the twenty one story

chapter 2

September 2, 2007
I've arrived at my new dorm. My roommate has already moved in, so I knock on the door. I say a quick prayer, that my anxiety won't get the best of me & that I won't screw up another first impression. A kind face answers the door, it's a slight relief. We introduce ourselves. His name is Tyler. I reach in for a handshake but he goes for a side hug. I already feel comfortable, but of course the anxiety never leaves alone. I've already resorted to thinking he doesn't like me. I recognize his face, but where from? I'll think about that later, I need to unload my car.
T: "It's great to meet you, let me help you unload!"
J: "Thanks man, that'd be great."
We start unloading & having small talk.
T: *picks up Josh's snare* "Man, do you play?"
J: "Yeah, I love the drums. I dream of being in a band, doing what I love."
T: "I play too, just not very well. Singing/piano is more my thing."
J: "That's sick. I love how music can help me with anything I struggle with. It's my only escape, besides God."
T: "Music really is what saved my life. Getting my emotions out in song, you know."
J: "I completely understand. I feel like we will get along very well."
T: "Yeah definitely. Looks like we're finished, do you wanna go grab some food?
J: "Sounds good! Where do you wanna go?"
T: "Well, there's a Taco Bell right down the street. We could walk."
J: "Sounds like a plan. Taco Bell is my favorite."

10 minutes later, they arrive at Taco Bell.

We decide on splitting a 12 pack (hard work means big appetite) & I also get a Baja Blast. We sit down & eat & continue small talk about our classes & what we did over the summer. By the time we got home, it was 10:00 & I was tired. I got ready for bed & went into my room. I was trying to remember where I recognized this guy from. Then, it clicked. I'd seen him singing at church on Christmas Eve. He had a great voice. Made sense, because he told me he likes music. Our church, Five14, is pretty big so I'd never talked to him before. Knowing this guy was a Christian too was a big relief. Before I knew it I had fallen asleep, and it was 9am on Saturday morning.