Olivia walks into her apartment with her head hung low and her jacket about to slip out of her hand. She shuts the door behind her and slumps through the small dark living room. She pops instant rice in the microwave and disappears into her bedroom for a few minutes. When she returns, her clothes are much more comfortable-looking; sweats, a tank top and slippers.

She sits on the couch with a slump, pouring almost too much soy sauce over the bowl of rice. Then again, it's very difficult to have 'too much' soy sauce. She flips on the tv, but tears slowly begin to fall over her cheeks. She grabs the small blanket on the couch and wraps it around her. It doesn't help.

After a few moments, once she's calmed down a bit, the phone rings. Surprised and intrigued- she answers quickly.

"Benson."

"Olivia! Hi!"

"Maureen?"

"One and only," her laugh resonates over the receiver.

"How are you? How have you been? What are you up to?"

"A lot actually. I'm almost done with college, only one more year. And I've landed a job in a marketing firm- their paying for most of school now."

"That's great! So what brings you to call me, especially at this hour?" Olivia checks her watch, yes, it's already three in the morning.

"I've been thinking a lot, Olivia. About my life and who I am. I'm tired of the college scene. I have some good fiends- and that's great, it's what I want. But living here at the campus is becoming worse and worse each day."

"I'm sorry to hear that, Maur."

"That's not why I called though."

"What is it then?"

"I was wondering, maybe… If you were interested in a room mate?"

"A room mate?"

"Don't answer yet! I want you to think about it, and call me back in a couple days. Even if it's a no, I'm asking you to please think about it."

"Ok. I'll think about it. But why me?" Olivia frowned with a hint of a smile.

"I trust you, and I'd feel safe in an apartment with you, plus you're single and you don't have many ties. It just seems… opportune."

"Why don't we have lunch Wednesday? Can you do that?" Olivia asked quietly.

"Yeah, sounds good. Thanks Liv. Even if it's a 'no', thank you."

"Go get some sleep."

Olivia stood after hanging up the phone. A room mate? She paced the living room, scratched her head, and thought very strongly. Maybe she wasn't longing for a boy friend or a lover- maybe she just needed a friend, someone close like family who she trusted and cared about. That was definitely Maureen. She fought saying 'yes', considered it, and finally gave in. Not too shabby for such a big decision.

TBC