chapter one (p2)

As I stood there, admiring my flock, my own stomach growled. I grimaced, trying to remember the last time I ate. Breakfast? Lunch? One of them, but definitely not both. I made a note in my head to drink some water, as my personal rule stayed locked firm in my mind: I only got to eat once everyone else was gone. I couldn't risk a single calorie gone uneaten. Even then, I usually used my roommates as human garbage disposals before we all turned in for the night. I had only ended a party with every single scrap eaten and drunk once before . . . and I was determined to get there again tonight.

More than satisfied with my work, I turned to head upstairs to check on the smoking room- stoners didn't need too much attention, but their snack pile did. Two steps up and I nearly collided with a body rushing down the stairs.

"Oh, shit."

"You're good! Do you need any . . . "

I trailed off as I met their eyes. A pair of wet, red, makeup-smearing eyes. The rest of her came into view. A septum piercing. Black tanktop. Mens slacks with a jean jacket tied around the waist. And that signature buzz cut.

"Shadarra, what's wrong?"

Shadarra opened her mouth to speak, but couldn't, her body instead supplying her with more tears to her eyes. I quickly stepped up to wrap her in a hug.

"Hey, it's okay!"

She laughed shortly, deliriously, and blubbered into my shoulder.

"Hey! Let it out!" I sat us down on the steps. "What's going on?"

After a big snorty inhale and a few more sobs, it came out:

"Becca just broke up with me while I was smoking and I thought she was kidding but then she just left and I think she really meant it."

She barely managed to choke it out.

"Jesus, I'm so sorry."

"And I don't even, like, know what to fucking do right now."

I nodded, rubbing her back.

"How much did you smoke?"

She chuckled sadly. "I don't know. Not enough. Too much."

"Do you think you can walk?"

"I mean, yeah. I'm just destroyed here, not immobile."

I smiled.

"Then let's get some food in you, yeah? Food makes everything better."

I stood up and offered her my hand.

She sat for another moment, sniffed sharply, wiped her face, then took my hand.


"Okay."

I gave her another big hug and started leading her away. We Are The Champions started playing in the living room, with everyone singing along. I glanced back and saw a handful of heaving forms catching their breath against the wall.

It's true, food makes everything and everyone better.