The Adventure (Tomark)

Chapter 3

Tom takes a deep breath. He is about to attend his first college party and he couldn't be more stoked. Well, considering the fact that the gathering takes place in the Hoppuses backyard and doesn't involve too many people, it is actually more of a dress rehearsal, but Tom doesn't mind. He gets to test the waters, there's booze and drinking games involved and the music sounds good, too. If only Travis was here to participate in this potentially life-changing event!

***

One hour later, Tom has to admit that his expectations perhaps were too high. He is sitting next to Anne, a beer in his hand, and stares into space. This is not going well, and Tom knows that he is at fault.

He remembers how Mark jokingly called him a 'deaf-mute' when they first met, and maybe Anne's brother does have a point. Tom frowns. While the people around him enjoy themselves, the teenager is pretty uptight and not entirely sure how to loosen up. The beer doesn't help either; it makes him feel slightly light-headed and not chatty or confident at all.

Tom sighs. His pretty tutor seemingly has forgotten about him long ago, as she is busy with admiring one of Mark's friends. He can't blame her though, that guy definitely is easy on the eyes. But now that Anne is distracted, Tom doesn't have anyone to talk to, and he doesn't know how to approach someone else either.

This sucks. He feels nervous and decides that he doesn't belong here anyway. The people around him are just too cool, Tom thinks, and they will eventually find out that he is too young, too lame, too dumb...

„Looks like you're having a blast," a soft voice suddenly states right next to his ear. Tom, who has been absorbed in thought until now, immediately winces. He knows that voice, of course he does. Mark reeks of alcohol and smoke, but Tom doesn't mind that at all. He is glad that someone plucked up the courage to talk to him.

„Sure, it's awesome," he therefore replies politely.

Mark grins as he plops down on the free seat next to Tom. „Oh yeah!? You look fucking devastated, man. Here, take this." With that, he hands Tom a fresh beer.

All that friendliness confuses Tom, but he does accept it gratefully. And while conversation still poses a challenge, he at least knows Mark well enough to understand that the college student is pretty easy going. He also realizes that the older boy is trying to tease him and decides that he won't cave in.

„You're surprised? Weren't you the one to call me a deaf-mute?"

„Um, maybe? Wallflower would be a more accurate label though."

„No way! I was just observing, dude. I'm not a wallflower!" Tom protests. Does he, in his low-hanging Dickies, pulled-up tube socks, Converse sneakers and band shirt, really look like a damn wallflower?

Mark laughs. „Alright then, officer. Good luck with that observation; and keep in mind that there's no drinking on duty!"

With that, he gets up again, causing a startled Tom to become rather anxious. He knows that this is a one-of-a-kind chance to get to know Mark, who obviously has had a few too many and was the one to approach him after all. Tom just needs to come up with a good topic, something that draws the other's interest and keeps the conversation going.

„Hey, by the way! I heard you playing bass the other day. That shit was dope!"

***

It gets better after this. Way better. Tom and Mark talk about pretty much everything, especially punk rock and skateboarding, and it's almost scary how much they have in common; not only several interests but also their sense of humor. They just click and Mark's calm, carefree demeanor is contagious somehow. The teenager still feels nervous and excited, however, this particular feeling is not caused by the party anymore. It's because of Mark; this guy is just damn cool and Tom, that's for sure, wants to be his friend.