Chapter 55
**Sara**
I quickly unlocked my door and slipped inside, leaning against it with relief. Home sweet home, where I could be as weird as I wanted without judgment. Except for my houseplants, they were non-judgmental as far as audiences go.
Speaking of plants, I noticed my sad-looking ficus in the corner. "Oh no, did I forget to water you again?" I asked, rushing over to check its soil. It was bone dry. "I'm so sorry, little guy. Let's get you some H2O, stat."
I grabbed my watering can and filled it up, talking to the plant as I did. "You know, you really should speak up when you're thirsty. I can't read minds, you know."
As I watered the ficus, I caught sight of myself in the mirror. My hair was a mess, and there was a small coffee stain on my shirt that I hadn't noticed before. "Wow, Sara. You're really rocking that 'just rolled out of bed and into a coffee shop' look," I said to my reflection.
I set the watering can down and decided it was time for that shower I'd been looking forward to. As I headed to the bathroom, I started humming a tune, quickly becoming full-on singing.
I emerged from the shower feeling refreshed and ready to face the world—or at least Jessica's apartment. As I stood in front of my closet, I realized I had a critical decision to make: Should I go for the "I totally have my life together" look or the "I'm a hot mess, but I'm owning it" vibe?
After deliberation, I settled on a comfy pair of jeans and a soft, oversized sweater. It was the perfect blend of "I tried" and "I might take a nap on your couch." I ran a brush through my damp hair, letting it air dry into its natural state of controlled chaos.
With a final glance in the mirror, I grabbed my keys and headed out. As I locked my door, I prayed that I wouldn't run into Mrs. Thompson again. I wasn't ready for another drug intervention.
The walk to Jessica's apartment was mercifully uneventful. I didn't trip over my feet or encounter awkward encounters with ex-boyfriends or attractive professors. It was almost disappointing—I'd come to expect some drama in my daily life.
I arrived at Jessica's building, my heart rate picking up slightly as I approached the entrance. The familiar scent of lavender from the potted plants by the door greeted me, a small comfort as I steeled myself for the social gathering ahead.
As the elevator doors slid open with a soft ding, I stepped onto Jessica's floor, my fingers nervously fiddling with the hem of my sweater. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what I hoped would be a relaxing evening with my best friend.
I knocked on Jessica's door, plastering a smile on my face. The door swung open, revealing not just Jessica but a whole entourage. My eyes widened as I took in the unexpected crowd.
"Sara!" Jessica exclaimed, pulling me into a tight hug. "Come in, come in!"
I stumbled into the apartment, my brain scrambling to process the scene before me. Jessica's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Anderson, were perched on the couch, looking as prim and proper as ever. And there, leaning against the kitchen counter, was Emily, Jessica's roommate, sporting her signature mischievous grin.
"Mr. and Mrs. Anderson!" I blurted out, my voice an octave higher than usual. "What a... surprise!"
Mrs. Anderson rose from the couch, her perfectly coiffed hair not moving an inch. "Sara, dear! It's been weeks. How lovely to see you."
I accepted her air kiss, praying I wouldn't accidentally headbutt her in my nervousness. "Likewise, Mrs. Anderson. You look wonderful. Have you done something different with your hair?"
She patted her hair, beaming. "Oh, you noticed! I just had it done yesterday. Doesn't it look divine?"
"Absolutely," I nodded enthusiastically, silently thanking the hair gods for giving me an easy conversation starter.
Mr. Anderson approached, extending his hand. "Sara, it's good to see you. How are your studies going?"
I shook his hand, trying not to wince at his vice-like grip. "Oh, you know, just swimming in textbooks and coffee."
He chuckled, reminiscent of a car engine trying to start on a cold morning. "That's the spirit. Keep at it, and you'll be running Wall Street soon."
I laughed, wondering if he'd be so encouraging if he knew about my... complicated situation with a certain professor.
Turning to Emily, I felt a wave of relief wash over me. Finally, someone I could be myself around. "Hey, Em! How's it going?"
Emily smirked. "Oh, you know, just living the dream. Dealing with Jess's snoring, dodging her attempts to set me up with every guy in a five-mile radius. The usual."
I couldn't help but laugh at Emily's quip. "Ah, the joys of roommate life. At least you're never bored, right?"
"Oh, I'm bored plenty," Emily retorted with a grin. "Just not when Jess is around. It's like living with a human tornado."
Jessica, who had been bustling around in the kitchen, popped her head out. "I heard that! And for your information, I'm a delightful tornado."
"Keep telling yourself that, sweetie," Emily called back, winking at me.
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