About Adam

‘Come on, Lil,’ Adam was saying. ‘You’ve got the spare bedroom. I’ve got to get some R&R in the City. These hokey hippies are driving me crazy.’

‘We are not hippies,’ Rebecca said primly. ‘We’re the reverse of hippies. Habitat is about finding solutions, feeding people and making a living.’

‘Yeah, Bec, but it’s so earnest. You guys need to lighten up,’

Lilith couldn’t help betraying a slight smile. She loved Rebecca, but her sister could be a bit intense about the Habitat.

‘I’m light,’ Rebecca was protesting. ‘When I need to be.’

‘And the chores,’ Adam responded. ‘It’s not like I don’t want to help, but why does everything have to be on a roster? And in the morning.’

‘What? You mean it’s not fair to ask you to work before midday when you crawl out of your pit?’

‘Come on guys,’ Lilith laughed. ‘She’s right, Adam. Your sleeping regime isn’t geared to collaboration. Anyway, let’s sort it out. You can stay at my place for a few weeks – depending how it goes.’

Lilith had played the peacemaker between these two radically different souls most of her life. Bec was simple, clear, committed. Once she saw a course of action she didn’t deviate or question much. Adam was the complete reverse. At 24 he was all over the place, trying, testing, mixing things up. He had a number of part time jobs – computing, security, God only knew what. Somehow he managed to get by, but it never seemed heading anywhere. She could see how it would drive Rebecca crazy. Plus, Adam was resolute about enjoying himself.

‘But there’s some rules,’ Lilith continued, watching the sudden wariness on Adam’s face. ‘No drink, no drugs, no buddies, no politics, no partying. It’s a place to crash only. Got it?’

Adam look ready to argue, but after a second the line of his mouth softened. ‘Do I get a key?’

Both women laughed. ‘Yeah, alright,’ Lilith sighed, shrugging at Rebecca.

‘On your head be it,’ Rebecca warned.