The Shattered Looking Glass Part Two: Fifty Cent Roomate

Ten o' clock at night I and never went home. I was released from the hospital the same day I had my accident with minor injuries. I wore a small patch-like bandage on the left side of my forehead, and I had tiny and slightly noticeable stitches in the corner of my mouth where my pink press-on nail tore my lip open upon the impact of the crash. It was nothing too unattractive, but I still felt miserable.1

After I left the hospital, I remembered I didn't have a car anymore and decided to walk to the nearest fast food restaurant. I knew that my father would buy me another car upon request, so I didn't worry about having a lack of transportation for the night. I looked down at my feet as my sneakers squeaked on the sidewalk, and thoughts raced through my mind about the day's events. I reached my perfectly manicured hand into my pocket and pulled out the tattered paper that Trent had given me. The numbers were slightly smeared from my pocket, but were still legible. I ran my finger over his name and sighed. For some reason I felt connected to him. I ruled out the possibility of a crush or the theory of love at first sight, and I figured maybe it was all just coincidence that we met. Still, no matter how hard I tried to convince myself that it was an unimportant encounter, I couldn't help but wonder why I felt linked to this stranger.2

I finally arrived at MacDonnell's, the city's rip off burger joint from the famous line of restaurants that have forced their way into foreign countries. It wasn't much different in appearance or layout, but for some reason people flocked there to get burgers. Maybe it was the fact that it was cheaper due to the imported meat food product and the slabs of grease they called french fries. It was a place that clogged a customer's arteries for a cheap price, allowing them to save up enough money for the heart bypass they'll need when they turn forty. It even smelled unhealthy and the floors were sticky with settled grease, but nevertheless people refused to pay money to a corporate restaurant that played a role in governmental trade and expansionism.3

After bartering cash for a Mondo Cheeseburger Value Deal with an iced tea, I sat down with my tray of food at the farthest corner of the burger joint. I chewed my food slowly, my mind more active than my stomach at the moment, and I pondered about my life. I was such a spoiled brat, and I knew that day that I needed a change. I needed to experience the world for what it really was and shove my rich pampered ass to the side. I set down my burger and pulled out Trent's number again, staring at the sloppy handwriting. Maybe this was the doorway to my new life and the opportunity to make my big change.4

I dumped the remainder of my meal in the trash can (those inscriptions on the doors that say "Thank You" always annoyed me) and hurried out the doorway to find the nearest payphone. I spotted a few across the street at the nearest gas station and dodged traffic as I made my way over. I lifted a phone off its receiver and carelessly raised it to my ear. I held the phone between my ear and my shoulder as I shuffled through my pockets for 50 cents. After successfully finding two quarters, I deposited my change and dialed the number on the torn piece of paper. There were two rings before a male voice answered, slightly raspy and deep.5

"'ello?"6

"Trent?"7

"Huh? Oh, yeah, let me get him." The man who answered released a smoker's cough and sniffed violently, then grunted a bit as he yelled for Trent. "Hey, some chick is on the phone for you!" There was a slight thud as the phone was set down followed by the sound of two men talking in the background. I waited patiently, and smiled slightly as Trent answered with a curious "Uh, hello?"8

"Hi, it's the girl you hit with your truck."9

"Oh, hey! They released you already?"10

"Yeah, it was an act of God and I was miraculously healed."11

"Whatever," he said with a slight chortle. "So what's up? Insurance issues or are you just calling for a good time?"12

I snorted a bit at his remark. "I don't need a good time buddy."13

"Hey, it was a joke! Calm down!"14

"Listen," I changed the subject as fast as I could while twirling the phone cord around my finger. "I need a place to stay. I, uh, had my apartment broken into and the police have taped it off for evidence. I don't know how long they're going to take."15

"Well, its just been a crazy day for you, huh? Getting into a car accident AND having your home broken into. You can stay with me I guess, but don't mind the dumb ass living with me. He can be a pain at times."16

"Sounds good to me."17

The phone grew silent for a few seconds, and then Trent's voice became audible again.18

"I'll tell you what," he replied. "Meet me at Jerry's Bar on the corner of Kennedy and Fifth. I'll be there in about an hour. We'll have a few drinks, kick back, and then I'll bring you back here. Is that okay?"19

"Yeah, it's great."20

"Perfect, I'll see you soon then." He hung up without waiting for a response from me, and I replaced the phone on its hook after untwisting my fingers. I turned around and began walking towards Kennedy Road. I don't know why I decided to call Trent, or why I lied about my apartment to stay with him, but I knew I had to do it. I was in for my big change, and Trent was going to help me through it.21