Southern Hospitality Ch. 01

Cautiously, he checked his phone one last time but was relieved to find it mercifully void of requests for tech support. He settled down to relax, snuggling into the soft, welcoming embrace of his plush, familiar bed. He sighed comfortably, reaching out to plug his phone in for the night to charge, tucking it up beside him before letting the alluring hold of sleep take him.
The following day proceeded as so many before it had. He passed the day's most difficult task, dragging his sorry butt out of bed and proceeded on autopilot through his practised, morning routine. Teeth. Wash. Clothes. Breakfast. Walk. College.
College was, as it usually was a quiet simple affair. He applied himself to his studies and spent his breaks in the company of whichever of his squad was around, chatting, laughing and generally just enjoying themselves. He found the giggles and smiles of his friends enchanting and captivating, which in its own way made him feel a little more lonely, as he knew his position with them would never pass beyond the boundaries he already felt.
He was just leaving his last class at the end of the day, heavy bag slung over one shoulder when his phone buzzed in his pocket. He expected it to be one of his friends, offering to meet up with him, or inviting him around to theirs, but the feeling was short-lived.
"Hi Ash, my internet was acting weird so I left my laptop with your mom, she said she would leave it on your desk to fix when you get in :-) Xx"
He stared at the writing on his screen in frustration, he didn't really have any plans, but if he had this would've gotten in the way of them! It annoyed him. A small, minuscule part of him had begun to believe that he was in the clear, that his IT services wouldn't be required. But more and more he was coming to realise this might just be his life now.
As he got in he shot his mom an irritated glance, shrugging off his college pack and grabbing a drink before making his way upstairs. He closed the door to his bedroom maybe a little harder than he intended, in an attempt to convey his annoyance with the whole situation.