The Apartment
Apartment Chapter 17: Reconciled
Mary slipped into bed, her mind in a whirlwind at the unexpected turn of events. She replayed her roommates’ pained confession.
Wow! I feel crazy right now!
Pressing her fists against her chest, she snuggled her blankets, relieved and vindicated. Just as she drifted off, the sound shuffling feet floated down the corridor. Angry, taut voices, whispered. Mary, her sleep interrupted, listened intently.
At first, they were indistinguishable…but they came closer and finally stopped outside her cubicle.
“That…bitch!” one snapped. It was her roommate.
“ Shhh..” ….” a higher pitched voice cautioned. “It’s alright. At least she didn’t rat us out”.
“Yeah! She kept her end of the deal so…” Agreed a third somewhat stern voice in a low tone.
“It’s not alright! I’m screwed!” cried her roommate in frustration. Mary smirked.
You deserved it, you slimy lying witch
The whispers suddenly and significantly dropped in volume. Mary, her interest piqued, crawled out of bed and inched closer to the corridor.
What are they saying?
“I have to tell you guys something…” the higher pitched voice started.
Mary leaned in further.
“That girl… Esther, was it?” she continued in an excited voice, “Apparently, she might be joining us next time when we go the apartment…”
The others gasped.
Joining them!!? Apartment? What are they talking about?
An evil pixie must’ve spilled dust on Mary, because her body chose this opportune moment to let out a shrill sneeze.
Chaos ensued.
The curtain flew open and Mary reeled as a hand grabbed her neck and sent her crashing onto floor. Pain seared through her hip.
“You sneaky…!” her roommate was on her, “What did you hear?” she demanded squeezing Mary’s throat.
“No…thing!” Mary croaked, her voice barely audible.
“Stop it!” Whispered the prefect sternly Pulling her roommate off, “Jeez! You are so trigger happy!”
Mary sat up rubbing her throat. The three girls towered above her whispering in hushed audible tones.
“What do we do?” the high-pitched voice asked.
“She heard nothing of value, “Said the prefect,. “Leave her.”
“She’s lying!” her roommate hissed glaring at her like a clean-freak would, a cockroach.
Mary rolled her eyes, “I don’t know what ‘s going on but I don’t care so leave me out of it. I’ve had enough trouble already…”
“Listen Mary…” said the prefect her voice tremulous, “We are terribly sorry for all this. Let’s forget it happened. Ok? You two have a good night!” and with that she left, dragging the third girl out with her. Mary got up and slipped back into bed ignoring her roommate who stood frozen on the spot and glaring at her.
Something’s fishy. I must investigate.
She struggled to fall sleep.
****
At 6.am the next day.
Mary bit her left thumb as she paced back and forth outside Esther’s cubicle .
Bad idea! Bad idea!
The curtain flew open. Mary’s heart skipped a beat.
“Mary? Morning…” Esther’s roommate greeted, smiling.
Mary mumbled a dry, “Morning…”
I don’t like her… Mary assessed
Esther stepped out and her roommate tactfully scurried off. Mary turned to face her. Their eyes locked and for the first time in a long while, there was no hostility in Esther’s eyes.
“Morning…” Esther muttered looking away.
“Morning…” Mary responded as best as she could.
The breakfast bell rang. Esther walked off first. Mary expected her to rush off but she paused for a moment and turned her head slightly before walking on. Mary smiled followed, catching up to her. They walked to the dining hall in silence.