9 Awkward Encounters

I wave bye to Conner and walk into the room to see Thane reading something on his bed. I take my shoes off and walk over to the bathroom. I brush my teeth and wonder how long I was going to have to keep doing this.

How long COULD I do this? After brushing my teeth, I walk out to see Thane still reading so I awkwardly pull out my books and start studying. After a few hours, my eyes start to grow heavier and heavier.

I prop my chin up with my hand and shake my head a little. I blink a few times and focus on what I'm reading but as my eyes begin to grow heavy again, my head suddenly dips! I smack my head on the desk before jerking awake with a start!

Ow ow ow... I rub my forehead with a cringe but when I turn around, I see Thane looking at me with a blank face. We silently stare at each other for a few silent seconds before I start grabbing a change of clothes.

It was two-thirty in the morning! What was this psycho still doing up!? When I go to leave, I catch the corner of his mouth twitching with his suppressed laughter. I grit my teeth and leave with irritation. Jerk!

It would just be better if he'd just laugh! Holding it in like that... Urgh! I practically stomp the whole way to the showers and once I get there, I look around for others. Once I know I'm alone, I bring all my things over to the last stall and power wash.

Once done, I quickly dry off and get dressed. I could have set a new world record for how fast I just showered and changed! Happy with myself, I grab my stuff and practically skip right into someone's bare chest!

I drop my things and stumble back with shock. When I look up to snap, I see Thane looking down at me with a frown. Shirtless... and in a towel... My words sputter a little before I say "Who the hell takes a shower this late at night!?"

I crouch down and start picking up my things before Thane leans down and picks up my shampoo. He leans over and holds the shampoo out to me as he says "You and I both... apparently." My mouth slightly opens before I reach out and snatch the bottle out of his hand.

I grab the rest of my things and start walking away as Thane says "What's the big deal anyway? It's not like I want to shower with you?" I overreacted... I paste an awkward smile on my face and spin around to him as I say "You're right! You just startled me a little, sorry!" I quickly turn around and leave.

~~~~~~

Thane stands in the showers with a deep frown etched on his face. The little guy was... strange. He looks back to the empty showers and frowns even more. Was he being... bullied? He does look like a girl...

He reaches up and rubs the back of his neck before coming up with a plan. Maybe he should shower with him to make sure no one messes with him. He did seem uncomfortable though... Thane looks all the way to the back shower with worry.

Especially because there's a rumor about a pervert going around. Wasn't the pervert trying to get in through that window? Until they catch the pervert... he should shower with the little bird. That way he won't have to worry about something happening to him.

It's odd though... why's he so concerned about him anyway? Was it because he's so small? Yeah... that must be why.

~~~~~~~

Once I get back to the room, I put away my dirty clothes and climb into bed. I was exhausted! Suddenly, the phone in the room goes off! Scaring the living daylights out of me! I quickly reach over and see that it's my parents!

I quickly look over to the door before hitting the button and saying "It's three in the morning!!" A small screen comes to life as my Mom gives me an apologetic look and says "I'm sorry hun, I was just worried about you." Suddenly, my Dad leans over into the screen and says "You're Mother had a nightmare about you and was scared. She wanted to make sure you were okay.

I give my Mom and Dad a warm smile before saying "I'm okay guys, I promise. Any news on... the idiot?" My Mom and Dad's faces sour before my mother says "If I get my hands on that little punk!!" My Dad sighs and says "Calm down honey, or your blood pressure will go back up. Why don't you go get some water."

My mother nods and waves to me before walking away, once she was gone, my Dad give me a grave look and says "Don't tell you Mother but... your Uncle tracked your brother as far as the border. We think he may have gone into the Void."

"WHAT!? Why would he go into the Void??" I ask with disbelief but my father just shakes his head and says "I have no idea, sweetie. We're gonna keep looking for him here but... it might be pointless. We'll keep you updated when we know more."

I sigh with worry and strain to smile as I say "Don't worry about me. I'm doing great here and the classes are easy! I've even made a friend!" My Dad gives me a sad smile as he says "That's great, sweetie. That's really great... you'll let us know if things get too tough, right?"

I nod my head and give him a thumbs-up as the door to the room suddenly opens. I look up before saying "My roommate's back dad, gotta go." My Dad becomes worried before saying "We... we love you, son. Be safe."

I give him a small smile and nod before ending the call. Thane watches me hang up before asking "Your parents?" I nod and start fixing my blankets as he says "You can talk to them longer if you want."

I give him a small smile before saying thanks and turning off my light. I roll over and try to keep the tears out of my eyes. Does this mean I have to stay even longer? No, it's fine. It'll all be fine... right?