And not a soul to hear

“Wonderful. I think that Carly took the middle or end bed. I know I’m by the door. You’d have to check with her on that. I’m going down to the boardwalk. Not going to be in the room a whole lot.”

“That sounds good too, just tell me when you want me to leave after and I’ll go. He’s not that bad, and I’m mostly at the beach reading so it’s not much of a huge problem. Are they easy roommates? Yea, how have you been? I visited Layla a couple times in the hospital. I was pretty worried, well a lot of people were but, yea. I was kinda frightened.” 

“We’re not going to make you leave, Aaron. You’re not a burden. Both she and I enjoy having you around, you know? I remember you visiting. I stepped out just a few times to get something to eat. Seems some older skeeze came to visit, too. Eh, they’re alright. I’ve spoken to one a few times, no opinion of the other. No, a lot of people weren’t worried -- not about Layla, at least. They were worried about themselves, they just like whining and worrying about themselves.”

“That’s true, and it’s also not like you’re in your room all day away from her. It’s like you’re only in there when you have to be right? I don’t know, I’m just kinda um, making assumptions. Maybe I’ll go to just say hi to Layla.” 

“Or you can come to spend some time with us. It’ll be nice to get away from your own room mates, whoever they are. I know most people aren’t too pleased to be stuck with strangers or whatever. I know the girl I’m rooming with but I can’t say I know the dude. He seems to think we’ve met, though. Anyway -- I haven’t seen you in a while. I know Layla’d love to.”

“Being a third wheel doesn’t sound like fun. The offer you pitch isn’t exactly an inviting one.”

“Hey, take it or leave it. But you can’t say I didn’t offer the chance, right?”

“I do believe your name is Evan, correct?”

“You got it, Toyota. Only name I’ve ever had.”

“Awesome. Well, maybe you should care a little more. Apparently you’re not supposed to be wondering around by yourself.”

“Which is why I said I’m gathering my Khaleesi -- that’s my girlfriend. I won’t be going anywhere alone. It’s also why I had extended the invitation for anyone else to come if they wanted to. I got my bases covered.”

“No offense, but I don’t really remember your name right now. It partially has to do with my brain shutting down around the prom drama, but also because I’ve just always been bad with names. Not having rules is nice, except for the don’t go anywhere without your assigned tethers things.”

“I wouldn’t really say its drama but just everyone is kinda of bummed that they didn’t get who they requested. I mean, I didn’t have anyone to request but I feel bad for my roommate, I don’t feel like I’m a bad roommate but I just try not to talk so I don’t bother them. It’s okay, Evan. I’m not going to crash your beach date.” 

“I mean, yeah I’m a bit bummed I’m not with Layla but it’s not like I’m stuck being around my room mates the whole time. I really wouldn’t mind if you came along, actually. It would be nice to socialize outside of the bubble I’ve thrown myself into. You should come.”

“Cool. I don’t really care where you go. Do you.”

“Yeah, I care about where I go. If you don’t care, then that’s so much easier on me. Peace.”

“I don’t see how the rooms being co-ed is such a big deal, really…. You’re collecting your what? Should I really head to a remote place with someone I don’t know? That’s the real question.”

“I am nine-hundred percent certain that if you ask anyone else, they’ll give you an earful as to why they believe it’s a bad thing. Look, I’m going down to the boardwalk with my girlfriend. You can tag along if you want, if not, then that’s your choice.”

“I know you’re not referring to me.”

“Ah, no. You’re neither of my room mates. And there’s only one Queen in my life, and you’re not her. So bingo, good astute senses you have there.”

“I thought you forgot about that. It’s embarrassing but I fully believed it at the time and might do, just a little. Wait, really? Would you do that with me? I wouldn’t hit you but could we possibly box together. I would really like to learn how to box. Em, I might have gone after… Ashley White? Edie, she said I deserved to be hit by the car because I didn’t understand the pecking order. She had the nerve to say that. She doesn’t even realise how prominent our families are at home, not that I want to rub it in anyone’s nose. It’s sorted though, we talked. He might not like the towel anymore but… that sounds wonderful. Though, as celebration for good things, I think we need to get some bar wings.

“There’s very few things that you’ve done that I have forgotten, you know. Of course I’d do that with you. I’ve got to get more physical training in anyway, and it’s always better to do that kind of stuff with a partner. Oh wait, wait, wait -- seriously? You clocked Ashley? Please tell me you at least broke the bitches nose, especially for saying that? Because if you didn’t I might. And it’s alright -- because I wouldn’t be hitting a girl, I’d be hitting an amorphic mass of useless. If anyone in New York knew how prominent our families were, they’d ease off. But the different between them and us is that we’re human with consciences and moral codes. They’re just disgusting. Bar wings it is. I know a place I can order good ones, unless you want to go out. And I’m sure Sage would love to see you.”