Finding Carter

Chapter Three

"Just stay loose, have a little fun, and you'll be fine." - Toy Story

I woke up to a phone ringing thursday morning, my cell phone was right next to my bed, so I answered it.

"Hey, college boy. How is it going?"

I was so happy to hear Kevin's voice I jumped up, grinning. We talked for a long time, and it was as if I'd never left home. I told him about classes and rooming with Brian.

"Are you two getting along okay?" he asked me. It then occurred to me they were cousins.....

"Kevin, how come I've never met Brian before if he's your cousin? I've known you basically my whole life." I said, yawning. My stomach growled and I decided breakfast could wait.

"I wanted him to keep an eye on you and the admissions director is a good friend of mine, so he pulled some strings. You don't think I'd leave you completely alone, do you? Plus Brian's older, he can help you find your way around and keep you company. I figured the two of you would get along." he admitted. I felt kinda bad for not giving Brian a chance, he was kind of a dork....but I knew Kevin meant well.

"Thanks, Kev. But how come I haven't met him before this?"

"He's from Kentucky, remember? Our families don't get along well so we haven't seen each other in a long time." he said.

Quite frankly, I didn't accept that. I got off the phone, still wondering how Brian knew my parents.

I got dressed and went to classes before coming back to the dorm to find Brian laying in bed, looking bored.

"What's up?"

"I got invited to a frat party tomorrow. You interested? I mean, they don't race lawnmowers or anything, but..."

"You got invited to the Pika's party? How did you manage that?" Brian asked, sitting up.

"I got skills."

Asking around campus, I found out it was like THE spot to party at U of SF. So I felt like it was my duty to at least show up. Howie personally invited me, it had to count for something.

"I guess. You want to come with?" I asked. He made a face at first like he wasn't sure.

"You sure I won't be cramping your style, city boy?" he joked in that accent of his.

"Nah. I think you need to get out more."

"I suppose. You're not gonna wear that, are you? This is a college party....a frat party. Mickey isn't invited."

I looked down at my Mickey shirt, suddenly feeling very self conscious. I pulled it off and put on a black tank top before we left for the party.

"This must be the place." Brian said, as we exchanged looks. There was garbage scattered all over the yard, beer cans on the front steps. It smelled heavily of alcohol, making my stomach turn. Music blared from the speakers, sounding like Green Day or Third Eye Blind. We were greeted by cigarette smoke as the door opened, the place was packed with people. I'd never been to a real party like this before....Kevin would have flipped out if he knew. A table was set up with snacks and various alcoholic drinks, ranging from beer to mixed drinks.

"Hey, Nick....isn't it?" Howie called from the bar. He looked like he hadn't been drinking long, holding a plastic red cup.

"Yep. This is my roommate, Brian. Nice place you got here." I said. I was feeling nauseous from the smoke. As Howie and I talked we heard people chanting in the backyard.