Human Touch Pt. One

Kyle

It's late and the few people left are wasted already, smoking outside on the balcony. The light's dim and someone's put quiet music on Max's vintage record player. Jeremy's spread himself out on the big sofa in the living room, head on the backrest, his dark clothes in total contrast with the colorful furniture. I've noticed he assumes the posture whenever he's tense or uncomfortable, it's like a challenge where he says, "Here I am, come at me." He's still here for some reason, even though his friends left already; I mean even Nathan's not here, although they don't seem to be hanging out much. Now that I think of it, I've never seen them together at school and they don't even come together. Nate usually drives and I think Jeremy rides the bus, which I thought strange at first, but I guess they have their reasons. I wanted to talk to him and never got the chance, so it's a " now or never" situation, kind of. I approach and sit close to him. He flinches but doesn't open his eyes.