Look Right Through Me

Oh yeah? How’s theater going? 

I think adulthood is a series of short term stress.

“Yeah, I mean it’s not like we’re bad off or anything but it’s just… a lot of money, especially to be an international here.”

“Uh, yeah...” Tucker rubbed the back of his head. “I understand that.” He wasn’t the biggest fan of his parents, but he was thankful that they helped pay for living expenses when he transferred to Akamai and continued to help.

Oh, uh...guitar. [He let out a humorless laugh.] Because I’ve been there...I’ve been in a place where things felt dark and...hopeless...

“School’s been dragging everyone down it seems.” Tucker let out a laugh. “Oh, uh, I’m pretty horrible actually. I broke my wrist skating at my sister’s birthday party once.”

Sydney took a deep breath. “Yeah, yeah. I know, I just.. So many essays, so little time, you know..?”

“I know. I may have graduated but it wasn’t that long ago.”

Then stop acting like it’s not a big deal, it is! 

Okay. It’s a big deal. It is.

Exhaling, Mike rested his body against the wall. By now, he should’ve gotten used to this kind of pain, but god damn. Hearing a voice, he glanced over at the guy. “Always do,” he snickered, moving a shaky hand inside his jacket to reach for a pack of cigarettes. Realizing it was empty, he breathed out another curse word and crushed the empty package only to throw it on the ground. “Give me a fucking break.”

Tucker’s gaze followed the empty pack of cigarettes to the ground. He couldn’t argue with the man’s ‘always do’ comment. It was a phrase he’d muttered often. Reaching into his pocket he pulled out a pack of cigarettes, holding it out to the man. “Think you can use these more than I can.”

Busy with school or other things as well?

Probably, yeah.

“Yeah I am!” She smiled, kicking her shoe to the ground a little. “Oh please.. Don’t remind me.. I’m already stressed out as it is!”

He laughed, holding his hands up. “Relax, Sydney. It’s almost over.”

It will be, yeah. 

“Fuck no. That guy’s a lunatic.”

He rested his arm on top of the guitar, reaching up to scratch his face. “Uh, Joshua Radin. He’s got some really great music actually if you like guitar.”

“I completely agree.” Tucker nodded. “Much as I hate to compliment my sister on anything, she makes an amazing apple pie.”

“Because of financial reasons...or...sorry. That’s none of my business.”

“That’s, uh, that’s really exciting.”