The Bodyguard

Chapter 4 - Comfort Over Style

My eyelids feel glued shut and I struggle to open them the next morning. I realise I didn’t take my makeup off and what little I had left on have congealed with the tears I shed. I find my makeup remover wipes and wipe my whole face and eyes.

I feel a little better once my face is clean and I’ve put a little moisturiser on it. I’m still in yesterday’s clothes which I peel off and dump in the laundry bin. I grab my bath robe and towel and head to the bathroom.

As I reach the bathroom my housemate Sophia sees me and says, “you look like s**t! Are you ok?”

“Thanks!” I snap. I know she’s only concerned about me, but we’re not close enough for me to tell her all about my complicated love life and I'm not in the mood to open up anyway.

She rolls her eyes as I close the bathroom door before I have to listen to any more of her unhelpful comments.

The shower is hot and the sensation of the spray and steam cleanse me of all the grime from the last 24 hours. I wash my long, dark Auburn hair with my favourite apple shampoo and brush my conditioner through it all.  I scrub at my body hard while the conditioner is doing its thing then I rinse the whole lot from me, feeling like my stupid decisions and any connection I had to Jason are going down the drain with the foam from my body and the conditioner from my hair.  I feel clean, but lethargic and void of emotion as I step out to towel my hair and wrap it up.

I make my way back to my room and realise with a sigh of relief that it’s Sunday and I have no work or classes. I work in a*****e close to my college 3 days per week, my parents separated when I was only two and although my Dad has money and gifts me expensive things sometimes, he doesn’t help out with the bills or my rent so I have to work to support myself during my studies.

I wasn’t even sure of the time until now let alone the day. I glance at my phone and it shows 10:30am. It wouldn’t have mattered what day it was, there was no way I was facing the world today even if I did have a class.

I scrape my still damp hair into a messy bun and put on some comfy sweatpants and a baggy T-shirt. Today is a day for comfort over style. Who is there the impress anyway?

I grab some snacks from the kitchen, which is thankfully quiet and I head back to my room. I get out my laptop and watch replays of Friends while munching on the tortilla chips I brought with me.

An hour later I hear noises downstairs and squeals from the girls. I really can’t be doing with this noise right now so I grumpily turn up the volume on the laptop.

There’s a knock on my door and before I have chance to tell the unwelcome guest to go away, my housemate Kate pops her head through the door.

“Kristen! Guess what?!”

I sigh, I’m so not in the mood for people today, let alone hyper, noisy people.

“What?” I reply with a bored tone.

Kate clearly ignores my mood and continues in her high pitched squeal, “Jenny is moving in with Tim! He proposed and she’s got a ring and everything!”

“That’s great,” I murmur in my monotone.

“She’s packing up now, but don’t worry, she’s already found a replacement for her room. A girl on her course was looking urgently so they have already made arrangements. The new girl moves in tonight!”

“Great,” I say because I can’t think of anything else.

“Are you ok?” Kate asks with a look of concern on her face.

“Not really,” at least I’m honest in my reply.

“Wanna chat?” She enquires hopefully.

“Not really, I just need a day alone to sort my head out and I’ll be fine.” I lie.

“Ok well you know where we are if you need us. We’re having celebratory drinks in the kitchen before Jenny leaves. Join us if you fancy it.”

“Thanks,” is all I can bring myself to mumble though I know I won't be joining them.

She closes the door and I sigh. A new housemate, more changes. Just great.-