#wokeaf

“Yeah, I know they don’t do that in Cali. People are hella weird here, though. Like do they NOT feel what we feel?" 

“Think about it, we’re in bumfuck Ohio. You’re bound to find weird people here. Its freezing outside, if most of the people are in coats and winter gear and you’re over here in shorts, then that’s a problem.”

“Oh I’m the queen of girl problems, I could try and help” she said sincerely. “Nothing you want to be bored with.”

“Its kind of personal but if you’re fine with me talking about it then I’ll tell you everything I guess.” He shrugged. “I don’t get bored easily and I’m not really doing anything right now so if you want to talk, then shoot.”

“no worries.” She gave the other a smile as she knocked her shot back. “Well honestly I will listen if you want to talk. But no pressure if you don’t want to talk bout it”

“Just girl problems if you could call it that.” He took a shot. “Its mainly just me being shitty is all, nothing new. What about you? Got any drama to spill?”

She pulled out two shot glasses and a bottle of vodka. “Well tell momma Kiera all about it over a couple of shots.”

“Vodka? You’re my favorite person right about now.” He took one of the shot glasses and smiled. “Thank you, really it means a lot and all that. I’m not sure you want to hear it though and besides I’m not one to really talk about my problems like that.”

“New York. Oh, really? You’ll have to set me up with a meeting at some point,” Aspen teased, dropping one eyelid in a wink at him. “Couldn’t even tell you what chemical engineering is, so more power to ya if you like it.” 

“Well I mean it could happen if you want it to. My mom’s kind of a big deal.” Rohan shook his head. “Yeah I don’t know why I picked this major sometimes but its pretty awesome at the end of the day. So, are you liking CRU so far? Also if you want I could show you around.”

“Oh, no - Biochem, actually.” She smiled, “But honestly, I do enjoy it. I think it’s fascinating so I don’t mind reading it. What do you do? What d’you enjoy reading?” She questioned, hoping she wasn’t being too intrusive.

“Biochem? That’s interesting. How are you liking it?” Rohan shrugged. “I don’t know just about anything that catches my attention really. To be honest, I can read the hell out of a graphic novel. I’ve never really been one for non-fiction books really.”

“Sure.” She returned the simple tone. “Well, I’m glad that you weren’t there because that would have been a bad outcome for you if I’m imagining what you would have done, correctly. It wouldn’t have been worth it. Besides, I managed to handle things quite well.” That statement was true for the most part. “Well, thank you, you’re very sweet.” She let out a chuckle and smiled a little. Karma nodded in agreement to what Rohan had said. “You’re absolutely right about that. I believe that so much.” She was very genuine about it. She always treated children nicely because they don’t deserve not to be. She sighed. “Kids, yes, but other people, my peers especially, are a whole different story.” She said honestly. “I mean, I can tolerate most people….until they get on my nerves and I lose all patience with them.” She told him. She heard his question and was silence for a moment. He hadn’t said anything wrong but it was time to tell him what was on her mind because it was definitely there now. She shook her head and bit her lip. “Uhm, no, you didn’t say anything wrong….” She paused and glanced over at him. “I need to tell you something.” She fiddled with the hem of her jacket. How was she going to tell him she thought as she bit her lip, again. 

“Glad to know that you can hold your own. Seriously though, from here on out I’m here for you. If you need anything, call me and I’ll handle it respectfully.” He told her truthfully. Rohan wanted to be there for her, as much as she’d let him at least. “Just telling the truth.” He shrugged. When he heard that she had something to say, Rohan decided to pull over on the side of the road, since the look on her face and the tone of her voice insinuated that it was something serious. He wanted her to have his full and undivided attention. “Hey, what’s wrong?” Rohan asked. “Talk to me.”

“Oh - it is here. Thank you!” She flashed him a grateful grin and took her book from him. “Uh- Yeah. It’s decent if you like learning about the brain. I’m actually really enjoying it.”

“Oh, are you a psychology major?” Rohan asked with feigned interest. “That shit always put me to sleep to be honest. It’s way too much reading, I have loads of respect of your if you do like stuff like that though, it takes patience.”

“I’m really not that far, but it feels like I’m in another world. Where are you from originally? Oh, my major? Interior Design.”

“Uh, California. What about you? Oh, small world my mom is an interior designer. That and a plethora of things. Mine is chemical engineering, not as fun but hey I’m into it.”

“That sounds great! I’m starving.”

“Alright. Want me to drive or you? I don’t mind or anything.”

“Oh pish posh, of course you’re fun! My break was good. It was nice to relax before going back to craziness.”

“Those are lies but I’m honored that you think I’m fun.” Rohan chuckled softly. “Well that’s good. I was about to head to the diner to get something to eat, do you want to join me?”

She felt a pang of hurt slice through her as he tried to end the conversation. She never realized how much cutting herself out of his life really affected him. Here she was, thinking she was doing him a favor of not having to be burdened with her anymore - just like everyone else she left or gotten taken away from. But he was different, what she thought was right ended up being terribly wrong. And now she couldn’t redeem herself, even if she wanted to. “Who are you to tell me how genuine I am?” She said lowly, trying to hide the hurt on her face. “If I was never sorry I wouldn’t be still standing here talking to you right now…”

 Karma quickly glanced at their hands. It honestly felt so foreign but she didn’t move hers away. “No need to apologize….” She shook her head. “What would you have done, huh?” She asked curiously. She really wanted to know. Karma let out a soft laugh. “The proper Karma smile.” She repeated. “Yeah, I guess I have way more patience with kids.” She nodded. “Of course, always, I can’t imagine not being there.” Like she would have been there for their child if she would have survived. Karma nodded as he talked. They were all here for a degree. Sometimes it was hard. “Wow, that does sound hard. But you’ve made it this far so you can do it.” She told him and looked straight ahead.

“I would have been there.” He said simply. Rohan let out a chuckle and shook his head. “I have--well had anger issues. So you can just imagine how things would have turned out if I heard people talking about you.” Rohan still had anger issues but they weren’t as bad as they were back when he was younger. He was the type that would get into fights at school daily which caused him to change schools every so often due to getting expelled. Thankfully when he was adopted his parents put him in therapy, only for a brief stint though but his fights had ceased since then. “Yeah the proper Karma smile. The one where your dimples show and your whole face just brightens up. That one. Its cute.” Rohan nodded. “Yeah its just well you never know how a kid’s home life is and I feel like people need to make that connection with a kid and treat them nicely, y’know? No doubt about it that you have that down pat though. You’re great with kids and people and all that.” He noticed her spacing out, and that usually was a sign of distress if he was reading her body language right. “Hey, are you okay? You’re kind of quiet. Did I say something wrong?”

“Yeah, I’m a transfer. I figured as much. I mean…have you ever heard anyone be like, yes, I want to go to Ohio. I suppose it’s a good thing I only plan on staying as long as I’m in school then.”

“Yes but I’d think they would be crazy. Only reason I’m here is because I wanted to get as far away as possible from my state. Well that’s good. What’s your major?”