Prank Week [ON HOLD INDEFINITELY]

Chapter 18: Josh

Tuesday, September 3rd, 12:30 am

I couldn't believe myself. What had I just done? I made a girl cry. I have successfully ridden myself of another really nice girl.

I know she's not necessarily mad at me, per say. She's definitely much more mad at Ray than me. I'm sure she'll recognize my face in a crowd, though.

Everything was a great blur. One minute I was ready for the prank, the next, I felt as guilty as a mass murderer. Why did I feel this way? It was just a harmless prank.

I tried to calm myself down. I did what I always do. Listen to music and go to the driving range. Golf got you 2 things. The label of 'professional dork', and the ability to smack the heck out of a golf ball whenever you were mad.

I must've hit five hundred before I was done. All were inaccurate, and half of them landed in the traps.

Within a few minutes, I felt something against my back. It was Roy. He gave me a brotherly pat on the shoulder. I was undeterred and continued to swing.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing." I lied.

"Joshua, tell me what's been on your mind."

"I feel like a big fat jerk, okay! That's what!"

"Calm down, Josh."

"Look, I'm really sorry. I guess I really am a jerk."

"No, you're not. It happens to everyone."

"What happens to everyone?", I wondered.

"Mistakes. You regret them. I know I do."

"Tell me."

"Oh, no, Josh. I'ven't got nearly enough time to tell those stories."

"Please, Roy. I learn from morals. It's like trial and error."

"Come back to the house with me, and I will tell you."

I did as he said. We walked back to the fraternity house, as I finally enjoyed the natural beauty of campus. My mind was cleared. Birds walked about the grounds, paying us no mind. A lark specifically caught my eye. He flitted about, his wings flapping like a tiny fan. This made me smile, at nothing in particular.

We reached the house. Right when Roy realizes that he doesn't have the keys. I was no longer calm.

"I forgot, I gave Raymond the keys."

Roy was about as ditsy (and I mean this in the nicest way possible) as one of the blonds who didn't go to CCC, but lived near campus.

"Okay, Roy. I'm not gonna freak out." I said, desperately trying NOT to freak out.

"Let's just, talk out here."

It was a good thing that we had an awning over the patio, cause it looked like rain was headed our way.

"Okay, Josh. So, I've never told anyone this before. Hardly anyone knows this."

"Tell me!" I said, ready for juicy gossip like a preteen girl.

"Okay. Josh, when I was your age, I did some pretty reckless things. I'd drive home from bars, drunk as an Irishman on St. Patties' day. I went out with dozens of girls, dating 2 or 3 at a time sometimes. I dropped out of high school, never once thinking about my future. I once got arrested. After 4 days, my parents bailed me out. It took them awhile to get from Minnesota to Cali."

"Roy."

"I know, I needed to vent. This job is the start of a whole new life for me. I don't want to ruin it."

"I- I had no idea. Man, why?"

"Times have changed. You're a good boy, Josh. I'm just looking out for you. Don't follow in my footsteps."

I couldn't believe it. Roy? Now I understand the hundreds of counselor talks we had at school. This is why. So that Roy's situation wouldn't happen.

"So, how'd you get back on your feet? If you don't mind me asking." I questioned.

"No, curiosity will get you far in life, Josh. I lived in my older sister's apartment awhile. I finally had saved enough money to rent out my own. A few years later, I found this place. A full time job pays good. I created myself a whole new image."

"Wow, Roy, thanks."

"No problem, Josh. If any of you guys ever have a question, just ask me."

And with that he left.

I was astounded. Roy? Of all people. It'd be more likely for my cranky history teacher to have dropped out of high school before Roy. He was so peaceful, so quiet, and I've never caught an alcoholic drink in his hand.

Plenty other dorm advisers would drink on the weekends. I never suspected Roy would be likely to do that sort of thing.

I sat awhile longer, and lost myself in thought. Next class would be in an hour or so, so I had plenty of time to ponder my brain.

I got out my music, and began to play my cello. The humming sound of it was so meditating to me. I could play for hours. The familiar tune of taps was home-sickening for me. My uncle had died in the military. Marines. I went to visit his grave back in Washington every now and then.

I sat there until tears welled in my eyes. I dropped the bow and swallowed hard. I couldn't let myself be seen by the guys like this. I had to stay strong. Roy's advice would forever linger in my mind. It was a haunting sort of advice, to be the only one knowing Roy's dark past, but nonetheless good advice at that.