It had to have been the longest day of my life, studying for finals during my last semester of college. Even though finals were a good three months away I wanted to be prepared and well versed in everything I was about to encounter on my test. The task seemed impossible. My books were stacked alphabetically to what seemed to reach the ceiling. I was overwhelmed and felt a panic attack coming on until I looked up. There was no one around. I don't even think I saw the Librarian. As my hands settled on my neck I pressed my fingers into the back of it trying to massage out the tension. I checked my phone.
"Fuck." I whispered.
It was already 8:00 p.m! No wonder no one was around. It's Friday night and the only nerd left in the library let alone on campus was probably me and the math club. The thought was disturbing so I closed my books and put the few that I was lent back on their respective shelves. I would have given them back to the librarian, but she was no where to be found. Figures. As I gathered my belongings I began to dial my best friends number. We made a promise to each other that if we're ever by ourselves after it gets dark, we'd call each other and stay on the phone until we safely got to where we needed to be. I guess you could call it the millennials new buddy system.
When he answered I could hear his friends in the background. Of course he was getting ready to go out while I was just now leaving my sanctum for finals.
"Where are you?" He asked.
"Just now leaving the library."
I heard him chuckle then tell his room-mate that he owed him ten bucks.
"Alright book worm. Enough. I don't care what you do tonight, as long as it involves a blind fold, music, and No, I repeat No damn books." I laugh as I walk down the hall towards my room. "Why don't you come out with me tonight?"
"Ha! I knew that was coming. We'll see." I told him. As I reach for my keys I see someone sitting outside of my neighboring room with his head nestled on his crossed arms, slouched over and buried in his lap. I keep my eyes on him.
"I'm here." I say establishing my safety with my best friend while I stay fixed on the person in the hallway. He responds and encourages me one more time to think about meeting up with him for the night before we hang up.
I look at the guy sitting in the hall and try my best to ignore him. He could be a crazy person, or worse for all I know. As I put the key into the lock I tell myself, this person does not need your help! They'll be fine. Just turn around and go to your room.
"You ok?" I roll my eyes. Way to go Moron you may have just killed yourself. He looks up and to my surprise I know his face. A colleague of mine who served as my sober hero from a company party not so long ago. Little did he know that even though I had tried to lure him into coming home with me in my drunken state. I was forever grateful that he didn't. Let's just say if it weren't for him being such a gentleman, Bad things would have occurred that night. I quickly dismiss the ill thoughts of it, as he smiles. He looks relieved to see me as gives a feeble laugh.
"No, the guy I rode with is being a complete anal bead." I laugh at the expression.
"What happened?" I ask.
"Long story short, he got drunk, met a girl, then put me out. Now they're in there....while I sit out here like an idiot." I begin to laugh almost hysterically. He looks at me for a second trying not to smile.
"It's not that funny." He adds.
"It's pretty funny." We go back and forth for a mild minute until he starts to laugh realizing his situation is indeed pretty funny. Before I can even think, the words flow out of my mouth like water
"Well you can crash in here if you want. My roommate is staying at her family's house for the weekend. We've got a couch." I shoot him a look and he shoots one right back.
"I mean it's either that or stay out here for God knows how long." WTF? Word vomit at its best right now. Maybe I have been studying to hard. I mean he did help keep me from what could have been a most embarrassing for the rest of my life night. He looks at me and I know I have been in thought for to long. I shake my head, with a grin and unlock the door. My roommate must have been here not to long ago because the apartment smells of lavender. I wasn't sure if the scent bothered him or not, but I loved it. I turn on the lights revealing and apologizing at the same time, for any mess we may have forgotten to clean in the last few hours. I take his coat and let him know where it will be if he decides he needs to leave at any time during the night. As I walk into the kitchen I encourage him to turn on the television. The silence is awkward, and I don't want him to hear the bones in my toes click. The t.v. is on and I look in the refrigerator for something other than beer, or wine.
"I would offer you something to drink, but all I've got is beer and wine..and I remembered you.." As I stand up he is standing at the threshold of the kitchen.
"Beer is good." I'm startled by his presence and surprised by his response.