PLOTTING and SCHEMING || D.R.

Chapter 2

I HAD SAID my temporary goodbyes to my apartment this morning, and there was nothing I wanted more than to sink into my own couch.

Instead, I was sunk into my brother's couch.

My apartment was so much nicer. However, theirs was more of a condo-style, with two floors and a balcony. It was more modern, less cozy, and smelt like body spray. But surprisingly, it was clean.

My brother joined the military a while back when he was in college, and was currently on reserved deployment for the next few months. He worked part time at a gym and at a restaurant, while also trying to pursue his MBA online. Their apartment was like, bootcamp clean.

I don't know what else I was expecting. Two guys living together: a brown leather couch, a dark grey armchair, a navy blue carpet. A black coffee table. At least there was a green pine candle sitting on it.

It felt so dark, and it would take me some getting used to. The scheme in my house played upon a lot of natural light, whites and creams, and pastel patterns. This place felt like a cave in comparison. On a perfectly sunny day, all the blinds were closed and the curtains were drawn.

"Okay, so. My bedroom's on this floor. Don's upstairs, and so is the guest." Thatcher grabbed my two duffle bags, signaling me to follow after him by motioning his head. The stairs were carpeted, a beige, then we made it to the landing. "It's easy...Don's on the left, bathroom is straight ahead and you'll be on the right."

I nodded in understanding, even though he didn't have eyes in the back of his head and he couldn't see me.

"Are you sure he's even real?" I continue to follow him, as he opens the door to the guest room, where I'll be residing.

Thatcher drops my bags on the beige carpet floor, turning around with an expression full of annoyance. Black headboard, navy comforter. Did boys ever get bored of the same colors, everywhere, all the time?

"I just washed the bedding this morning, so you're good to go." He ignores my comment.

"Mom thinks he's your imaginary friend." I press on, setting my backpack down on the end of the bed, letting my feet hang off the side and hover over the floor. I set the cardboard box down as well.

"Well, he'll be here eventually. You'll meet him, and quickly realize that all the allegations you guys have thrown around aren't true." He sets a hand on his hip. "You need anything else, sister?"

I glance slowly around the room, before shaking my head and rising to my feet.

"No, I'm good. Thanks."

"I have to work night shift tonight. I tried to get off so we could hang out, but no one was feeling generous. I'm serving until nine then barring until midnight," he informs me. I nod. "So, you're on your own for dinner. There's a Whole Foods a block from here, and takeout menus are hanging up on the fridge."

"We'll hang out this weekend." I reassure him. He gives me a long stare, pausing before exiting the room. I knew he felt some guilt for leaving me, all those years ago. He's always tried to make it up to me, but there was nothing he had to make up for.

***

After unpacking my things and putting them away in the dresser and closet, I took it upon myself to take a nice hot shower. One of my favorite things to do, but something I haven't been able to or else I'd pass out on the floor and die.

It was nice to come out of the shower for once without breaking a sweat. I wrapped the towel around me before unlocking the door, and tiptoeing back over to my room.