“You were in an accident?”. I almost choke on my water. So she did hear, huh.

I swallow and lace my fingers together. “Yep. I guess you could say that.” I peer over at Laurence, who’s looking concerned again.

Fuck. I’ve known him for 1 week and I’ve already had a panic attack and now this.

Jamie keeps staring at his phone “an accident like you shit yourself or like you fell down the stairs?” My jaw drops for the second time since lunch began.

“I didn’t shit myself Jamie!” Jackie is cackling and but abruptly stops when Laurence speaks up. “You don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to, Asher.” He runs a hand through his curls.

“You just met us. They’re just…nosy?” He smiles at me, and my heart starts to pick up its pace. He’s really fucking cute.

Maybe I should tell him. My parents would be pissed if they knew I didn’t tell my roommate I had brain damage. I might as well tell them the brief story and then not have to answer big questions later.

“Um yeah it’s ok, I don’t mind mentioning it.” I take a deep breath and close my eyes briefly.

“I was hit by a car and my brain is a tiny bit fucked now” I shrug and resume playing with my hair.

After a short moment, Jamie breaks the silence.

“Damn, seriously?” He lets out a whistle and reclines further into his seat. I smile weakly “yeah it was a wild ride for a couple months.”

Laurence frowns at me. For fucks sake, I just wanted to be able to flirt with my hot roommate but brain damage is probably a massive turn off.

Then I remember he’s an ex addict. He’s also been through some shit in his life too. Maybe he won’t tip toe around me like my family.

Worry clouds his usually bright blue eyes, turning them a hazy sky blue. “You should’ve told me sooner”

Ok, that pisses me off a little bit.

“What the hell Laurence, you just said I didn’t have to talk about it if I didn’t want to.” I glare at him, and not the usual playful death glare. This time I’m actually pissed.

He looks taken aback, even…hurt…a little. “Sorry, you’re right. I didn’t realise it was that serious though.” I sigh and get up. “It’s fine. Look I have another class in five minutes so I gotta go.”

I wave at them all, locking eyes with Jackie and then Jamie “it was great to meet you.” I give Laurence a small smile. “I’ll see you at home, ok?” He nods and waves as I leave.

One week. I could only hide my accident for one fucking week. I can feel the angry tears pricking the corners of my eyes, which only makes me more frustrated. I just wanted to be myself without people worrying.

They’d flip out if they knew I couldn’t remember anything substantial past the age of eight.