***
Walking back along the street I had taken to get here, I started to feel bothered by how intense he had been this time. I couldn't tell if he was actually serious or just messing around, but if I'm honest, I've never been good at reading the intentions of gay men—aside from Mason, who's such an open book and easy to get used to.
However, I got over the discomfort quickly since my watch told me it wasn't too late to visit Sophie's dorm, which was nearby. I called her to ask if I could still go to her place to get the clothes I had asked for this afternoon, hoping that she was still awake and not out somewhere stalking someone. The phone rang a few times, but since it's Sophie, I patiently waited until her voice finally answered on the other side.
"Yes, biatch?" she chirped, her voice lilted with its usual chaotic energy. "What you doin'?"
"Hey, can I still go to your place now? I finished my stuff early and I'm close to your building."
"You mean you got bored at home doing nothing already? I know you lied about being busy because you're lazy."
"Uh. Sure. Yeah, I got bored and went out for a walk. So? Can I come over?"
"You're probably already on your way anyway. Oh! You could stay for the night, actually. My roommate left for her hometown because of a relative's funeral... or was it a birthday? Or was it an anniversary?" She paused, clearly confused. "Where was her hometown again? I feel like I'm missing somethin' here."
"Really, Sophie?"
"Yeah, I can't remember. Anyways, she's gone, so stay here tonight. I'm also bored."
It's best if I just keep it to myself, I thought, knowing that telling her to pay more attention to such matters wouldn't make a bit of difference. "Sure. See you in a bit."
"See ya, biatch!" She sang out before hanging up.
*Click*
"Sigh. How can you mix up a funeral with a birthday? It's the complete opposite. If I ever need real help, I'd better remember not to count on her."
Weirded out by how Sophie's mind worked sometimes, I stared at the screen of my phone, genuinely intrigued by how unbothered she was by life. I continued on my way after shaking off the confusion, stopping to buy a few snacks to offer as appreciation to my roof and clothes provider for the night.
I hope the clothes she has actually fit me. I don't think I've gained weight but—ugh. I don't want to go on a diet, but the only other option would be Mum's clothes. I shuddered at the thought as I walked toward her dorm. No, no. It'll fit. It has to. I can't go on my first day looking like a hippie!
Eventually, I arrived, convinced that a little run tomorrow would ensure Sophie's wardrobe would fit perfectly. She opened the door lazily to let me in. We ate the snacks I brought and I spent the next hour trying on various outfits. Thankfully, God listened to me; they were all roughly the right size. We spent time doing nothing together until it was time to sleep, but not before she gave me a few parting tips.
"Are you sure I can take these with me too?" I asked, holding up the items.
"I don't use them, and if you don't, the outfits won't look half as good. Once yours grows, you can give them back. I heard these ones are reusable."
"Hmm. Alright. I did look better with them. It actually makes me feel less—manly." I bit my lip, catching my reflection in the glass and wondering if the frames softened the sharp line of my jaw.
"Yeah, so take it. Take a selfie and send it to me on Monday. I wanna see you all dolled up. It's a rare sight and annoyingly so." She paused, her eyes scanning me with a smirk that bordered on a leer. "You look hot."
"Shut up."
"Hahaha!" She trilled, her voice bouncing with mischief. "Don't be shy now. There's a reason why you're popular with boys and girls, you know?" She gave me a playful wink, her shoulder bumping mine in that familiar, teasing way.
Just as usual, just as comfy. Just as innocently and ignorantly of what would happen in the next few days, we laughed it off and said goodbye so I could finally head home.
***
Opening the door to our house after staying out with my friends was always draining. The air inside always felt thick with a different kind of energy. The reason behind that was right about to appear as I took a heavy step inside.
"Layna!" Mum chirped from the other room, her voice rising in a melodic, high-pitched lilt. "Is that you, honey dear?"
"Hah. Yeees, I'm back, Mum!"
The sound of Mum's joyous, rhythmic steps immediately rushed to welcome me. The second she popped her head around the kitchen wall, her eyes lit up with maternal curiosity. "Did you get a lot of free drinks last night? How was this new pub you went to?"
"Well, it's not actually new. It's one I go to often."
"So you've been there before! Come here! Have breakfast with Daddy and me and tell me eeeeeverything about it!" She stretched the word out, her eyes sparkling with a nosy sort of hunger. "You always come back with good stories to hear!" She let out a little giggle, her hands clapping together. "My love! Quickly! Make space for our sweet girl!"
"Yes, darling!" Dad called back, his voice equally syrupy.
Hopping merrily, Mum dragged me into the kitchen so I could tell her "everything." It wasn't that I wanted to keep my life a secret, but given the circumstances, I always felt like I was at a total loss for words in this house.
"Mm, my love. Don't be silly and serve our Layna some coffee." Mum purred, leaning against the counter.
"Hmm. Yes, but sit next to me." Dad insisted, his voice dropping into a low, needy murmur. "I don't want you away from me for even a second."
"My! Stop it!" Mum teased, though she was already moving toward him. "Dun wanna!" Dad replied with a childish grin.
After all, having parents who love each other a little too much is a genuine pain sometimes for someone like me.
"Can't you just leave that for later?… Hey! You guys have a room upstairs, you know! I'm your daughter, not your friend!"
"Oh, Layna, you will understand once you find your own other half." Mum said, promptly sitting on Dad's lap while he planted a lingering kiss on the nape of her neck. She smiled widely, looking completely indifferent to my disgusted expression.
"That won't ever—"
"Don't say it won't happen!" To the usual reply I would give, she yelled, looking genuinely upset as expected.
Sigh… Why do I keep saying it when I know she becomes like this? I rubbed my temples, feeling a headache brewing.
"The love is in the air, honey dear! You will find the one! It will be a wonderful, passionate love! Just like ours! Trust your mother."
"And Father," Dad added, tightening his grip on her waist.
"Yes, trust your mother and father. If there isn't love, what is life for? Isn't that right, my love?"
"Yes, darling."
"Yes, yes, I got it," I answered, utterly tired of the spectacle. I took a reluctant glance at them, even if the sight made me feel deeply uncomfortable. Mum and Dad… They are truly mad for each other. I guess I can understand it, thinking that both fell in love back in their hippie days.
But even so.
"Mwah, mwah! Oh, stop! Layna will get mad!"
I was truly going mad every time they couldn't restrain their "love" in front of us.
"You know what? I'll go leave my stuff upstairs. Do get it together in the meantime, you pair of horny hippies."
"Layna! Don't call us horny!"
"Oh, let her be. You know we're at fault, darling."
"Sigh. I know. It's just, it pains me to see her being so cold to the thought of love." I heard them whisper as I trudged upstairs. Although it's annoying to see them act like this, I'm actually glad they keep feeling so much for each other after so many years. It's uncomfortable, yes, but at least I know my parents won't be getting a divorce any time soon. Even those little whispers they always think I don't hear—they make me happy, somehow. After all, I can tell they try to be supportive of a daughter who is just too different from them in nature.