When Will My Life Begin (Phan AU)

I'll try

Phil

Countless newspaper adverts, phone calls, emails and interviews later, I still hadn't found a roommate. They were either too loud, too rude or couldn't guarantee that they could pay the rent. I'll admit I was being a bit fussy about their character but what was the point finding a roommate because I couldn't pay the rent if they weren't going to split the rent with me? I was about to give up and find a cheaper apartment to rent when the doorbell rang.

"Coming," I called, standing up to open the door.
I opened the door and my mum was on the doorstep.
"Come in," I said, giving her a hug as she hung up her coat. She followed me into the kitchen and I automatically started making tea for us like I did every time she came to see me.

"Have you found a roommate yet, Phil?" She asked, as she sipped her tea.
"No," I sighed, "I think I'll just give up and move."
"Don't do that! I found someone who'll move in with you."
"Who is it? Do I know them?"
"You've met him but I don't know if you'll remember."
"Stop being cryptic and tell me who it is!"
"Do you remember Daniel? I think you were about six when you last saw him."
"Daniel Howell? Is he not quite far away though?"
"He's moving back to go to university here. He's studying law."
"Let me guess, you've already said he can move in."
"Of course, he's only 17 so be nice to him."
"Is that not quite young to study law?"
"He's in some pre-law course at the college near here."

At this point I had realised that I couldn't get out of this. My mum had told him and his family that he could move in and it would seem incredibly rude if we went back on that offer. I just hoped that he wouldn't be too noisy or anything.

"At least tell me he has some source of income so that I will get the rent," I said, hoping that he did. Otherwise, what was the point in getting a roommate?

"He has a part time job but his parents would be paying for the rent anyway," my mum replied, relieving my fears.
"When's he moving in?" I asked, accepting the fact that this was happening whatever I said.
"Monday."
"That's in 3 days! I have to tidy this place! I have to...."
"Ok, calm down. You keep this place pretty clean anyway. Just run round with a Hoover and you'll be fine. Try to calm down."
"I'll try. But what if he doesn't like me! What if he finds me annoying?!"
"Phil, you are the most lovable, likeable person I've ever met. You'll be fine. Now, I need to go, but I'll be round on Monday night to see Dan since I haven't seen him in years. He'll be here about noon so make sure you're dressed and ready to help him move in. His parents are coming too."

And with that my mum left me to my own thoughts. I was relieved and worried at the same time. I didn't have to worry about money any more but I had to deal with a new room mate. And a seventeen year old at that!! I was not being a baby sitter.

I just hoped he was mature enough to take care of himself, and sensible enough to be considerate towards me. If he was noisy and always had people around that would not be good. But I didn't have much of a choice. And was it not kinda weird that a twenty two year old and a seventeen year old would be living together?

But it was too late now. So I started tidying. I couldn't make him like me but I could make sure he liked the flat. I didn't want to make a bad first impression by having a messy flat. That would make it seem like I was messy and lazy and I was basically the opposite. But I was still wondering what Daniel (Dan?) would be like.

Obviously I remembered Dan but that was more that fifteen years ago! He wasn't even two the last time I saw him. My mum seemed to expect me to 'know' him. But how can you make a judgement on someone based on how they were when they were eighteen months old? It doesn't work like that at all. He definitely wouldn't remember me anyway, but he wouldn't be expected to.

I spent the whole weekend worrying and stressing over these thoughts. And when Monday morning arrived I found myself pacing up and down the living room rug. Why did my mum agree? I didn't know the guy! What if he hated me? What if I hated him? What if....

Ring. Ring.

My thoughts were interrupted by the doorbell ringing. I took a deep breathe and opened the door.