LUCAS WATSON
█ act one: way down we gocrystal hill station ▸ europa inn & suites ▸ p. johnson's ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ |
Why did I decide to come back? Lucas asked himself after seeing the 'Welcome to Delton' sign surrounded by rocks and colorful flowers. He looked away from the bus window and tried to suppress the memories of his departure. The music playing in his earbuds helped a little but didn't thoroughly crush it. It got worse once the bus stopped at the Crystal Hill Station, the bus station on the edge of town. He started to remember that painful day. But instead of confronting it, Lucas began to walk towards the inn rather than wait for a ride. It was bittersweet to be back home. That was when he started to wonder about his parents and siblings. Where were they? Are they still living in town? Have they changed in the years Lucas has been absent? And yet, he already knew the answers the moment the sign was visible.
After walking for ten minutes, Lucas finally arrived at the Europa Inn & Suites. It wasn't the best hotel in town, but it had decent reviews. No one or two stars on review sites. Just mainly three and even four stars. Also, it was cheaper than the premium hotels. He approached the receptionist about the reservation and got a keycard. Then, he headed towards his room on the second floor and immediately collapsed onto the bed. The original plan was to take a quick nap before tonight's event. However, upon picking up his phone, Lucas noticed a rather surprising notification from his mostly inactive Facebook account (the last post was seven years old before spring break). He didn't react once he saw that Jack Wilkerson was responsible for posting in a dead group inviting classmates to drink at a micro-brewery.
There wasn't much of a friendship between them, but they often hung out during smoke breaks at school. Although it still hurt that Jack had ditched him once the rumors began spreading around. Lucas, for some reason, actually liked having someone around him during those breaks. Now, there wasn't much to feel about other than the annoyance of still having a Facebook account since he was thirteen. But he couldn't be himself to remove himself from the group. So instead, Lucas left a like on the post before tossing it next to him. Immediate regret was setting in him for accepting the invite. But then again, P.J's might have something good to snack on as his stomach began growling. And plus, the drinks and food might be free (good for someone who makes an office receptionist's salary).
Since the brewery was only a few minutes away, Lucas decided to walk on foot instead of getting an uber and wasting the cash on it. He stopped walking once he saw the building in question and noticed that folks were already inside, thanks to the window. There was another moment of sweet old regret and fear attempting to set in his mind. He was told that going back home would be helpful by his therapist and friends, and yet, being here seemed to be a mistake. Still, disregarding the outcome, Lucas needed to see it through—even if it didn't help at the end of the day. He went inside and made sure to avoid talking to other people, finding his seat at an empty booth. If he was planning on talking to classmates from his high school, a moment of peace was very much needed. ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ |