Presley

 

I can’t believe it’s only been a few months. I’ve acclimated so fast, most of which is thanks to my roommate. I’ve never really had a friend like her before, but she has quickly become my best friend. She’s one of those people that I’m sure will be the maid of honor in at least ten weddings. Everyone she meets loves her. I admire that more than she knows, I’m also a bit envious. It’s not that people don’t like me, I just take longer to warm up to. I tend to be a bit awkward at first until I’m comfortable.

The campus is small enough that it’s easy to access, and aside from the severe lack of parking, it’s pretty amazing. The one thing I could do without though is the constant leaf blowers. I mean seriously, it’s like the theme music to this place. Seven o’clock in the morning is way too early to be blowing leaves around, if you ask me. Jodi has threatened to locate and steal all of the blowers and replace them with rakes…I wouldn’t put it past her to do it, either.

“What about these?” Jodi asks as she tosses a pack of mini chocolate doughnuts at me.

“Eww, not those again. Remember they taste like wax. The powdered ones are the only ones you’ll eat.”

“But the chocolate sounds so good.”

“They always do until you taste them, swear you’ve just eaten a crayon, and then make me eat the rest. Get the powdered, trust me on this.” She puts the chocolate ones back and grabs the powdered, then tosses in a few bags of chips and some M&M’s for good measure.

“Nope, get the peanut.”

“It’s the same thing.”

“At least peanuts are good for you. This way I’ll feel a tad less guilty as we rot our insides.”

“Good point.” She tosses the others back, grabbing the yellow bag. We eat like we’re Gilmores, but Jodi doesn’t gain a pound. I’ve always been naturally slim, but even I have my limits. I’m pretty sure I’ve already gained fifteen pounds since living with her. It’s Monday, which means we’re shopping for ‘Musical Monday.’ Jodi has always hosted this self-imposed event, which means like it or not, I do too. Luckily, I love it.

“So what’s on the docket tonight?”

“Phantom of the Opera. So, that means we need to hurry up here so we can pick up the roses and hang the masks.”

Did I mention each Monday is themed and decorated appropriately? I can’t imagine any of my Yale friends doing anything like it, but then again I never had many Yale friends. Most were just acquaintances of my parents I just happened to share a college with. Stockton may be lacking in ‘class,’ as my mother horribly puts it, but never fun and friendship. When everyone heard I was transferring from Ivy League they thought I was insane, but this has been the best move of my life. It’s the first time I’ve ever done anything just for me. Being thousands of miles away from my parents was a bit of a perk, too.

I’m just about done hanging the last of the masks from the ceiling when Jodi comes bursting through the door with her arms full of roses.

“Have you ever just walked into a room?” I still haven’t gotten used to her entrances and practically jump a mile every time she comes crashing in.

“I don’t think so, no. That’s beside the point, though. You will never guess who I saw!”

“Who?”

“The hottest man I’ve ever seen up close!”

“Really? Where was this?”

“Just now on the path on my way in. Quick, go clog the toilet or something.”

“What? Why would I do that?”

“Because he’s the maintenance man, and let me tell you if the way he maintains himself is any clue to his abilities, our building is in capable hands.” She adds a wiggling of her eyebrows to make her point clear.

“I hate to always be the voice of reason, but wouldn’t it be better to say, break a light or something? Do you really want his first impression of you to be a clogged toilet?” Her face lights up and she playfully slaps my arm.

“You, my dear, are brilliant, and it looks as though you’re going to be the brains of this operation.” She picks up the nearest shoe and throws it as hard as she can at the overhead light. There is a loud crash which sounds like books, and what better not be my laptop, and then nothing but darkness.

“I’ll be back.” I hear from somewhere in the room. There are a few smaller crashes, she swears, and then the door opens, letting in blessed light while she runs out to find herself a handy man. There’s never a dull moment around here. Now, how in the world am I going to get any studying done in the dark? Using my cell for a light, I gather my books and go to spread out on a couch in the common area.

 

 

“You know, Pres, you would make an amazing Christine.”

“Aw, thanks, Zeek, but I can’t sing to save my life.” Zeek looks very affronted by this fact and Jodi lets out a hearty laugh.

“It’s true. I’ve heard her; a dying calf keeps better pitch.”

“Hey! I may not be amazing, but I sound better than that.”

“But you’re a music major, how can you not sing?”

“There’s more to music than the voice, Zeek. I love to sing, but it just doesn’t sound good. Now give me an instrument and that’s another story.”

“You’re serious?” He looks completely affronted at my lack of voice.

“Yeah, it’s no big deal. A lot of people can’t sing,” I add, feeling defensive.

“Yes, but those people aren’t music majors, and they sure don’t hang out with me.”

“Zeek, stop being such a diva! Presley has many other amazing qualities which qualifies her to be in our presence. Calm down and eat your chocolate. Obviously, your blood sugar is low if your claws are coming out.” He mock hisses at her but doesn’t object when she tosses him the candy.

“Shh, my favorite song is coming up!” I warn and I look over to see Zeek and Jodi staring at me, just blinking like owls.

“What?”

“There’s no way this is your favorite song!” Jodi finally says.

“Hmm, it’s always the quiet ones, you know. I can see it; I knew there was a tad bit of kink buried deep down.”

“What on earth are you guys talking about? This song is super dramatic and the music is absolutely amazing!”

“Well, of course it is, doll, but you do realize the lyrics are all about sex, right?”

“What?” I almost drop my pop tart as I spring up. “No way!”

“Yes, ma’am,” Jodi adds, sneaking one of Zeek’s M&M’s.

“You guys are completely missing the point. Here is a man who has known nothing but despair and has been outcast his entire life. He was abandoned because of how he looks by the one person who should have always loved him. Taunted and rejected at every corner, he went into hiding, watching from the shadows as other people live their lives, fall in love, find attraction—something he never even thought was a possibility for himself. Then all of a sudden there is this girl he has watched and admired from afar who is finally saying the things he’s always longed to hear. This song is about her acknowledging that there is an attraction which he never thought possible. This scene is so powerful and magnetic and the music just brings it to life, engaging those emotions, all just to have it come crashing down to be proven to be just a mirage. She’s in fact in love with another, and she’s only saying those things because she’s being held captive. He is once again the ugly monster who is cast out, unlovable and unwanted. So, it’s not just about sex. It’s about desire and acceptance. Betrayal and human nature,” I say, wiping the lone tear that has fallen from Zeek’s eye.

“Holy crap! Are you sure you aren’t a theater major?” Jodi says, then slaps Zeek. “Are you seriously crying right now?”

“Shut your face, your heart is obviously made of ice. That was beautiful. I don’t care if you can sing or not, Presley, you will always be my Christine.” He kisses my hand in a grand gesture and then plops back on the floor to sing along with Gerard Butler. I look over to find Jodi just silently watching me.

“What?” I whisper.

“Nothing, you are just much deeper than you show.”

“Do I normally seem shallow?”

“Not at all! I just can’t seem to figure you out.”

“Good, so stop trying. And don’t hog all the doughnuts.”