Meg pulled into the underground parking garage of the humble, run-down, apartment complex. Stone Gardens was about three blocks off of campus. Convenient, but also cheap. Which was all that the two college students could afford on a government's fund. To the best of their knowledge, neither had any known 'living' relatives. Out of sheer coincidence, their parents died together during a fatal plane crash. When the girls were about fourteen, their parents booked a trip to Europe for an anniversary get-away, leaving them behind with various babysitters. Risking flight in a thunder storm, the airline was struck out of the sky. Though the bodies could not be recovered, funeral services still proceeded. It was there, in the depth of sorrow and remorse, where the two gals met. Their parent's services, as it was, happened to be held at the same mortuary house. Though their differences were apparent from the start, they found comfort in each other. Unfortunately, being minors and orphans, they were placed in various foster homes. But, luckily, they were able to stay within forty miles of each other, meaning frequent visits. After graduating from High School, they registered at P.S.U. and became inseparable.
Meg whistled a tune as she climbed the metal stairwell to room 62, two floors up. She plugged her room key into the lock, turned, and was granted access.
"I'm home!" She announced and threw her bag on the couch. Zebra emerged from her room, a pen behind her ear. She'd obviously been submerged in her textbooks.
"So, how did it go?"
Meg went to the fridge and grabbed a water bottle. "Need you ask?" She replied between gulps. "I admit, he gave me some grief, but I came through in the end, as it should."
Folding her arms, Zebra gave Meg a disappointed glance. "Meg, you're not the only occupant here", she indicated, pointing at her misplaced bag.
"Alright, alright. I'll take care of it." She put her sweaty clothes into the wash as Zebra made dinner. She prepared chicken Enchiladas. "How went studying in the library?" Meg asked, taking a bite.
"OK, I guess. I really didn't find anything that was beneficial."
After clearing the dishes and getting their turn in the shower, they set for bed. They each had a room to themselves, with their own twin bed. After saying goodnight they retreated to their rooms at doused the lights.
Wednesdays were usually pretty laid back. Neither had any scheduled classes. This time during the week was reserved for grocery shopping, and housework.
A supermarket was conveniently located across the street. What better place to re-stock empty cupboards? Meg hated grocery shopping with a passion. She'd tried every excuse to wiggle out of it. But the guilt of having Zebra carry all those bags to the apartment by herself, always got her in the end.
Stalking up and down the aisles, Meg continued to sulk. But, Zebra assured that this was just a short trip. When finished, they headed toward the front of the store to check out. Meg spotted Darren, scanning items for the customer just ahead of them. How convenient that he would a part-time job here, and have a shift at this particular time of day. Meg nearly bolted, but Zebra pulled her back.
"This is the shortest line", she stressed. "We can endure two minutes of his presence, can't we?" When she said 'we', she meant Meg not kicking his butt, more than anything. Meg took this as a challenge. With her head held high, she helped place their items on the conveyor belt.
Acknowledging their presence, Darren grinned wickedly. "How are you today", he said more out of habit than being personal.
"Fine. Thanks", Zebra replied.
"You missed a killer party the other night." Meg avoided his gaze.
"Funny. I thought you were gonna skip it", Meg pointed out his contradiction. He frowned.
"28.32", he announced their total. Zebra handed him the correct amount. Their reciept printed out, he handed it over, and proceeded to ring-out the next customer, without the traditional; 'Have a good day!' Obviously, he was still pretty sore about Meg turning him down, on both counts. Meg spotted a suggestion box that read; 'Questions? Comments? Please let us know how we can make your shopping experience more pleasant'. Meg believed she had a few to contribute. 'How about a pay-cut for your star employee? Or, better yet, termination?' She grinned at the possibilities, the customer was always right, after all. Zebra noticed her scheming grin.
"What're you thinking?"
"Nothing", she assured, leading the way out through the automatic doors. "Nothing at all."
When the days chores were complete, both were too tired to fix supper.
"Let's eat out tonight", suggested Zebra. They boarded Meg's scooter and headed for, Domingo's Pizza Parlor. They ordered a medium, pepperoni pizza for the both of them to share.
"This is a welcome change." Zebra nodded. "This was definitely needed."
Meg began a conversation about a letter they had received earlier, concerning their student loans.
"So, now the bank's gonna raise our interest rate to 10." Zebra was, of course, shocked and upset.
"You're joshing me." She immediately realized her mistake and covered her mouth with her hands, but it was too late. Meg's face was flush with hurt and embarrassment. Zebra removed her hands and sighed.
"Ya know Meg, you really need to get over him and move on. I mean, he was scum and it was over a year ago." Meg slammed her fists on the table.
"I AM over him! Just because I basically despise the entire male population, and have turned down every opportunity to date ever since, doesn't mean I'm not." She picked up the check for the pizza. An obvious sign that the conversation was closed and it was time to go.
Not much was said during the drive home. Partially because it was a bit difficult to carry on a conversation over the roar of the engine, but only a small part. Meg was still fuming. This was apparent by the way she handled the rough road and caught some serious air on the bumps and pot holes plaguing the roads. All Zebra could do was grip tightly to Meg's shoulders. Thankfully, the trip was only a ten minute drive. And the way Meg was driving, they made it in six. After unlocking the door, Meg opened it with a shove. With that force, it bounced off the wall. Good thing it had a door stopper. Zebra caught the doorknob to steady it. She watched Meg, in a volley of steam, march into the bathroom and slam the door. Zebra flinched slightly at the sound, shutting her eyes. The sound of running water took over the uncomfortable silence. Meg's solution to a dose of temper was a cold shower. Zebra plopped herself onto the sofa. Of course, she'd be the first to apologize. It got the arguments over quicker.
Meg braced herself against the shower wall, taking slow, easy breaths, letting the cool water run off her body, easing away her stress. Why did Zebra have to bring up such things? She knew how much it upset her. She was there when the disaster struck. But, she could hardly blame her. She hadn't yet experienced a true relationship. Then again, neither had Meg. It really wasn't worth the argument.
Meg rapped a towel around her wet head, like a turban, and stepped into the living room. She found Zebra lounging on the couch, watching, of all things, the nine o'clock news. Seeing Meg approach, she punched the off button.
After a few minutes of unnerving silence, they both blurted; "I'm sorry". They chuckled.
"I really am sorry Meg. It's not my place to butt into your relationships." Meg shook her head.
"No, I'm the one who should be sorry. But, I would deeply appreciate it if you would let me handle this in my own way. I'm better off without a man anyway." Zebra nodded.
"I may not agree with how you're coping with this, but I'm not going to push you." They embraced with no hard feelings. With no scheduled classes until late that afternoon, Meg and Zebra took the opportunity to rest and sleep in. Such was in vain. Around 9 a.m., A loud knock came at the door. Meg opened one eye, sleep desperately calling her back.
"Zebra. Door!"
A moment later, the knocking returned.
"Zebra!!" No response. Groaning, Meg peeled back the sheets and stomped into the hallway. She peaked in at Zebra on her way to the door, to find out why SHE was the who had to get up. On closer inspection, Meg discovered that Zebra had ear plugs stuffed firmly into her ear canals.
Another knock.
This person was not about to give up. Meg snatched her bathrobe and finally got around to answering the door. 'It better be Publisher's Clearing House, rewarding me with a million dollars', she grumbled to herself. Unlocking the deadbolt, and unhinging the chain lock, she pulled the door open slightly. Just enough to stick her head through. On the other side, a husky man in a business suit, greeted Meg with a rehearsed smile. "Can I help you sir?" He nodded.
"Good morning miss. My name is Frank Elwood." He pulled out a slip of paper. "My card." He handed it over. Meg examined the print.
"You're a lawyer?" He stood a little straighter.
"Yes ma'am. Of the Bricks Law-firm." Meg was understandably confused.
"Well, Mr. Elwood, we have no need of an attorney at this time." She started to shut the door.
"Wait! I'm looking for a..." He consulted his papers. "...Miss Zebra Sharp." Meg poked her head back into view.
"What is it concerning?"
"My office wished to clear up some matters concerning her grandfather, a Julius Sanders." Giving in, Meg allowed him entry. "Very well. Come in." She lead him into the living room.
"Have a seat", she offered. "I'll go and get 'Miz Sharp'. She set off to retrieve her. "Zebra!!" Meg shook her shoulder, trying to rouse her. But the only response she got was a moan as Zebra turned on her side. "Zebra!!" She screamed close to her ear, becoming irritated.
"No mommy. I hate Brussel Sprouts." Meg rolled her eyes. Early childhood memory, no doubt. Must have been a pretty bad experience- Brussel Sprouts?! She plucked the spongy plugs from her ear and shouted one more time;
"ZEBRA!" Zebra leaped three feet into the air and tumbled onto the floor in a panic.
"What? What is it?!"
Meg snickered. "Door for ya."
Zebra yawned, "Oh, alright. I'm coming." She grabbed her own bathrobe and finally emerged. Mr. Elwood stood to greet her.
"Miss Sharp? I'm Frank Elwood, of Bricks Law-firm. My card." 'Great', thought Meg. 'Maybe we can swap cards later. Or even start a trader's pack.' They all took a seat. "We have a bit of property that had once belonged to your grandfather, Julius Sanders. With you, being the only living relative, this property goes to you." He laid out some pictures before them. "It's a small house in Homer City. Many real estate companies are wanting claim on this piece of land."
Zebra took over "So, you want my signature so you can sell it." The lawyer became fidgety.
"Of course, such can't be done without your permission. I have been requested to escort you to the place in question. From there, you can decide on the future of this lot." This was a lot for Zebra to take in. She'd never even met her grandfather. Her mother once mentioned that he was insane. She never really believed it. Her mother also pointed out that he'd died some time ago, around the time of her 12th birthday.
"Mr. Elwood, my grandfather passed away several years ago. So, I'm wondering; why come and make me aware of this now?" Mr. Elwood smiled tiredly.
"My dear. Our company has had many recent cases in higher need of attention. This particular case has been buried and forgotten until we started cleaning out our files." Zebra felt a little insulted at how her grandfather's business was so unimportant, that it had taken ten years to finally go about straightening them out. She let this go, for now.
"If you would, I would very much like to see this place." Mr. Elwood clasped his hands.
"Excellent! As soon as you ladies are ready, I'll take you there personally." Meg stood up.
"You might wanna give us an hour or so. We still need to contact our professors and inform them of our absence." He stood to leave.
"Yes, of course. I will go and gather the necessary paperwork and be back around lunchtime." He showed himself out.
Meg was a bit skeptical.
"This, I dare say, is an odd development", she remarked, folding her arms.
"This might be the chance I've always wanted, to learn about my grandfather, to learn about myself", Zebra thought aloud.