The dorm room looked so much bigger without his things. Asher sighed. He hoisted the last bag higher on his shoulder and left the room.
Across the hall, Liam opened his door too. He frowned sympathetically, and put his hand on Asher's arm. "You okay?"
Asher nodded, adjusting the bag. "Yeah, I just want to go."
He turned and left for the building door. Outside, Lauren leaned against her idling car, the back seat full of Asher's belongings. She adjusted her sunglasses, squinting against the bright sun. She scowled. Asher thought she looked warm in all that black.
Liam jogged up behind Asher, having taken a moment to catch up. He gave a small wave to Lauren as he approached.
Lauren slid her glasses down her long nose. "Hey." She shoved herself off the car to help Asher load his last bag into the trunk. She addressed Asher now. "You ready?"
He nodded, and turned to Liam. They looked at each other for a moment, then Asher glanced at Lauren awkwardly. He coughed, trying to communicate to her that they needed a moment.
She gasped quickly, waving her hands in the air. "Sorry, sorry. I'll be in the car."
Asher turned back to Liam. "So," he began, with nothing else to add.
Liam rested a hand on Asher's waist for a moment, but dropped it when Asher looked nervously at the dorm. He sighed. "Just call me when you're ready. Okay?"
Asher nodded. His hand reached out and brushed along Liam's knuckles softly. "I will." He turned quickly and got into the car. His knee bounced as Lauren pulled the car away from the curb and out of the parking lot.
Lauren leaned over as they pulled onto the street. "You okay, kid?"
He sighed. "Yeah. I just-" He slid down further in his seat miserably. "Liam deserves better."
Lauren frowned, glancing over at her brother. "Asher, don't say that."
"Whatever," he mumbled.
