AllFreeNovel
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“Oh no. You’re officially a failure, how can you ever step foot on the ice again?” She grins, her honey-brown eyes shining as I scowl at her. “You’ll get there, babe. You’re working hard.” Her eyes move to Aaron, tapping away on his phone, totally uninterested in our conversation. “Hey, Ice Princess! You gonna help me out here?”
“Huh? Sorry, yeah, you’re hot, too, Brinny.”
I’m surprised I don’t see the steam leave Sabrina’s ears as she yells at him, about what I assume is him not listening to her, in a mixture of Arabic and English.
I slowly retreat to my bedroom, eager to not draw attention to myself and get caught in the crossfire of my roommates’ argument. Living with Aaron and Sabrina is like living with siblings who always wanted to be only children.
Aaron, like me, is an actual only child. The miracle baby to his two aging, midwestern parents desperate to keep their marriage together. Living with other people after being his parents’ pride and joy for eighteen years was a big transition for him, and for us, who are the ones who have to live with him and his mood swings.
Now he’s not in Chicago, things between his parents aren’t great, and we always know when they’re extra bad because Aaron gets an obnoxiously expensive and unnecessary gift.
Like a G-Wagon.
In contrast to the two of us, Sabrina is from a huge family. Being the youngest and the only girl with seven older brothers guaranteed her the number one spot in her house. After being constantly showered with attention, she traveled so far from her native Brooklyn for some peace.
When we met for the first time, she said she’d considered going to college in Algeria, where her parents are from, but she changed her mind quickly when a few of her brothers suggested moving with her.
She also realized there wouldn’t be frat parties.
I’m still hiding out in my room when my phone buzzes, and Ryan’s name flashes on my screen.
RYAN
RYAN: The boys wanna throw a party tonight. Your place instead?
RYAN: They were supposed to be going to a pep rally or some shit, but now they’re staying home.
RYAN: Just wanna be alone w you.
STASSIE: Sure, roommates are in though.
STASSIE: Will have to be quiet.
RYAN: Ha
RYAN: Should probably give yourself that instruction in a mirror.
RYAN: You free now?
STASSIE: Yeah, come over.
RYAN: Omw. Bringing snacks.
“Everyone friends again?” I call out cautiously as I make my way from my bedroom to the living room. They’re both fixated on theCriminal Mindsrerun on the TV, but I get a faint “Yeah” in response, letting me know it’s safe to approach.
I lean over the couch for a handful of popcorn from the bowl resting between them, making a mental note to add it to my food tracker when I get back to my room. “So, the basketball team is having a party. I was wondering—”
“If we will go with you?” Aaron interrupts, sounding uncharacteristically hopeful.
“No?”
Sabrina spins to face me, her chestnut brown curls bouncing around her shoulders and delight written all over her face. “If we mind that Ryan wants to come here?”
“Yeah. How did yo—”
“Cough up, Carlisle.” She laughs, holding out her hand. He presses a few twenties into her palm, muttering something under his breath as she counts them out. “We heard about the party, and I didn’t think you’d wanna get railed with drunk freshmen making out on the other side of the door. We’re going to walk there.”
Our home is one of Aaron’s dad’s betterforgive mepresents. It was either after his affair with his secretary or before he decided to have sex with the interior designer. Maple Tower is a beautiful condo block on the edge of campus, and our place has a great view and tons of natural light.
