Changing Tunes Read Free Page B

interested.”
    Sean looks at me, severely pissed, and I can’t help the smirk from emerging. I turn to leave and hear, “Bitch,” escape his mouth.
    I quickly turn back, “Oh yeah, you have no idea.”
    I leave him and his new conquest standing there. I don’t have time for this shit, and begin to make my way out of the crowded house and finally out to the street. I quickly make the short walk back to my apartment, pull my key out and open the door. A lamp is on in the living room area, telling me she’s made it home safely. I make my way to her door and tap on it gently, hoping she’s still up. When she doesn’t answer, I quietly open it just a fraction and look in. Mac’s sound asleep in her bed. I close her door and walk into my room. I let the breath out I’ve been holding and start to undress.
    It doesn’t escape me that I’m not used to caring, or worrying about someone else. It actually floors me, and I feel like such an ass for leaving her.
    Throwing on a tee shirt, I climb into bed, still feeling a slight high from the night and finally give in to sleep.
     
     

 
     

     
     
    I wake to the smell of bacon. My stomach grumbles, the smell overpowering enough to nudge my ass out of bed. I tumble out and decide to make a trip to the restroom and shower. My head is at a dull ache; just enough for me to feel it as I wonder what kind of conversation is in store for me this morning with Mac. I shower quickly, throwing my hair up in a clip, and slip back into my room to get dressed and put some mascara on. I don’t like anybody seeing me without it. Call it my security blanket; although, I’m sure others consider it vanity. I finish getting ready and take tentative steps out of my room, heading into the kitchen. Mac is leaning over a frying pan and I hear the sizzle and pop of the bacon. I’m not sure how this works. This is our first morning waking up in the apartment together. Am I allowed to have some bacon, or is this her food? I feel silly for even pondering this, but I certainly can’t just walk over and take some. Can I?
    As if hearing my thoughts, Mac pipes up, scaring the shit out of me and I jump. Not only do I jump, but I squeak like a damn mouse, too. “Are you hungry?” She asks in her perky and happy voice, still concentrating on cooking the bacon and not turning around.
    How in the hell did she know I was in here?
    “Um, yeah,” I say tentatively. “If that’s okay?”
    “Of course it is. I made plenty. You are always welcome to eat whatever I make.”
    “Thank you,” I say, gratefully.
    She doesn’t acknowledge my words, instead tells me to take a seat at the table. As if sensing my hunger, she piles my plate high with bacon and eggs and sets it in front of me. “Eat,” She instructs.
    That’s exactly what I do. Mac takes a seat beside me, and we eat in silence until I can’t take the quiet anymore, especially after last night. It’s a big fat elephant in the middle of the room, and it’s bugging the shit out of me. I stop eating and look up at Mac, “About last night…”
    Mac cuts in before I can say anything further, “What about last night? It’s all good, Ash; no worries.”
    Okay, I totally noticed she’s not upset I left her last night, but honestly, I’m more focused on the fact Mac just gave me a nickname! I’ve never had anyone call me Ash. You would think it’s a logical option for a nickname, but nobody ever went there. What does that say about me? It feels strange, but kind of nice. I don’t react to it, just let it breeze by. Mac continues the conversation, oblivious to what has just passed between us. “What classes are you taking first?”
    Unfortunately, I didn’t have a lot of say in my class schedule; that was all my father’s doing. “I’m taking Chemistry, Applied Statistics, an English class and a Beyond History class.” I glance up and notice Mac staring at me open mouthed.
    “What?” she blurts. “You must be smart or