The Ballad of Tyrion and Foxface
Title:The Ballad of Tyrion and Foxface
Rating:PG-13
Prompt:Bodyguards
Warnings: None, really.
Word Count:3585
Fandom:Supernatural, Original
Summary:Heather's a little surprised when the University of Texas sends her a letter informing her that her roommate is a boy named Mitch. But really, considering some of the things in her life, this is minor. OR The story of how Heather and Mitch met and became friends.
The letter arrived in the middle of June. Heather frowned at it for several minutes, wondering if it was some sort of mistake. The Department of Student Life and Housing at the University of Texas sent her a thin, manila envelope with a thick sheet of paper inside that was more suited for invitations than school correspondence informing her that she was assigned to Carothers Hall, and her roommate was named Mitchell Abernathy.
She had to look at it several times, but it didn't change. Her roommate was one Mitchell Abernathy of San Antonio, Texas.
What the hell?
Heather tossed the rest of the mail onto the kitchen counter and went out into the salvage yard, heading for the open repair shed, where she could hear Uncle Bobby working. He slammed the front of a Volkswagen bus closed and turned towards her, frowning. “Thought you were working today, kid.”
“Not until this evening.” She looked at the letter again. “Apparently, I've got a boy for a roommate.”
“What?” He came over and took the letter, frowning at it. “It's only June, it could change.”
“True, but it's the honor's residence hall, I doubt he's some brainless jock.” She shook her head, taking the paper back. “Maybe I should at least call him. Odds are, he's just as shocked as I am.”
Uncle Bobby chuckled. “Well, if you can put up with grumpy old me, you can put up with anyone.”
“You're not that grumpy.” She laughed. “I'm going to go put dinner in the crock-pot. That way you won't have to worry about it.”
“Thanks kid.” He turned back to his work.
“Sure.” Heather folded the letter and headed back across the salvage yard. She was halfway back to the house when her cell-phone rang. She took it out of her back pocket, glanced at the number - unknown - and answered it. “Hello?”
“Is this Heather - uh, is it Kittridge?” It was a boy's voice, with a slight southern accent.
“Yes, is this Mitchell?”
“Yeah.” He replied. “Guess you got your letter today too.”
“Uh huh.” She went up onto the porch. “How's the weather in Texas?” Weather was always a safe subject.
“Hot. Is there still snow in South Dakota?” He said in a tone that sounded slightly playful.
“No.” She snapped in mock indignation. “It all melted away last week.”
Mitchell coughed. “Seriously?”
“No, the snow was all gone around the first week of May.” she sat down on the swing and set it into motion. “Now that we've established the weather, what next, Mitchell?”
“Mitch, please. Call me Mitch. Calling me Mitchell makes it sound like I've done something wrong.” He coughed. “Excuse me, allergies.”
“No problem, don't call me Heath-Bar.” She stated. “My nickname in high-school was Foxface.”
“What, are you a ginger?” Mitch asked.
“Uh huh. I'm headed down to the fine state of Texas on a combination of academic and athletic scholarship.” She stretched her legs out on the swing. “Yourself?”
“I'm a legacy, both of my mothers went the University of Texas.” There was a pause. “Uh... yeah, I guess I'll just say it, I'm gay.”
“Good for you.” That was always Heather's response to when someone told her that. “So you have two moms?”
“Yeah.” He made a funny noise. “I was worried you'd sort of freak out when I told you that. I mean, I don't know many people from South Dakota.”
“Technically, I'm from Indiana. I moved to South Dakota when I was thirteen.” She sighed and pushed the swing again. “I live with my uncle, my mom and dad are dead.”
“Fuck, I'm sorry.” Mitch coughed again. “So, what's your sport?”
“Basketball.” She stated with a sense of pride. “I may only be five foot seven, but what I lack in height, I make up for in tenacity.”
He laughed. “You're taller than me, much taller.”
“What? How tall are you?” She sat up straight.
“Uh... four feet even? I have achondroplasia - it's a type of dwarfism.” He let out a breath. “So, yeah. I'm short and I'm gay.”
“Well, I guess we don't have to worry about either of us borrowing clothes and destroying them.” She managed a weak chuckle. So far, nothing Mitch had said had thrown her off.
“Point.” He sighed. “Major?”
“Art.” She popped her shoulder. “Just art, not Art Education, not Art history, just art.”
“That's cool. Business major myself.” He let out another sigh. “Both of my moms are upset I'm not aiming higher, like per-med or something.”
“My uncle hasn't said anything about my major. I don't think he cares, just as long as I go to school.” She frowned. “Then again, I can come back home and use my art know-how to do automotive detailing.”
“See, that's cool.” there was a shuffling sound. “I can't talk much longer, I have to go to work. It's sort of funny, I work at Six Flags. I'm too short to ride the roller coaster I help operate.”
She let out a slight giggle. “Sounds more exciting than my job. I work at a restaurant and about once a month there's a new waitress who wants to know why I've got the so-called 'cushy' job of being hostess.”
“Why do you have the cushy hostess job, Heather?” Mitch quipped.
“Because I'm not old enough to serve liquor.” She replied. “I don't know what they're complaining about, I have to spend six hours in heels.”
He laughed. “That's awesome. You have to dress up too?”
“Yes.” She got up from the swing and went inside. “It's not so bad.”
“At least you're inside. I better go - traffic around here can be a nightmare.” Mitch coughed again. “Stupid allergies.”
“It's fine. Don't forget to wear sunblock.” Heather commented, chuckling.
“Yes, mother.” Mitch whined sarcastically.
“Don't sass me, young man!” She quipped, trying hard not to laugh.
“Oh, this is going to be awesome.” He laughed. “Talk to you later.”
“Sure. Have a good day.” She answered and then lowered the phone as he hung up. “Well, that was sort of weird.” She went into the kitchen and set her phone down on the counter. “This is fine. I'm fine with a short, gay guy for a roomie. Way better than a brainless and vapid...” She shook her head and went over to the pantry to start making dinner.
*
Mitch covered a yawn as the last group of riders exited the Mr. Freeze Reverse Blast roller coaster, before clearing his throat and started counting people as they went past. “Have a good evening, thank you for visiting Six Flags.” Once the last rider was heading down the hill, he got down from his stool and headed down the platform to check for forgotten items. “Exactly how many people did we see with that 'Carter Family Reunion' shirt on?” He called over to his co-worker, Anthony.
“No idea. I know we saw several of them more than once.” There was a clatter as Anthony took a broom and started sweeping the loading platform. “At least it wasn't too hot today.”
“That's because it's June.” He came back to the control box, opened the storage space under it and got out a container of Lysol and a rag. “I wonder if the Carters are headed to SeaWorld tomorrow or to the River Walk.”
“River Walk.” Anthony smirked and crossed over the cars to the other platform while Mitch started wiping off the seats. “I'm willing to bet they all took a vote on us or SeaWorld and we won. Or they're in two groups and they also went to SeaWorld today.”
“The only reason I go there is for the water park. You can only watch dolphins and killer whales perform tricks so many times.” Mitch chuckled. “You hear from Ole Miss yet?”
“No.” He made a disgusted noise. “I'm supposed to hear from them by the end of the month.”
“That sucks.” He finished with the first row and went to the next. “I got my roommate information today.”
“Cool. You talk to him yet?” Anthony took the Lysol can and went to the back of the cart.
“She. I've got a girl for a roommate.” He laughed. “She's in South Dakota.”
“So you're going to be rooming with Laura Ingalls Wilder. Awesome.” He chuckled. “What, is her dad a farmer?”
“No, she lives with her uncle.” He gave his co-worker an annoyed look. “Her parents are dead.”
“Shit.” He turned away. “That sucks.”
“Understatement. But she seems really nice, from what I've gathered.” The two of them finished cleaning the seats off and then covered the car with a tarp for the night. “What's our number of riders?”
“Just over seven hundred. Not bad for a weekday at the beginning of the summer.” He yawned. “And it's always a good day when no one pukes.”
“Amen.” He chuckled and they went down the entry ramp to the ride, putting the chain in front of the entrance. “You know, these chain things are stupid if you think about it.”
“No kidding.” Tony laughed. “I'm going to go meet up with Allie. See you tomorrow!” He waved and headed down the path towards one of the concessions stands.
“Sure.” He yawned and headed towards the employee exit, taking his phone out of his back pocket and turned it on. “Let's see, nine missed calls and twenty texts.” He shook his head. “I really should check this thing at dinner... but knowing my luck, I'd forget to turn it back off.” He had just reached his car when his phone rang and he frowned at the number before answering. “Heather?”
“Yeah, it's me. Sorry, I'm not calling to late, am I?” She sounded as tired as he did.
“No - say, how did you know when I'd get off work? None of the missed calls I had were from you?” He unlocked his car and got in.
“Six Flags posts their park times on their website.” She quipped. “Sorry, I hope that doesn't sound creepy.”
“No, it's fine.” He laughed and then frowned. “It's well after ten, did you just get off work too?”
“No, I've been off and home for about forty-five minutes, but we're having severe weather alert up here, so I'm enjoying my basement's wonderful cell service.”
He let out a weak chuckle. “Tornado?”
“Yes, but it's south of us by about ten miles - but you know how that is in tornado speak, I'm guessing.” She laughed.
“That I do.” He let out another yawn. “I'd love to talk, but talking on your cell and driving laws are insane in Austin.”
“I can imagine.” She coughed. “Drive carefully.”
“I will. You stay safe up there.” He paused. “Wait, what's the name of the restaurant you work at? I feel you have me at the disadvantage.”
“Nonna Maria's - finest Italian food in the Upper Great Plains, but don't tell Chicago we said that.” She laughed.
“Well, I've only been to the airport in Chicago, so I won't say anything. Talk to you later.” He replied and turned off his phone. “Strange girl.”
*
Heather arrived in Austin first. She'd made the long drive from Sioux Falls alone. She'd spent the halfway point in the Men of Letters Bunker, glad of having somewhere to stay and spare her the trouble of looking for a safe place to spend the night. She was bringing a mini-fridge and microwave, Mitch was bringing two-bean bag chairs, a television and DVD player, and a Wii. She'd told him that he didn't have to get her a chair, but he'd insisted. She had managed to unpack almost all of her things and bunk the beds before Mitch arrived with his two moms, Kathleen and Anna.
“Knock, knock...” A cheery voice said from the door and a woman with bleach-blond hair leaned into the room. “Anyone home?”
“Hello, Anna.” Heather replied, waving from where she was standing on the desk.
“Oh, this is nice...” She came into the room, carrying two suitcases, and was followed by Mitch, who was carrying a milk crate, and Kathleen brought up the rear, pushing one of the dolly carts.
Mitch looked embarrassed. “Mom.”
Heather got down from the desk as they call came into the room. “It's very nice to meet you all.”
Kathleen let out a breath. “We were going to be here earlier. Traffic was a nightmare. I hate driving in Austin.”
“San Antonio is no better.” Anna gave her a smile. “Oh, did you bunk the beds all by yourself?”
“Um, yes?” She looked confused. “I didn't have all that much to unpack, and I figured it would be easier to bunk them before the room was full of two people's belongings.”
“How industrious.” Kathleen sighed. “All right, let's get you settled.”
Mitch still looked uncomfortable. “Mom, it's okay, really, I can do it on my own...”
“Hush.” Anna said, starting to empty the dolly. “You're our son and you only have one first move-in day at college.”
“I'm certain that Heather would agree with us.” Kathleen rounded on her. “Did your uncle already leave?”
“Oh, my uncle didn't come with me. I came alone.” From what Mitch had told her, Mama Kate was the overbearing one of the two. “He hasn't been feeling to well as of late and I didn't want him to make a sixteen hour drive down here and back.”
“Kate, leave the girl alone.” Anna interjected as she set down a crate. “We should be thankful that she didn't throw a fit when she and Mitch were roomed together.”
Mitch lifted the two suitcases onto the unmade lower bed. “Like I might have wanted to object?” He muttered, just loud enough for Heather to hear. He gave her a look. “No offense.”
“None taken.” She looked at the crates Anna and Kate were taking off the dolly. “You remember to pack the kitchen sink?”
All four of them burst out laughing.
“I knew we forgot something!” Anna chuckled. “And you said we didn't!”
“Oh lord, three of them. I'll never survive!” Mitch rolled his eyes.
“See! That is why she's your roommate!” Kate cried, wagging her finger in Heather's direction. “Someone to keep you in line!”
“Mama Kate...” Mitch rolled his eyes.
“No, the reason I'm his roommate is because there's most likely some psychology professor who got into the student housing office and made several unconventional roommate pairings. Whoever they are, they are no doubt planning on writing a book and making a fortune.” She folded her arms and looked the three of them over. “Think about it. How else would a gay atheist guy raised by two moms in Texas be paired with a heterosexual Catholic girl who spent the last five years with her red-neck uncle from South Dakota?” She shrugged. “And really, we have plenty of common interests and we're both National Merit Scholars, so we'll get along just fine.”
The three of them gaped at her, Anna recovering first. “Holy shit, that actually makes sense.”
“Seriously, it's the poor Jewish dance major with the Southern Baptist roommate who's in trouble here.” She turned to Mitch. “We need to find them and make them aware of what's going on before something bad happens.”
“I'll find the dance major. I'm not going near any of those religious nuts.” Mitch muttered and went over to take more things off the dolly.
“Oh, no problem. I'll just walk in and tell the story of how I got detention for stopping a girl from flushing a Bible down the toilet at school.” She rolled her eyes. “That should gain their sympathy and their trust.”
“Wait, you got in trouble for stopping vandalism?” Anna frowned. “That's.... what's wrong with schools these days?”
“Hell if I know.” Kate replied. “Come on, let's get this unpacked and then we'll all go to lunch.” She gave Heather a smile. “You need to put some meat on your bones, young lady.”
*
“Oi.” Mitch closed the fridge door after putting their leftovers in it. “I'm sorry about all that.”
Heather shrugged and sat down on her desk. “It's okay. Your moms just wanted to know what I was like, that's all.”
“Yeah, but they were way too forward. They've been like that with all my friends. I should have warned you.”
“Really, I don't mind. It could have been worse.” She sighed and Mitch noticed her shoulders slump.
“Why are you sitting up there?” He fell down onto his beanbag chair. “Sit down here. I brought you a chair, didn't I? Even has your name on it and in colors you picked out.”
She came over and sat down on the jade-green beanbag. “Which, I told you that you didn't have to do.”
“Oh, whatever. Think of it as a graduation present, since you obviously got totally shafted in that department.” He sighed and then there came a thud from above them. “What the?”
“It's probably someone's loft.” She yawned. “Lunch was awesome - and thanks for the chair.”
“It was.” He stretched. “and you're welcome.” He frowned. “It's rather unfair, since your uncle wasn't here to play twenty questions too.”
“I'm used to it, really, I don't mind.” The was she said it, Mitch had the feeling she wasn't being entirely honest. “So.... anyone else from your high school come here?”
“About four of 'em, but given I was in a class of six hundred, it's not like I knew them other than a face and a name.”He chuckled. “Yours?”
“Just one, Thor Fitzgerald is down here on a football scholarship.” she grinned at the look he gave her.
“You went to high school with someone named Thor?” He gaped at her. “Seriously?”
“No.” She gave him a look. “I went to high school with six guys named Thor - and three girls named Thora.” She shrugged. “It's the cultural region, I'm from a part of the country that was settled by immigrants from Scandinavia. Thor's an extremely common name.”
He laughed. “That's funny. Thor. No one named Loki?” He grinned. “Or Odin?”
“There was one guy named Loki, and the funny thing there was his dad is a minister at a local church.” She shook her head. “Six hundred students. Damn. There were two hundred in my class.”
He let out a breath. “All right, let's do something before we get dragged around to orientation things.”
“Well, you're unpacked, I'm unpacked and we've both eaten. What do you propose we do?” She rubbed the back of her head.
“No idea.” He frowned. “You?”
“I've got an idea.” She went over to her dresser and took out a deck of cards and tossed it to him.
Mitch caught them. “There's only two of us, this won't be as fun.”
“Silly.” She opened the door and leaned into the hallway. “Hey, anyone who can hear me, you want to come play Cards Against Humanity in room four-twenty-two?”
He came over to the doorway and joined her as three doors nearby opened. “Only requirement is you keep your political convictions to yourself!”
“Oh, good rule!” Heather added as two girls headed for their room at once, and a voice out of sight called down towards them.
“Holy shit, Foxface, is that you?”
“Yes it is, Thor, watch your mouth, there's little kids still running around these halls.” She turned to the first two. “Hi.”
“Hey.” The two girls looked at each other. “You know the giant guy down the hall?”
“Yeah, we went to high school together. I'm Heather.”
Mitch chuckled. “I'm Mitch.”
“Clara.” The dark haired girl replied, and then the blond said, “I'm Nadia.”
“Well, come in, there's plenty of room.” He stood aside and the girls filed into the room, just as a tall brown haired boy came into view. “You must be Thor.”
“Yeah.” He looked from him to Heather. “Can't you do anything normally?”
Mitch wondered what the boy meant by that - but decided not to press the issue. Heather would tell him more about herself if she felt like it. “Let's play some cards.”
Rating:PG-13
Prompt:Bodyguards
Warnings: None, really.
Word Count:3585
Fandom:Supernatural, Original
Summary:Heather's a little surprised when the University of Texas sends her a letter informing her that her roommate is a boy named Mitch. But really, considering some of the things in her life, this is minor. OR The story of how Heather and Mitch met and became friends.
The letter arrived in the middle of June. Heather frowned at it for several minutes, wondering if it was some sort of mistake. The Department of Student Life and Housing at the University of Texas sent her a thin, manila envelope with a thick sheet of paper inside that was more suited for invitations than school correspondence informing her that she was assigned to Carothers Hall, and her roommate was named Mitchell Abernathy.
She had to look at it several times, but it didn't change. Her roommate was one Mitchell Abernathy of San Antonio, Texas.
What the hell?
Heather tossed the rest of the mail onto the kitchen counter and went out into the salvage yard, heading for the open repair shed, where she could hear Uncle Bobby working. He slammed the front of a Volkswagen bus closed and turned towards her, frowning. “Thought you were working today, kid.”
“Not until this evening.” She looked at the letter again. “Apparently, I've got a boy for a roommate.”
“What?” He came over and took the letter, frowning at it. “It's only June, it could change.”
“True, but it's the honor's residence hall, I doubt he's some brainless jock.” She shook her head, taking the paper back. “Maybe I should at least call him. Odds are, he's just as shocked as I am.”
Uncle Bobby chuckled. “Well, if you can put up with grumpy old me, you can put up with anyone.”
“You're not that grumpy.” She laughed. “I'm going to go put dinner in the crock-pot. That way you won't have to worry about it.”
“Thanks kid.” He turned back to his work.
“Sure.” Heather folded the letter and headed back across the salvage yard. She was halfway back to the house when her cell-phone rang. She took it out of her back pocket, glanced at the number - unknown - and answered it. “Hello?”
“Is this Heather - uh, is it Kittridge?” It was a boy's voice, with a slight southern accent.
“Yes, is this Mitchell?”
“Yeah.” He replied. “Guess you got your letter today too.”
“Uh huh.” She went up onto the porch. “How's the weather in Texas?” Weather was always a safe subject.
“Hot. Is there still snow in South Dakota?” He said in a tone that sounded slightly playful.
“No.” She snapped in mock indignation. “It all melted away last week.”
Mitchell coughed. “Seriously?”
“No, the snow was all gone around the first week of May.” she sat down on the swing and set it into motion. “Now that we've established the weather, what next, Mitchell?”
“Mitch, please. Call me Mitch. Calling me Mitchell makes it sound like I've done something wrong.” He coughed. “Excuse me, allergies.”
“No problem, don't call me Heath-Bar.” She stated. “My nickname in high-school was Foxface.”
“What, are you a ginger?” Mitch asked.
“Uh huh. I'm headed down to the fine state of Texas on a combination of academic and athletic scholarship.” She stretched her legs out on the swing. “Yourself?”
“I'm a legacy, both of my mothers went the University of Texas.” There was a pause. “Uh... yeah, I guess I'll just say it, I'm gay.”
“Good for you.” That was always Heather's response to when someone told her that. “So you have two moms?”
“Yeah.” He made a funny noise. “I was worried you'd sort of freak out when I told you that. I mean, I don't know many people from South Dakota.”
“Technically, I'm from Indiana. I moved to South Dakota when I was thirteen.” She sighed and pushed the swing again. “I live with my uncle, my mom and dad are dead.”
“Fuck, I'm sorry.” Mitch coughed again. “So, what's your sport?”
“Basketball.” She stated with a sense of pride. “I may only be five foot seven, but what I lack in height, I make up for in tenacity.”
He laughed. “You're taller than me, much taller.”
“What? How tall are you?” She sat up straight.
“Uh... four feet even? I have achondroplasia - it's a type of dwarfism.” He let out a breath. “So, yeah. I'm short and I'm gay.”
“Well, I guess we don't have to worry about either of us borrowing clothes and destroying them.” She managed a weak chuckle. So far, nothing Mitch had said had thrown her off.
“Point.” He sighed. “Major?”
“Art.” She popped her shoulder. “Just art, not Art Education, not Art history, just art.”
“That's cool. Business major myself.” He let out another sigh. “Both of my moms are upset I'm not aiming higher, like per-med or something.”
“My uncle hasn't said anything about my major. I don't think he cares, just as long as I go to school.” She frowned. “Then again, I can come back home and use my art know-how to do automotive detailing.”
“See, that's cool.” there was a shuffling sound. “I can't talk much longer, I have to go to work. It's sort of funny, I work at Six Flags. I'm too short to ride the roller coaster I help operate.”
She let out a slight giggle. “Sounds more exciting than my job. I work at a restaurant and about once a month there's a new waitress who wants to know why I've got the so-called 'cushy' job of being hostess.”
“Why do you have the cushy hostess job, Heather?” Mitch quipped.
“Because I'm not old enough to serve liquor.” She replied. “I don't know what they're complaining about, I have to spend six hours in heels.”
He laughed. “That's awesome. You have to dress up too?”
“Yes.” She got up from the swing and went inside. “It's not so bad.”
“At least you're inside. I better go - traffic around here can be a nightmare.” Mitch coughed again. “Stupid allergies.”
“It's fine. Don't forget to wear sunblock.” Heather commented, chuckling.
“Yes, mother.” Mitch whined sarcastically.
“Don't sass me, young man!” She quipped, trying hard not to laugh.
“Oh, this is going to be awesome.” He laughed. “Talk to you later.”
“Sure. Have a good day.” She answered and then lowered the phone as he hung up. “Well, that was sort of weird.” She went into the kitchen and set her phone down on the counter. “This is fine. I'm fine with a short, gay guy for a roomie. Way better than a brainless and vapid...” She shook her head and went over to the pantry to start making dinner.
*
Mitch covered a yawn as the last group of riders exited the Mr. Freeze Reverse Blast roller coaster, before clearing his throat and started counting people as they went past. “Have a good evening, thank you for visiting Six Flags.” Once the last rider was heading down the hill, he got down from his stool and headed down the platform to check for forgotten items. “Exactly how many people did we see with that 'Carter Family Reunion' shirt on?” He called over to his co-worker, Anthony.
“No idea. I know we saw several of them more than once.” There was a clatter as Anthony took a broom and started sweeping the loading platform. “At least it wasn't too hot today.”
“That's because it's June.” He came back to the control box, opened the storage space under it and got out a container of Lysol and a rag. “I wonder if the Carters are headed to SeaWorld tomorrow or to the River Walk.”
“River Walk.” Anthony smirked and crossed over the cars to the other platform while Mitch started wiping off the seats. “I'm willing to bet they all took a vote on us or SeaWorld and we won. Or they're in two groups and they also went to SeaWorld today.”
“The only reason I go there is for the water park. You can only watch dolphins and killer whales perform tricks so many times.” Mitch chuckled. “You hear from Ole Miss yet?”
“No.” He made a disgusted noise. “I'm supposed to hear from them by the end of the month.”
“That sucks.” He finished with the first row and went to the next. “I got my roommate information today.”
“Cool. You talk to him yet?” Anthony took the Lysol can and went to the back of the cart.
“She. I've got a girl for a roommate.” He laughed. “She's in South Dakota.”
“So you're going to be rooming with Laura Ingalls Wilder. Awesome.” He chuckled. “What, is her dad a farmer?”
“No, she lives with her uncle.” He gave his co-worker an annoyed look. “Her parents are dead.”
“Shit.” He turned away. “That sucks.”
“Understatement. But she seems really nice, from what I've gathered.” The two of them finished cleaning the seats off and then covered the car with a tarp for the night. “What's our number of riders?”
“Just over seven hundred. Not bad for a weekday at the beginning of the summer.” He yawned. “And it's always a good day when no one pukes.”
“Amen.” He chuckled and they went down the entry ramp to the ride, putting the chain in front of the entrance. “You know, these chain things are stupid if you think about it.”
“No kidding.” Tony laughed. “I'm going to go meet up with Allie. See you tomorrow!” He waved and headed down the path towards one of the concessions stands.
“Sure.” He yawned and headed towards the employee exit, taking his phone out of his back pocket and turned it on. “Let's see, nine missed calls and twenty texts.” He shook his head. “I really should check this thing at dinner... but knowing my luck, I'd forget to turn it back off.” He had just reached his car when his phone rang and he frowned at the number before answering. “Heather?”
“Yeah, it's me. Sorry, I'm not calling to late, am I?” She sounded as tired as he did.
“No - say, how did you know when I'd get off work? None of the missed calls I had were from you?” He unlocked his car and got in.
“Six Flags posts their park times on their website.” She quipped. “Sorry, I hope that doesn't sound creepy.”
“No, it's fine.” He laughed and then frowned. “It's well after ten, did you just get off work too?”
“No, I've been off and home for about forty-five minutes, but we're having severe weather alert up here, so I'm enjoying my basement's wonderful cell service.”
He let out a weak chuckle. “Tornado?”
“Yes, but it's south of us by about ten miles - but you know how that is in tornado speak, I'm guessing.” She laughed.
“That I do.” He let out another yawn. “I'd love to talk, but talking on your cell and driving laws are insane in Austin.”
“I can imagine.” She coughed. “Drive carefully.”
“I will. You stay safe up there.” He paused. “Wait, what's the name of the restaurant you work at? I feel you have me at the disadvantage.”
“Nonna Maria's - finest Italian food in the Upper Great Plains, but don't tell Chicago we said that.” She laughed.
“Well, I've only been to the airport in Chicago, so I won't say anything. Talk to you later.” He replied and turned off his phone. “Strange girl.”
*
Heather arrived in Austin first. She'd made the long drive from Sioux Falls alone. She'd spent the halfway point in the Men of Letters Bunker, glad of having somewhere to stay and spare her the trouble of looking for a safe place to spend the night. She was bringing a mini-fridge and microwave, Mitch was bringing two-bean bag chairs, a television and DVD player, and a Wii. She'd told him that he didn't have to get her a chair, but he'd insisted. She had managed to unpack almost all of her things and bunk the beds before Mitch arrived with his two moms, Kathleen and Anna.
“Knock, knock...” A cheery voice said from the door and a woman with bleach-blond hair leaned into the room. “Anyone home?”
“Hello, Anna.” Heather replied, waving from where she was standing on the desk.
“Oh, this is nice...” She came into the room, carrying two suitcases, and was followed by Mitch, who was carrying a milk crate, and Kathleen brought up the rear, pushing one of the dolly carts.
Mitch looked embarrassed. “Mom.”
Heather got down from the desk as they call came into the room. “It's very nice to meet you all.”
Kathleen let out a breath. “We were going to be here earlier. Traffic was a nightmare. I hate driving in Austin.”
“San Antonio is no better.” Anna gave her a smile. “Oh, did you bunk the beds all by yourself?”
“Um, yes?” She looked confused. “I didn't have all that much to unpack, and I figured it would be easier to bunk them before the room was full of two people's belongings.”
“How industrious.” Kathleen sighed. “All right, let's get you settled.”
Mitch still looked uncomfortable. “Mom, it's okay, really, I can do it on my own...”
“Hush.” Anna said, starting to empty the dolly. “You're our son and you only have one first move-in day at college.”
“I'm certain that Heather would agree with us.” Kathleen rounded on her. “Did your uncle already leave?”
“Oh, my uncle didn't come with me. I came alone.” From what Mitch had told her, Mama Kate was the overbearing one of the two. “He hasn't been feeling to well as of late and I didn't want him to make a sixteen hour drive down here and back.”
“Kate, leave the girl alone.” Anna interjected as she set down a crate. “We should be thankful that she didn't throw a fit when she and Mitch were roomed together.”
Mitch lifted the two suitcases onto the unmade lower bed. “Like I might have wanted to object?” He muttered, just loud enough for Heather to hear. He gave her a look. “No offense.”
“None taken.” She looked at the crates Anna and Kate were taking off the dolly. “You remember to pack the kitchen sink?”
All four of them burst out laughing.
“I knew we forgot something!” Anna chuckled. “And you said we didn't!”
“Oh lord, three of them. I'll never survive!” Mitch rolled his eyes.
“See! That is why she's your roommate!” Kate cried, wagging her finger in Heather's direction. “Someone to keep you in line!”
“Mama Kate...” Mitch rolled his eyes.
“No, the reason I'm his roommate is because there's most likely some psychology professor who got into the student housing office and made several unconventional roommate pairings. Whoever they are, they are no doubt planning on writing a book and making a fortune.” She folded her arms and looked the three of them over. “Think about it. How else would a gay atheist guy raised by two moms in Texas be paired with a heterosexual Catholic girl who spent the last five years with her red-neck uncle from South Dakota?” She shrugged. “And really, we have plenty of common interests and we're both National Merit Scholars, so we'll get along just fine.”
The three of them gaped at her, Anna recovering first. “Holy shit, that actually makes sense.”
“Seriously, it's the poor Jewish dance major with the Southern Baptist roommate who's in trouble here.” She turned to Mitch. “We need to find them and make them aware of what's going on before something bad happens.”
“I'll find the dance major. I'm not going near any of those religious nuts.” Mitch muttered and went over to take more things off the dolly.
“Oh, no problem. I'll just walk in and tell the story of how I got detention for stopping a girl from flushing a Bible down the toilet at school.” She rolled her eyes. “That should gain their sympathy and their trust.”
“Wait, you got in trouble for stopping vandalism?” Anna frowned. “That's.... what's wrong with schools these days?”
“Hell if I know.” Kate replied. “Come on, let's get this unpacked and then we'll all go to lunch.” She gave Heather a smile. “You need to put some meat on your bones, young lady.”
*
“Oi.” Mitch closed the fridge door after putting their leftovers in it. “I'm sorry about all that.”
Heather shrugged and sat down on her desk. “It's okay. Your moms just wanted to know what I was like, that's all.”
“Yeah, but they were way too forward. They've been like that with all my friends. I should have warned you.”
“Really, I don't mind. It could have been worse.” She sighed and Mitch noticed her shoulders slump.
“Why are you sitting up there?” He fell down onto his beanbag chair. “Sit down here. I brought you a chair, didn't I? Even has your name on it and in colors you picked out.”
She came over and sat down on the jade-green beanbag. “Which, I told you that you didn't have to do.”
“Oh, whatever. Think of it as a graduation present, since you obviously got totally shafted in that department.” He sighed and then there came a thud from above them. “What the?”
“It's probably someone's loft.” She yawned. “Lunch was awesome - and thanks for the chair.”
“It was.” He stretched. “and you're welcome.” He frowned. “It's rather unfair, since your uncle wasn't here to play twenty questions too.”
“I'm used to it, really, I don't mind.” The was she said it, Mitch had the feeling she wasn't being entirely honest. “So.... anyone else from your high school come here?”
“About four of 'em, but given I was in a class of six hundred, it's not like I knew them other than a face and a name.”He chuckled. “Yours?”
“Just one, Thor Fitzgerald is down here on a football scholarship.” she grinned at the look he gave her.
“You went to high school with someone named Thor?” He gaped at her. “Seriously?”
“No.” She gave him a look. “I went to high school with six guys named Thor - and three girls named Thora.” She shrugged. “It's the cultural region, I'm from a part of the country that was settled by immigrants from Scandinavia. Thor's an extremely common name.”
He laughed. “That's funny. Thor. No one named Loki?” He grinned. “Or Odin?”
“There was one guy named Loki, and the funny thing there was his dad is a minister at a local church.” She shook her head. “Six hundred students. Damn. There were two hundred in my class.”
He let out a breath. “All right, let's do something before we get dragged around to orientation things.”
“Well, you're unpacked, I'm unpacked and we've both eaten. What do you propose we do?” She rubbed the back of her head.
“No idea.” He frowned. “You?”
“I've got an idea.” She went over to her dresser and took out a deck of cards and tossed it to him.
Mitch caught them. “There's only two of us, this won't be as fun.”
“Silly.” She opened the door and leaned into the hallway. “Hey, anyone who can hear me, you want to come play Cards Against Humanity in room four-twenty-two?”
He came over to the doorway and joined her as three doors nearby opened. “Only requirement is you keep your political convictions to yourself!”
“Oh, good rule!” Heather added as two girls headed for their room at once, and a voice out of sight called down towards them.
“Holy shit, Foxface, is that you?”
“Yes it is, Thor, watch your mouth, there's little kids still running around these halls.” She turned to the first two. “Hi.”
“Hey.” The two girls looked at each other. “You know the giant guy down the hall?”
“Yeah, we went to high school together. I'm Heather.”
Mitch chuckled. “I'm Mitch.”
“Clara.” The dark haired girl replied, and then the blond said, “I'm Nadia.”
“Well, come in, there's plenty of room.” He stood aside and the girls filed into the room, just as a tall brown haired boy came into view. “You must be Thor.”
“Yeah.” He looked from him to Heather. “Can't you do anything normally?”
Mitch wondered what the boy meant by that - but decided not to press the issue. Heather would tell him more about herself if she felt like it. “Let's play some cards.”