She arrives quite early the next morning hoping to catch Chloé before she heads on to class. Michael opens the door for her. “How is she?”
“Well, I haven’t seen her. I heard her, up and about, after I went to bed.”
“So, you haven’t talked with her at all?” He shakes his head as he leads her into the kitchen for coffee.
“Didn't say that. We’ve been passing notes under her door. Seems a bit kid-like but it works. She’s still mightily upset and hurt. I needed to make sure she was alright while respecting her need for silent solitude. This works for that. Well, I’m off. Have an early class.” She sees he has coffee set-up for Chloé with a note.
“Thank you. You handled the situation better than I did.”
“Don't beat yourself up. You were trying to help your friend.” He lifts up his backpack and leaves. Iris goes over to Chloé’s door.
A knock. “I know you’re heading to class Michael. Thank you.” Her voice is rough from crying. Iris feels like doing some crying herself.
“Michael has left. He made you some coffee and left a note.”
“Iris? What’re you doing here?”
“We need to talk.” She waits, hearing her move around behind the door. It opens showing a tear stained face. She is still in pajamas and wrapped in a robe. “Oh my dear.” She reaches for her.
“Don't! I will listen to you but don't touch me.” She moves towards the kitchen with a chastened Iris following. Chloé takes a seat and lifts up the folded note.
Chloé,
I pray this day allows you to find some peace. Call if you need me.
Michael
It brings a ghost of a smile to her face. That smile is replaced by a frown when Iris asks, “What did he say?” Seeing her reaction, she holds up her hands, calling for a truce. “Sorry. Sorry for everything. It wasn’t my intention to make you think or feel that I chose Michael because of what he’s studying.”
“Wasn’t it though? You’ve been begging me for months to see a new therapist. Then the guy you move in with me is studying to be one?” She glares at her as she picks up the coffee cup, taking a sip as she awaits her answer.
“No. Look his field of study helps. But not,” Her hand goes back up as Chloé is ready to explode again. “For the reasons you think. It shows he’s a sweet, compassionate, kind hearted, man. Someone the polar opposite of...”
“Don’t!” her face turns pale and the hand holding the cup shakes. Iris starts to reach for her and stops. She places the cup down and holds her hands tight together on the table.
“He needed a place he could afford and Devin and I needed privacy. That is truly all. I should have told you but you were so adverse to the idea...”
“I was and am. He’s better than expected but still a man.”
“A man that has been dating the same girl for over a year. He won’t try to be more than your friend. You think I didn’t vet the guy moving in with my best friend!”
“Devin is your best friend now.”
“Best female friend then. I love you like a sister. I would never do anything to deliberately harm you. I’m so sorry.”
“I know you wouldn’t. I forgive you. I just assumed...”
“You know what they say about assumptions?” This gets a full smile.
“Yes, and I was an ass. I didn’t let you explain. I’m sorry.”
“It’s alright. Are you going to class today?”
“Yup. Oh, the time!” She quickly stands.
“Go get ready. I’ll clean up here.”
“Thanks.” She hugs her and Iris returns it.
***
He returns from class to find her already home. To his surprise, she sits on the couch, books stacked in front of her. She looks up at his entrance.
“Hi Chloé.”
“Hey, thanks for the coffee this morning.”
“You’re welcome. I thought a note was best.” He sits his backpack down and eases his shoes off, placing them by hers at the door.
“Thanks for that too. I know I was...”
“Who you needed to be.” He takes a seat across from her. “Don't worry. “She gives him a small smile.
“I don't know where you study but, you may join me here, if you wish. The table is big enough. I don't want you to think this isn’t your apartment too.”
He knows what that cost her. “Thank you, Chloé.” He pulls his backpack up and they are both soon engulfed in their studies.