Hey guys, this is my first time publishing a story I've written!
I invite reviews and constructive criticism, as I'm always looking to improve my writing :)
The characters, unfortunately, do not belong to me...
Sam woke to the sound of glass shattering. He shot up out of bed and squinted at the glowing numbers on his alarm clock. 5:07 am. In less than 3 hours, he had to be in class taking the last, and hardest of his finals. He let out a deep sigh before quietly opening his bedroom door and walking through the hallway.
Sure enough, Brady was kneeling on the floor, the remnants of a beer bottle scattered around him as the contents of his stomach emptied onto the kitchen floor. Sam hurried over to him and crouched down. He gently laid a hand on Brady's back and coaxed him up.
"C'mon, man. Let's get you cleaned up." He hooked his arm under his drunk roommate's and together they stumbled to the bathroom. Once there, Sam patiently, but worriedly, cleaned up his friend as he lay unconscious.
Before, Brady had been a diligent student; going to class, taking unnecessary amounts of notes, studying for hours, acing tests, never going out and participating in social events. He and Sam had been a perfect match made by the Stanford housing department. Sam had found a fellow nerd that he could relate with on a level he couldn't with his brother or father.
But that had changed after Thanksgiving break. Sam still didn't know what exactly had happened. He just knew that his best friend of 2 years was suddenly partying, drinking, and hooking up with girls. The ultimate shock, however, was that Brady dropped out of the pre-med program. He never talked about it and avoided the subject whenever it was brought up, especially when it was brought up by Sam.
So, for yet another night not unlike those of the past 5 months, Sam found himself losing precious sleep to help his friend.
Once he was satisfied that he couldn't help Brady anymore, Sam lifted him and half dragged Brady to his bed and deposited him as gently as possible. He went back to his own bed and collapsed.
All too soon his alarm pulled him from unconsciousness. Feeling more exhausted than he had at 5 am, he pulled himself out of bed and got ready for the day. Brady, to no surprise of Sam, was still passed out.
After studying one last time, Sam left the apartment feeling confident in his ability to pass his final. After 3 hours of frantic writing, which Sam didn't think was enough time, he turned in his exam, which concluded his Junior year at Stanford. If only dad could see me now, he thought, then banished it as quickly as it came.
Just then, Sam's phone started ringing. He pulled it out of his pocket and checked the ID. Brady. He flipped it open.
"Brady? What's going on?"
"Dude. You missed the best party last night!"
Sam rolled his eyes. "I'm sure it was just-"
"NOT like every other party. Jeez, you always say that, man. Lighten up!"
"Brady, where are you? We need to talk."
"Dang straight we need to talk! You are coming to this party tonight. No excuses!"
"No," Sam sighed. "I'm not. Now, where are you?"
"Dude. You gotta chill. I'm at the best bar in town, obviously. And yes you are. What are you doing tonight? Oh, right. Nothing. You don't do anything or go anywhere. I know. Because I'm your only friend."
A pang of hurt shot through Sam's chest. Even with Brady's change of character, that was harsh. He tried to shrug it off. "I'll be there in a couple minutes."
"You really don't know what you're missing-"
Sam hung up before Brady could finish his thought, and headed to the bar his friend frequented.
Once there, it wasn't hard to find him. Not many people drink before noon and out of those in the bar Brady was the only one standing on his chair singing at the top of his lungs. The bartender, upon closer inspection, seemed ready to strangle him.
Sam apologized profusely, hoping the bartender wouldn't turn his wrath on him once he saw that Sam knew the rowdy drunk.
"Sammy! Come to join me for a drink?"
Sam cringed, the exclamation hitting too close to home. "No, we're leaving." He grabbed Brady's arm and began dragging him away.
"Hey!" an angry voice called. Sam turned to see the bartender coming around the counter. "He hasn't paid for this," he gestured to the empty glasses on the counter.
Turning his gaze to Brady he raised an eyebrow.
Brady sighed. "Always gotta ruin my fun, don't ya?" He reached into his pocket and pulled a couple of bills out of his wallet, flinging them at the bartender.
Deciding it would be best to leave at this point, Sam tugged on Brady's arm again and led him outside. He found a relatively secluded place, then half pushed Brady onto a bench.
"We need to talk, man." Sam brushed his hand through his shaggy hair which flopped right back to where it was before.
Brady cockily leaned back and raised a brow in anticipation.
"Man, what's up with you? I thought we were on the same page. What changed?" Sam shook his head in disbelief.
"I've told you. I just have a different idea of what's important in life. For example, females, Sam. Females. When was the last time you went on a date, Sammy?"
Sam flinched as hundreds of memories threatened to cascade over him. "Don't call me that. And why does that matter?"
Brady scoffed. "Well, it may not matter to you, nerd. But it will. You have a date this weekend. What better way to celebrate your 21st birthday, than with a hot chick?"
"What? Brady, no man. Not cool." Sam protested. "That's your scene, not mine. Especially not if it's at a bar."
"Well, of course, it's at a bar! You'll be 21!" Brady jumped up with excitement. "You have to officially lose your alcohol virginity, am I right?" He raised his eyebrows. "Honestly, you don't have a choice. You are going on this date. You can't make me look bad, man. If anything, do it for me?"
Sam exhaled sharply, initially unwilling to submit. But then, seeing this as an opportunity to rebond with Brady, he slowly nodded. "Yeah, man. For you."
"Haha!" He enthusiastically clapped Sam on the back. "I knew you'd do it! Just wait till you meet this girl, Sam. You won't regret it."