Presley

 

I absolutely love my roommate, and it’s been amazing that she is so social because it’s really helped me come out of my shell. What isn’t amazing however, is this paper that is due in two days, and the fact that every ten minutes for the last hour a new person has crammed into our little room. I finally give up and slam my computer shut to glare over at the group.

“Panties in bunch, Sweet Pea?”

“Don’t concern yourself with my panties, Zeek.” I shove my laptop and a few other essentials into my bag and head for the door.

“Sorry, I guess things got a bit out of hand.” Jodi doesn’t look nearly as apologetic as she sounds, so I just give her a look that tells her I don’t buy it. For a double major, I have no clue when she actually studies.

“I don’t mind Musical Monday, Jodi, but these little get togethers you throw all the time are really starting to cut into my study time. I don’t want to feel like a stranger in my own room, I don’t have a house I can escape to like you.”

“I know, I’m sorry, girl. I’ll kick everyone out.”

“It’s fine, I’m just going to head to the library. I’ll be back later.”

“Love your face.”

“Love yours too,” I respond reluctantly, but I really can’t stay mad at her at all.

I leave our room and almost run smack dab right into Dee, who is standing in the hallway on her phone.

“I’m so sorry, Dee.”

“No worries, I was just talking to the boy before I went in there. You on your way out?”

“Yeah, I really need to get some studying in and write this paper. I’m glad I ran into you though. I actually have a racing question for you.”

“Racing, huh? Shoot.”

“I know this is going to sound silly, but what does it feel like when you’re driving? I mean, is there any other way to recreate the feeling without actually driving?” She thinks for a moment, eyeing me suspiciously.

“I mean, next to flying, I don’t know if there is. Nothing beats the adrenaline you get from going that fast, it’s such a rush, you know. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions. There’s a bit of fear and danger there which triggers the excitement. There’s also a certain amount of control you have that can be a pretty awesome power trip. Why do you ask?”

“You heard about Barrett, right?”

“I did, that’s so tragic. Codi was good people and will be greatly missed as support in the racing circuit. I take it Barrett still can’t drive, huh?”

“No, and I think it’s killing him. He’s like a caged animal and I really wish there’s something I could do for him.”

“Well, he’s welcome to come down anytime, we all miss him. I’m sure he could ride with my boyfriend, I’d even take him for a spin if he lets me drive his car,” she adds with a grin.

“Thanks, girl, I’ll let him know. Well, I’m off to be studious, have fun.”

I make it halfway to the library when something Dee says hits me. “A roller coaster of emotions.” The phrase goes around and around in my head until I stop dead in my tracks.

“That’s it!”

I change courses and instead of going into the library I head to my car. I text Barrett on my way.

Presley: Hey what are you up to tonight?

Barrett: Taking up oxygen. U?

Presley: I have a paper to write and a party just took over my room. Do you have any oxygen to spare? I could use a quiet place.

Barrett: My place is always quiet…well for me anyway ;)

Presley: Haha. Very funny smart ass

Barrett: Better than dumbass ;)

Presley: Can I come over or not?

Barrett: I guess…especially if you bring tacos.

 

 

It’s strange how fast Barrett and I have become comfortable with each other. We really haven’t known each other long, but I guess tragedy has a tendency to bring people closer together. I wonder what his uncle thinks of me coming in and out of his house at all hours of the day. He’s never said anything to me, and I imagine Barrett would bring it up if it was an issue. Sure, he’s eighteen, but he’s still in high school…well, sort of, anyway. Maybe once he’s back to school Randy will care more.

Since it’s a decent hour and I see Randy’s truck in the driveway, I go ahead and ring the doorbell.

“Hey, hey, pretty lady.”

“Hi Randy. I hope it’s okay that I came by.”

“Of course, it is. B said you needed a quiet place to study.”

“I do, but I also had another reason, and I wanted to run it by you first before bringing it up to Barrett.”

“Of course. Why don’t we have a seat out here for a minute.” He leads me over to the porch chairs on the side of the house and we sit down.

“So, I had an idea, and it might be dumb, but I know Barrett is having a hard time not being able to drive. I thought maybe going on roller coasters might be a way to get the speed and adrenaline rush that he would get while driving. Obviously, it’s different, but what do you think? Stupid?”

“Wow, not stupid at all. I actually wish I would have thought of that sooner. I think that is a great idea.”

“Yeah? Well then, that leads me to asking what his school schedule is like. I know he’s doing it from home for another few weeks, but I wasn’t sure what time and days his tutor comes. Would it be okay if we go tomorrow? It’s one of my few off days.”

“His tutor isn’t scheduled for tomorrow, so you should be fine, but a bit of advice?”

“Please.”

“Don’t tell him what you’re doing. Barrett is too cynical for his own good. I wouldn’t tell him where you were going until you get there.”

“Are you sure? That could be risky.”

“Positive. Barrett won’t give it a chance if he knows but I think he’ll love it. He’s also too polite to complain once you get there, trust me on this.”

“Okay then, I will.”

Randy pulls out his wallet and tries to hand me some cash, which I quickly push away.

“Oh, no way, Randy. I appreciate it, but I’ve got it.”

“You are a college student, Presley. Let an old man take care of this for you. I appreciate you getting him out. I’ve been so slammed at work I haven’t been spending as much time with him as I should. Take it, please.”

“I might be a college student, but trust me when I say I’m fine. I don’t like talking about money, but I have two trust funds, and money isn’t an issue, but I appreciate the gesture.”

Randy whistles. “Two trust funds, huh? Okay, money bags.” He sends me a wink, showing me he’s only teasing. Money can be an issue for people one way or the other, so it’s a topic I try to stay clear of. It matters to two types of people. The ones where money is never an issue, yet still it’s how they judge your worth. And then the other type that looks down on you because you have it and they don’t. I’ve been around enough of both types that I never talk about it if I don’t have to. I’d be stupid to hate the fact that I’ve come from money, because it has saved me on more than one occasion. But I also love the feeling of accomplishment that I get from making my own.

“Well, kiddo, we better get inside. I’m sure B is anxiously awaiting your arrival.” I chuckle at that and follow him inside.

“Whatsup?” B signs one handed, using his finger splints.

“Not bad. Sign more you.”

“Meh, I’m getting more used to.” He holds up his hands and motions to the cast and splints.

“Okay. I promised tacos.” He looks down at the bag in my hand and smiles widely. I’ve gotten so used to seeing his face so hardened and robbed of all joy that whenever he smiles I’m instantly flustered at how good looking he is. Of course, he picks up on this and sends me a wink.

“Don’t see tacos. See groceries.”

“Not tacos yet, will be when done cooking them.”

“You do realize that we live in Stockton, right? There is a different taco truck on every corner it seems,” Randy jumps in.

“Excuse me? Want me eat something from truck? Not happening.” At Randy’s look of bewilderment, Barrett laughs and points to me.

“Germaphobe.”

“What? I don’t think anyone with a healthy appreciation for their digestive tract would eat something out of the back of a truck, thank you.”

“You’re acting like it’s some shady dude cooking in the back of his pickup…which, by the way, I have done, and it’s still delicious,” Randy adds, nudging Barrett. “We haven’t died yet.”

“That is not the point, gentlemen. Now get out of the kitchen and let the master work.”

Both men grin but do exactly as I ask. I look over my shoulder as they leave, just in time to catch Randy sign “F I E S T Y. I like her.”

I smile at that and jump right into chopping. There something about cooking that settles me. Being around Barrett is anything but settling. We don’t have a romantic relationship exactly, but I wouldn’t call it strictly friendship either. It’s exciting and maddeningly frustrating all at the same time, yet if I could change it, I don’t think I would. Maybe it’s because he is everything my parents hate, but something about him draws me in. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t attracted to his pain. As horrible as it sounds his brokenness calls to me. It’s not that I want to fix him, I’m not sure what it is. Maybe it just means so much more when I can bring him even a little bit of happiness.