Gleeboot (Season 2)

15. Spring Breakers Part 1

A cellphone rang in the distance. Alex slowly opened his eyes. Four more rings sprung him out of bed. He turned off the alarm on his phone then went for the alarm clock bouncing on his nightstand. His laptop was turned on at his desk, as was his desktop, both with alarms going wild. He ran to turn them off. One more still rang somewhere.

He ran toward his closet and found his apple watch charging on top of his dresser. After turning off the alarm, he finally took in a breath. It was a quarter to seven and he had made sure he would wake up on time.

Forty minutes later, he was all showered up and ready. With a duffle bag hanging from his shoulder, he hurried down the house to the front door. After shouting a hasty goodbye to his parents and little sister, he was almost out the entrance. But a hand on his shoulder stopped him.

He turned to find his mom staring up at him with worried eyes. "I'm not so sure about this little trip," she told him. The first weekend of spring break had come and gone and just when he was about to make his escape for the real spring break, his mother stood in his way with crossed arms and glossy eyes.

"Ma," he said, setting down his bag and placing his arms around her. As he pulled her into a hug, he assured her, "Everything's gonna be fine. I'm just going to be an hour away. Less than an hour, really. My buddies and I are gonna be real responsible. Just fishing and bonfires by the lake. No drinking. Well, maybe a beer or two."

She pulled away and gave him a stern look.

"Kidding!" Alex exclaimed. He gave her another quick hug, adding a soft kiss on top of her head. "I promise I'll be good and safe. I'll see you soon." 

With another quick goodbye, he hurried out the front door to find a fancy, long RV pulled up by his driveway. A laugh escaped him and he shook his head as he approached its doors. They opened just in time to Ricky, who smiled back at him proudly. An unknown man sat behind the wheel.

Ricky waved past Alex at his mom as Alex hurried inside. "Dude," said Alex. "Drive, drive, drive. Before she comes running after me."

With a chuckle, Ricky gave his driver a pat on the shoulder and they set off onto the road. Ricky followed Alex on back, saying, "Welcome to The Dutchman."

"I'm not gonna lie," said Alex, glancing around and tossing his duffle on the couch. "It's not the coolest ride but... It's roomy." 

He sat down beside his bag as Ricky said, "This baby sleeps eight people. It cost me several grand and I had to borrow a little bit from my mom. An advance on my birthday and Christmas and probably also my college fund but... It was so worthwhile because we'll need the space."

"Why?" asked Alex. "We're just going to Luke's lake house." 

"Well... no." 

Alex glanced up at him, his head tilting in confusion. "But you said...?"

"I know," said Ricky. "I told you I got all the guys to agree to a week-long stay at the cabin. After the disaster that was New Year's Eve I was surprised that you were up to it considering..."

"I'm way over that," Alex said, not wanting Ricky to finish that thought.

"Well, I wasn't that interested in a week with Lucas," he said. "And the truth is I never even asked him and that whole thing I told you the other day about making plans with him... was a lie. I can't believe you thought Dominic agreed to hanging with Lucas for a week!" He chuckled, shaking his head at him.

"So where the heck are you taking me?" asked Alex, worried.

"Somewhere better," Ricky smiled. "What do you think about watching the Cheerios at Nationals?"