Let the Light in - T.C x FEM!R

Alamort |2|

"When was the last time you slept?"

You mumbled something she didn't pick up before landing on the couch. You let out a long sigh, putting your hand over your eyes to block out the light directly above you.

"This micro-sleeping crap you've been doing is clearly shit," she said as she put a couple pillows behind you.

"I'm fine," you murmured the blatant lie.

She ignored this. "I'm gonna heat up some chicken soup," she told you before going off to the kitchen. Anika has noticed how you have been growing more and more tired the last couple weeks. She was worried about her roommate but also knew you were too stubborn to ask or accept help.

A few minutes later, Anika returned with a steaming bowl and some toast. Instead of sitting up and accepting the food she made you, you only whined. Anika narrowed her eyes at you before tossing a piece of toast at you. The glare you sent her didn't faze her as she pushed the coffee table closer to you.

"You're eating. No complaints. You can't just live off of cereal and ramen."

You reluctantly picked up the toast that hit your face, taking a tiny bite. "Whatever," you mumbled between chewing.

Anika just rolled her eyes and brought you a water bottle from the fridge, choosing not to argue any further. At least you were eating now. Once you switched over to the soup, Anika sat down on the seat across from you. "What's been going on with you? And don't say 'nothing' because it's obviously something."

You stared at your soup, swirling the spoon around. "I don't feel like talking about it," you answered honestly.

Anika nodded in understanding. "That's okay—just know that I'm here if you do feel like talking at some point," she reassured. You subtly nod, still unable to look up from your soup. Anika accepted your response, getting up and walking to her room.

You stayed there for another hour or so, alone with your thoughts. Each one gnawed at you, screaming the same thing over and over again.

You should have been there.

—

It was another day in history class with Tara. She made a face at you for a comment you made, and just as she was about to say something back, the words 'group project' left the mouth of your professor. 'Pair up in twos' quickly followed. You gave each other a look before looking around and seeing everyone else already pairing away with someone.

That was the story of how you ended up at the Carpenter-Bailey residence. You tried to approach your professor about working alone but he only shook his head and told you it was not an option.

You sat down on their couch, your eyes curiously wandering, as you waited for Tara to return from whatever it was she was doing. She finally came back into view and you anxiously scrambled for your backpack. "Finally," you said.

"Still as patient as ever." She sat down a couple cushions over.

"Whatever. I just wanna get this over with."

"Did you just slip the title of your sex tape?" she teased.

You gave her an unimpressed look, about to respond, but the front door to the apartment opening stopped you. You looked over to see Tara's sister walking in with at least four bags that were full of what you assumed were groceries.

Sam adjusted the bags in her arms, finally looking up to address her sister. She wasn't expecting to also see you sitting on the couch; she opened her mouth to say something but the words escaped her when two of the bags slipped from her arms. Without thinking, you get up from your seat to help the other Carpenter. This doesn't go unnoticed by Tara as she stares at the sight.