EPISODE 1 – UNFRIENDLY FRIENDSHIPS
Two cordial strangers discover common interests that draw them together for different purposes.
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Best Friends Forever
ON a brisk spring morning, two young women begin chatting in the hustle and bustle of a quaint coffee shop. Brief conversations about men and the high price of rent continue throughout the week.
Against the backdrop of aromatic coffee beans and upbeat morning music, Renee learns that Blair regularly works out at a gym while trying to launch her choreography career.
“Girl, you look so fit!” Fishing for a compliment, Renee deprecates herself. “My weight, on the other hand, fluctuates so much that I probably look like a mess.”
“Not at all. You look good, too.”
“Thank you. I tend to go to extremes. I once purchased a whole cake because it was only the price of three slices here. Fast forward eight slices later, and I could no longer squeeze into my skinny jeans.”
“We’ve all had those moments of self-indulgence. I love good food, so I need to balance it with my fitness workouts,” Blair explains.
Intrigued by Blair’s dedication to fitness and her career aspirations, Renee listens attentively. Blair, sensing Renee’s interest, offers her a five-day pass to the gym where she is a modern dance instructor.
Renee attends, not just as a supportive friend, but as an enthusiastic participant and admirer. Impressed with Blair’s stamina and physique, Renee readily accepts an invitation to a nightclub on Friday night.
Under the thunderous rhythms, they begin energetically twisting and jumping while holding hands during upbeat songs. This alone satisfies Renee until a man cuts in to dance with Blair. Renee then sits alone, nursing a drink through several songs, until someone shares one disappointing dance with her.
At the coffee shop on Monday, Renee says, “I have a two-bedroom apartment. If you ask me nicely, we could both save expenses.”
“Really? Okay, Renee, can I please… please move in with you? I’ll buy you a slice of your favorite cake?”
“Only if you promise to enjoy every moment like I plan to, and let me buy the whole cake.”
The welcome includes a celebration with balloons, cake, and music. Envisioning daily adventures, Renee holds Blair’s hands, dancing like they did at the club. Then she helps her new roommate unpack and decorate her room.
It appears the transition to a new life together is flawless.
Testing Boundaries
As part of a routine, breakfast awaits when Blair awakens, served by Renee often in her underwear. They share a peck on the cheek and a warm embrace before departing for work each morning. Blair suppresses suspicions about a motivation for her roommate’s affection.
Because of the thoughtful reception, Blair acquiesces to Renee’s request for a foot massage.”
Renee is barefoot, wearing a robe. During soaking and then massaging, she moans with satisfaction.
“Ooh. This feels nice.”
After the filing and painting of toenails, she extends her feet…, with immodest exposure beneath the robe.
Restraining criticism, Blair responds, “I’m happy to assist. However, you might want to keep that closed up.”
“Oh, guess I got caught up in the spa experience.” The mani-pedi stimulates Renee’s enthusiasm. “I guess it’s okay to say we’re girlfriends now. Right?”
“Sure,” Blair agrees, “since we’re roommates.”
The weekend clubbing sours when Renee notices men always gravitating to Blair’s alluring presence. This often requires Renee to return home alone, wallowing in self-pity. The persistent psychotherapy appointment reminders become an irritant that Renee declines on her phone.
On a warm evening, Blair kicks off her covers while tossing and turning during a troubling dream. With a sudden gasp, she lunges upward for a deep breath and sees… scantily clothed Renee calmly reclining on the bedspread beside her.
“Are you all right?” Renee asks in a serene voice. “You were making noises like you needed some company.”
“It was just a bad dream that felt like someone was suffocating me. Perhaps, I should get a cool glass of water.”
“Stay here,” Renee gestures. “Let me get it for you.”
Upon return, she watches intently as Blair takes long gulps.
“I can stay with you tonight.”
Blair tactfully responds to the intrusive suggestion with furrowed eyebrows.
“No, it’s too warm for that. But thanks for your concern. The cool water helps. Please close my bedroom door when you leave.”
…There is a disturbing realization that her roommate has been seeking a different type of partner. In the morning, Blair halts a friendly embrace before going to work, saying, “Let’s talk for a bit tonight.”
This causes all-day anxiety for Renee. As soon as Blair returns home, Renee is waiting at the door to ask, “What did I do wrong?”
“Okay. I thought we might sit down and discuss this over dinner, but if you let me close the door, we can talk about it here and now…. Let’s sit on the sofa.
“You’re a great roommate, and I’m saving money by living here. However, maybe I’m wrong, but I get the impression that you might be expecting more from me than I’m offering.”
“Blair, how much are you offering?” Renee asks with optimism.
“Um. I’m just offering friendship…. Tell me what you expect, Renee.”
“If I get to pick, I would cherish a closer relationship.”
“The closeness you anticipate invites more opportunities for misinterpretation. Perhaps the innocent morning kisses also breach a boundary. As a fitness instructor, I’m not prudish. Yet, please wear a bit more clothing around the house.”
The perceived rejection deepens an emotional chasm that Renee has been attempting to close. As a diversion, she consumes herself in medical studies.
Without an explanation, she begins preparing solo breakfasts and excuses herself from attending outings with her roommate.
Blair, sensing a rift, debates within herself whether she should ignore it or lessen her defensiveness to maintain peace.
Continued…
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