Buzzed Hearts

41: rooftop talks

MIDNIGHT COMES. They're all boarded up in Elle's house, turning her living room into a mass of pillows and blankets.

    Camila's changed out of her dress already and into an oversized sweater—no pants. By now, they're all yawning and sleepy, even though as seniors, they'd often stay up later than twelve.

    The first to go is Jeremy. Secluded in the corner with his hood pulled over his head, they don't even notice when he dozes off, phone clutched in his hand. The last thing he said to them was that he wanted some alone time.

    "Alone time?" Elle asked. "You're not going to jack off when we're right here are you?"

    "Don't encourage him," Laurent whispered to her. He's chuckled though, as he bit into an apple. While the rest of them raided Elle's fridge, he made a fruit salad.

    Roma's the next to fall asleep. And Elle. They fell asleep together, cuddling on the couch and giggling.

    And as of now, Camila's the only one awake. She's not sure if Laurent is too because he's turned on his side, blonde hair peeking out from the blanket he's wrapped tightly around himself. Getting up, she goes to the bathroom to brush her teeth—something the rest of them forgot to do—before going to bed.

    Throughout the night, Camila's restless. In and out and between sleep, she finally decides to get up and take a walk.

    Elle's house is a familiar place to her, as comfortable as she would be if she were in her own home. When she first wanted to go to Juilliard at fourteen, her parents discouraged her, not understanding why she'd pursue music as a career. But Elle's parents always understood and asked where she was in her latest work-in-progress. They'd often be the first to listen to her compositions.

    So Camila climbs up to the second floor and opens a window. Having done this countless times before, it doesn't take her long to maneuver up to the roof with a sleeping bag draped over her back.

    The stars peek through and there's still a trace of day in the sky, far into the horizon. The cold wind ruffles her hair and she touches it softly. She climbs to the peak of the roof and lies the sleeping bag down, getting into it.

    "Mila?"

    Laurent has one hand on the roof railing and his head pops up.

    It's not a surprise that he'd find her up there and Camila almost expected it.

    "Come up," she says and offers the sleeping bag to him.

    He doesn't get in though and he's dressed in a thin shirt with sweats.

    "Do you do this a lot?" he asks. "Climbing on top of houses?"

    "Just here. Don't worry," she says. "Aren't you cold?"

    "A bit. Let's huddle."

    He sits behind her and she leans into his chest. She tries not to think about it too hard because Elle and Jeremy would do the same for her. The breeze carries the scent of his shampoo to her and she breathes in green apple—or whatever fruity thing he uses.

    "Mila, there's something I should tell you."