An hour later
“I need a break.” She stretches and stands. “Can I get you anything from the kitchen?”
“Thank you. A water.”
She returns with two. They drink in silence. “Chloé?” She meets his eyes for a split second before focusing on his forehead. He notices.
“Yes?”
“I just wanted to reiterate that I wish to be your roommate, nothing more. This is comfortable. If we can stay at this level of- ah...”
“I get it. Agree. Now there may be times I’m withdrawn and unreachable. If you could...”
“Yes?”
“Slip me a note. This could work. I will be honest and say I am still not completely comfortable with a male flat mate but...”
“I will do all I can to see you’re as comfortable as you can be.”
“Thanks.”
“If there is something that makes you uncomfortable, just let me know.”
“I will. You do the same. I don’t want it all on me. As I said, this is your apartment too.”
“Deal.” They return to their books. It feels a bit easier between them. A start.
***
“Chloé,” he knocks on her door.
“One moment.”
“No rush. I just want you to meet someone.” She opens the door a minute later. A wisp of a girl stands by Michael. Beautiful with big brown eyes and chestnut hair, she leans against him. His arm is around her. The girlfriend then.
“Hello, I’m Chloé.”
“Rose.” Chloé puts her hand out and Rose takes it.
“It’s nice to meet you. He hasn’t told me much about you yet.”
“No?” she looks up at him and he shakes his head. No Rose doesn't know of their rocky beginning, of Chloé's issues. A relief.
“It was really nice to meet you Rose but, I must be off.”
“You have no classes this evening. Can you spare an hour so she may get to know you?” She gets it. She lives with her man. She needs to show she isn't a threat.
“Sure.” They all head into the living room. The couple take the couch while Chloé sits across from them.
“You’re studying medicine, like Michael?” she asks.
“I’m focused on the body while Michael is the mind.”
“Yes. It can be quite tiring always being analyzed.” Her tune shows she is teasing. Michael playfully scowls down at her then drops his head for a kiss. Chloé looks away. She will get used to that. Couples in love. She must.
“It is.” She agrees, playing with the throw pillow. “So Rose, do you get even? Analyzing all he eats?” She knows she is studying to be a nutritionist.
“Yes. It’s quite enjoyable.”
“For you.” Michael replies.
“But it must be easier having you both studying the same field, or close to it?”
“We do help each other as roommate's do. It’s more having another person near, don't you think Michael?”
“Yes. It is why I study in the library, even if studying alone. We are meant to be social.”
“Oh no, Chloé! Look what we have done. Woke the therapist to be.”
“A horrible thing but I believe it was me.”
“Oh, you too.” He shakes his head at both.
“In all seriousness, you don’t need to worry Rose. I’m not after Michael, in anyway. Or anyone. My last relationship was, well off-putting. When or if I’m ready to try again, it will not be with another girl's man.”
“Thank you. I trust him I just…”
“Didn't know me. Completely understandable.”
They end up talking for hours, about politics, sports, movies. Nothing heavy. Nothing personal. Just a trio becoming friends. Though Chloé is still more comfortable with Rose. They head to her house after. She heads to bed.