oliver,” she says.
I look up and our eyes lock. Oliver. She never told me she was planning on calling him that, and I can’t believe how perfect it is.
“You know how much I love the name,” she says as she bounces Oliver up and down. “It’s been so hard keeping it a secret, you have no idea.”
“Hi, Oliver,” I say.
He opens his eyes. I already know I will fight the world for this kid. I am going to do everything and anything to make sure he has the best life possible.
“He looks like you,” says Zarmenus, speaking to Ashley. While I was distracted he gave Jackson the teddy bear, which is now sitting on the bed.
It’s so strange, but Zarmenus is right, Oliver truly does look like her. He has Ashley’s facial shape, and Jackson’s dark eyebrows. It’s miraculous that he is so clearly theirs even though he’s so little. He looks right at me.
My heart melts.
“He likes you,” says Ashley.
That second, he starts to cry, which makes me doubt what she said.
“I’m so glad you stayed,” she says as she tries to comfort Oliver by holding him closer. “I was worried you’d already left.”
“We wouldn’t miss it,” I say.
“What’s the plan now?” asks Jackson. “Are you still going to Hell?”
They’re talking about our plan, the one that was interrupted by Ashley going into labor. The plan was for Zarmenus and me to go and stay at his parents’ place for a week. I am one of the very few people who gets to visit Hell, willingly, at least, and it’s a responsibility I take very seriously.
But I couldn’t miss the birth.
Oliver is still crying, louder than before.
“We’ll give you some space,” I say.
Zarmenus and I leave the hospital room and go into the hall.
“Why are you crying?” he asks.
I scrub a tear from the corner of my eye. “Happy tears.”
“Humans are strange.”
Still, he gives me a hug. It’s the truth, I am so happy. Everything went well.
