𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐲 | roger taylor

X

How did I end up here?

The small room was submerged in pitch darkness. There were two prominent sounds my ears could pick out- the dull ticking of a clock hung overhead, and the shallow breathing of my best friend beside me. The bed we laid in was small- as dorm beds were- and the two of us were crammed next to each other, trying to get sleep in the uncomfortable position we were in.

When we were little girls, sleeping beside each other in a twin bed was easy. Yet now that we were full grown, I felt the strain on my curled legs, the twisting of my shoulders, and the very little amount of blanket I could pull around my body. Josy was sleeping deeply, though, and I envied her.

I was just grateful I wasn't homeless. I had said my final goodbye to my apartment this past Friday, and had been staying in Josy's dorm room for two days now. I had refused her offer initially, saying I'd work it out somehow, but she had insisted. Now, I was bunking with her, the few boxes of my belongings stacked in the narrow space at the end of her bed. It was a tight arrangement, and I could tell Josy's roommate wasn't happy, but I continued to tell myself it was only temporary. Things would work out, right?

Josy continued to assure me I could stay as long as I liked, and if she was stressed out, she didn't show it. Her welcoming, positive attitude never wavered. I couldn't stand being a burden, though, so I'd have to figure something else out quickly, whatever that may be.

My life had changed drastically within a week. After quitting school, I had let down my guard, my head flying into the clouds in my carefree state. Suddenly, I was yanked back to earth, struggling to keep afoot. How had I let myself become so careless? My mother was right- I should've had a backup plan, and I didn't. Look where it got me.

Currently, it was around one in the morning, yet sleep was far from my reach. My mind was alert, thoughts spewing at a constant stream. I knew I wouldn't be sleeping anytime soon, and I was becoming antsy, so I got out of bed and stretched my arms above my head. Almost immediately afterwards, Josy rolled over and extended her body across the bed, letting out a small breath through her nose. I figured I'd let her sleep comfortably for a little while. I had the sudden urge to go on a walk, anyways.

Slipping on my shoes and pulling on my jacket, I exited the stuffy dorm room, wandering down the hall and outside the building. The air outside was refreshing as I breathed it in, clearing my head almost immediately. I let myself roam the path around campus, dried leaves blowing around my feet, the wind caressing my face.

An idea popped into my head, making itself known. At first I pushed it away, but the more it lingered, the more I was compelled to act on it. It was ridiculously late, but for some reason, I felt the need to chat with Roger. He'd be awake, wouldn't he?

Spotting a nearby phone booth, I hurried over and used the coins in my pocket to make a call. As I waited, I grew to regret my decision more and more. Then he picked up, sounding wide awake, so fortunately I hadn't woken him up.

"Hey. You're up. I didn't wake you, did I?"

"Thea?" he said, a bit surprised I was calling. "What's going on?"

"Can you come get me? I know it's late, but I just need to get away for a little while." I hastily tried to explain, without really telling him what was going on.

"Sure. Where are you?"

After telling him where I was, he didn't bother asking any questions, instead claiming he'd be here as soon as he could. I let out a sigh of relief, grateful for the always willing, up for anything Roger. He was true to his word, and I was soon able to spot his rumbling car pulling up nearby.

I slid inside, being greeted by the sudden heat, and the familiar, messy blonde head. "I'm sorry about this," I said instantly. "I don't care where we go, I just need to-"