Roomies

By Ashley Benderton

When three college freshman meet in Psychology class, they form a friendship that will change their lives forever. Michael is straight, raised by two moms before the issue of gay rights has come to the forefront of American culture. He played baseball in high school and his mothers have taught him how to read the subtle clues about women and relationships. Sara considers herself to be bisexual although she has only had two experiences during high school. She is passionate and uninhibited. Abby comes from a strict Christian family and while remaining a virgin through high school, considers herself to be a lesbian based on her attraction to girls more than boys.

Michael is a handsome, athletic, intelligent, computer science major with an emphasis in the software and app development field. Sara is an attractive, athletic, and intelligent, long-haired brunette majoring in Civil Engineering and was swimmer in high school. Abby is an attractive, athletic, intelligent, short-haired blonde. She is initially undecided about her major but chooses Physical Education in her junior year. She would like to be a personal trainer and yoga instructor and played volleyball in college.

As the three develop a deep friendship during the early weeks of freshman year, they make a decision to become roommates during their sophomore year. However, Michael’s affection for the women goes beyond mere friendship. When Sara and Abby start a relationship near the end of their sophomore year and Michael realizes that the two women are lovers, he responds uncharacteristically and accepts them without question. From that point, the three transform what is a typical two-person relationship into a three-person one for the remaining two years of college.

In coming to terms with graduation and the possibility of splitting up, their relationship takes an unexpected turn when they all get jobs in the same city. Their relationship continues as they confront adult issues and problems. Their bond of love sees them through any and all consequences and when they decide to take their relationship to the next level, they are bonded to each other for life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ashley Benderton
• Release date: Oct 18, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310688744

Book preview

Chapter 1- First Days

Michael was the son of two moms, life partners actually, who had enlisted the help of a trusted male friend to help them conceive and give birth to the boy who was their entire life. Victoria worked for the hometown city government as an executive assistant to the City Manager while Jenna worked as an accountant for an oil and gas firm downtown.

Sara was a child of divorce. Her parents, divorced when she was sixteen, just could not live together any longer. While they still cared for each other, and both loved Sara, they had grown apart, as many couples do, with the repetitive nature of their life together. They felt that rather than continue to argue about petty issues all the time that it would be better to lead separate lives while always coming together when Sara needed them.

Abby came from a typical, non-practicing Christian family who outwardly were the model of a perfect couple but inwardly suffered from the same malaise that Sara’s parents had felt. The only difference was that based on their upbringing, divorce was not an option. And so, they instead chose to lead unchallenged lives, watching reality TV shows that now dominated the airwaves, and ate at the same fast-food restaurants every week.

They met in Psychology 101, victims of a system that believes that 400 freshman meeting in a large auditorium at 8:00 a.m. is somehow conducive to learning. The class was a typical lecture and rote memory exercise that didn’t challenge their IQ’s in the least. One of the unfortunate consequences of teaching such a large group students was that professors, or more often than not Teaching Assistants (TA’s), typically taught at the collective’s lowest level of intelligence so as not to offend the less-than-gifted students who might fall behind on the simple difference between say, psychology and psychiatry. And so, three students sat in this first day of class, bored to the point of distraction, as the professor droned on. It would be the last time they saw the actual professor until the final exam. After class, the three, who had sat near each other and exchanged eye rolls as a form of amusement, went their separate ways for their next class. They didn’t see each other again until lunch in the dining hall and since none of them had really established any concrete friendships yet, they decided to sit together based on their mind-numbing Psych experience.

Can you believe Psych at 8 o’clock? Michael said as an icebreaker. Why do they subject us to that at 8 in the morning when most of us just woke up like a half hour before?

Yeah, it’s a real snoozefest. quipped Sara as she took a bite of the chicken sandwich served up by the university’s culinary experts.

I’ve seen better food in prison movies. Abby said as she pushed a fork through what appeared to be mashed potatoes. They all laughed at that. I wonder if the salad bar has anything edible? she continued as she pushed the tray away. Well, I guess I can always use my ID to get some snacks downstairs. By the way, I’m Abby.

It’s nice to meet you. I’m Michael.

They both turned to Sara and, at the same time said, Well? Sara took the cue.

I’m Sara. Where are you guys from?

Big D. said Michael.

And I grew up here. said Abby.

What about you Sara? asked Michael.

I grew up north of Houston but most of my friends wanted to get away from Texas so I haven’t really seen any of them around the dorm.

Anybody pick a major yet? inquired Michael as he took a drink of Coke.

Civil Engineering. Sara said.

I really don’t have any idea. said Abby, I’m just going to take some basic classes my first two semesters and see if anything interests me.

What about you Michael? asked Abby.

I’m looking at Computer Science. I want to build the next big app and be rich and famous.

Good luck with that. Sara said.

Abby added, Remember your first friends in college when you get rich.

Absolutely. Michael replied, grinning. I have class in about half an hour but it’s all the way across campus so I have to get going. Do you guys want to have dinner together tonight?

Sure. said Sara. Just text me. Here’s my number. She said it to both Michael and Abby as she rattled off the digits and they both put the number in their phones. Call me so I can put you in my contact list.

I’m a 214. said Michael, referring to his area code.

And I’m a 713. said Abby.

As Sara turned to leave, Michael asked Abby for her number and promised to call her so that all three of them would have each other’s contact information.

Dinner involved small talk about the day’s classes and what was coming up tomorrow. The table they sat at was more crowded now as most people were done with classes for the day and the dinner service was shorter from a time perspective than lunch. The three mostly kept the conversation amongst themselves except for the occasional question from someone’s roommate. They all had average roommates, and their roommates had already found their friends from back home, leaving the three of them to forge on ahead with a friendship that none of them realized would form the most central aspect of their lives for the next four years.

Chapter 2- Revelation

While the three of them made time to eat together at least once a day, they really didn’t see each other any other time than in Psych class three times a week. Since they were underage, that ruled out going to the bars and while dorm room parties happened occasionally, it was usually when one of the Resident Assistants (RA), who lived on every floor, was away for the weekend. There was a strict university policy about underage drinking, or drinking on university property such as the dorms, by any student, and offenders were subject to severe consequences, including expulsion, if they were caught drinking on campus. This kept the number of parties to a minimum, especially among freshman, who didn’t know the tricks of the trade yet. However, fraternity parties had long been the go-to place to party and there was no shortage of those every weekend. After class one Friday, Michael decided to hit one of the parties to check it out. Not wanting to go alone, he invited Sara and Abby to come along. Sara was all in and even though Abby was at first noncommittal, she decide to tag along, not wanting to be seen as a prude or a loner. The Fiji house was the best house on campus, not just because all of the guys who lived there had parents who were loaded but also because Fiji alumni had been very generous with funding to renovate the house. This meant that parties at Fiji were legendary. If you want to sample the Greek party scene, why not start with the best? Michael said as they headed toward the house around 8 o’clock.

Michael wore khakis and a button-down shirt in order to fit in with the more upscale crowd and the girls wore jeans and nice sweaters, typical party gear that could be washed if the partying got a little out of hand. As soon as they arrived, they were immediately identified as fishies (Freshman) and given the normal light hazing that all freshman endure at their first party like being asked for their student ID’s to make sure they were really students and running a gauntlet of pats on the ass for the girls. It was all in good fun and they all took it in stride as part of their initiation except for one guy who got a little handsy with Abby and grabbed her ass a little too hard. That made her turn around and look at Michael.

Dude, take it easy on my sister, she’s only 16. Michael said straight-faced to the guy.

Sorry man, I didn’t know. the frat boy muttered as he lowered his head.

We’re cool. said Michael as he grabbed Abby’s arm and led her through the line.

Why did you do that? demanded Abby. I can take care of myself.

I’m sure you can. said Michael, but you came with me so I want to make sure you go home with me.

Wait. What? I’m not your date. I can do whatever I want. protested Abby.

I know. I just thought he was being a dick and I wanted to put a stop to it. Did you see his face when I told him you were 16? I thought he was gonna puke.

Whatever. Abby responded.

The three of them made a bee line for the bar downstairs.

The bartender, if you could call him that, was just lining up beers on the bar and people just stepped up and took them in assembly-line fashion.

Beer. Sara sighed. I hate beer.

Well, I’m sure if I can find a waiter, we can get you a Cosmo or whatever you want. laughed Michael.

You’re a douche. Sara said as she grabbed a full plastic Solo cup from the bar.

Michael grabbed two and handed one back to Abby who was looking toward the dance floor, although there wasn’t much dancing going on.

It looks like a bunch of apes at the zoo dry-humping each other. Abby observed.

Welcome to the frat party scene, the meat market of the college experience. said Michael.

Yeah, except most of the meat looks spoiled. Sara replied smiling.

Well, that’s why they invite freshman, to freshman things up a little. Michael laughed.

Don’t quit your day job. Abby said as she managed a smile.

Sara laughed and then Michael followed.

We’ve only known each other like six weeks and you’re bustin’ my stones like we’ve been friends forever. How sweet. Michael said.

The drinks were flowing freely that night and before long, all three of them were pretty drunk. They had wandered back upstairs and found themselves on the front porch on a relatively cool, early October evening. There were some couches around and so the three of them found an empty one and sat down.

So, we really haven’t talked about why we all came here. Michael started, wanting to get to know a little more about these two girls he had spent a fair amount of time with over the first six weeks.

You mean here, as in the party? asked Sara.

Well, if that’s where you want to start. responded Michael. I thought we just came here to drink and blow off some steam. I really meant here, as in this college, as opposed to somewhere else.

Well, I came to the party to check out the talent. Sara said, half slurring and laughing. And I came here, the college, because they have a great engineering program.

Talent, as in guys? Michael asked.

Yeah, them too. Sara laughed.

Wait, so you’re bi, or what? asked Michael.

The liquor was now at peak effect and Sara, straight-faced, said I guess I’m bi. I like boys AND girls. Sometimes I want to get crazy and sometimes I want something softer, like the touch of a girl. I like them both for different reasons. Guys are just so physical and as an athlete, I love wrestling and showing them that I’m no pushover in bed. They have to earn it with me. When it’s over, I want to be exhausted. Completely spent and then go to sleep. It’s like swimming a mile. All the adrenaline and endorphins pumping through your body and then bang, it’s over and all you want to do is collapse in a pool of sweat. With girls, it’s more like a massage, stroking and light touches, with kissing and fondling and then tongues in all the right places and while it is just as intense when I come, I’m not all sweaty and stinky like with a guy. And it’s reciprocal, I do her and she does me or vice versa. The best is when we do each other together, although that takes a pretty flexible girl to do it right.

I was a gymnast and then a field hockey player in high school. Abby volunteered, obviously a little hot and bothered as she shifted in her seat and seriously intoxicated at that point.

Yeah, I’ll bet you’d be pretty flexible. Sara responded.

At this point, Michael just sat there with his mouth open in shock. Uh, OK. was all he could manage to say. The bulge in his pants told the rest.

I think I’m done for the night. Sara said as she leaned forward, intending to get up. But first, a pit stop. Abby, care to join me?

As they staggered off to find the girls bathroom, Michael had to delay standing up for fear that he might pass out due to the lack of blood in his brain. He had just about reached equilibrium when the girls came back.

Ready to go? asked Sara as she stood on the top step of the front porch with Abby and stared at Michael, still seated. Or do you need a few minutes to get the blood flow back to your BIG head? Sara laughed.

Ha-ha. Michael replied, but it was obvious when he stood up that he might have needed another minute or two.

Nice package. Sara laughed again, as Michael struggled to maintain his balance with all of the alcohol in his bloodstream and the obvious lack of blood flow to his extremities. Except for one, that is.

Yeah, I wrapped it just for you. Twist the crank and see what pops out. Michael laughed as he got his legs moving in the general direction of the girls.

Maybe some other time. Sara said. I’m tired and my feet hurt and I just want to sleep."

Off we go! Michael intoned as he pointed into the air. The three of them tried to walk in as much of a straight line as possible in order not to attract the attention of any law enforcement personnel, university or otherwise.

Chapter 3- Michael

As a family, Michael’s could certainly be considered non-traditional. Raised by two moms, Michael endured the taunting of other kids who probably only parroted their parents prejudice with questions like which one of your moms is your dad? and If you have two moms, are you gay too? Michael usually shrugged it off but when the bullying became intense, he would ask his moms for answers which they sometimes had or sometimes avoided given his age. As he grew into a young man, the conversations grew more frank and his mothers tried to tailor their answers to fit his age and grasp of the issues. While he certainly had outside influences from friends, his core beliefs about women and relationships came from his mothers. Treat everyone with respect, not just women, be thoughtful, and never bully anyone.

From his life with his moms, Michael developed a heightened sense of who women were, how they processed information and more importantly, how to interpret female body language. All of this made it easy for girls to talk to him, a skill which eluded most of his friends. Michael was not effeminate in the least nor was he gay. His coaches were determined to take on the role of pseudo-father and his moms were usually very supportive. He had the good fortune to be coached by some very intelligent men who treated him like one of their own. Michael showed athletic talent from an early age and so he felt as comfortable on the field with a bunch of boys as he did talking with a bunch of girls. As he entered his teenage years, there were certainly awkward moments, but with the help of his coaches, he became an accomplished baseball player. He was also very bright and was selected as an All-District student athlete in his senior year of high school.

While he was very comfortable around girls, Michael only had two relationships during his high school years. The first was during his junior year when the rush of hormones and the constant goading of friends convinced him to ask a girl that he had considered only a friend out on a date. As often happens in those high school years, their passion overtook their common sense and they succumbed to it after the Christmas Dance in the back of Michael’s car. It was awkward, as most first times are, but it was also sweet, with Michael always being the gentleman and making sure that his date was OK afterward. He even sent flowers the next day using money he had saved from his job working in the local hardware store after school. Her parents wondered about the flowers, but considering the card which simply read Thanks for a great Christmas Dance, they shrugged it off. They used protection, as Michael, never really expecting to need them, had nonetheless stashed some condoms in his glove compartment just in case. Since the Christmas Dance occurred on the last school night before Christmas break, Michael did not see his date until three weeks later when school resumed. They talked about their first time together and again, Michael, ever the gentleman, told her that he wanted to stay friends but that he didn’t feel comfortable taking advantage of her in that way again. She replied that she was also responsible and agreed that going that far again was not something she was interested in. The rest of the school year until summer break drug on and on, seemingly endlessly, until they would be free of each other for at least the summer. As senior year started, Michael found out that his girlfriend had moved away in early August, thus avoiding an awkward reunion as school began. Michael was relieved and promised himself to be more careful with a girl’s emotions if a similar situation came up again.

When that situation did come up again later that year, he felt more prepared to handle it and proceeded slowly, so that this time, if the relationship didn’t work out, he would be able to part company with a girl as true friends, and not just in name only. This time, the Christmas Dance served as the beginning, instead of the end of a relationship. Michael had become close friends with Kennedy as they had many of the same classes and were both athletes, he for the baseball team and she for the girls softball team. Their conversations usually involved strategy and the differences between their two sports as well as the similarities. As such, they shared common interests and the best friendships are always built on mutual interests. On a whim, Michael asked her to the Christmas Dance and much to his surprise, she accepted, secretly turning down three other guys in the hope Michael would ask her. There was no agenda for that night, just two good friends having fun. The evening turned into a night they would never forget, but strictly on a platonic level. There was never any discussion about sex and they parted company bidding each other Merry Christmas until they saw each other again after Christmas break. While Michael was very happy with their arrangement, Kennedy soon started wondering over Christmas break why Michael had not put a move on her. Was she ugly, or fat, or stupid? Did he see her as nothing more than a guy with a higher voice who loved to talk sports or did he have any interest in her as girl? She vowed to find out after break was over.

When they got back to school in early January, Kennedy mentioned that she had something important to talk to him about and asked if they could talk after school somewhere private. Michael assumed it was about college or something related to their last few months before graduation. He was partially right. Michael worked Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at the hardware store and so, since today was Monday, he asked if it could wait until Tuesday night when they could go and grab some pizza and talk. Kennedy agreed and that was that. Michael didn’t even begin to suspect the real reason for the meeting. On Tuesday night, Michael picked up Kennedy at her house and they headed off to the local pizza shop. They ordered and sat in a secluded booth in the back at Kennedy’s request. Whatever this was, Michael thought, it must be serious.

OK, so do you think I’m fat? Kennedy asked.

What? Michael answered, No I don’t think your fat. Why would you think that?

OK, so am I not pretty enough or smart enough for you? Kennedy shot back.

Whoa, where is this going Kennedy? Who told you that I thought you were any of those things?

Nobody, but I just wondered why you had absolutely no interest in me at the Christmas Dance.

No interest? We danced most of the night together. replied Michael.

No. I mean interest, as in more than friends. Kennedy asked.

Well, I guess I just don’t see you that way. Not because you are in any way unattractive. In fact, I think you are beautiful, and any guy would be crazy not to want to go out with you, but I thought we went beyond that. Not that I haven’t thought about it, but you never seemed to show me any signals that you were interested in that. Michael said, somewhat apologetically.

What do you mean signals? Kennedy inquired.

Well, my moms told me that women usually give off signals if they want a physical relationship with someone, whether it’s a man or woman. I just didn’t get that vibe from you, so either you don’t think of me that way, or I completely missed the boat. Michael replied.

I think you missed the boat Michael. I am not saying that we should get naked right here, but just know that I am interested in more than talking about sports or school. I think you’re pretty hot as well, and I wondered a few times over Christmas break what it would be like for us.

Kennedy was almost out of breath and Michael took notice.

Look Kennedy, I really don’t want to screw up a great friendship over sex. It happened once before, last year, and that girl and I just never recovered our friendship.

Think of it as friends with benefits Michael. If we promise to be friends afterward, no matter what, what’s the harm in a little experiment? Kennedy said, smiling.

Well, if you put it that way, I’d be up for a little experiment.

Michael smiled as he said it letting her know that maybe he had thought about her a little more than he had let on earlier. The pizza came, and after devouring it, Michael drove Kennedy straight home since it was a school night and he had some studying to do. As he pulled up to her house, he smiled to himself as he thought of what the experiment might entail.

So, when do we conduct this experiment, as you call it? Michael asked as Kennedy opened the door and got out.

I’m free on Saturday night if you’re interested. she replied.

Great. See you tomorrow.

Chapter 4- Sara

Sara’s upbringing was more traditional, if you consider divorced parents traditional. They