Chapter 4 New Start

Toast filled the air and Darren savored it while she hummed to the music playing from the boom box Chloe had got them. They were in their new apartment in school and although the party wasn't complete because Rachael didn't get in, she didn't want to spend her first week worrying about what she couldn't control.

She had a lot to worry about but she had a good attitude of throwing them under the shelf and moving on with life. One day at a time, she told herself always.

"Do you want milk in your coffee?" She asked without looking back at Chloe.

"You know how I love my coffee, Ren."

She chuckled. She knew the question always pissed Chloe off and it amused her. "I also know you are never consistent with your taste. I mean a month ago, you were fangirling about Selena Gomez, and today, she's not even in your top ten. Saweetie's your new girl now." Her laugh came out loud "How do you make such a transition? They don't even sing the same genre."

Chloe's eyes rolled in their sockets. "Whatever"

After breakfast, they began putting their apartment in order. It was three days since they arrived and some boxes were still unpacked. Darren focused on the cupboards and organizers they had gotten when they went shopping and Chloe handled the wardrobe.

"I miss Rachael." Chloe blurted. "I know it's been quiet since we separated but it's weird. I think now I don't love the quiet."

Darren gave her a knowing look and she laughed. "Think what you want about me but I miss her."

There was a long silence before Darren spoke. "Yeah, me too."

Chloe looked at her friend and attempted to speak but found her mouth closing shut. Ever since their night out, she had been wanting to let Darren know about what she saw Rachael do, but something kept holding her back. She knew Darren would either wave it away and make some excuses or accuse her of drinking too much. She wondered if what she saw meant anything at all. Her only issue was the exchange. What was that about? Why would they step into a new town and Rachael already knows people there, and keep mute about it?

"How excited are you for class?" She asked Darren.

"A little too excited." Darren was grinning. She was grateful for the change of topic. "I've always wanted to be here, away from the math, and all that boring stuff. And I'm finally here, studying what I've always dreamed of. I just want to have my vineyard portion, and begin doing the only thing that matters to me."

Chloe was smiling. She was happy for herself but she was also happy for her friend. Darren had so many admirable things about her but she was not academically smart. She struggled with every course in school and Chloe and Rachael had taken it upon themselves to push her to get good grades. It was a shock that she got in and not Rachael, but then, this was about wines, and Darren was a good drinker.