Fell In Love With My Roomy Chapter 96

These past weeks have been tough. Waiting feels like running a marathon, and each day is becoming more difficult.

Since Thanksgiving, things have been chaotic. I wanted to spend every day with him, and every night before I slept, I thought about how close he was. I was falling hard, and it was becoming harder to stay away.

Exams were good for my mental health; they gave me something else to focus on. It's not great to be so in love with your roommate that it hurts.

Before we understood our feelings, he drove me to work a lot, which wasn't unusual, but now he did it more frequently. We got along so well that our friends found it strange. I didn't know what to do because I didn't hate him anymore, but it was easier to hate him.

Abby came over to study last night, and I had to lie to her too. Kent walked into the kitchen to get something to eat before his workout while we were at the table. Then he asked Juls, "Do you want anything?"

I smiled at him, and his eyes softened, a kind smile forming on his face. Every time I saw him, it was a real pleasure, and our faces showed it.

"I'll see you later," he said and kept my eyes on me the whole way to his car.

As soon as he left, Abby tilted her head and shut down her computer. I knew right away that I had made a mistake, but Kyle and Mark were too busy to notice the changes between us. Abby could sense when something was wrong with a person before anyone else.

"What are you two up to?" She snapped. I was relieved that no one else was home because I knew she would ask tough questions. "That look was so intense it almost made me sick."

"Nothing is happening; we're just getting along better," I replied to stop her from asking more questions.

I missed Kent so much that we stopped touching because it felt like lighting a fuse every time. We only kissed a few times the week after we returned from our trip, and then it seemed like we both stopped. But I still wanted it, and I was afraid she could tell.

"Come on, you two have been acting strange for the past two weeks. He always looks at you, and you blush every time you look into his eyes. By the way you smile at each other, you clearly like each other!"

"Abby."

"Juls," she warned. "Since you told me you two kissed, it's obvious you're flirting with each other. Please, for God's sake, just admit it."

"We're in a complicated situation, there's nothing to admit," he said. I shrugged, and she laughed. "Abby, you know we don't get along that well, and I just broke up with someone."

"It's been almost a month," she sighed. "You and Dane, or Satan as I like to call him, had nothing. You and Kent were better at your worst than you and Dane were at their best."

"I don't have time," I sighed.

"You like him," she accused, and my heart sank.

I almost cried because she's right, I do like him a lot. But for our lives and reputations, we need to try to act like we don't. Even after Piper's ridiculous video is dealt with, I know it's not the worst thing we have to face. We have to tell our friends that we've been lying to them, deal with Piper, the whole campus that knows Kent and his reputation, my parents, the fact that we'll still be living together and dating, and the fact that I may be away for over a month in January.

"Abby, neither of us like each other," I asserted. "Nothing is happening, and I won't try to find something that isn't there. It'll just make us sad, and I don't have time for Kent right now."

"You're making yourself unhappy, Juls," she murmured while reopening her work. "I wish you'd stop saying you don't like each other."

I pondered that conversation all night and all day, attempting to study for my final on Tuesday. I felt reasonably confident about the material, but it was tough to concentrate with all this on my mind. Today was Sunday, marking two weeks since our trip had ended.

I was also anxious about my interview with Doctor Elliot because I really wanted that job. If I could at least get confirmation of that, I'd be far less concerned about starting a relationship with Kent.

I massaged my temples at my desk. Everyone else was at the library to study, but I disliked the library's noise, so I preferred to study at home. I worked through my study guide at my own pace, but I had a lot on my mind. I felt like I was giving myself wrinkles.

While taking notes, my laptop chimed with another alert. I blinked, rubbed my eyes, and focused on the screen. It was from the same person who had messaged me almost a month ago. I hurriedly brought my laptop closer and opened my email.

The subject line of the new email read, "Selections for NW Program!" I took a big gulp and a deep breath before opening it.

'Dear Julianna,

Thank you so much for your patience as we interviewed and selected candidates. As you know, this program is highly competitive with numerous applicants.

Oh my goodness.

I almost didn't want to continue reading, but when I saw "we're happy to tell you," my curiosity got the best of me.

...we're pleased to inform you that you've been chosen for our program. Your research is excellent, and the sources you used are outstanding. Julianna, we're delighted to welcome you to our Early Modern Artifacts Research Program. We can't wait to have you on our team!"

I moved away from my desk, covering my mouth with my hand. I gasped and took deep breaths while grinning through my tear-filled eyes. I had been selected. I had been chosen!

"Oh my goodness!" I screamed, jumping up and down at my desk and grinning like a maniac. I quickly read the summary at the end, which mentioned that I should confirm my spot by responding to the email and that another email with more details would be sent in the coming weeks. I replied promptly, jumping for joy.

As I let out another excited scream, I heard the front door slam shut.