Chapter
2
"Typical
Nick. Eight in the morning, and he's already watching cartoons."
Howie
shut the door to the room he shared with AJ. "Let him be, Bone. I'm sure
he's enjoying the show."
I
stared blankly at the screen. I had watched four and a half hours of the Ninja
Turtles. And the oncoming fifth hour did not seem exciting.
Brian
exited our room as Kevin headed in the kitchen. Brian set down beside me as
Kevin spoke. "Morning guys. I'm making eggs and toast. It'll be about
twenty minutes."
Suddenly,
I saw the channel switch before my eyes. I heard AJ's voice. "Sorry, bud.
I can't stand those damn turtles."
I
shrugged, growing sick of the show myself. Howie glanced at my bare chest and
boxers. "Aren't you cold, Nick?"
I
shook my head. "No."
"Why
don't you go change?" Brian suggested.
I
nodded and headed to the bedroom. When I returned in a t-shirt and jeans I saw
the group sitting down to breakfast. Against the churning in my stomach I
joined them.
Kevin
placed a plate before me and everyone began to dig in. I looked away and sipped
my water.
"Is
my cooking that bad?" Kevin laughed.
I
tried to smile. "No, I'm just not hungry."
Brian
faced me. "What's wrong with you, Nick? you woke up sweating, haven't
slept and now you're not hungry?"
Kevin
set down his fork. "Are you sick?"
"Nah.
I'm fine."
"People
who don't eat or sleep are not fine," AJ grunted.
Howie
elbowed his pal. "Are you sure, Nicky?"
"Yeah,"
I said as I thought to myself that I'd be better if he didn't call me 'Nicky.'
Kevin returned to his meal. "I guess, we
have to take your word for it."
***
