I took a taxi the rest of the way to the nearest furniture store. I was at the store for at least an hour or two, looking at anything I could get for my apartment. There wasn't much that was cheap, but I eventually found a mattress and a small couch that wasn't too much. I took pictures of them, and made a mental note to order them the next day. I want to get Jess' opinion first.. I tell myself. She promised to come by at 7 and bring dinner so we could eat and talk about her matching.
I sigh. I don't know if I want to hear about it at all.. The fact that she's getting matched.. I won't see her much anymore. She'll be matched with at least five people, and go on dates and whatnot to see who she would want to be her future spouse. Matched people don't really get a choice outside of those five options. I walk out of the store. The skies have cleared a lot, and the sun is warm and shining. I smile lightly. I think I'll walk the rest of the way home..
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When I got back to the apartment, I unlocked the door and stepped inside. Artemis greeted me by rubbing herself against my legs, and I reached down to scratch her back. She mewed once and took off into my room. A few seconds later, she returned with a tiny dead mouse in her jaws, dropping it at my feet and meowing again. I was a bit disgusted, but I picked it up, gave Artemis a nod while patting her head and went to the kitchen to find a plastic baggie. Once I found one, I quickly put the dead mouse inside and threw it in the trash. I guess she found it running around or something.. I look around. That's natural for an older apartment like this..
I took off my shoes and hoodie and put my hair into a ponytail, tucking away the streak of red in my hair, hiding it from view. I did this often. I even dyed a bit of my hair white like Jess once so people wouldn't stare. I got in trouble, but it was worth not getting the looks of disapproval and gawking for at least a few days. At least people could think I didn't have a streak, like the rejects. Kids who were born without streaks were usually shunned from society. They're 'defects.' Unwanted, just like myself.
I pull out my phone and browse the internet for about thirty minutes before I hear a knock at the door. My head whips around, and I stand up quickly, almost running to the door.
"Coming!" I shout, unlocking the door. When I do, Jess steps inside and greets me with a hug. "Hey Rhea, how're you hanging in here?" she asks, closing the door behind her. I shrug. "It's okay I guess.." She frowns. "Is everything okay?" I sigh softly. "Yeah.. Just a bit tired.." I mumble.
She puts her hands on her hips. "Rhea, I've known you since we were 11. You're not just tired. What's bothering you?" I look at my feet. "Is it the whole matching thing? You said you didn't care.." I groan internally, but don't respond. She sighs. "Well, I brought food." she says, pulling some fast food from a bag she had on her shoulder. "Hopefully you'll feel better once you eat." She eyes me. "When was the last time you ate anyway?"
"...Yesterday?" I mutter. "I think." Jess' green eyes flash. "Rhea! You can't be so careless about that! You'll pass out if you don't eat, and then who's going to be here to help you?? I can't be here every day of your life, you're an adult now, we both are!" She pinches the bridge of her nose.
"Sorry Jess, I just.. Don't get hungry or I'm busy and I forget to eat.." I say. "Here then." She responds, throwing a couple of cheeseburgers at me. I attempt to catch them, but ultimately fail, having one hit my chest, and the other hitting my face. Jess lets out a "pff-" noise and I frown. "You did that on purpose!" She shrugs, a grin on her face. "Maybe if you actually ate more I wouldn't need to throw your food at you.�� I sigh. "Fine. I promise I won't skip meals. Unless I forget." She wags her finger. "No, you're gonna remember." I roll my eyes, smiling a bit.
The rest of the afternoon is spent eating, chatting, and watching a show on my phone. She never brought up her matching, and I was a bit grateful to her for that. After an episode of the show we were watching ended, she took a look at my hair.
"You know.." She said. "Sometimes it's okay to be different. Being unique isnt bad.. It's a part of who you are. Having a red streak makes you.. Well, you." I tug a strand of my hair. "It's not necessarily about having a red highlight Jess.. It's how everyone else treats me because of it. I'm a freak of nature. No one else has a red streak, no matter how much I wish someone did. I can't change the fact that I'm unique in this way." Jess tilted her head, looking concerned.
"Is there any way I can help..?" I shake my head. "You can't change what's been made permanent. This is a part of me, like you said." I smile sadly. "I've learned to live with it for my whole life. I think I'll be okay." She takes my hand. "If you ever need anything, I'm always here you know. For the most part. No matter what happens, I'll always be your best friend, okay?" I nod. "Thanks Jess.. I don't know what I would do without you.." She punches my shoulder playfully. "Damn straight! I'm the best!" she laughs, and I smile. A real smile this time. "I mean it Jess. Thank you so much for everything you've done for me." She waves her hands. "No problem, don't mention it. What kind of friend would I be if I left you alone? We're in this together." My smile widens, and I nod.
But what will happen when you leave? When you get married to the person you're matched with? What will happen then..? My thoughts swirl through my head unpleasently. I'll truely be alone then..
"I know that face." I hear Jess say. "Whatever you're worrying about, it's going to be fine, alright?" I sigh again. "Alright.." Jess said we'll always be best friends.. But how long will 'always' be..?