Under the Influence

four

I am fully convinced that I will not make it out of college alive. I am drowning in notebook paper and power point slides while my friends are out drowning in music and alcohol. I guess you could call me responsible.

I decided that it was time for a break, meaning that I am in need of a shower. I closed my laptop and pried myself off of my desk chair, groaning as pain shot down my legs. I haven't moved in the past two hours.

I walked to my bathroom and turned on the shower before connecting my phone to my speaker, putting on an early 2000's greatest hits playlist. I got undressed and stepped into the shower, allowing the water to run down the back of my head. I have never felt a better feeling.

As I scrubbed shampoo into my hair, I heard my phone go off. I groaned and reached out of the shower, drying my hands and grabbing my phone off of the counter. All I am asking for is a few minutes of peace.

Unknown Number: I wish you were out with us tonight.

Elise: I'm sorry, who is this?

Unknown Number: Oh wow, you deleted my number? Kind of hurtful.

Shit. Jack. I decided that it was best for me to not reply. I put my phone back and went back to washing my hair. I don't really want to deal with drunk texts right now or a conversation on why I no longer have his number saved in my phone.

My phone dinged, interrupting my peace once again. Jesus, do I need to block him too? I grabbed my phone and sighed when I saw the name.

Sam: Hey, are you busy?

Elise: Yeah, kind of.

Sam: Oh, well I'm outside your front door.

You have got to be kidding me. I turned the water off and hurried to dry off and put clothes on. I turned my music off and walked to the front door, preparing myself for a drunk Sam. I opened the door and he looked up at me.

"Hi." He said softly, seeming to be surprisingly sober.

"Hi." I responded awkwardly. I'm not used to talking to Sam unless he is absolutely shit faced.

"Can I come in?" He asked as he put his hands in the pocket of his hoodie.

"Um, sure." I answered, moving to the side to let him in. He walked past me and into the living room. I took a deep breath and closed the door, walking towards the couch and taking a seat.

"So, why are you here?" I asked and he looked down at his feet, kicking the back of his foot with the other.

"I just wanted to talk. Can I sit?" He asked me and I nodded. He took a seat at the other end of the couch and leaned over, resting his elbows on his knees.

"Why aren't you out with the rest of the group? This is unusual." I said, pulling my legs up onto the couch.

"I just wasn't feeling it tonight. I think I need to stay away from alcohol for awhile." He explained and I just nodded. "I haven't been the best towards you Elise and I just wanted to apologize to you. It isn't fair and I know that. You just always seem to get to me." He said.

I looked down and picked at my fingers nervously. I have been here with Sam before. He always does this. He screws up, has a coming to Jesus and apologizes, but then turns around and starts the cycle over again. He's never been someone to live up to his own words.

"That sounds kind of back handed, don't you think? You apologize for your actions, but then say that I get to you. That doesn't exactly sound like a sincere apology. I have never done anything to make you act that way." I let out, continuing to look down at my hands. He sighs.