Once Upon A Friday Night

Part I | Chapter 14 ~ Good Friends

I sat up in my dorm, headphones in my ears as I listened to one of my favorite artists, Lewis Capaldi. Currently on the list was "Before You Go," while working on a project for my English listing.
I hummed along quietly to the tune as I typed at my computer endlessly. 

The work would never end.

Lance was out with friends, leaving the entire dorm to myself for the rest of the night. I was sure Lance would come back at 1 in the morning like usual. That didn't bother me too much anymore though.

I scrolled back up to read my last page of work, scanning between the lines just to check if everything was on point, which it was. This essay was a rough topic to write about, just because I had never written anything politcal before. My views on politics run low, I don't really care for all the debates and the protests between candidates of either party, whether thats presidential or just local mayor or something. In shorter terms, this essay was out of my comfort zone, but I had to get it done nonetheless. 

Just as my song had ended, I heard the door to the dorm open in the brief silence of the music platform choosing another tune by random. I glanced up to the corner between the slim hallway and the door, tugging one headphone out to listen better.

I was surprised to see Lance pop into view, brown leather jacket slung over a loose black T as he sauntered inside slowly, golden caramel hair messy. Charming without a doubt. He did look a little buzzed however, and it was quite easy to tell that he had been drinking somewhat. That familiar stench of liquor and smoke faded into his clothing. Not so charming.

"Why are you home so early?" I piped up as I watched him make his way over to his bed on the other side of the room.

He flopped down, dropping his backpack onto the blue carpeted floor beside the frame and let out a heaved sigh.

"Was the party really that bad?" I grinned playfully.

Lance was quiet for a moment as he rubbed his tired eyes.

"Nah.. Party was good.." He slurred softly, monotone.

"I see.." I looked back to my computer. My essay.

It could wait.

I closed the laptop and set it aside on my bed, popping my headphones out of my ears to dangle at my shirt collar before turning to face his bed at my right.

"So.. What's with the mood then?" I inquired calmly.

"Mood? What mood? I don't have a mood." Lance replied with a scoff.

"Come on, help me out here.. Somebody call you a bad name?.." I smirked, situating myself up on my elbow, propped. "Did they make you rinse your own dish in the sink?"

A momentary smile appeared on Lance's lips before fading out again, causing me to do the same.

"Nah.. It doesn't matter." He watched the ceiling with intent. "You should go to bed anyway. Class and all."

"It's only 7:30." I replied, tilting my head. "And I had my morning class today. I have one tomorrow at 4:00."

I studied him for a moment. Something was definately off but I couldn't tell what.

Should I ask?

Just before I opened my mouth to say the words, Lance piped up.

"Have you ever felt.. Torn?" He asked slowly.

"Torn?" I repeated.

"Yeah.. Torn.. Like.. You don't know if what you're doing is what you really want?.."