I've been told a million times to let the past go, to forgive and forget the open wounds. But Alexis and I were like a bundle of short-circuiting wires. The connection's still there, flickering in when things bend the right way and out again when they slip just out of touch. In reality, my trust was burned and its ashes scattered years ago. No wayward smile or bucket of frozen dessert is going to fix that.

"Tara," a voice called out, and I watched in utter dismay as my boyfriend, Derrick, whirled around to face us. He swept back the hood concealing half of his face, lips pouting for forgiveness. "I'm so, so sorry! I was going to tell you sooner, but you were busy practicing for the audition. I-I just didn't want to mess you up right before."

"What are you doing here?" I meant to whisper, but the words came out in a low growl. When did my life turn into a cruddy soap opera? "You better have a real good excuse and great insurance because I'm about to throw hands with both of you.”

"I mean, I told you when we first started dating that I still had feelings for another girl, remember?" Ah yes, the he-said she-said. This really is like tv.

"You told me you were getting over your ex! You never said I live with her!" I protested furiously. My heart hammered against my ribs in agreement, blood boiling in my veins. I could almost feel my fingers itching to curl into tight fists.

"It never came up!" he shouted back in defense, lips contorting in a snarl briefly before relaxing. His eyes crinkled at the corners in mischief. "Tara, come on, I'm sure we can work things out between the three of us. Besides, there’s lots of poly couples these days. Why don’t we just try it out once and see if you like it? You know...you and Ali might really hit it off upstairs." He bit his bottom lip suggestively at that, giving a subtle nod towards the bedrooms.

That had to be the single dumbest statement to ever come out of someone's mouth. I folded my arms over my chest and glared.

"You've been seeing her behind my back for the past two years. I will cut you," I spat. "Just get out." Hesitating, Derrick sheepishly glanced over at Alexis.

As if on cue, she smiled and said, "you don't have to leave if you don't want to, Derrick."

My eyebrows shot up, alarmed by her sudden display of confidence. But last I checked, I pay the rent, too.

"N-No, he’s going. I don't want him here, he doesn't l-live here, and he's clearly insane if he thought I would ever be okay with the idea of us being a thruple or a three-way or whatever!" I argued back angrily. These two are really starting to test me. They exchanged another glance.

"What?" I sighed.

"Well, you're only subletting the apartment, so technically..." Alexis trailed off, shrugging. "He's the actual tenant of your room, so,” she explained with another simple shrug and an eye roll. "If he wants to stay, he can stay."

"Wait, what?" I asked again, stunned. The original tenant’s name was Ricky...or so I thought. I’d never actually met the guy.

"He's the one who told me about this place, and he agreed that you could have the other bedroom until he felt like moving back in. He just felt bad because you couldn't afford anything," she admitted softly, feigning innocence.

"S-So, what are you saying?" I stammered, raising an eyebrow.

"I'm saying that Derrick can stay for however long he wants, and if you don't like it... Well, you better start packing because I'm not throwing out my boyfriend," Alexis stated coldly, a look of disgust twisting her features.

"So basically, I'm screwed?" I asked, anxiously swallowing around the lump forming in my throat. No part of me wanted to stay here trapped with those two doing God knows what in the room next to mine.

"I'm moving back in," Derrick finished before her, adding quickly, "today." You have to be freaking kidding me, right?

"Right, so I'm homeless, friendless, and hopeless! That's just great, isn't it? Do me a favor though and mail me my stuff whenever you're done eating all your pity-party ice cream, okay?" I retorted bitterly, backing towards the exit. "I'm out of here!"

"Uh...where do you want us to...?" Derrick started to ask, furrowing his brows in confusion. Way to add insult to injury.

"The homeless shelter! Where do you think?!" I snapped, storming out of the cramped apartment to my car. On the bright side, I still had my job to escape to. Although, cleaning a stage I wasn't allowed to dance on wasn't exactly my happy place.

Then again, I don't think my happy place even exists anymore.