Carlson Melody - Stealing Bradford

“Not me,” said Kriti.

“Or me,” added Eliza.

“No way,” said Casey. “I’d probably have to kill Taylor in her sleep if we were roommates.”

“Maybe you should switch with Rhiannon, DJ,” said Eliza. “Taylor actually seems to like you…well, sometimes.”

“No, thank you,” said DJ.

Then they went their separate ways. But DJ felt guilty as she went to her room to knock off some homework. Maybe she should offer to switch with Rhiannon. Or perhaps this whole thing would simply blow over. She hoped so.

It was nearly seven thirty when DJ phoned in the pizza order and went downstairs to see if they were ready to see the rest of South Pacific .

“We’re trying to decide whether to start it at the beginning again,” said Eliza. She had the remote and seemed to be calling the shots.

“Is someone at the door?” asked Kriti.

“Probably pizza,” said DJ, although that seemed way too fast. She hurried to get to it before Inez, since she wasn’t sure if she could trust the housekeeper not to inform on her. But when she reached the door, it wasn’t pizza. It was Bradford, with Harry and Conner behind him.

“What are you guys doing here?” asked DJ in a less than welcoming tone.

“We’re invited to a movie.” Conner stepped forward with a disarming smile. “Are you sending us away?”

“No.” She opened the door wider. “Of course, not. Come on in. It’s just that I didn’t know we were having guests.” She eyed Bradford with suspicion. This had to be Taylor’s doing. She’d probably assumed if Bradford came with Harry and Conner, it would be acceptable. But how was this going to make Rhiannon feel? And should DJ warn her?

“The living room is this way,” she said as she led them through the foyer. “Maybe we should’ve ordered more pizza.”

“Pizza!” Conner smacked his lips.

“Hey, guys,” called out Eliza. “You’re just in time.”

“I’m going to phone in more pizza,” said DJ. She nodded to Conner now. “Make yourself at home.” Then she glanced over at Rhiannon, who looked uncomfortable, as if she’d been trapped. “Hey, Rhiannon,” called DJ. “I need a hand in the kitchen, okay?”

Rhiannon looked relieved to get out of there, and DJ walked ahead and led her through the dining room into the kitchen. At least it would be private. “I’m sure this is Taylor’s doing,” she said. “I can’t imagine what she’s up to.”

“It doesn’t really matter,” said Rhiannon sadly.

“Yes, it does,” insisted DJ. “It’s just plain mean.”

Rhiannon took in a choppy breath. “I’m trying to be mature about this. Really, I am. But it’s hard. And Taylor isn’t helping much either.”

“Of course, it’s hard. Taylor is the most selfish person I’ve ever met. And I feel so bad that you’re stuck rooming with her.”

“It is pretty awkward.”

“Look, Rhiannon. If you want to switch, I will. You can room with Casey. You guys get along okay, don’t you?”

“You don’t have to—”

“No,” she insisted. “I think I do.”

Rhiannon hugged her now. “Thank you, DJ. You really are a good friend.”

“I’m trying to be a good Christian too,” admitted DJ. “But sometimes, like when I get mad at Taylor, I sort of forget.”

“Yeah, I have to admit that I’ve entertained a few fantasies myself.”

DJ tried not to look shocked. “Really?”

Rhiannon looked uncomfortable. “Yes, it’s kind of embarrassing to say it out loud, but I’ve imagined her being publicly humiliated, and I’ve even wished that the mean girls would get her cornered behind the gym and really let her have it.”

“No way!” Rhiannon nodded. “Yeah. I’m a Christian, but I’m not perfect.”

“Well, that’s kind of a relief.”

“Even so, I’d like to handle this right. I’ve been praying for God to help me.”

“Right.” DJ pressed her lips together. How could she fault Rhiannon for taking her faith this seriously? Besides, DJ reminded herself, Rhiannon had a pretty easy-going sort of temperament. DJ had noticed that last year when she’d seen Rhiannon interacting with her mom. At times, DJ had wished that Rhiannon would stand up to her mom and tell the stupid woman off. But Rhiannon never had. At least not when DJ was there to witness it. Still, it seemed nothing short of saintliness that Rhiannon hadn’t torn into Taylor yet. DJ felt certain she wouldn’t do half as well in the same situation. And she couldn’t believe she’d just offered to become Taylor’s roommate. Had she lost her mind?

“In light of our unexpected visitors, I think I’ll skip the movie tonight,” said Rhiannon. Then she brightened slightly. “In fact, maybe I’ll use the time to switch some things into your room while everyone is down there. If you don’t mind?”

“Sure,” said DJ, although the idea of them doing the switch tonight had not occurred to her.

“Do you want me to move anything for you while I’m at it?” she asked.

“Sure, if you want. I suppose you’ll need some drawer and closet space for your things. Go ahead and do some switching if you want. Then maybe we can tackle the rest of it during the weekend.”

“I’m sure Taylor will be glad to get rid of me,” said Rhiannon.

“Only because she’s crazy.”

“Thanks again. I really appreciate it.”

“I think I hear Eliza calling. I better phone in for some more pizza,” she said. “Want me to make any excuses for you not being there for the movie?” Rhiannon shook her head. “No. I doubt anyone will notice anyway.”

“I’ll notice.”

“Thanks.”

But when DJ returned to the living room, where they’d all decided to watch the movie from the beginning since half of them hadn’t seen it yet, it seemed that Rhiannon was right. They didn’t seem to notice that she was missing. Conner had saved DJ a space beside him, and Harry and Eliza were already in the loveseat. For some reason DJ felt relieved to see that Taylor and Bradford weren’t sitting together. Of course, she figured that might change before the night was over. But at least Rhiannon wouldn’t be around to witness it if it did. She wondered how Taylor would react to swapping roommates.

About thirty minutes into the movie, the pizzas arrived. DJ had asked them to hold her earlier order and deliver them both together, along with a selection of sodas. Fortunately, Eliza offered to cover the bill, and Taylor, probably just wanting attention, threw in a pretty generous tip. Conner helped DJ bring the order in, but when they got back, Taylor and Bradford had taken their spot and were now sitting together on the couch. As she set the food items on the oversized coffee table, DJ tossed Taylor a glance, which Taylor ignored. Then she and Conner made themselves comfortable on the big floor cushions.

The movie was actually pretty good in a corny, old-fashioned sort of way. One of the underlying themes had to do with prejudice, and DJ was surprised that a goofy musical made fifty years ago would contain such a strong statement.

“Don’t you guys think that Taylor should play Liat?” suggested Bradford.

“You mean because she’s so sweet and innocent,” teased Eliza.

“No, he means because my skin is dark like hers,” said Taylor.

“So is Bloody Mary’s,” said DJ. “Maybe Taylor should play her…or would that be considered typecasting?”

Taylor gave DJ a withering look. And DJ suddenly remembered she’d be sharing this girl’s room tonight. “Just kidding,” said DJ quickly. “Actually, Taylor does look a little bit like Liat.”

“Why thank you,” said Taylor.

“I think Eliza should play Nellie,” said Harry fondly. “Wouldn’t she be perfect?”