AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“But maybe my college experience is defined differently than yours,” I fire back, and she raises her eyebrows.
“Okay, you got me there. But if you change your mind, let me know.”
You mean so I can walk in on you being hauled upstairs by some other rando? No thanks.
I push down my jealous thoughts and nod my head in response. She changes the subject back to her pop quiz, and we spend the rest of the evening laughing and joking.
Do I get any homework done? Nope. But I laughed and smiled so much my face hurts. So I call that a win.
Yet I couldn’t help the nagging feeling I had all night. About how different Lennox and I really are. How she doesn’t care about her schedule, or being hungover, or late. A part of me can’t wrap my head around it. While another part of me wishes I was more like her.
Carefree and loose.
The complete opposite of what I’m supposed to be. Or what I wastrainedto be more like it.
Rigid and emotionless.
Between classes and working,the weeks move quickly. Before I know it, it’s the day before we leave for the ski trip, and I’ve been packed for two days now. Guess the military training pays off sometimes.
“Shit, Holden, I haven’t even done my laundry yet,” Rhett says from my doorway, with a nod toward my suitcase.
“Always be prepared,” I find myself saying. “Dammit,” I whisper under my breath, but Rhett hears me anyway. He laughs, knowing exactly what I’m talking about.
“You can’t escape that military way of life, man,” he says as he plops down on my very neatly made bed. “I mean, look at the way you tuck in your sheets. Those perfect corners, though.”
“It’s like second nature now. Morning room inspections will do that to ya.”
“What? No way, fuck that. My ass would’ve gotten beat on the daily.”
“Nah, not beat. Just other unbearable torture punishments like scrubbing the toilet with a toothbrush or running five laps around the neighborhood.”
“Really with the toothbrush? Thought that shit was a myth.”
“Ha! Everyone says that. But not in my world.”
“Bet you’re glad you’re away from all that shit now. Living the carefree chill life. So fuck up that suitcase and have some damn fun. You stoked for the trip?”
“Hell yeah. Been counting down the days. Haven’t decided whether I’ll try my hand at skiing, though. I don’t see it going well.” I grimace.
Rhett laughs. “Don’t worry, you’ll catch on quick. The bunny slopes are easy. My family and I go skiing every year during the last week of December. I’ll show you a few pointers.”
“Cool, thanks. I’m ready to forget about classes and work. Fuck, my video design classes are no joke.”
“I hear ya. My public speaking class is killer.”
“Ew, fuck that. I hate giving speeches.”
Just then, Remi appears. “I’ve got your next speech ready for you, Rhett. It’s called fuck public speaking class.”
Rhett laughs. “I wish. Remi bro, please tell me you changed your mind about the party tonight.”
“You’re not going?” I chime in. There’s a huge house party happening that we’re using as an excuse to celebrate the kickoff to the ski trip. It’s been a while since I went to one since my schedule is so hectic, but I’m looking forward to it. I could use a night of drinking and letting loose. I’m also secretly hoping Lennox will be there.
“Nah, I gotta study for my exam. I was just taking a little break. You both better take a shot for me.” Remi points at us before he disappears out of sight.
“I’ll take all the shots. It’s been a week,” Rhett says as he stands and stretches. “I better get some laundry done if I plan on bringing any clean clothes with me.”
“You got this, dude. I believe in you.” I salute him as he flips me off, both of us laughing.
