While I was immersed in my food and music, I didn't realize my roommate was standing at her door watching me until I turned and noticed her—and some lady I presumed was her friend.
So I asked, "Is there something you want?"
She didn't say anything. She just kept watching me.
Hmmm... What's her problem this time? I thought. Well, I don't care.
After a short while, I realized my song wasn't playing anymore. Instead, I heard someone talking to me.
"What's the matter?" I asked.
"Did you use my washroom today?" she asked.
"Yes," I replied.
"Why? Something wrong?" I asked again.
"But who gave you permission to use my washroom?" she said.
"Well, I gave myself permission since mine is not flowing," I said.
"What did you just say?" she snapped.
"Well, you heard what I said," I replied calmly.
"Hmmm," was all she said.
She turned to go into her room, then paused and said, "Don't touch my things here again. I'll let this slide, but not anymore."
As soon as she entered her room, I sat back down. As if I care about what she said. Haha.
But as I sat there, I started thinking deeply.
Why does she always act like she owns the whole hostel? Does she think I'm beneath her or something? Or maybe she just can't stand me?
For a moment, I felt my chest tighten. Am I wrong for using the washroom? Was I supposed to beg? No, Racheal. You're not wrong.
Still, I felt this weird mix of anger and something I didn't want to call sadness.
I sighed and stood up. After finishing my food, I went to the kitchen, cleaned the dishes, and then went to my room to take a quick bath and relax my body.
In the washroom, I suddenly remembered the wicked prank I played on Mr. Unknown—haha—I found myself smiling. Well, he deserved it though.
After the bath, I wore my pyjamas, sat on my bed, and opened my laptop to review what the lecturers taught today. When I was done, I wrote everything that happened today in my diary. I paused when I got to the part about my roommate. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. I just wrote: "Some people will never change."
Then I called my parents. I missed them so much. Hearing their voices always gave me peace. We talked for a while, then said goodbye.
Just as I was about to put my phone down, it vibrated in my hand. I checked the message and saw gossip Margaret's name pop up.
"Come early tomorrow oooo. I'll wait for you at the entrance. I have some gist for you."
Haha, this girl… mmm.
But I paused.
Gist? About who? Me? Someone else?
I stared at the message, trying to guess what it could be about. Maybe another lecturer fight? Or did someone see me with Mr. Unknown that day? No, it can't be that… right?
I told her I had to sleep since she said I should come early. She released me, and we stopped chatting. But as I placed the phone beside me, I couldn't help but whisper:
"This gist better not be another drama oo."
I set my alarm for 5:30 a.m., then finally laid down to sleep.
The next morning, I woke up when my alarm rang. After getting ready, I wore bollar jeans and a purple top—already looking dashing. Well, I'm good to go!
The moment I came out of my room, my roommate also stepped out of hers, dressed and ready to leave.
We locked eyes for a brief second.
I could tell she was still annoyed, but I wasn't going to let her energy ruin my morning.
I walked past without saying anything.
At the bus station, I waited until the bus came, then got in. Not long after, I arrived at the entrance. I looked around for Margaret, but before I could focus—
Bam! I bumped into someone.
Her books dropped to the floor.
"Oh! I'm so sorry!" I said quickly, bending down to help her pick them up.
She smiled softly. "It's okay."
After handing the books back to her, I finally looked at her properly. She was a beautiful Black lady, her skin glowing and her smile just… calm.
I stretched my hand. "My name is Racheal."
She smiled again and said, "I'm Erica."
And just like that, my day took an unexpected turn.