In Love with my room-mate

An okay-ish Day

see that it's Liv calling, one of my best friends. I quickly answer, "Hey, Liv! What's up?"

Liv's cheerful voice comes through the phone, "Hey, Emma! I just wanted to check in and see how your first day of second year went. How was it?"

I smile and reply, "Oh, it was quite a day! It started off horribly with my shower being broken, but Jay saved the day and let me use his. He even invited me for breakfast."

My first day of second year at Yale studying Bioengineering has been a rollercoaster from the very beginning. It started off horribly when I discovered that my shower was broken, leaving me with no choice but to awkwardly ask, Jay, if I could use his. I felt embarrassed and flustered, but he was surprisingly understanding, and he even offered to join him for breakfast afterward.

Liv chuckles, "Of course, Jay to the rescue!”

“I would have been happy if it were anyone else.” I say while rolling my eyes.

“C’mon Jay is such a sweetheart. And breakfast sounds like a great way to start the day. Who cooked?”

“What do you mean who cooked? Of course, he did. I can’t even boil water.”

Liv laughs on the other end of the call. “So, how are you feeling about the second year?"

As I cross the campus and make my way through the familiar streets, I answer, "Well, it's definitely going to be challenging, but I am excited about the new courses and opportunities. Liv, you won't believe the amazing energy here. I already met some new people and reunited with old friends."

"That's awesome, Emma! I am sure you will excel in all your classes. Remember, you have got this!" Liv encourages me.

I nod, even though she can't see me, "Thanks, Liv. Your support means a lot to me. How's your day going?"

Liv shares her day's highlights with me, she's always so animated and fun to talk to. We laugh together and reminisce about some of our favourite memories from the previous year. As I approach my apartment building, I tell Liv, "I am almost home now. I hope I find my shower has been fixed.”

“If you don’t, you could always use Ja……….”

“Don’t jinx me, please!!” I cut her short, and she bursts out laughing.

“Okay, babe, look, you need to get over this phase. You and Jay are now roomies, so you have to get comfortable sharing that space with him.” She says.

“I know, but I still don’t want…”

“You don’t have to want it, eventually you will get what I am saying. Anyway, I have to go now, I will text you later.”

“Later. Kisses.”

“Mwaaaahh.” Liv kisses me back before she hangs up.

After ending the call, I finally reach my apartment. I hope, with crossed fingers, that my shower has been fixed, not because I don't want to share with Jay, but it's just a bit awkward at times.

I push the apartment door open, I kick off my shoes and settle onto the couch. I have had a long day. Bioengineering has always been a passion of mine, but the second year wasis rumoured to be challenging. Nevertheless, I am determined to face any hurdles that came my way.

The apartment is quiet. I bet Jay isn’t back home yet. I think I should take a nap while there’s still some quietness. I get off the couch and head to my room. First things first, I need to check if my shower was fixed.

I turn the faucet and to my delight, the sound of running water greets me. Hooray! The shower's fixed! I breathe a sigh of relief, grateful that I won't have to disturb Jay again. Now I can nap peacefully.

Despite the rough start with the broken shower, my day gradually turned into an unexpectedly enjoyable one. Jay's warm invitation for breakfast, a hectic day and a fixed shower. What more can I ask for?

As I lay in bed, I make a silent promise to myself. I will not let the past consume me. I will be strong, and I will make the best of this situation. Tomorrow is a new day, and I will do everything in my power to make it better. No matter what, I won't let my emotions get the best of me. My future is too important to be derailed by the past.

***

I wake up from my long nap feeling groggy, but my stomach grumbles loudly, reminding me that it's been quite a while since I last ate. As I stretch and yawn, I remember that the only meal I have had today was the breakfast with Jay earlier. Now, I desperately need to fix myself something to eat.

My only option are noodles. That’s all I can cook. I could order in but that will take a while and I need food right now. I drag myself out of bed, feeling a little disoriented from the nap, but the growling in my stomach pushes me to get up.

As I walk into the kitchen, I am taken aback to find a girl I have never seen before, working herself around the stove and preparing something. I pause for a moment, trying to figure out who she is. I don't recall Jay mentioning anyone coming over, so this must be someone new. Perhaps a friend of his?

"Um, hi," I say cautiously, trying not to startle her.

The girl turns to face me, and she seems equally surprised to see me. "Oh, hi! I am Camila," she replies with a warm smile.

Camila? Jay has never liked blondes. What is he doing with her?

"Nice to meet you, you must be Emma.” She says with a smile.

She knows who I am?

“I am just making dinner for Jay and me. He said he would be back soon."

I take another look at her, trying not to make it obvious that I am checking her out. She is clearly not Jay’s type.

"Nice to meet you too, Camila," I say, feeling more at ease. "Sorry, I didn't realize he had someone coming over."

Camila waves off my apology. "No worries!”

I walk to the pantry and grab a pack of noodles. I put some water to boil in the kettle while I look for a small pot to cook my noodles.

“It's great to finally meet his roommates. I was worried it would be some random person when I say your stuff last week. Jay explained two days ago that you guys are roommates and that you guys used to know each other from high school."

Boy does she have s much to say.

“Mmm…. Good to know.”

I bet he didn’t tell her that we dated.

“Yeah, I was worried he might fall for the new female housemate but since you guys have been friends I am comfortable with the arrangement.”

“I see.”

As I continue making my noodles, Camila keeps talking, seemingly unaware of the awkward atmosphere that has settled between us. She chats about how she and Jay met, their favourite activities together, and their plans for the upcoming weekend. I try to stay focused on cooking, but it's hard not to feel a little uneasy as she talks about her relationship with Jay.

"I am glad Jay has good friends like you," Camila says, glancing over at me. "He's mentioned you a few times, and I can see why you guys get along so well."

I give her a half-hearted smile, not knowing what Jay might have told her about our history together. I have known Jay way before high school, and we did date briefly after high school before our freshman year in college.

But things didn't work out romantically, it was my fault we didn’t work out because I said something stupid and broke his heart. Our break up was terrible we weren’t on speaking terms until now.

"Yeah, we go way back," I reply, trying to keep my response neutral.

Camila doesn't seem to pick up on any tension, and she continues to talk animatedly. Part of me wants to be happy for Jay, seeing how smitten Camila is talking about Jay. But another part can't help but feel a pang of jealousy.

Why her and not me?

I finish preparing my noodles and take a seat at the kitchen island while Camila puts the finishing touches on her meal. She's clearly at ease in the kitchen, and I can't help but admire her culinary skills. As she sets the plates down, Jay walks in with a wide grin on his face when he sees Camila but it soon drops when he says me.

"Hey, I'm back!" he announces cheerfully, his eyes locking onto Camila's.

"Hey, babe!" Camila greets him with a warm hug, and I can't help but feel like an outsider witnessing their affection.

"Emma,” he says sounding surprised to see me seated in the kitchen with Camila.

“Hi,” I say in a low tone.

“You’ve met Camila, right?" Jay asks.

I nod. "Yeah, we just had a nice chat. She's making dinner for you two."

Jay looks at Camila with a fond expression. "You're amazing, you know that?"

She laughs and playfully shoves his shoulder. "Flattery will get you nowhere, mister."

“Aren’t you going to join us?” Jay asks while looking at me.

I nod my head, my mouth is full.

After I am done, I excuse myself and head back to my room. I can't shake the feeling of mixed emotions, but I know I need to process them in my own time. I remind myself that Jay's happiness is what matters most, even if it's not with me. Camila seems like a genuinely nice person, and I hope their relationship brings them both the joy and fulfilment they deserve. As for me, I will focusing on my studies and my own path, knowing that the right person will come along when the time is right.