HERO COMPLEX

iii. close encounters

[COLLIN]

    There were no fireworks or church bells that began ringing as I opened the door, just a cartoon like creak as it gave way, revealing a boy as nervous as I was.

Sebastian was almost exactly how I imagined him, only more scrawny. He wore an oversized sweatshirt with tight jeans and checkered vans, and thin, old fashioned glasses were perched on the edge of his nose. Unruly dirty blonde curls peeked out from underneath the beanie he wore.

    For an awkward beat we simply stood and studied each other, both not quite sure how to start this whole roommate thing. Finally Sebastian stepped forward, hand outstretched.

    "I'm Sebastian. You're uh, Collin, right?" He shifted from foot to foot uncomfortably.

     I nodded and shook his hand. "Cool to meet you." For some reason neither one of us remembered to let go, finally releasing hands after a patch of awkward silence.

    He had made the first move, it was my turn. "These are my parents and sisters." I motioned to them and they all waved back enthusiastically. We had the whole weekend to move in, it was pure (bad) luck that all of our families were there at the same time.

    Sebastian gave my family a half hearted smile and an awkward wave before speaking. "These are my parents. Only child here."

    Instead of smiling or making any sort of friendly gesture, Sebastian's father gave a curt nod and a glare. He had intense eyes that were either directed at me or the world in general--I couldn't tell. The mother was a little more polite, her nod slightly more welcoming. They were a strange pair.

    I spoke nervously. "Nice to meet you."

    "They were just leaving." Sebastian said, more to them than us. Everyone in the room understood the underlying tone, it's time to go, you are making this more uncomfortable.

    I took that as my cue to make more movement. My family helped me to unpack my bags, put the sheets onto the bed and hang up clothes in the cramped closet. During this Sebastian said goodbye to his parents, barely giving them a hug before closing the door behind them. I tried not to watch him as he sat on his bed, not sure of where to go next.

    Finally he attempted to help. "Is there anything I can do?"

    I shook my head with a small smile. "No, but thanks. Liz and July have this under control." I gestured to where my sisters were sitting on the bed checking Instagram, being absolutely no help.

    He gave a laugh and then began anxiously picking at a small rip on his jeans.

    My possessions all fit fairly well despite the small space, and I was done packing in no time. I turned to my family for the hardest part: goodbyes.

    Elizabeth burst into tears and Sebastian nearly jumped out of his skin.

    Rushing over to her, I gave her a big hug and tried really hard not to cry.  "Hey, hey, it's okay Lizzie. I promise I will visit. I can't wait to hear all about your freshman year."

    She wiped her eyes sadly. "I'm just going to miss you Bubba. Nothing will be the same without you." Choking on her words she nuzzled into the crook of my neck.

    My mother began to tear up too, my dad gently rubbing her back. He was fairly used to tears. Both Elizabeth and my mom wore their hearts on their sleeves. Even July who was usually hardened and stoic looked too sad for comfort.

    We gathered into a large group hug that was more painful than individual tears. I finally gave up on looking strong and pretty soon everyone in the circle was crying.