Only One For Me By Yosh Episode 1A Chapter by Yosh How do things start out for our main character, Ambrož? What things lead him into his fate? TW: This story will address sensitive subjects, including homophobia, abandonment, death, mental health struggles, the implications of suicide, etc. Please be mindful of these topics before you continue reading. In Another Lifetime by Yosh ____________________________________________________________ Reading key: Anything to the side in bold is narration. Anything to the side with a "character's name:" are inner thoughts. Anything in bold italics and regular italics are stage directions. Lines are numbered for the reader to keep track. Anything () is extra information. ____________________________________________________________ Episode 1: *The beginning of this story dates back five years before 2023. The day is April 15th, 2018. It's a Sunday evening. This scene is set in Calista's house, with her father shouting at her brother in their living room after he vulnerably confided in him. Her father yells aggressively, his demeanor hostile towards his son. Calista's Father Line 1) I WANT YOU OUT OF THE HOUSE! Calista's brother, Raymond, pleads at his father desperately with tears streaming down his face. Raymond Line 2) But Dad! I can't just leave! For crying out loud, I'm your son! Raymond's remark strikes a nerve within his father, making his demeanor even more hostile than before. Calista's Father Line 3) DON'T CALL ME DAD! YOU ARE NO LONGER MY SON! YOU HEAR?! I FORBID YOU TO STAY HERE ANY LONGER! GET OUT OF MY SIGHT! Raymond questions his father in disbelief, his voice quivering in treachery. Raymond Line 4) Where will I go?! Raymond's father replies abrasively, having zero concern for his son. Calista's Father Line 5) I DON'T CARE WHERE YOU GO! YOU CAN LIVE ON THE STREETS FOR ALL I CARE! JUST GET THE HELL OUT! Raymond's father stands up viciously, ready to put his hands on his son to drag him out of the house. His wife sternly holds him back, pleading with her son hopelessly. Calista's Mother Line 6) Just leave Raymond. I'm begging you. Raymond speaks to his mother in betrayment, a look of desperation apparent on his face. Raymond Line 7) But mom... Raymond's father stands up viciously once again, with his wife struggling to hold him back. Calista's Mother Line 8) ENOUGH RAYMOND! JUST LEAVE! In tears, Raymond gives his house one last glance and starts for the door but peers back inside to say one last thing. He speaks sentimentally, calling out to his beloved sister. Raymond Line 9) Calista! I'll get you out of this mess! Just hang in a little longer. I-I love you! Raymond leaves his house upsettingly, wandering off into the unknown dejectedly. His father fumes as he sits on their living room couch, clenching his fists in a rage. His mother's eyebrows slant in denial, trying to process her son being kicked out. *Shot cuts to Calista crouching at her bedroom door, overhearing the entirety of the argument in disbelief. She sobs heavily, feeling guilty for not stepping in to defend her brother. A day goes by, with Calista's mother coming in to check on her daughter. The day is April 16th, 2018. It's a Monday afternoon (Calista called in sick from work, not having the energy to do her duties because of issues at home). Calista's mother knocks on her daughter's bedroom door. Calista gets out of bed, opening her door unwillingly. She creaks her door open, gazing into her mother's eyes with distaste. Calista's mother speaks curiously. Calista's mother Line 10) Hey, you okay? Let's talk. Calista stays silent, letting her mother into her room apprehensively. She walks over to Calista's bed, patting a spot beside her for her daughter to sit on. Calista hesitantly sits beside her mother, feeling tense. Her mother speaks sternly, her face indifferent. Calista's Mother Line 11) Yesterday was rough, but we're just going to have to move on. Get over this already, okay? Calista's face merges into an expression of betrayal. She speaks hopelessly. Calista Line 12) I won't just act like nothing happened. Raymond deserves to come home. Calista's mother speaks in a manner of disapproval, shaking her head no stubbornly. Calista's Mother Line 13) He's forbidden from ever setting foot in this house ever again. If he wants to be let back in, he has to be cured of his illness. Calista glances at her mother upsettingly, speaking offendedly. Calista Line 14) He doesn't have an illness! There's nothing wrong with him! Why can't you guys just accept him as he is?! Calista's mother pats her daughter's shoulder precautiously, trying to settle her down. She glances at her daughter's bedroom door on edge. She yells at her in a whisper, scolding her for talking back. Calista's Mother Line 15) Keep your voice down! Calista abruptly removes her mother's hand from her shoulder in disgust. Her lips quiver in disbelief, having a hard time processing her parents' disapproval of her brother's sexuality. She gets emotional, putting herself in her brother's shoes. Calista tries her best to hold back her tears so that she doesn't look weak in front of her mother. As she gathers her wits, she snaps at her mother in objection. Calista Line 16) No! I won't! He deserves a place here! What kind of parents are you guys for kicking your son out?! How could you do such a thing?! Calista's mother snaps back at her, scolding her brutally for her difference of opinion. Her eyes bulge from her daughter's audacity to talk back to her. Mom Line 17) Get a grip of yourself! What if your father were to overhea�" Knocking comes from Calista's door again. Calista's mother speaks at her aggressively in a whisper, clearly riled up. Mom Line 18) I told you to keep your voice down so your father wouldn't overhear! Look what you've done now! Calista's mother gets up from her bed to open the door for her husband. The door opens wide, with Calista's father standing near it in anger, arms crossed, eyebrows furrowed, gaze cold. He yells at Calista in outrage arrogantly. Dad Line 19) Don't talk back to your mother! I don't want to hear another word from you about that imbecile ever again! YOU HEAR?! Calista's body jolts from her father's unreasonable frustration. He storms off, with Calista's mother closing the door and sitting back down on her daughter's bed next to her. Calista's mother lectures her daughter sharply in defense of her husband. Mom Line 20) You heard him, alright. Don't mention him. I won't repeat myself. Calista's mother strides out of her daughter's room, shutting her door. The silence in Calista's room rings loudly as she processes the altercation she just had with her parents. She scoffs at them, getting out of her bed to pack her brother's stuff into boxes (she has been packing all of her belongings to move out of her family's house lately into a place of her own). Calista's narration: Line 21) The audacity for them to scold me when they're the ones in the wrong. I wouldn't want a place in this household either way. I'll kick myself out, just as I have planned for years. Line 22) I was 23 when my parents kicked my brother out of the house. He came out to them, thinking they would gladly accept him... In her brother's room with empty boxes, Calista opens his clothing shelves, observing all the things he left behind in sadness. Line 23) Deep down, I knew our stubborn parents would never be accepting of his sexuality, not even in another universe. Line 24) But he decided to confess regardless, and now things are in shambles. If only our parents would just take him as he is. Calista reaches for one of her brother's shirts reminiscently. *She gets a flashback to when she and her brother were chatting with each other in her bedroom (he came out to her) a couple of days ago while she was packing. Raymond questions Calista in a manner that seeks eager reassurance. Raymond Line 25) You don't seem surprised. I take it that you're okay with this news. Do you still love me? Calista answers in shock at her brother's unexpected question, giving him the reassurance he seeks. Calista Line 26) How could I not love my dear older brother? I'm more than okay with this news. The reason I'm not surprised is because I honestly assumed. I just left it up to you until you'd come and tell me about it yourself. Raymond lets out a sigh of relief, speaking appreciatively. Raymond Line 27) Oh, Calista. Words can't describe how glad I am that you're okay with this. Raymond embraces his sister in a tender hug, melting into her arms affectionately. Calista hugs her brother back, smiling over his shoulder proudly for his courage. Raymond pulls back from his sister, questioning her apprehensively. Raymond Line 28) Do you think they would... understand me if I told them? Calista's eyebrows slant in distress, a look of uncertainty adamant on her face. She answers hopelessly, being the one to break the bad news to him. Calista Line 29) You know how they are. I'm not sure things would end well, especially with Dad. He's already expressed quite the distaste on this matter. That speaks for itself. I'm so sorry, Ray. Raymond speaks fearfully. Raymond Line 30) You have nothing to apologize for. If anything, you're right. Things most definitely won't end well. But I can't keep this a secret any longer. It's eating me alive. A moment of silence passes between the two of them as they register what will go down once he confesses. Calista speaks dauntedly. Calista Line 31) In that case, you shouldn't hold it in any longer. We should brace ourselves for all hell to break loose. Raymond speaks in a tone of acceptance. Raymond Line 32) Whatever happens, happens. We share different beliefs compared to them. Harmony is impossible for this household, unfortunately. Calista speaks nervously. Calista Line 33) I'm afraid they'll kick you out. We should prepare ourselves for the worst-case scenario. What's your plan B? Raymond releases a sigh of exhaustion, leaning his head on Calista's shoulder. He speaks in a manner of uncertainty. Raymond Line 34) I have friends I can stay with, but if that doesn't work out, I have you. Since you're moving out, could I stay at your place for a while until I get back on my feet? Calista smiles at her brother welcomingly. Calista Line 35) Of course! Don't you dare hesitate! I'm at your beck and call no matter what. Raymond wholesomely smiles at his sister appreciatively. Raymond Line 36) You're the best! Thank you. I'm glad that I can count on you. Raymond places his arm over Calista's shoulder, bringing her closer to himself from the side. Calista glances at her brother sentimentally, getting hit with a wave of sadness. She fails to hold back her tears, bursting into them upsettingly. Raymond pats his sister's shoulder consolingly, speaking in a manner of solace. Raymond Line 37) I'm so sorry that you have to deal with this. The storm will be over soon. Hang tight just a little longer. Raymond faces Calista, embracing her in a warm hug of comfort. Calista sobs on her brother's chest in agony. She speaks through her tears, her voice trembling in immense despair. Calista Line 38) I'm the one who's sorry for what you have to put up with. Stay strong, Ray. Please keep in touch with me. Raymond answers bittersweetly. Raymond Line 39) I will. I promise. Raymond pulls back from Calista, extending his pinky out to her for them to seal their promise. Calista chuckles at the unexpected gesture, wiping her tears as she interlocks her pinky with her brother's. They stare at each other in determination, ready to put out an inevitable fire. *Scene returns back to the current time, with Calista continuing to pack her brother's belongings for when they move in together. Calista's eyebrows furrow in concern, feeling worried about her brother as he had not contacted her whatsoever after the fight. Line 40) Calista's inner thoughts: He told me he would stay in touch, but he's dealt with enough. In that case, I'll make the first move. I need to know that he's okay. Calista swiftly sends a text to Raymond, eagerly watching her message deliver. As she nods her head in determination, she outlines her urgent next steps of action. Line 41) Calista's inner thoughts: Without a doubt, I need to flee this place as soon as possible, once and for all. After some time has passed of continuing to pack all of her belongings along with her brother's, she finally finishes packing everything. The mover guys she hired arrive, loading all of her belongings into a moving truck. Calista's narration: Line 42) I knew for certain that the day I'd move out would be the last time I'd ever see or speak to my parents, cutting ties with them ruthlessly for how terribly they've been to me and Raymond... Line 43) But for some reason, I felt an uncontrollable pit of guilt accumulate in my stomach. My dad was always cold growing up, and my mother would always defend his demeanor. Out of the two of them, she was the nicest. Line 44) She severely disappointed me. There was an inkling within me that thought she'd take our side. After all, at one point, we were a happy family together, but I guess she'll continue to take my father's side no matter what's at stake. Calista numbly bids her parents farewell, with them glancing at her in betrayment for leaving. She gets into the moving truck that has all of her belongings, leading her all the way to her new apartment. She stares out the truck's window, deep in melancholic thought. Calista's narration continues: Line 45) I honestly didn't fathom something like this occurring. To think that I have to go to work and put on a front like nothing happened is absurd. Line 46) My life is falling apart in front of my very eyes, and there's nothing I can do besides watch everything crumble. I feel so useless. Calista arrives at her apartment with the mover guys, unloading all of her belongings into her empty place. Once they finish their job, she thanks them for their hard work, glancing around her new place disorientedly. Calista's narration continues: Line 47) This is the end of us and the start of something new. It's about time I had a fresh start and embraced change in my life. Calista's phone buzzes in her pocket. She reaches for it, observing that the call is coming from her mother. She lets out a hesitant sigh, declining the phone call abruptly. She navigates to her contacts app, scrolling to find her parents' phone numbers. She swiftly presses the "block" button for both contacts before changing her mind. She crinkles her nose in guilt. She then quickly finds her brother Raymond's number, giving him a call. The call rings and rings, but Raymond doesn't answer. Calista leaves a voice message, speaking hopefully, having faith in her brother's promise. Calista Line 48) "Hey, Ray. I texted you multiple times, but you still haven't responded. Please call me back. I need to know that you're okay. Okay, bye! Love you. Looking forward to your contact." She hangs up the call and glances around her place in confusion, not knowing what to do with herself. A sigh of exhaustion escapes her from the overwhelming task of unpacking everything on her list of responsibilities. She eventually unpacks everything, hitting up a store afterward to stock up on groceries. Calista arrives home, putting everything she bought into its rightful place. She mischievously glances at the bottle of wine she bought and opens it up, pouring a hefty amount into a glass for herself. She makes her way over to her new living room couch, checking her phone for notifications, feeling disappointed that she still has not received any from Raymond. She thinks in desperation. Line 49) Calista's inner thoughts: Come on, Ray. Anything will do. I just need to know that you're okay. Various days go by, with Calista still getting nothing from Raymond. At her accounting job, Calista sits in her cubicle, completing her necessary tasks glumly. One of her co-workers swings by, abruptly placing a stack of reports on her desk. He speaks informatively, her eyebrows furrowing in distress from the grueling work lying ahead of her. Co-worker Line 50) Hey there, Calista. These financial statements need to be examined and annotated by the end of the week. Calista nods her head, pursing her lips. Her co-worker examines her demeanor, concluding that she's not doing well. Co-worker Line 51) Is everything okay? You look... sad. Calista reassures her co-worker in an uncertain manner. Calista Line 52) Oh. I-I'm okay. Just having it rough lately. But don't worry. Line 53) Calista's inner thoughts: I'm definitely not okay, but work is not the place to air out my dirty laundry. He responds awkwardly. Co-worker Line 54) Oh, I see. Well, I hope everything will be okay�" Another one of Calista's co-workers calls for the one currently talking to her in excitement, cutting off the conversation the two of them were having. Another co-worker Line 55) Hey! Get over here! The co-worker leaves Calista. She follows him with her eyes, yearning for someone to open up to. Calista's narration: Line 56) I wish I could lean on someone right now. I've only ever had Raymond, but now he's gone. A month goes by after moving into her apartment and cutting ties with her parents, not receiving any input from Raymond. Calista depressingly drinks wine while watching something on her laptop, pitifully snuggled up on her living room couch. Calista's narration continues: Line 57) No matter how many times I'd call or text Raymond, he'd be MIA. Line 58) I deeply hope nothing bad has happened to him, but I just wonder why he hasn't contacted me at all by now. Line 59) We were supposed to move in together... Some more weeks go by with Calista coming home from an exhausting day of work. On her front door, she notices a paper attached. She takes the paper off of the door knocker, reading what's written on it. Line 60) Paper: Rent has increased by xxxx dollars. Refer to the apartment complex's website for more information. Calista stares at the paper in disbelief, panic coursing through her as she processes being unable to afford rent for her place. She quickly gets inside her place, unwinding and searching for apartments on her laptop before heading to bed. Her eyebrows furrow in distress. Line 61) Calista's inner thoughts: Why is rent so expensive everywhere I look?* How will I pay for this on top of my student loans? *Her research shows that other apartment complexes have the same or higher prices for rent. Nothing is lower. She continues browsing through her laptop hopelessly. Line 62) Calista's inner thoughts: I can't believe the prices I'm seeing. Just what am I going to do? I have no choice but to negotiate. I'd rather live on the streets than move back in with my parents. Calista calls her landlord, speaking with them anxiously. Calista Line 63) Hey, so about the updated rental payments�" Her landlord cuts her off abruptly, speaking in a manner of annoyance. Landlord Line 64) Ugh. Another one of these calls. If you're calling to see if you can negotiate a deal, you're out of luck. It's a new policy. I don't make the rules. Calista pleads with her landlord in desperation. Calista Line 65) But... can't we just talk things out? I have the money, or at least I will in the future. Y-you see... I have student loans to pay, so the majority of my income goes to that�" Her landlord cuts her off once again, speaking bluntly. Landlord Line 66) You could take out a loan, or have someone else lend you the money. Other than that, there's nothing I can do for you. Calista replies frantically, feeling her heart drop to her stomach. Calista Line 67) It's not that simple. I-I can't take out a loan. I already have so many other expenses to take care of, and interest just keeps piling up. Calista Line 68) I don't have anyone who can lend me money. Please. There has to be something you can do. Her landlord replies in irritation, finding Calista's whining frustrating. Landlord Line 69) I don't know what to tell you. If you don't pay rent, you'll be evicted. End of story. A grim expression comes across Calista's face, full-on panic settling in. She continues persisting with her negotiations. Calista Line 70) As I mentioned, I'll have the money in the future. Can you and I make a deal of some sort? I'll pay you back tenfold. Her landlord suggests something. Landlord Line 71) I'll pass. If you're having so much trouble, I suggest splitting rent with a roommate. Landlord Line 72) Just so you know, nobody will want to room with you in a one-bedroom apartment. You should take a look at two-bedroom options. Landlord Line 73) The thing is, we don't have any two-bedroom selections at the moment. So, try checking out some other places. Calista replies in a tone of defeat. Calista Line 74) Oh, okay... Her landlord responds indifferently. Landlord Line 75) Well, good luck. They end their call, with Calista extinguishing an exhausting sigh. She immediately searches for apartments near her, finding one close to work. She scours the apartment website, finding a forum on the site to write her roommate listing on. Without any second guesses, she shoots her message, hoping that someone will reach out to her. Calista closes her laptop, burying her face into her hands hopelessly. A couple of days go by, with no one answering her roommate listing. After unwinding from work, Calista stares at her laptop in despair, clenching her fists in frustration. Calista Line 76) Ugh! Why is no one answering me?! Calista quickly calls her brother, seeking his solace. She mumbles under her breath quickly, biting the nail on her thumb anxiously. Calista Line 77) Please answer. Please answer. Please answer... The calls go to voicemail, with Raymond not answering once again. Calista stares at his contact upsettingly. Line 78) Calista's inner thoughts: Gosh. It's like he blocked me. But why? A notification rings from Calista's laptop. She examines where the notification came from, noticing that someone left her a reply on her roommate listing. Her eyes widen in surprise, reading the message in delight. Line 79) Message: Hi, I'm Talulla. My previous roommate moved out a couple of weeks ago, so I have a spot available at my place. If you're interested, let's meet up sometime. Are you available right now, by any chance? If so, give me a call. My number is xxx-xxx-xxxx. Hope to hear from you soon. Calista stares at the message in disbelief, having a hard time processing the fact that Talulla is available to meet up right now. Hope fills her chest. Line 80) Calista's inner thoughts: What convenient timing! I hope she's legit. Calista calls Talulla, and she answers right away. Calista Line 81) Hello. Am I speaking to Talulla? Talulla responds skeptically. Talulla Line 82) Yes. Who's calling? Calista introduces herself in a friendly manner. Calista Line 83) I'm Calista Thakur. You just responded to my roommate listing. Talulla speaks understandingly. Talulla Line 84) Ah, Calista. How's it going? Calista releases a nervous chuckle. Calista Line 85) I've definitely been better. Say, you mentioned you're available right now. I just so happen to be free, too. Talulla responds in delight. Talulla Line 86) Oh really? What a surprise. Where should we meet up? Calista Line 87) I don't know. Where do you suggest? Talulla speaks suggestingly. Talulla Line 88) I'm currently at a café. Swing by. It's near my apartment. I'll text you the address. Calista responds agreeably. Calista Line 89) Sounds like a plan. I'll be there soon. Talulla speaks informatively, her voice filled with notes of anticipation. Talulla Line 90) It's usually pretty empty, so you'll be able to spot me easily. See you soon. They end their call with Calista quickly getting ready to leave. She arrives at the café, entering it unfamiliarly. She observes the modern interior design, finding it alluring. Sitting at a table on her own, Calista spots a girl with brightly colored hair, piercings, tattoos, and punk-styled clothes. The girl swerves her head upon hearing the jingly entrance cue of the café's door going off. She waves at Calista, smiling at her welcomingly. Calista's eyes bulge in shock, not expecting Talulla to appear punk-like. She approaches her anxiously. Calista Line 91) H-hi. Nice to meet you in person, Talulla. Talulla speaks enthusiastically. Talulla Line 92) Ditto. Have a seat. Let's get to know each other. Calista nods her head, abiding by Talulla's suggestion. She seats herself down in front of Talulla, glancing at her nervously. Line 93) Calista's inner thoughts: I hope this will work out for me. I have nothing else to resort to. Talulla explains herself. Talulla Line 94) I was just chilling here and suddenly saw your message as I was scrolling on my phone, so I felt the need to reach out to you and meet up. The sooner, the better, right? Calista speaks inquisitively. Calista Line 95) Definitely. Do you come here often? It's so cute. There's such a cozy environment to it. I'm completely enamored. Talulla releases a chuckle of amusement, finding Calista's reaction wholesome. She speaks informatively. Talulla Line 96) I come here all the time. I just got off of work and needed a boost of energy. Talulla Line 97) I know it's unconventional to have caffeine so late in the day, but I just can't help myself. Talulla speaks encouragingly. Talulla Line 98) Feel like ordering something? I suggest you get a matcha latte. They make it best here. Plus, it'll warm you up. Jersey is so cold in the spring. Calista responds agreeably. Calista Line 99) You've got that right. I've never tried matcha before. Sounds interesting. I'll give it a shot. The waitress of the café approaches Calista and Talulla. Talulla introduces Calista to the waitress. Talulla Line 100) This is Teresa Calista. Since I come here so often, we've become great friends. Teresa speaks in a friendly tone. Teresa Line 101) Nice to meet you, Calista. What can I get for you? Calista orders her drink, with Teresa serving it to her once it's prepared. She speaks happily. Teresa Line 102) Enjoy. We hope to have you back here some other time. Calista speaks appreciatively. Calista Line 103) Thank you. I'll definitely be back here again. Teresa walks away, smirking at Calista welcomingly. Talulla smiles at Calista in excitement, eager to get her input on matcha since it's her first time trying. Talulla Line 104) Have a sip! Your life is about to change. Calista questions Talulla in confusion. Calista Line 105) Aren't you going to order anything? Talulla responds reassuringly. Talulla Line 106) Don't worry. I ordered a matcha latte earlier. Calista nods her head understandingly, taking a sip of her latte. Talulla glances at Calista smugly. Talulla Line 107) How is it? Calista's eyes sparkle from the delicious flavor. She answers in pleasant surprise. Calista Line 108) It's amazing! Thank you for putting me on! Calista smiles at Talulla awkwardly, a moment of silence going on between them. Talulla folds her arms, tilting her head as she observes Calista. She speaks in a blunt manner. Talulla Line 109) Let me guess. You think I'm some kind of punk, huh? Calista chokes on her latte, not expecting Talulla to ask her such a question. Talulla comprehends Calista's choke as a yes to her appearance. Talulla Line 110) See? I knew it. Don't worry. I won't take it personally. Calista justifies her reaction in desperation. Calista Line 111) No. I'm sorry. Your question just caught me off-guard. Calista explains herself, speaking in an honest tone. Calista Line 112) As for looking like a punk, I won't lie when I say I was shocked when I first saw you, but I don't have a say on how you should present yourself. Calista Line 113) You can do whatever you want. As long as you feel comfortable, that's all that matters. I'm not one to judge. Talulla smirks at Calista in delight, feeling pleasantly surprised by her answer. Talulla Line 114) Wow. You seemed a bit mortified to me earlier, but I'm glad to hear how accepting and honest you are. It's quite a relief. Calista dissipates Talulla's assumptions, speaking clarifying. Calista Line 115) I can assure you that I wasn't mortified. I'm just really nervous. Can't help it. Talulla speaks acceptingly. Talulla Line 116) Don't worry. I understand. I'm already starting to like you. Talulla speaks charismatically. Talulla Line 117) That makes you one step closer to becoming my roommate! Calista glances at Talulla in disbelief, questioning her doubtfully. Calista Line 118) What? That quickly? Talulla elaborates passionately. Talulla Line 119) I'm in need of a roommate, and you're the first person who's properly given me a chance, regardless of how I look. Talulla Line 120) I've been turned down numerous times based on the way I present myself. I'd meet up with a person, think we're hitting things off, then get ghosted the next day. Talulla Line 121) I'm finally feeling a difference in our interaction compared to others I've met, and now I understand how genuine you are. Talulla speaks gratefully. Talulla Line 122) I appreciate your willingness to give me a chance. I promise I'm not a delinquent despite how I look. Talulla apologizes, then questions Calista curiously. Talulla Line 123) Sorry for making you choke on your drink. If you don't mind, why don't you tell me a bit about yourself? Calista speaks awkwardly, feeling unprepared. Calista Line 124) Um, well. I'm an accountant. I'm 23. I recently moved into a new place, but then the price of rent went up, and now I'm here, trying to secure a roommate. Talulla Line 125) Rent is really expensive nowadays, huh? Calista nods her head sadly. Talulla speaks informatively. Talulla Line 126) Well, about me, I'm also 23 and I work as a vet technician. Calista replies with enthusiasm. Calista Line 127) That sounds like a fun job. Talulla speaks devotedly. Talulla Line 128) It's amazing. I love working with animals! Talulla speaks alluringly. Talulla Line 129) Just throwing this out there, but if we become roommates, know that we'll get quite close to each other. Calista responds compliantly. Calista Line 130) That's alright with me. I'm in need of friends anyway. Talulla questions Calista inquisitively. Talulla Line 131) I see. In that case, I've got your back. But out of curiosity, why did you get a place of your own if you're unable to afford it? Sorry if that sounds too nosey. Calista answers in dejection. Calista Line 132) I was able to afford it until they raised rent unexpectedly, but besides that, I've always wanted to move out. I don't come from a good household. Talulla speaks in a manner of sorrow. Talulla Line 133) Oh. I'm sorry to hear that. Calista thinks regretfully. Line 134) Calista's inner thoughts: I'm not sure if opening up about that was the best move. After all, Talulla is still just a stranger to me. But I guess I've been dying to talk with anyone, and she's the first person I've reached out to. Talulla tries to maneuver the subject into something more light-hearted. Talulla Line 135) Do you have siblings? Calista answers upsettingly. Calista Line 136) I have an older brother. But, unfortunately, he hasn't kept in contact with me. Talulla speaks in a deeply apologetic tone, her eyebrows slanting in sympathy. Talulla Line 137) I'm so sorry to hear you've been going through a rough time. I hope your friends can provide you with support. Calista replies awkwardly. Calista Line 138) Uh. I honestly don't really have friends. I was quite shy in college and way too focused on my studies. Talulla looks at Calista in shock, stepping in for her. Talulla Line 139) Well, now we have to be roommates! Talulla speaks cheerfully. Talulla Line 140) Kill two birds with one stone, Calista. Having affordable rent and gaining a friend. How does that sound? Calista offers Talulla an appreciative smile, feeling as if a weight has been lifted off her shoulders. Calista Line 141) We've got a deal! Tallula raises her an imaginary latte cup, signaling for Calista to do the same with her eyes but with her real cup. Calista picks her cup up in confusion. Talulla speaks happily. Talulla Line 142) Cheers to the beginning of our friendship, roomie! Calista's eyes widen in excitement. The two of them clink their cups together. Calista's narration: Line 143) I think meeting Talulla was fate. Years into the future, Talulla and Calista take pictures with each other in a photo booth. Line 144) She came at a time when I needed someone to lean on most, radiating such warmth and security. Shot cuts to Talulla and Calista eating ice cream out somewhere. Line 145) She made my dull life vibrant, with happiness surging out of her in abundance. Shot cuts to Talulla and Calista painting each other's nails on a girl's night. Line 146) Her magnetic energy is infectious, leading her to convince me to do things I would have never done if it weren't for her encouragement. Shot cuts to Talulla dying Calista's hair blue in their apartment bathroom, getting everything stained with the bright pigment. Shot cuts to Talulla and Calista watching a movie together at their place, while wearing skincare masks. Line 147) We would go on all sorts of adventures. Exploring a world of endless thrill. Shot cuts to Talulla and Calista having fun at an amusement park. Line 148) She reeled me out of a dark place, and I couldn't be more grateful to have such an amazing person like her by my side. Line 149) Even after all that happened, she still remained by my side no matter what. Line 150) Little did we know what was in store for us in the future. To be continued... ____________________________________________________________ If you want to read this in its original format, check this story out on WritersCafe.org. You can find the external link at the bottom of this webpage. Copyright ©2024�"2025 under United States Copyright Office, Library of Congress. All rights reserved. This literary work is protected by the U.S. copyright laws. Reproduction and distribution of the work without permission is prohibited. The offender will be traced and will face the full extent of the legal ramifications as stipulated by the law. Thank you for reading! ♡ ____________________________________________________________ © 2025 YoshAuthor's Note
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Added on December 14, 2024 Last Updated on February 1, 2025 Tags: #romance, #mentalhealth, #adventure, #charming, #comforting, #cozy, #deep, #detroit, #enthusiasm, #dedication, #passion, #devotion, #fluff, #wholesome, #friendstolovers, #cleanromance, #originalstory Author
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