A Question Of Roomates

Ch. 20

The goodbyes were tearful, more so on my mothers end. And a few tears were found stray on Laura's face, though I suspect hers were less for me and more for Stiles. She need not worry though, if I had anything to do with it that wouldn't be the last they would see of each other. Stiles was less finicky on the flight home this time around, from the moment we had taken off he had his head on my shoulder and his eyes wired shut.

It felt oddly good coming back to a home with Stiles even if was just a measly old school dorm we were returning to. Stiles made a beeline past me the second the door swung open, moving as fast as he could while dragging his luggage behind him. On his quest it seemed as though he missed the note in the middle of the floor, tracking streaks over it on his pursuit to settle down "Hey, you manage to get in some trouble while on vacation?" I asked, noting the deans name an the school seal atop of the discarded paper.

Without thinking Stiles jumped into his usual spot on the sofa. Kicking his feet up he threw his hand behind his head shaking his butt like he couldn't quite find the right spot "Nope. At least I don't think so, why?"

"This letter was on the door" I thought twice about stopping to put everything away but Stiles would just wine until I came and sat with him and because I was a sucker I'd inevitably listen. So I discarded my luggage with his watching as he intently opened the letter "What's it say?"

"I have a meeting with the dean tomorrow. Doesn't say why"

"You don't seem worried"

"Well, last time we spoke she wanted me to paint a mural on the side of the new lecture hall. Maybe it's finally happening" without another thought he disregarded the letter, tossing it on the sofa as he jumped to his feet, his brain ready to take him on another adventure "I'm going to hop in the shower, wash this flight off" the statement was said as he tossed his shirt for my head. There was a chuckle watching him run off before he was shouting "Baby! That means follow behind!"

The first class back was always the hardest. I had completely ruined my sleep schedule but of course the teachers of the fine establishment had no remorse for that. I managed the first half hour of class before dozing off. I had given no regard to what I'd miss but that regret would have to come later.

When I finally woke up it was due to someone shaking me and class had long since been over. I wiped the straying dribble from my face and the remainder of it from the desk. I needed some fast acting caffeine to get me through the rest of my day.

Stretching, I finally managed to look up and thank whoever was only to lock eyes with my old friend. Erica smiled wearily my way, caution the only thing I could truly make out. I'd seen her around campus a handful of times which almost always resorted in me turning and walking away.

I managed a stiff nod to suffice as a 'thank you' but the blonde was clearly there to make conversation "Long night?" knowing her I was sure there was some innuendo in there, but I wasn't going to take the bait.

"Bit of jet lag"

"Oh nice. W-Where'd you go?"

I climbed the stairs of the lecture hall hoping to make it out fast, but the clicking of Erica's heels behind me told me she was sticking to my trail no matter how fast I moved "Stiles and I, we went to see my parents"

"That sound like fun. What did they think?"

"Erica I've got to g-"

"Derek please. We were really really stupid kids and I can only apologize so many times. I'm not that stupid high-school girl I was then"

"No? Because from the second you found out who my roommate was you were trying to get me out of there. Trying to alienate him all over gain"

Finally she picked up her pace bypassing me just to come to a stop "No not at all! I didn't want him to be alone. I just really liked having you as a friend and I knew if he told what we'd done you me look at the way you now" I just pursed my lips together hiking the bag further up my shoulder. Sad to say I wasn't convinced, not in the slightest. To be honest I wasn't quite sure why I decided to hear her out but I stood there letting her ramble on "Boyd and I finally got a place. It's off campus and we wanted to invite you and Stiles over for dinner. Just to talk"

There was no way Stiles would go for that, not even if I begged which I wasn't going too. But I entertained the thought for her and because I was too tired for any of it "I'll talk to Stiles" he grumbled briskly walking past her and out the class room"

Two classes and a half a nap later I was dragging myself into the dorm. My plan for the nigh was to shower eat and head straight to bed. But knowing my luck Stiles' lips would come into play at some point and delay things.

My boyfriend was on the couch when I walked in. I'd only given him a quick glance before throwing my things by the door and going on about my day "Well I fell asleep in two classes today. Why do I pay eight bucks for a watered down coffee just for not to work. Maybe it's that barista he always seems like he's never paying attention" I finally made my way over to where Stiles was glued to the couch looking over a stack of papers, not even have registered that I had been there "Just like you right now" I joked.

"huh?"

"Never mind " I took notice of the furrowed brow and the way his pink lips seemed clenched together. A few times I ran a hand threw his hair before placing a kiss to his neck and softly asking "Every thing okay? Did you go see the dean?"

"Yeah. Yeah I did"

"So? What did she say?"

Sighing roughly Stiles fell back onto the sofa, the first real movement I had seen since I'd gotten home that night "The account my father set up for my tuition before he died, she said it's empty. Fifty-seven dollars and twelve cents that's all that's left in there. Only he had access to it so I sure as hell didn't blow it on impulse"

"Well, I'm sure your dad didn't touch it, and don't try to make your case on ghosts again"

"This isn't funny Derek. If I don't come up with the money to cover my last semester and fast... I'm going to have to leave and I won't be able to finish school"