Roommates

chapter 29

"Okay, I got you the Houston corkscrew you wanted," I took the red tool out of my gift bag and gave it to Daya, "And since you like to pick on me and my hometown, I got you a Carrie Underwood CD.  I expect you to know all of the lyrics to 'Before He Cheats' soon." Lennox took the CD and kissed it.

"I sure will yodel some Carrie Underwood, she's kinda fine." 

I rolled my eyes and welcomed Daya's light hug.

Every year, Lennox, Daya, and I bring each other random gifts from our hometowns after summer break.

Summer is practically over and everyone has made their way back to Philadelphia.  This summer was incredibly fun.  I worked a little more than normal, but I was still able to have a lot of fun with my boyfriend and friends. 

We're supposed to meet up with the boys in an hour to celebrate the upcoming school year, so we decided to get our usual tradition out of the way.

"Me next. Zola, I got my nephew a gift instead." Lennox grinned and pulled a 49ers leash from her bag.

"Girl, you're from Fresno, this is San Fransico's team." I chuckled at the cute leash, at least Lee will love it.

"It's all the same to me, I just thought it was adorable." 

I hugged Lennox and laughed with her.

"For my baby Daya." Lennox gave Daya a tiny keychain with her name on it. 

"Hey, you found 'Dayanara.'  I've never found my name on one of these shits." Daya laughed and clipped it on her keys.

"Took 20 minutes to find it." 

Daya smiled and pulled her bag closer.  She's been kinda quiet and less involved, but Lennox and I have agreed to give her time to adjust to being back here before jumping to conclusions. 

"Zo, I got you a blanket with the Puerto Rican flag on it because you think it's so pretty." I gasped and took the soft blanket from Daya.

It feels great, I already know I'll be sleeping with it every night.

"Thank you so much, Daya."

"Of course. Here you go, Len." Daya gave Lennox a headband with 'Puetro Rico' on the front of it and Lennox screamed, she loves headbands. 

Daya has never hesitated when it came to sharing her culture with us, and I'm really grateful for it.  I've learned a lot during our years of friendship.

"Y'all already know what's next." I pulled the beautiful women into a group hug and laughed.

I love my best friends.

I noticed the short look of worry on Daya's face when we were pulling away, but I didn't say anything about it.  I'm going to find out what's up with her soon.

"Look at y'all, all grown and shit, getting tattoos- you'll be graduating before I know it." Lennox faked a few tears and Bentley nudged her.

"They're about to be up there with you, Vaughn."

Vaughn let out a short laugh and sipped his drink before looking down.

"Cut it out, Knox." Bentley plucked the cherry from Lennox's milkshake and ate it.

The upcoming school year will be Lee, Bentley, and Elon's last years in college.  

"My baby's gonna graduate," I pouted and smooshed Lee's cheeks, "All three of you are, it's making me sick." They all laughed at me, but I'm serious.