Jay:I’ll tell you about it another day. How was Jay’s party?
I exhale. It was hard, and illuminating, and scary and wondrous. Most of all, it was lonely.
Aleeza:How were you friends with those people?
Jay:Did they do anything to you? Are you okay?
Aleeza:I’m drunk and stoned and
Jay:And what?
Aleeza:Tired. I did learn a lot, but I’m having trouble making sense of it now.
Jay: Drunk and stoned? My roommate has a wild side. I wish I could have seen it.
I silently snort.
Aleeza:I wish you were there too. Mia was there.
Jay:Your ex-friend? I’m not surprised. What did she do to you?
Aleeza:Nothing. I told her off. I’ll tell you about it tomorrow.
Jay:Good for you. Get some sleep, Roomie.
Aleeza:Good night. Jay?
Jay:Yes Aleeza?
I’m not sure what I want to ask him. Or tell him.
Aleeza:Do you ever feel alone in a roomful of people?
Jay:It’s just because the world needs to catch up with you.
I lie on my back, clutching Tentacle Ted to my chest. I close my eyes. My phone vibrates again.
Jay:Where exactly are you in our room?
Why is he asking that? He’s never asked me that question before. I almost don’t tell him because it’s weird ... I’m sleeping in his bed. But it’s not his bed anymore. And we aren’t even here at the same time anyway.
Aleeza:Why?
Jay:You’re in my bed, aren’t you?
My hands are shaking. How could he know that?
The same way I know he’s here too.
Aleeza:Yes, Gracie is in my bed ... she forgot her key in Aster’s purse.
Again, the phone is silent for a while. Finally, he writes.
Jay:Are you crying?
Aleeza:It’s been a tough night. I don’t want to be alone.
Jay:Turn so your back’s to the wall.
