Assistance Required

A Good Book

Sun Nov 15

Virgil sighed as he looked over his paper. He hated it. He really hated it.  It sounded like absolute garbage when he read it, but he didn't want to do it again. He stacked the papers neatly and placed them in his bag. He'd go to the library to type them out later. He didn't feel like standing up at the moment. He pulled out his book to get some reading done. They had moved into mystery novels in pulp fiction. They were actually pretty interesting. The detective was just knocking on a suspect's door when he felt someone lightly pull on his sleeve.

"What?" he snapped.

Patton jumped.

"Sorry! We were just about to head down for lunch."

"Oh," Virgil said. He thought about joining them but then he remembered how much money he was spending. "You guys go on ahead. I kind of want to keep reading."

"You can read in the dining hall!" Janus said.

"I'm not hungry."

"Are you okay?" Logan asked.

"Yeah, I just... don't feel all that hungry right now. I'll eat later."

"Are you sure you're okay?" Thomas asked.

"Yes! I'm fine!" Virgil said. "I'm just not hungry and I'm at a good part in the book. Leave me alone!"

"Do you want one of us to sit with you?" Patton asked.

"I'll be okay," Virgil said as he turned back to his book.

He ignored them while they talked for a bit before leaving. Soon he was back into the story. He chewed on his fingers while he read. He actually was a little hungry, but he'd be okay. He didn't really need to eat yet. He'd be okay for a little while longer. Besides, the dining hall was kind of expensive without a meal plan. He was still technically a commuter, so he didn't have a meal plan like the others. He hadn't planned on eating in the dining hall more than once a day when he first started school either. He also didn't plan on ending up in the hospital or losing his car. At least he wasn't paying so much for gas. He only had to reimburse the others for getting him to and from work which was still less than he was spending before.

He focused on the story. He wasn't sure how he felt about the suspect. He could see why the detective suspected them, but he wasn't sure if he agreed. He wrote down his thoughts on a sticky note before placing it in the book. After questioning the suspect the detective left to go over his thoughts. Virgil wasn't sure where he was going. It didn't make sense to him that he was walking by the river. He made another note.

Virgil jumped as someone sat down next to him. He looked around to see the others sitting back down. Had it really been that long? A greasy napkin was placed in front of him with a couple slices of pizza. Patton smiled at him before turning back to his own work. Virgil looked at the food in front of him and back to his book. He was glad they had gotten him something to eat but he had told them he wasn't hungry. Would they know he was lying if he started eating right away? He decided to wait a bit before touching it.

He continued reading for a while in silence. He still had a few chapters left of his assigned reading. Janus and Patton started nagging him to eat his pizza so he ate. He took his time eating his pizza while he read. He wanted it to last him. He was glad he had work later. He wouldn't have to pay for dinner or make up an excuse as to why he didn't want to join the others. A few hours of reading later, he headed up to his room to get ready for work.

Roman, Thomas, and Joan were still working on the upcoming play so Patton drove Virgil to work again. They listened to music on the way. Patton hummed along while Virgil stared out the window. He thought about the story he was reading. He had managed to get the assigned reading done. Tomorrow, he'd work with Roman on his Spanish and type out his paper. He wasn't doing too bad.

"Are you sure you're okay with my music?" Patton asked suddenly.

Virgil turned to look at Patton.

"Oh! Yeah, it's fine. It's your car anyway."

"That doesn't mean we can't listen to your music. What kind of music do you like?"

"Um," Virgil laughed, "I like bands like Evanescence and My Chemical Romance. I don't think it's your kind of music."

"I think I've heard a few of their songs. It isn't what I usually listen to, but that doesn't mean I won't listen to them."

"I don't mind your music either, Pat. You're driving my butt to work, it's the least I can do."

"Yeah, well. I kind of made you late yesterday," Patton said sheepishly.

"You were worried about me. I think that's a good reason."

They were silent for a few minutes before Patton spoke again.

"Are you feeling better today?"

Virgil nodded slowly.

"Yeah, I think so. The book I was reading was actually pretty good and I'm getting a fair amount of stuff done. Plus I already know what I'm going to do tomorrow. Don't worry, I'm still going to go over notes with you."

Patton smiled.

"I'm glad you're figuring everything out! Just make sure to give yourself time to eat and sleep! You seem to forget sometimes."

"Oh, don't worry, Dad! I plan on it."

Patton laughed at the nickname.

"You better, Son."