4
Chapter 16
Ed tipped the desk-light towards his book; the print looked tiny and blurred in the feint light.
He rubbed his eyes…trying to focus on the sentence: and at this time, Cicero and Brutus met in secret.
Ed set the book down for a moment; he put his hand on his chin…leaning his elbows on his desk.
He tried to process the words in his head…only to draw a blank.
Ed picked the book back up…and read the sentence again. And again.
His eyes darted to the corner of room; he watched his roommate who was fast asleep. The sound of his gentle snores echoed through the cramped living space.
Ed turned his attention to his book again; he let out a soft sigh and put his hand over his mouth as he read.
Both men agreed that for the good of the Republic…
Ed's eyes darted to another book on his desk; it was about mechanical engineering.
His eyes focused on it for a moment; the sight of it sent a warm feeling through his body.
In his mind…he envisioned touching it with his hand; picking it up and opening its solid exterior.
Ed sighed…he took one last look at the page of his book; he sat it down on top of his desk quietly.
He sat there for a while…staring off into space.
He glanced down at the piles of books on his desk; subject after subject…title after title.
A large stack of homework assignments sat in the corner…haunting him.
He longed to read that one book…to stay up all night digging into its pages.
But the sea of other books and assignments swallowed him whole.
Ed set his head down on his desk…overcome with feelings of dread.
He glanced at the clock; he groaned.
"Physics in three hours," he whispered.
He closed his eyes…slowly drifting to a restless sleep.
David poked his head into the cafeteria; he glanced around at the scattered cadets chit-chatting about this and that. He hesitated for a moment…looking a bit apprehensive.
He quietly and gently headed for the serving line…ever so often taking a quick glance at the crowds.
"Heya, Roomie," he heard from behind.
Spade clapped his hand on David's shoulder.
"Oh…hey," David mumbled…grabbing a bowl of oatmeal.
Spade piled his tray high with bacon, sausage, biscuits, gravy and pancakes. He licked his lips…a small ounce of drool dripping from his lower lip.
"Dude…you are not gonna believe this,"
David muttered some vague response. He grabbed a cup of coffee.
"Remember that red-head and her friends…oh maaannnn,"
David turned and headed for a table; he paused in his tracks.
"Last night…she snuck me into her room,"
They made eye-contact; the two locked eyes for a moment. Neither smiled or motioned to each other. They just pierced each other with a hostile stare.
It was Ed.
"They kept me up alllll night! It was intense!"
David tossed his tray onto an empty table a few feet from; he turned on his heels toward the door.
"Shut the hell up, Spade," he growled glancing over.
David made for the door...deep down feeling more alone than he ever had.