Ch. 3: Old Friends - New Love

Chapter Three: Old Friends – New Love

“Oh Abri, you’ve always been so jumpy.” Kyler Chuckled.

“Shush. I am not.” She said in reply.

“So how are the interviews going?”

“Well, I’ve done two out of the three so far, and both were a total bust.” Abrielle placed her fingers on her temples; she was getting stressed about being able to find a roommate that she could tolerate.

“Ah, you’ll be fine. Third times the charm, right?” He smiled at her.

“Yeah I guess. So how is Maylee?” She asked, changing the subject.

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Right out of high school Kyler and his family took a summer trip to California where Kyler met Maylee Wolden, and then began a summer romance (he couldn’t wait for Abrielle forever).

By the end of the summer the two had gotten serious, and Maylee told her parents she was moving to Sunset Valley to be with Kyler. Of course, her and Kyler’s parents didn’t approve, but they were adults now. They moved in together, and Maylee convinced Kyler that they should get engaged (yes you heard that right, she had to convince him. So maybe he still has some feelings for Abrielle, but Maylee is his girlfriend, and Abri isn’t).

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“She’s good. We finally set a date for the wedding.” His voice didn’t match that of an excited husband-to-be.

“Oh Ky! That’s great! I’m so happy for the both of you.”

She stood up and hugged him and he whispered in her ear, “How’s McDouche?”

She quickly pulled away. “Kyler please.” She let out an exasperated sigh and continued, “Jadrien is not a douche. He’s a good guy Ky, why can’t you see that?”

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Yes, Jadrien. As in Jadrien Berkely, the boy Abrielle obsessed over for years. They have been seeing each other for a month now. One day when Abrielle got off of work early she didn’t feel like going home to her parents so soon, so she made her way over to Upstreet, a local restaurant, for a bite to eat. Sitting at a table by himself was Jadrien. He looked up, spotted her, and smiled and waved. She thought she was seeing things.

“Abrielle! Hey!” He beckoned her to join him.

“Are you kidding?” She said to herself. “I didn’t even know he knew my name.” She walked over to his table and sat down. They talked for almost three hours, getting to know each other and reminiscing about Smuggsworth (which was probably more of a joy for Jadrien than it was for Abrielle).

When she finally got up to leave he said he wanted to see her again, and that’s how it all began.

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“I’ve known him a lot longer than you have, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he was scamming on other girls behind your back.” Kyler explained.

“Well, I think he’s changed quite a bit since you knew him.” Abrielle had been over this multiple times with Kyler, and she wasn’t in the mood for it today. “Ky, please can we not do this now? Just, please?”

“Sure, just don’t say I didn’t warn you ‘kay. Anyway, good luck with your last interview. Call me later?” He gave her another quick hug and then walked away.

As Abrielle sat back down she saw a tall blonde approaching the table, and whispered under her breath, “Oh please let this girl be normal”.

“Hey,” the blonde said as she sat down, “I’m Jenesis.” She extended her hand to shake Abrielle’s.

“Hi Jenesis, I’m Abrielle. So I’m just going to be really forward, because I’ve had some interesting interviews today. Are there any allergies, or policies about having company over that I should know about? Oh, and are you a big partier, and only wish to use my house for your ‘ragers’.” Abrielle made air quotes when she said the word ragers.

Jenesis laughed, and it was an intoxicating sound. Abrielle instantly found herself liking this girl she barely knew.

“No, I don’t think any of those things apply to me. I just moved here, but I have a stable job at the Day Spa, so I’ll be able to pay rent. I’m not a big partier, so that won’t be an issue, and I don’t think I’m allergic to anything. Does that pretty much cover it all?” She smiled sweetly.

“Yea that sounds good. Actually, sorry if I’m being blunt, but you sound perfect! When would you like to see the house? Or even better, when can you move in?” Abrielle was ecstatic that she had finally found someone who was roommate material.

“Well I’d be able to move in as early as nine tomorrow morning. Will that work?”

“That’ll be perfect! Thank you so much.” They both stood and exchanged smiles.

“No thank you. So I’ll see you tomorrow at nine then?” Jenesis asked.

“Yes you will.” They said their goodbyes and then went their separate ways.