Dots and Zeros [Completed]

14. Sam

'You don't do schoolwork at all on your day off?' I ask.

'I did this morning. It is a weekday after all. But the rest of today is time off. To reward myself for the work I did.'

Eugene's voice sounds a little distorted over the phone. Part robot, part himself. I just got home from school. I dumped my bags on the doormat. Lying on the couch I look up at the ceiling. I can hear him moving around on the other side of the call.

'I'm proud of you,' I say.

'Thanks.'

'Did you have to do some assignment?'

'I did,' he says.

It sounds like he's sitting down on a chair or a couch. A bed maybe.

'An essay on the bronze age,' he continues.

'Sounds... I don't know. I wouldn't like it.'

'I'm neutral about it. I like history, but I'm not crazy about this era.'

'What do you prefer then?'

'I really like ancient Greece and the Renaissance. That's the good stuff. Unfortunately, the first is two semesters away. I don't even see the renaissance planned for this year.'

'Patience is a virtue.'

He just sighs.

'You don't have school right now?' Eugene asks.

'Nope. Teacher called in sick. I took the bus home and now I'm doing nothing.'

'I don't think I've ever gotten home before two PM on a weekday.'

'College sounds brutal.'

He sighs again.

'At least I only have to go four days a week,' he says. 'Any plans for the remainder of the day?'

'Some homework maybe. But I'm really not feeling it. I haven't even glanced at my backpack since I dumped it on the ground the second I walked in.'

'Have you painted some stuff with my paint already?'

'I have. But it's not done. Maybe I'll finish it today.'

'Nice. What is it?'

'It's my first real attempt at completely abstract.'

'Sounds cool. Can I come look at it some time?'

'Of course.'

I lift myself from the couch. With my phone glued to my ear I walk to the kitchen. It's colder there compared to the living room. Must be the tile everywhere.

'I might bring all my painting stuff downstairs for the afternoon,' I say. 'I usually paint in my room, but downstairs is all empty until who knows what time.'

'Your parents aren't home?'

'No, my mom works until five, technically. Since she started the new job she hasn't been home at five thirty a single time. She keeps wanting to finish the things she's working at.'

'That sucks. How about your dad? Or other mom, I guess.'

I bring out a pack of chips from the drawer next to the stove.

'It's just my mom,' I say while getting a bowl.

'Oh, I'm sorry. Should I offer condolences?'

'No. Well, honestly, I don't know. Never met the guy.'

'Still, I'm sorry. So besides moving yourself downstairs to claim territory, any other wild plans now you're home alone?'

I chuckle and but the bag back in the drawer.