He's speeding.
He's going way too fast.
He has to be going at least 40 miles over the speed limit.
Anxiety rose from the pit of Zola's stomach, she knew something bad was coming, something bad always came with him.
"S-slow down." She slurred out, finally fearing for her life, which was definitely in danger.
"You wanted to piss daddy off, right?" He let out a sinister chuckle, firmly pressing his foot against the gas.
The sound of the heavy tires skidding against the wet asphalt attacked Zola's ears.
Her senses were overwhelming and betraying her again.
"Stop! Stop now!" Zola screamed with loose strands of curls violently lashing against her cheeks with the wind.
"Penn, no!"
I woke up with my chest heaving as cold beads of sweat rested on my forehead. This is the second nightmare this week.
I didn't have much time to calm myself before the screeching sound of my ringtone sliced through my heavy thoughts. I snatched the phone from my nightstand and answered it.
"Hello?" I croaked as I wiped my eyes.
"Oh lord, girl, by the sound of that voice I just know your breath is kicking." My mother's melodic voice spilled through the phone, I automatically felt myself calming down.
"Good morning to you too, mama." I stuffed my pedicured feet into my fluffy slippers and shuffled to my personal bathroom.
"Mmhm, I was just calling to check on my baby."
"And?" I yawned, preparing my oral hygiene routine. My mother never calls to just 'check up.'
"And to see if you're still sure about renting that bedroom."
There it goes.
"You know it's nothing for me and your father to pay until you're done with school."
Ever since I moved to Pennsylvania a couple of years ago, my parents have taken care of everything for me. From my rent and car payments to my textbooks and therapy sessions, just as they did for my other siblings when they were in college.
My parents, Ashe and Gabriel Patterson, have created the "ideal American lives" for themselves and their three children. Well, the ideal Black life. My siblings and I have never desired something we couldn't have and we've always been supported.
In my opinion, my parents are the epitome of Black excellence.
However, I have a good job and I want to take some responsibility for myself, other than my groceries and phone bill.
In all honesty, even though I'm only 20, depending on them so heavily has caused me to feel like a burden. No matter how many times they tell me I'm not and they don't mind, I can't help the negative thoughts.
"I know, but, I'm sure, mama. You guys already do so much for me and this is something I really wanna do. I already have roomie interviews lined up." I assured her as I rid my mouth of mouthwash and toothpaste.
"Okay, baby. I told your father you weren't going to change your mind. I sent Naseem on a flight up there, he's gonna bring that police computer thing to run background checks on those folks. Can't have some joker rooming with you, smelling your panties as you sleep."
YOU ARE READING
Roommates
RomanceFrom the outside looking in, Zola Patterson has lived an easy, carefree life. But, looks can be deceiving. To ease her craving for independence, Zola rents the second room of her condo to a stranger. The young woman never expected a trail of revea...