“College sucks!” Nick groaned. His roommate turned as Nick walked in, throwing his books onto his bed. “Want a beer?” he questioned. “No. I don’t drink remember.” Nick shrugged, grabbing a beer and dropping onto the couch, slouching down into the cushions as he popped the top. “You’re such a goody goody Tyler.” He muttered, taking a drink. Tyler watched as his roommate headed for another nite of bingeing. “Y’know, college might not suck so much if you actually applied yourself and didn’t drink your way through it.” Nick frowned, and reached for another beer. “Jess call?” He asked. Tyler turned at the mention of Nicks’ best friend. “Why would she? All you ever do is drink and sleep, it’s not like you care about anything else. And when was the last time you talked to her anyway?” “A couple months ago I guess. She still won’t talk to me. She doesn’t return my calls or emails…she returned all the flowers I tried sending her. She hates me.” Nick ran his hand through his short blond hair and frowned again, finishing the second beer. He sighed, reaching for yet another beer. “Can you blame her Nick? After what happened last time she visited…” Tyler practically spit the words out towards his roommate.
4 months earlier…
“It’s about time!” Nick grabbed Jess, swinging her around in one of his famous bear hugs. “I’ve been waiting for HOURS!” Jess laughed as he set her down, brushing her red hair back from her eyes. “The train got delayed like 5 times! Remind me why I wanted to take a train again?” she smiled, hooking her arm through his as they headed for his car. “Something about wanting to see the scenery or some dumb shit like that.” Nick laughed. Jess punched his arm lightly, “It’s not dumb, it was kinda cool riding the train. Good practice for the subway I suppose.” Nick reached out, opening the car door for her, “I can’t believe you’re actually moving to New York, why the hell would you want to live in a place where you have to travel everywhere underground like a mole or something?” He shut the door before she could answer and walked to the other side of the car, sliding into the drivers’ seat. Jess leaned over turning down the volume on the stereo before he started the car, knowing full well it would be set close to maximum and her eardrums would be in danger of bursting, “I think it’s going to be amazing! And I can travel by bus or taxi if I decide I want to see the sunlight on occasion.” She laughed as he flipped her off, “you’re such a dork Jess y’know that?” Jess leaned over, kissing her best friend on the cheek, “Yeah, and you’ve missed me haven’t you Tex” Nick grinned at the nickname she’d given him after his first semester at school. “Whatever loser,” he laughed. Jess leaned her head against his shoulder as they drove. “Well, I’ve missed you regardless. I can’t believe you didn’t come home for Thanksgiving OR Christmas!” Nick shrugged. “Just didn’t feel like it I suppose.” “Nick…you okay?” Brushing the hair back from his eyes she looked at him, a look of concern crossing her face. “Yeah, I’m fine. Quit worrying okay?” Nick snapped, pushing her hand away. Jess sat back in her seat, a look of surprised hurt on her face, “Sorry…” she said, quietly staring out the window.
The two sat in silence for a few minutes until Nick reached over and took her hand in his. “I’m sorry Jess. Things are just kind of stressful right now. Classes have been kind of rough is all, a lot of work.” Jess squeezed his hand, “It’s okay…I guess I didn’t realize how tough school can be.” “Yeah,” Nick sighed, “I don’t want to think about how it’s going to be my last year. I thought school was going to be fun. Not ALL work.” “Well, we have 2 weeks before I leave and we’re going to have nothing BUT fun.” Jess smiled as they pulled into the parking lot of Nick’s dorm. “And I must say, I’m glad you live in a coed dorm…” Nick grinned, “Oh really? Become a lesbian since we last talked?” Jess punched his arm. “No! It means I get to sleep in the same room as Tyler!” she giggled. “Oh God, do you STILL have a crush on my roommate?” “Mmmmhmmm…I’m sorry Nick, but he is HOT!” she giggled and smiled as Nick shook his head. “I will never understand why you go for the guys you go for. He’s such a freaking goody goody.” “Would you rather me find another Matt?” “I’d rather you find a nice girl and let me enjoy someone you date for once.” Nick grinned evilly. “You, Nickolas Gene Carter, are so nasty!”’ Jess laughed as the two headed for his room. “Heh heh…you have no idea my dear…” Nick grinned back.