Assistance Required

Winter Plans

TW mention of abuse, cursing

Thurs Dec 3

Virgil yawned as he walked towards his first class.

"Did you not sleep well again last night?" Logan asked.

"I was working on my art assignments last night. They're all due today and I had a lot to do."

"Virgil, sleeping is important to your health. More important than your schoolwork since without sleep your work is hindered greatly."

"Sleep is overrated."

"No, it isn't. Sleep is vital to your health. Virgil, not sleeping can further damage your mental health as well as take a toll on your physical health. You need to sleep!"

"Tomorrow is Friday. I'll sleep over the weekend."

"That's not how it works! You have to get proper sleep every night!"

"Every night? Are you sure? I could of sworn sleeping was strictly a weekend activity."

"You're joking right? Please tell me this is a joke! You can't be serious right now."

"Yes, Logan. It's a joke," Virgil laughed. "Geez, you're more stressed than usual aren't you?"

Logan sighed

"Yes, I suppose I am. My parents have been contacting me all week about that paper and reminding me of how important finals are. They keep telling me I need to do well and I'm just getting tired of it all. Sometimes I wish they'd just leave me alone. They stress me out sometimes."

"Oh, sorry. That does sound rough."

"Don't get me wrong, I love them. And I know they want what's best for me, but sometimes they're a bit too much."

"Like forcing you to be a lawyer?"

"Don't remind me. I'll try to pick up some work over break to start saving up for when my parents inevitably cut me off."

"Cut you off?"

Logan nodded.

"Once they find out I'm no longer following the family plan, I'm certain they'll cut me off. And before you say anything, I have thought this through. I know what I'm getting into and honestly I think it'll be worth it. Sure it will suck no longer having my parents support me, but I really do love astronomy and I can't picture myself being a lawyer for very long. I'd be miserable. And maybe someday I could study the stars with Patton by my side. I know it's a long shot since statistically relationships at our age don't last very long, but it isn't impossible."

Virgil smiled.

"My parents met in college. They met in sophomore year and married straight out of college."

"I thought your dad-"

"Before he started drinking they were happy. We were happy. I was born about a year after they got married. They didn't have much, but they made it work. Dad had a good job and Mom would take care of me and the house. She used to take me to the park a lot. I really liked the swings. So much so that Dad built me a tire swing in our backyard. I used to love that thing! If Dad had never started drinking..." Virgil trailed off. He sighed. "The point is, you can still be happy. Just don't... drink. Alcohol scares me."

Logan gave him a soft smile.

"I never planned to. I much prefer being able to remember what I did the night prior and I don't want to risk a chance that I hurt the people I love. Physically or emotionally."

"I'm glad. That's why I don't want to drink. I'm afraid I'll be like my father."

"And that alone makes you different from him."