Chapter 12 : Under the Weight of Questions
(Narrator : Josh)
The crisp late-afternoon air stings my face as I push open the door to the building. That wind should have chilled me to the bone, but today, all I feel is a mix of relief and satisfaction. Finally, a day where everything seems to fall into place. I grip my jacket a little tighter, a faint smile tugging at my lips.
A job. Finally.
The interview went exactly as I’d hoped. The position is in security—nothing flashy, but solid. Something tangible. A sense of stability I’ve been craving since I got back. When the recruiter extended his hand to seal the deal, a surge of pride swept over me. It had been a long time since I’d felt that.
I climb the stairs to the apartment with a rare spring in my step. When I reach the door, I pause for a moment, savoring this feeling, trying to lock it into memory before I have to face reality. Tonight’s the party. And all the chaos that comes with it. I shake my head, pushing the thought aside. One thing at a time.
As I step inside, the familiar smell of coffee greets me. Jessica’s there, seated at the kitchen table, her laptop open in front of her. Her glasses are slipping down her nose as she types furiously on the keyboard. She’s completely absorbed, her focus unshakable. A strand of hair falls across her face, and she blows at it absentmindedly, not even bothering to look up.
- Jessica : “So, you survived your interview, huh? You look… oddly happy.”
I sit down next to her, folding my arms on the table. For a moment, I just look at her—her face showing traces of exhaustion, but also genuine curiosity. She’s always had this uncanny ability to read me like an open book.
- Josh : “That’s because I’ve got good news. Really good news. You’re looking at an officially employed man.”
Her eyes widen slightly, and a brilliant smile lights up her face. She pushes her laptop to the side, completely forgetting whatever she was working on.
- Jessica : “What?! Josh, that’s amazing! Congratulations!”
She stands up and leans in to hug me briefly, a spontaneous gesture that still catches me off guard. Despite all the tension, all the complications, moments like these remind me just how close we really are.
We chat about the interview for a bit. She asks about the job, the hours, and I find myself genuinely enjoying talking about it. After months of struggle, endless searching, and frustration, having something solid—something real—feels like a massive weight off my shoulders.
- Jessica : “See? I told you. It was just a matter of patience.”
- Josh : “Yeah, or maybe you were right about something else. Maybe moving in here was exactly what I needed to get things back on track.”
She laughs softly, but there’s a flicker of something darker in her eyes. I notice it immediately.
I lean back in my chair, crossing my arms over my chest, and let out a heavy sigh.
- Josh : “But that’s tomorrow’s problem. Tonight, we’ve got this damn party to deal with.”
Jessica nods, her smile fading. She presses her lips together, and I can see the unease creeping back in.
- Jessica : “You know they’re not going to let it go, right? Brice, Harper… they’re going to ask questions.”
I run a hand through my hair, already feeling the tension creeping back in. She’s right. This whole week, we’ve managed to avoid awkward conversations, to keep things smooth and peaceful. But tonight, in front of everyone, that’s not going to be possible.
- Josh : “We’re going to need to be in sync. If we contradict each other or even hesitate for a second, they’ll jump on it.”
Jessica nods, her expression heavy with worry.
- Jessica : “Yeah… you’re right. We need to figure out how to handle this.”
I watch her face, lined with a fatigue she can’t quite hide. I know she’s as nervous as I am. But we need to stay calm, keep our heads straight. Tonight, we’ll have to play the game.
The dim light of the apartment gives off a nearly soothing vibe, but it’s not enough to quiet the whirlwind of thoughts in my head. I lean against the kitchen counter, a mug of lukewarm coffee in my hands, watching Jessica as she finishes tidying up a few things. She’s restless—I can tell by the way she’s biting her lip, a habit she always falls into when she’s overthinking. And tonight, I know exactly what’s on her mind.
- Josh : “So… how do we handle this?”
My voice cuts through the silence, and she freezes for a second before looking up at me. I see the hesitation in her eyes. Slowly, she sets down the dishrag she was holding and steps closer, leaning against the counter opposite me.
- Jessica : “They’re going to ask questions. We know that.”
I nod, taking a sip of my coffee to buy myself a few extra seconds. She’s right, of course. They’re going to dig, analyze, read into every little detail. It’s not like we’re strangers to their heavy-handed jokes, but after more than a week of living together, they’ll have even more ammunition to fuel their assumptions.
- Josh : “I think we need to keep it simple. Don’t give them anything to latch onto. Laugh at their jokes, act like it doesn’t bother us. You know, like… ‘Haha, good one, guys.’ And then move on.”
She frowns, clearly not sold on the idea.
- Jessica : “And what if they push? You know how Brice is. He’s like a dog with a bone—the more we dodge, the harder he digs.”
I set my mug down on the counter and cross my arms over my chest.
- Josh : “That’s why we need to be on the same page. No contradictions, no hesitation. If we stay relaxed, they’ll get bored eventually. But if we panic…”
She rolls her eyes, a nervous smile tugging at her lips.
- Jessica : “So basically, we act unbothered. Easier said than done.”
I step a little closer, holding her gaze. She needs to know that, no matter what happens, we’re in this together.
- Josh : “Jess, listen. We can handle this. We know who we are, and we know who we’re not. It’s just one night. They’ll make their jokes, ask their questions, and then we’ll come back here. All we have to do is hold it together.”
She exhales deeply, and I can see her shoulders relax just a bit. It’s not much, but it’s something.
- Jessica : “Alright. So, what do we say if they ask how things are going here?”
I pause for a moment, shrugging.
- Josh : “We say it’s fine. That we split the chores, get along, and manage just fine. Keep it simple. No details.”
She nods, but her gaze drifts off, lost in her thoughts.
- Jessica : “And if they ask how long you’re planning to stay here?”
This time, I let a small smile tug at my lips.
- Josh : “I’ll tell them you’re kicking me out the second you get sick of me leaving my socks everywhere.”
She lets out a short, genuine laugh, and I feel some of the tension ease between us.
- Jessica : “Alright. But let me add that I’m the one feeding you—otherwise, you’d survive on instant noodles and regret.”
I raise my hands in surrender.
- Josh : “Fair enough. We can play off that. It’ll make them laugh and steer them away from the real questions.”
After a few more back-and-forths, we settle on our strategy. Keep it light. Answer vaguely. Turn their comments into jokes. And above all, don’t let a single hint of discomfort show.
As she gets up to put away a plate, I watch her, and that familiar mix of pride and guilt starts creeping in. Even though we’re on the same page, we both know it’s just an act. A flimsy front we’ve agreed to hold together. But for now, it’s all we’ve got.
Before she leaves the room, I call out to her, my voice softer this time.
- Josh : “Jess. No matter what happens tonight, we’re in this together, alright?”
She turns to face me, her smile warm and sincere, and nods.
- Jessica : “Always, Josh. Always.”
The crisp night air hits me the second I step out of the car. In front of me, Brice’s house, glowing with lights and already buzzing with laughter and music, feels way too inviting for what I know awaits inside. Alright. Here we go.
Jessica and I decided to arrive separately—an attempt to avoid giving our friends any early ammunition for their usual innuendos. It seemed like a logical plan in theory, but deep down, I know it’ll only delay the inevitable. I take a deep breath and step through the front door.
The moment I walk in, I feel it—a strange energy in the room, as if everyone knows something I don’t. Brice is the first to greet me, his grin far too wide, his expression already dripping with mischief.
- Brice : “Hey, here’s our favorite roommate! Come on, let me get you a drink.”
He grabs me by the shoulder and gently steers me toward the living room. Harper, already perched near the makeshift bar, raises her glass in my direction, her smile laced with mischief. Her eyes flick over to Jessica, who’s sitting next to Chloe on the couch. On the surface, she looks relaxed, but I immediately spot the tightness in her smile and the way her fingers fiddle nervously with the edge of her glass.
They know. They’ve planned something.
As I head toward Jessica, Brice cuts me off, holding out a cold beer.
- Brice : “So, how’s life as Jessica’s roommate? Not too hard living with someone so… unique?”
His tone is casual, playful even, but I can hear the trap lurking under his words. I take the beer, forcing a smile as relaxed as I can manage.
- Josh : “It’s fine. She’s not as unbearable as you’d think.”
Brice bursts out laughing, clapping me on the shoulder.
- Brice : “That’s because you haven’t seen her control-freak side yet. Give it a few weeks—you’ll see.”
I smile back, but inside, I’m already cursing this night. It’s just starting, and I can tell it’s going to be relentless.
When I finally reach Jessica, she gives me a look that says it all. No words are needed to know she’s already endured her fair share of comments. She shifts slightly, making room for me on the couch.
- Jessica (whispering): “They’re in rare form tonight.”
- Josh : “Tell me about it. Brice is already on the offensive.”
She exhales softly, glancing toward Harper and Brice, who are whispering to each other while sneaking glances in our direction. I hate this. That feeling of being watched, analyzed. Jessica feels it too—I can see it in her eyes. But we have a plan. Stick to the script, play along, and we’ll get through this.
Harper approaches us with a wide grin, holding her drink like she’s already won some invisible game.
- Harper : “So, roommates, huh? Have you set up fridge rules yet, or are you already eating together like an old married couple?”
Jessica and I exchange a quick glance. Stay calm. Stay light.
- Josh : “Don’t worry, Harper, Jess has already banned me from touching her chocolate stash. We’re more roommates than honeymooners.”
Harper laughs, but it’s clear she’s fishing for more. Her eyes linger on me, waiting for me to slip up. Jessica jumps in quickly, her smile tight but her tone sharp enough to deflect.
- Jessica : “And Josh already managed to set the kitchen on fire with his buttered pasta. A real chef in the making.”
Harper laughs again, but I can feel her watching us closely, probing, waiting for a crack in our act.
The night drags on, every laugh, every knowing glance from our friends reinforcing the feeling that we’ve unwillingly become the center of the room. At one point, I slip away to the terrace, needing a break and a breath of fresh air. But even there, Brice doesn’t give me peace. He follows me out, leaning casually against the railing.
- Brice : “Come on, Josh, just between us. It’s gotta be nice, right? Living with such a cute girl?”
His grin is way too wide, and I know he’s fishing, just waiting for an ambiguous answer to pounce on. I shrug, keeping my expression as neutral as possible.
- Josh : “It’s just a roommate situation, Brice. Nothing more.”
He raises his hands in mock innocence, but his smirk betrays him.
- Brice : “Sure, sure. But still, it’s funny, isn’t it? You two just seem so… close.”
When I head back inside, Jessica is deep in conversation with Chloe, but her eyes flick to me the second I walk in. She’s searching for reassurance, just like I am. I approach her quietly and lean down to murmur in her ear.
- Josh : “They’re not letting up.”
She nods, the exhaustion evident in her expression.
- Jessica : “I know. But we’re holding it together. Right?”
I give her a reassuring smile, but inside, the tension is building. It’s just one night. One night. But will that really be enough?
I pour another glass—or maybe it’s the same one I’ve been nursing for an hour. Honestly, I can’t even tell anymore. The conversations, the laughter, the lingering stares—they swirl around me like a carousel I can’t seem to stop. Every passing minute reminds me why this evening made me anxious from the start.
Paul leans in, his grin widened by the beer he’s holding.
- Paul : “So, Josh, spill it. Living with a girl, that’s gotta be a game changer, huh?”
I shrug, trying to play it cool.
- Josh : “Yeah, kinda…”
He narrows his eyes, clearly amused by my lack of enthusiasm.
- Paul : “Come on, you share everything now. The fridge, the Netflix queue, maybe even… late-night confessions?”
I barely have time to reply before Lily joins the conversation, drink in hand and a playful smirk lighting up her face.
- Lily : “He’s got a point. I mean, you must have all these cute little moments, right? Like, cuddling on the couch after a long day, watching some cheesy movie, and…”
She lets her words hang, her grin saying everything she doesn’t. My jaw tightens, but I force a steady breath before answering.
- Josh : “Lily, you’ve got way too much imagination. It’s just… normal. Nothing special.”
They exchange a knowing look, and I can tell they don’t buy it. Great. That’ll definitely help.
Across the room, I spot Chloe chatting with Jessica. I can’t hear a word, but I know that curious smile of hers. She’s asking questions—I’m sure of it. Jessica, on the other hand, wears a polite but strained smile that’s impossible to miss.
A few minutes later, Jessica heads my way, her glass half-empty in her hand.
- Jessica (whispering): “Chloe wants to know if you’re pulling your weight around the apartment. She asked if you leave your stuff lying around everywhere.”
- Josh: “And what did you tell her?”
- Jessica: “That you’re impossible to live with and I’m considering kicking you out.”
She laughs softly, but I can see the fatigue creeping into her features. These conversations, the insinuations… it’s draining, and she’s feeling it just as much as I am.
The night drags on, and the questions grow sharper, more invasive. Harper, always true to form, delivers the final blow.
- Harper: “Come on, Josh, let’s be real. You’re living with Jess now. There’s got to be a point where you start thinking she’s more than just a roommate, right?”
My smile falters for the briefest moment before I manage to regain it. Stay calm. Don’t give them anything.
- Josh: “She’s just a friend, Harper. What do you want me to say? That she drives me crazy because she takes up all the space in the fridge?”
Laughter breaks out, but I can feel it’s not enough to throw them off. They want more. They’re fishing for cracks, details—something they can latch onto.
Sensing that I’m about to lose my patience, Jessica steps in with a fake casual smile.
- Jessica: “Hey, cut him some slack. It’s not easy living with someone as perfect as me, but he’s doing his best.”
The group bursts out laughing, and for a moment, the tension dissipates. She glances at me briefly, and I respond with a grateful smile. Thank you, Jess.
But even with these small victories, I can feel the weight of this evening pressing down harder. Every word, every look is being dissected, overanalyzed. Every time Jessica and I exchange a glance, I see that mix of amusement and suspicion flickering in our friends’ eyes. They’re not trying to be cruel, but their curiosity feels suffocating.
When Jessica gets up to grab a glass of water, I take a deep breath, running a hand over my face. How did we even get here?
Brice approaches again, his steps heavy, a half-empty beer in his hand. He claps a hand on my shoulder, his grin as wide as ever, but this time, I can tell he’s got something on his mind.
- Brice: “Come on, Josh, you’ve got two minutes to tell me the truth. Living with a girl like Jess…”
I look at him, already feeling the trap closing in, but before I can say anything, he pushes forward.
- Brice: “Seriously though, she’s hot, man. And I don’t want to be crude, but… doesn’t it ever cross your mind, like, late at night? The two of you, alone… doesn’t a spark ever… you know?”
I freeze, my brain trying to process when exactly the conversation veered into this territory. He laughs, clearly thinking his persistence is hilarious.
- Brice: “Come on, be honest. You never catch her walking around in her underwear? Or stepping out of the shower with just a towel? Seriously, man, you’ve got it made, you know that? I still remember what you told me back then: ‘That’s the kind of ass you’d eat for breakfast, no hesitation.’ Hah!”
I feel heat creeping up my neck, my face probably as red as the beer in my hand. I laugh nervously, desperately searching for a way to steer this conversation somewhere else.
- Josh: “Brice, why don’t we talk about you instead? How’s it going with all your imaginary conquests?”
Brice bursts out laughing, giving me a slap on the back.
- Brice: “Touché! But seriously, man. Let me know if you ever need advice, alright? Living with a girl like Jess… that’s gotta be tricky to handle, if you know what I mean.”
The evening drags on, but neither Jessica nor I can relax. The innuendos grow heavier, the stares linger longer. Even our carefully worded replies seem to fuel their curiosity instead of quelling it. Every word we say only convinces them more that there’s something to dig into.
When my eyes meet Jessica’s across the room, I can see she’s had enough. She’s trying to smile, but I know this night is wearing her down as much as it is me.
And this is only the beginning.