by T. L. Hayes
Bobby looked concerned. “So you’re alone here, then?”
“Well, in a way, but Rory, that’s my best friend, she and I talk a lot. That’s your heads-up, by the way. If you’re going to be a part of my life, you have to know how much she and I talk.”
“She sounds very important to you.”
“She is. She’s awesome. I hope you get to meet her. She’s a big reason why I called you in the first place, you know?”
“Really?”
“Yeah. She told me to stop being an ass.”
Bobby laughed. “She sounds very wise.”
“She is.”
“And you love her very much.” Bobby looked at her askance.
“Yeah, like I said, she’s my best friend. I mean, she’s definitely someone I could see myself dating—we’ve always had a great connection. But that kind of relationship was just not in the cards for us and that’s okay.” Rachel shrugged, looking almost wistful.
“Rachel, it’s okay if it’s more than that. Well, not okay in the sense that I want to compete with her, I mean, just okay in the sense of, I understand.”
“I think you mean that.”
“I do. I just try to take people for who they are and not expect them to be something they’re not. That just leads to disappointment when you realize people aren’t who you thought they were.” He shrugged.
“You’re like Zen or something. Do you meditate?”
Bobby gave a surprised laugh. “I do, actually, but I’ve also spent too much time wishing people were different. One day I just realized that I need to accept them for who they are—once I know who that is—and make a quick decision if who they are is someone I want to know or not. There’s very little about a person I can’t tolerate.”
“So what can’t you tolerate?” Rachel asked.
“You know, the big stuff—violence, bigotry, racism, hatred, sexism, homophobia. That kind of thing.”
“But those aren’t personality traits, those are beliefs or behaviors.”
“Exactly. Why should I care if a roommate doesn’t always do all their dishes or leaves their socks on the living room floor if they’re nice to old people and puppies?”
Rachel laughed. “Old people and puppies?”
“Yes. Let the little shit go and concentrate on what really matters.”
“I think I get it.” They said nothing for a moment, and then Rachel cocked her head to the left and said, “Bobby, come here.”
Bobby said nothing. He just slowly climbed on top of her, putting one hand on either side of her, and reached up before she could say another word and kissed her softly on the lips.
Rachel put her arms around his neck and scooted down lower so she was now underneath him. “It would be really awesome if you just stayed here and did that for the next several hours.”
“So now am I forgiven?”
“We’ll see. Shh.” Rachel pulled him back to her, and before he could respond, she was sucking his bottom lip into her mouth and he moaned against her. Though the kissing intensified and Rachel knew for a fact she bore visible evidence of the make-out session on her neck, she was somewhat surprised when Bobby seemed content to not breach the barrier of her clothing. But it made her feel good at the same time. It was her own libido she had to restrain instead of fighting off his. It was a nice change of pace. She relaxed into the moment and loved every second of it.
She still wasn’t sure what this meant about her sexual identity, but at the moment, she also didn’t care. Fuck labels.
* * *
Once Bobby left to go to work, Rachel retrieved her cell phone from the floor where it had fallen while they were kissing and saw that she had missed a few messages from Lori, which she ignored, and one call from Rory.
“Hey, the prodigal lesbian returns my call!”
“What did you just call me?”
“Which word is tripping you up, prodigal or lesbian?” Rory quipped.
“Allow me to respond to your not so clever jibe with an eighties retort. That was so funny, I forgot to laugh.”
“Whatever, Shorty, I’m hilarious. You know it.”
Rachel retorted with a line from a Bette Midler classic.
Rory groaned and said, “Great, now I have to resist the urge to start singing. Thanks for that earworm.”
“You’re welcome! So, anyway, why’d you call?”
“Yeah, I just wanted to check in and see how things were going with BobbyGate.”
“There you go being clever again. How Maggie can stand living with you and not just laugh herself silly all day long, I’ll never know.”
“Amazingly, she somehow manages.”
“Shocking.”
“I know, right? So tell me,” Rory said, serious for the first time since she answered the phone.
“What can I say? So far, I’ve managed to keep my clothes on.”
“Wow, you must really like him.”
Rachel sighed. “Yeah. But, more importantly, he really likes me. He’s actually a nice guy and it’s not about how great of a kisser he is, though he is really skilled in that area.”
“It was never about that.”
“No, no it wasn’t. Rory, he’s just super nice and kind of shy and he accepts all my craziness. And still comes back for more.”
“Good. You deserve someone nice.”
“I mean, don’t get me wrong, I still have my hang-ups, those aren’t gone, but I want to explore this.”
“Maybe you’ll find out something about yourself that you never knew before.”
“What, that I like guys? I don’t think that’s going to happen. I think he’s just an exception to the rule.”
“Anything’s possible, but that’s not exactly what I meant.”
“Okay, so what did you mean?” Rachel asked, confused.
“I just meant that you are able to look beyond the surface and see a person for who they really are and if they are worth knowing.”
“Holy shit, that was freaky.”
“What?”
“Finally, after years of trying and failing, I’m dating you. Holy shit!”
“What the hell are you talking about?”
“Well, Bobby said something really similar earlier about seeing people for who they really are. It just weirded me out hearing you say basically the same thing. I mean, I know you’re not exactly alike, but I had no idea you guys were alike at all.” Rachel was smiling, happy at the revelation.
“Oh my God, does he have curly red hair too?”
“Fuck you, Merida, that’s not even funny. Ginger women are gorgeous, ginger men not so much. Don’t even joke about that.”
Rory was laughing. “I think you’re being a little too hard on the Ron Weasleys of the world, don’t you?”
“No, I do not. Okay, I should let you go for now. I’m sorry if I interrupted dinner prep or something.”
“You did not. I’m not cooking tonight. Maggie is teaching until ten, so it’s leftover night. I was just sitting here reading.”
“Got it. I’m sorry that I never ask you about your classes or your relationship. I’ve been selfish lately.”
“No, you haven’t. You’ve just had more going on than me. My life is busy but pretty settled. I’m enjoying my classes and my relationship is awesome. There, all caught up.”
“God, you guys just ooze cuteness. Have you even had an argument yet?”
“Yeah, actually, our first argument was before we left Illinois. We came really close to breaking up, all over a stupid misunderstanding. Since then we really don’t fight. We talk to each other if we feel like something is bothering us. We don’t let things fester. That being said, we still get annoyed with each other sometimes. But when we do, we try to quickly realize that by the time we get annoyed with each other it’s because other things from outside stressors have just piled up, and me leaving my dirty dishes on the coffee table since breakfast is just the last thing Maggie needed to see that day. We give each other the space to be ann
oyed because we know that’s going to happen. We’re not the perfect couple—we just know how to handle our shit.”
“Wow, you sound like a mature adult or something.”
“Fuck you.”
“And it’s gone.” Rachel chuckled.
“Whatever. But in all seriousness, I hope this works out for you.”
“Thank you. Hey, Rory?”
“Yeah?”
“I really am happy for you too. I’m glad you have Maggie.”
“I know you are.”
Rachel smiled. “Talk to you later.”
Chapter Five
Once she hung up the phone, Rachel decided she should follow Rory’s example and do some of her own reading for class. Just as she was getting into her drama crit class text, there was a determined knock on her door. She sighed loudly and closed the book, then set it down on the bed before she stood up to answer. She tried not to sigh again when she saw that it was Lori. Rachel stood in the opening, blocking entrance into her room, keeping hold of the door.
“What do you want?”
“Wow, that was kind of rude, don’t you think?” Lori sounded taken aback.
“Sorry, I’m busy. What do you want?” she repeated, not sorry at all.
“Okay, you’re mad, I get that.”
“I’m not mad. I just have stuff to do,” Rachel said.
“Right. Anyway, I just wanted to talk to you about our fight the other day. I’m sorry.”
“When did we fight?”
“Over the weekend, when you said I don’t know you at all and I said some things and you stormed out. You haven’t talked to me since, so I figured you were mad at me.” Lori looked apologetic but Rachel had no tolerance for it anymore.
“Oh, you mean when you got all judgmental about who I choose to spend my time with. Now I remember.”
“I wouldn’t say judgmental. I was just really confused, that’s all.”
“As I recall, you were basically accusing me of either being bi or not knowing myself and I was saying you’re wrong on both counts. Sounds kind of judgmental to me, to be honest. But that’s just me.” Rachel voice was starting to rise in anger and she tried to calm down.
“Can you blame me? I mean, what kind of lesbian dates dudes, even ones that used to be girls? Sounds kind of bi to me. But that’s just me, I guess.”
Calmness worked for all of five seconds. “Oh, cute, I see what you did there. You know, I wasn’t mad five minutes ago, but I’m kind of working up to it. Go find a hobby. One that doesn’t involve putting your nose into my business.”
Rachel slammed her door, and then once it closed, flipped the bird in the general direction of where Lori would have been. She collapsed on the bed, grabbed a pillow from under her head, and screamed into it, half wishing she had screamed in Lori’s face. When she was done, she smiled at the thought at how it would have echoed down the cinder block hallway, probably causing everyone on the floor to pop their heads out of their rooms like prairie dogs just to see what all the commotion was about.
Rachel put the pillow back under her head and pulled her phone out of her pocket. She texted Rory, I really need to start keeping better company.
Told you. Just keep your friends list down to the few who actually have your best interest in mind.
So far, that’s only two people.
I assume you mean me and Bobby. At least we’re the best people. Don’t forget, Maggie and my parents are also Team Rachel.
Rachel felt her cheeks grow warm and a genuine smile played across her lips at the thought that she really was loved by the same people she herself loved and admired. Forgoing her usual humor, Rachel texted back, I could use some cheerleaders right about now. Thank you.
I’m always cheering for you.
* * *
The one aspect of her stage combat class Rachel didn’t care much for were the days they had lecture. Wednesday was just such a day. They were back in the classroom discussing the fight scenes from Romeo and Juliet. The discussion was enhanced by pages in their textbook, as well as Dr. Silver showing video clips from various movie versions and stage productions to show how the scenes were interpreted by various directors. Rachel was surprised there were lectures in a combat class; she’d expected it would be all fighting all the time. She had commented on that during the second week of class when they were told that the next class would meet in the classroom so they could go over some basics from the text.
“Yeah, I’m just confused as to why we are spending valuable class time on lectures, when there’s so much fighting we could do.”
“Well, if you had read the syllabus, this wouldn’t come as a surprise. If the way I have structured this class is not to your liking, you still have time to drop it and take the movement class with Dr. Baskin next semester.”
Rachel felt her face turning red as some of her classmates were looking in her direction. She felt she was being challenged, but she wasn’t going to sink into her seat, all apologetic. “No, I just meant that I thought stage combat would be more hands-on, instead of reading and writing papers.” According to the syllabus—that she had definitely read—there were three short papers that were due at various times during the semester and a presentation that was due at the end of the semester. Nothing too difficult by any means, but still not what she had expected.
“Ah, I see what you’re saying there. Let me ask you this—do you think Harry Potter could have just summoned a Patronus if he hadn’t been taught first?”
Polite snickers from the other students.
Rachel tried to fight back a grin. “Well, considering he was such a powerful wizard, I think he could have.”
“Powerful wizard or not, he still had to be taught how to use and control that power. Without such instruction, he and those around him could have been hurt.” Dr. Silver cocked her head to the side in a gesture Rachel was coming to recognize.
Rachel was happy to cross swords on the subject of Harry Potter against the worthiest of foes, even if that foe was her professor. “True. But all throughout the books, people got hurt regardless. It didn’t seem to matter how much he knew. In fact, it seemed like the more he knew, the harder the challenges he had to face became.”
“Such is life, is it not?”
“Granted, but maybe if there had been more doing and less reading he and his classmates wouldn’t have screwed up as much as they did.”
Some of her classmates seemed amused at the turn of events. Others had long since taken the opportunity to play on their phones or other electronic devices. But Rachel realized she was enjoying herself. She’d never realized how much fun it could be to spar with a teacher, even if the only weapon she was using was words.
Dr. Silver bowed her head slightly to Rachel, as if she was admitting defeat. “Perhaps, as the semester goes on, we will see which method works best. I will leave you with one thought before we get back to the lecture you are so impatient with—a hasty man drinks his tea with a fork. Think about that as I continue my lecture.” With a bow and a playful smile, Dr. Silver had resumed her lecture.
Now, two weeks later, they were having their third classroom session of the semester. This one was done much the same way, with video clips interspersed with Dr. Silver lecturing. Rachel had learned her lesson after that first week. If she stopped being a smartass and actually paid attention, Dr. Silver definitely had something to teach her and the lectures were interesting. Plus, she had to admit, she was learning about technique.
Dr. Silver’s biggest lesson, no matter that it had been presented in the geekiest way possible, had sunk in: Good things come to those who wait. She smiled to herself, thinking of the two bright red bruises on her neck. Surely there would be more good things in her future if she was only patient.
When class was over, Dr. Silver called out, “Rachel, can you come here a sec?”
Not sure what she was being singled out for, Rachel packed her books and gear into the beat-up old leather satchel she had found in a thri
ft store. It was light brown and scratched up and definitely had character. She threw it over her left shoulder as she walked up to the desk, confused. “What’s up, Dr. S?”
Dr. Silver cocked an eyebrow at her but didn’t correct her. “I was just going to ask if everything was okay.”
“Yeah, everything’s fine, why wouldn’t it be?” Rachel shrugged.
“Well, you seemed distracted today, more so than usual, and I was wondering about that. Though I think I have an idea, now that I see you up close.” Dr. Silver grinned and pointed, indicating Rachel’s neck.
Embarrassed, Rachel immediately covered the side of her neck with her hand. She was sure her face was flaming. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Uh-huh. It’s not my job to bust your chops about having a social life. I just noticed you weren’t paying much attention to my magnificent lecture and I know that’s not like you. Normally, you never let an opportunity to challenge me go by. I’ve actually come to expect it. So is it just your social life that has your distracted, or is it something else?”
“So you like it when I fight back?”
“Well, I didn’t at first. But I’ve come to see it differently. You’re not fighting me but, rather, forcing me to up my game. And don’t think I didn’t notice what you did there. If you don’t want to talk about anything, I can’t make you, nor would I want to. Just wanted to let you know that if something was on your mind and you wanted to talk about it, you could.” Dr. Silver tilted her head to the left and shrugged, giving Rachel a small smile.
“Okay. There is stuff going on, but I’m sure that’s true with everybody. I’m sure even you have something going on that distracts you from time to time.”
“As you say, don’t we all? My point stands. I’m here if you need me.”
