by Collin Earl
***
Boom . . . Boom . . . Boom!
What is that? Monson groaned sleepily, still under a copious amount of covers. He heard it again.
Boom!
Was it getting louder?
BOOM!
The sound . . . it felt like . . . something was here. Right on top of him.
Ahh, crap, Monson thought. He thought he knew what the "boom" was. Monson pushed the comforter off his head and caught a fleeting glimpse of Artorius leaning on the big oak doors. He appeared greatly amused. Before Monson could say anything, he felt a sharp pain in his chest as Casey's highflying form crumpled into him.
"Time to get up, Scarface!" Casey dug his elbow further into Monson's chest, knocking the wind out of him. "You’ve slept long enough."
It took Monson a minute to get Casey off and inhale enough air to answer. "What time is it?" Monson tried to rub the tiredness out of his eyes.
"Five thirty. You see, you've gone and spoiled everything now." Casey grinned. "You aren't going to sleep tonight, and you’ll be extra-tired for class tomorrow."
"Speaking of which," Monson said, suddenly thinking of something, "when do we find out our course schedules?"
"Tomorrow morning," Casey replied, propping himself up on an elbow next to Monson. "Though four of our classes are already chosen for us." His face soured slightly. "Comes with the territory, I guess."
There was a loud rumble, making all three boys jump. Laughter broke out when Monson's stomach gave another massive grumble.
"Dude," Casey said through a burst of mirth, "when was the last time you ate? You sound like you're dying."
"It’s been a couple of days since I’ve eaten properly," Monson admitted. "I was just too nervous to keep anything down."
"Well, that settles it, doesn't it!" Artorius exclaimed. "We need to find this boy some food."
"It's about that time anyway," Casey agreed, checking his watch, "or you know we wouldn't bother." He grinned deviously, seeing how Monson would react to his banter.
"Really," Monson eyes narrowed as he caught on. "Hey Case, how's Kylie? As I recall, you have a story to tell us." Then, looking at Artorius, he added, "Well, you have a story to tell ME at least."
Casey blanched and tried to reply, but appeared to be at a loss for words.
"Ahhh," Monson crooned mockingly in a high voice, "You're embarrassed. How sweet!"
Casey flushed a deep crimson and Artorius laughed. Instead of answering, Casey slid off the bed and started to move toward the door. Monson laughed and threw a fist in the air. "It looks like that's one for me, Cassius."
Casey suddenly stopped, as if he was contemplating something, and then said abruptly, "Ah, screw this!" He unexpectedly whipped around and ran, jumping at the last second. Monson watched in horror as Casey sailed toward him. "All right, Hero," Casey yelled through muffled laughter, as he landed on top of Monson for at least the third time that day, "let's see what you got!"