Free Bird

Chapter 1. The Prologue

  The night I graduated, there was a huge celebration that took place in my apartment. My roomates were the rowdiest of party hosters, which never bothered me because I was too! When I look back on it now, I question whether I really took my own graduation seriously enough. Or if I was just excited to party. First kid ever in my family to graduate from anything, let alone university! But I have never been the type of man to take things sentimentally. Maybe I partied too much, and was a little irresponsible. We all were! When I shook hands with the dean and got handed my diploma, there was not a dry eye in the room except mine. And when I sat in the crowd and observed as everyone else crossed the stage, eyes teary, waving a thanks to their friends and families, all I found myself being excited about was having fun later that night.

After the ceremony, it was as if my graduation had never happened. My afternoon was spent setting up charcuteries with my roommates (that would only end up all over the floor), sorting through alcohol that- I admit - was hard to keep my hands away from, and buying logs for a bonfire whilst ordering pizzas. My roomates promised all the guests that they had something huge planned, and of course I did not doubt them one bit.

  "Hey Gayneck! Can you bring the cake out please?" Cletus's voice echoed from the dining room of our apartment. I had become drowsy from sitting on the couch after doing my part in setting up, but her light voice snapped me out of my daze. I think I had accidentally taken a nap! I stood up regardless, and started for the kitchen. Seeing colors and holding on to the wooden railing as I dizzily realized I had stood up too quickly.
  "A whole cake? We've never been this fancy!" I remarked lazily, carrying the cake out of the fridge as I wiped drool off my chin, scratching myself on my stubble as I realized with a groan that I had forgotten to shave.
On the vanilla, rainbow frosted cake in large colorful bubbles, the words read "Congratulations Gayneck!" With a small cap and gown fondant on the "K" of my name. For some reason, it did not register to me immediately that it was for my graduation. Either because I was tired or didn't care. Nonetheless I was thankful for the extra attention!
  "I hope you like it Gayneck! I got your favorite colors on there." Cletus said, tying her thin albino blonde hair into a ponytail as she did the dishes. I stared at it again, still with sleep in my eyes and half zoning out.
  "Yes! thank you!" I yawned deeply. "I love it so much!" I yelped, realizing I hadn't said it enthusiastically enough the first time. Hearing the usual diva in my voice brought a small smile to her thin lips, so I set the cake on the counter next to the rainbow napkins.
"And by the way, Gayneck, I really do mean congratulations. Seriously! It's a huge accomplishment!" Cletus smiled, putting her small hand on my meaty shoulder.
"Yes! Thank you!" I grinned. But I was only thanking her for the attention. I realized I had seemed off all day today. The man who loved attention not caring enough about his own graduation? Not even shaving for it? Perhaps my concerns and desires resided in other ordeals.
Regardless I was happy to remember that Cletus had asked me to set up a bonfire outside, which was a perfect excuse to leave the intimacy of the conversation. with five minutes until the party started, I set to work in the backyard.

"Dikus! Can you come help me with the bonfire?" I shouted across the hall. To my surprise, Dikus immediately bursted his bedroom door open with an excited grin on his devious face. He appeared immediately embarrassed at his own brashness, but I did not mind, he was just a freshman after all.
"...Yes! Yeah! I'll help," Dikus trailed, sheepishly shutting the door. His rings clinked against the door handle, and his chunky boots made large booming stomps on the tile floor. He followed me outside with a bounce in his step into the warm summer, late afternoon air.

  Our backyard was small, but definitely more well decked than that of even some regular homes. We maximized the small space with a cheap grill, lawn chairs, a small white tea table, and a nice, comfortable little spot for bonfires! Our grass was cut once a month by Dikus or me, and watered as well. I set up the wood at the bonfire spot as Dikus fumbled around awkwardly pretending to help. I knew one day he would be the center of attention, just as I was, and he was still awkwardly adjusting to college. In the meantime I had decided to support him even when I found his hobbies weird and counterproductive. Particularly his newfound interest in trying out magic (none of which ever worked). When a knock at the door summoned our first guest, Dikus was the first to open it as I continued to set up the small homey fire.