A Testament to His Pain

A Winters Ball

John:

A few months pass, every day filled up with classes and essays to get through and annoying roommates to tolerate.

We all grow closer together, but me and Alex remain friends. That's all and at the moment, I'm content with that.

It was a Tuesday afternoon when Angelica told us of her Christmas party, she dubbed it a "Winters Ball."

So here we are, getting ready in our dorm rooms, George apparently invited.

"What the fuck are you wearing?" I question, gesturing to his paper crown on his head. He puffs out his chest and tries to appear taller than me. It doesn't work.

"I am decended from royalty. I'm Queen Elizabeth the second's eleventh cousin thrice removed. I just want everyone to remember that-"

"Fucking British twat," I say, making sure to use a British curse.

"It's Twat. As in twaaaaaaat. Not as in twot. Pfff Americans! Pronounce your a's."

I turn to him and smile. "OK. You are aaaaa Twot."

"Fuck you, wanker!" He growls, glaring at me.

"Whatever. You dress like fake royalty."

He gasps, actually looking hurt. "I am royalty!"

"I believe you," I say sarcastically as I fix my hair.

Alex will be there tonight. Fuck, we're just friends. Friends, John. Nothing else.

Someone knocks on the door.

"Ahh, that'll be Sammy!"

He opens the door and embraces the rather short ginger man on the other side.

"Sammy!"

"Heya George. Are you ready yet?" He squeaks, obviously trying not to choke. My suspicions are proven correct when George lets go and Samuel takes in as much air as he can.

"Yup, let's go!" He says, holding up two fingers at me which apparently means to piss off. I flip him off as he shuts the door.

Finally with him gone, I can play some music! I switch on my favorite song at the moment, Stitches even though it's old.

I tie my laces up before my phone rings. I smile. Alex's name flashes on screen and I answer almost immediately.

Alex, hi! Are you ready yet?

Yeah, I am. I'm outside your door, I've been knocking for five minutes. Btw, you like Shawn Mendes?

Hey, leave the Mendes out of this. I'm opening the door now.

Okay.

I hang up the phone, turning the stereo down with my free hand and open the door. Alex stands there, green shirt over black dress pants. Even though he looks scruffy, it suits him. He smiles softly and my breath catches in my throat. He's adorable!

After a few seconds of awkward silence, I choke out a "Hey!"

"Hi," he replies, chuckling softly. When he laughs his hazel eyes glow green and it's so cute.

"It's good to see your face," I tell him and he nods. "Ditto. I mean we last saw each other three hours forty-seven minutes and 37 seconds ago but whatever floats your coats."

"Boats?" I correct tentatively.

"Yeah that too. Anyway, are you coming?" He asks and I nod in response.