Chapter 2
I woke up in a confused state, the echo of someone banging on the dorm room door, sending me bolt up right. The room was dark, I couldn’t see any light creeping through from… well anywhere. I must have slept all day. Damn. I drowsily dragged my self off the bed In my bewildered state, clambering to the door. My name was called once more, as my muscle memory kicked in and found the pathway to my bedroom door, I unlocked and peered round. My eyes adjusting to the light for a moment. As a tall silhouette blocked the flickering light. A 6ft tanned, blonde cowboy looking yank stood in front of me. Glaring down.
“Delilah” he beamed, glinting his uv bright teeth.
James was donned in his best red plaid shirt, If that hadn’t been enough of a tell tail sign that this guy wasn’t from around these parts. It was the California tan and steroid abused physique that really gave it away.
“Oh hey..” We exchanged pleasantries for a moment.
“Listen I just got a gig at a new joint in town, just bar work for now” he paused. I must have been scowling.. I was definitely scowling. His face turned into panic as if his mouth had turned into a desert.. clutching for any last piece of saliva he had. I never realised I could have that much of an affect on people.
He blushed “A few of us are heading down there tonight, you should really join us Del..” he leaned against the door way “you must be acing all of your classes, with all those studying excuses you make..” he laughed, the end of his giggle searing off to make for an awkward silence.
I needed an excuse to say no. I didn’t want to spend a night listening to how many cougars cowboy had killed. Nor get caught up in any interactions he made with the Leeds city centre Wednesday night pensioners special.
The reality was different though, I’d been yearning for some time away from the hospital.. and uni work for a while. The most excitement I had, had, as of late was deciding between chicken or curry flavoured super noodles. Id promised myself I’d stay out of bother around here. Stay sober and away from trouble. I wasn’t an addict, but my run into faith and my own troubles from recent months, were really sobering thoughts.
I realised too often that a lot of my youth had included me growing up too fast, something id found resenting my father, all too often for. Except now, would finally be a chance to live up to my youth expectations, perhaps I’d become the Fletcher of these parts? I laughed internally. A smirk must have powdered my lips, before the words fell out way too easily.
“Sure” damn it. What the hell are you thinking Delilah? I argued with myself.
It was too late.
James’ face had already lit up like a Christmas tree. It made me want to curl up and die.
“Can you give me like 20 minutes?” I peered down to my vest top and shorts in a gesture. “Sure” he held his gaze on my torso, a little too long.
Quick shower, some dry shampoo and a curling wand later, and I’d some how found myself in my best flared jeans and shit kickers in James’ passenger seat.
What the fuck am I doing?
