The Time When Things Were Green - Kyler Sorba (best ebook reader for ubuntu TXT) 📗

The alarm broke the blissful calm of my sleep with a shrill, piercing noise. I was still half-asleep as I dragged myself out of bed and into the shower. As I stood there soaking in the heat from the shower, I tried to remember what it was exactly that had been so important. Something about a giant wolf with snow white fur and blue eyes… I couldn’t see it anymore. The steaming water that had been soaking my back for a minute suddenly turned ice cold. I swore as I shampooed my hair as quickly as possible and exited the shower. Why couldn’t my parents get me a small condo or something that wasn’t connected to other people? They knew that I liked solitude more than anything, and I was not going to get that in an apartment.
Jeremy was waiting for me outside the bathroom.
“Dude, that was quick.” He mumbled sleepily.
“It had to be.” I said. “The water’s freezing-ass cold. It seems like everyone’s getting up before us and steeling the water in trucks.” “I know, dude,” He slumped into the bathroom, “maybe I’ll get lucky.” “I doubt it.” I walked to the kitchen. Cereal was getting low. I’d have to drop by the store to pick up food. The water turned on and I heard Jeremy shout as it hit him. “I warned you!” I shouted to him as I poured myself some cereal. “I heard you!” he shouted back.
On the way to the bus station, Jeremy caught up with me. “You’re walking to fast,” He said hurriedly. “Slow down, will ya?” “Not a chance.” I fired back. “I’m going to miss the bus if I don’t hurry.” Jeremy sighed. “Then take a cab. Honestly, you army types are always in a hurry. Have to be everywhere at the right time at the right place. Can’t you slow down sometimes? Enjoy the finer things in life?” “And you happen to know those things?” I stated with a laugh. “You’re always down at a bar somewhere, getting smashed and trying to pick up girls. No thanks to that.” “Yah, but they’re hot girls.” he protested. “That’s the point, init?” “There’s the bus, and I’m going to miss it.” I said, picking up pace. Jeremy shook his head and walked after me.
The school I attended was two miles away from where I lived, and as such I had plenty of free time on my hands. I dug out my laptop and began the Chemical Analysis Program I had installed two days before. I began studying for the major test we had coming up in my Chemical Engineering class; the test was on where to find chemicals and how to obtain them within the US if you had been living here two thousand years ago, one thousand years ago, five hundred years ago, etc. Our professor was insane like that; he would ask fifteen questions rapid-fire, and then expect you to answer them all correctly within a minute. His class was awesome. We never knew what to think of him. The bus pulled into the school bus station. As I walked into the lecture room, Mr. Christen waved up to me from the podium.
“Hello, Nunne’hi.” He shouted up.
“Mr. C, don’t call me that. You know I can’t be called that here in New York.” I called back. “Sorry Peter.” Mr. Christen beamed. “But you should be reminded of what your people call you. Now, did you study thoroughly for my test? I would hate for you to not get credit in a class you’re doing so well in.” “I’ve been studying since last month.” I said, sitting down in my seat. “Good.” He yelled. “Ah, here come the other students now.” The rest of the students in his class filed in, and the test began.
After several hours of testing I finished the test and took the bus to the gym, where I proceeded to go through my usual routine. Once I finished I ran back to the apartment. Jeremy was already there, preparing to leave on his usual bar hoping spree. “Hey Jeremy, if you’re willing to wait ten or so minutes, I’ll go with you.” I panted over to the fridge and grabbed out a bottle of water.
“Seriously, dude?” Jeremy looked surprised. “Yes, seriously.” I said. “Just let me shower and change into regular clothes.” “Ok,” Jeremy sat back against the wall, “Sure.”
Once I was finished changing Jeremy pulled car keys out of his pocket and swung them around his finger. “Let’s go”
The bars we went to were not the bars I was expecting. I had been expecting small, sleazy bars with too many people and only one bartender. Instead we went to huge bars that were several stories high and some that had basements stretching two or more stories down. I can’t remember exactly what happened, except that we were completely smashed and trying to pick up more girls than I can put faces to. Finally, I mumbled, “I’m gonna be sick…” and I think I wondered over to the stairs of the place to find the bathroom. I went down the stairs and promptly fell asleep.

Publication Date: 07-12-2012

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Dedication:
I dedicate this book to the man I got the idea from: Leo Frankowski.