And you greet the returning campers

You trudge up the stairs and swing open your dorm door. Ben stands over a stack of camping supplies sitting in the middle of the living room.

“Hey John.” He says, smiling.

“Hey, how was camping?” You reply.

“Oh it was great!” He says, a dreamy look crossing his face as you flop down on the couch. “We went hiking and fishing and I even managed to catch sight of a Kirtland's warbler. They’re very rare!”

“And that is?” You ask.

“It’s another of his feathered friends.” Scoffs Mark from the threshold of the kitchen.

“Ah.” You say.

“Now how was your weekend?” Mark asks, sitting down across from you on the opposite couch.

“Exciting is a good word for it.” You sigh.

“It’d assume as much, from the fact your eyes are bloodshot red and you have massive circles under your eyes I would have to guess that you went out last night.” Mark tuts.

“Why do you have to be so perceptive,” you yawn, covering your mouth, “Ben you’re dating a modern day Sherlock.”

“I assume that would make me Watson, no?” Ben says, sitting down beside Mark and throwing an arm around his shoulder.

“You see I figured that we would be more Bonnie and Clyde then Sherlock and Watson.” States Mark, leaning into Ben.

“Really?” Asks Ben, “I don’t think we commit enough crimes to fit their M.O.”

“Never too late to start.” Mark shoots back with a grin. “Besides, it isn’t like we solve mysteries either.”

“Except for the mystery of who ate all the peanut butter bars.” Ben huffs. Mark makes a shocked look at Ben.

“You are still upset about that?” Mark gasps.

“And I shall be until the end of time, you knew I love those and you didn’t leave a single one for me you monster.” Ben chuckles and kisses the side of Mark’s head. Mark rolls his eyes and blushes just a little bit.

“So,” Ben states, “what happened?” You groan.

“Well I got invited to a greek party.” You begin.

“Oh no.” Mark says, grinning mischievously.

“And while I was there I kinda, sorta, maybe, hooked up with one of Kat’s friends.”

“John!” Mark gasps. “Which one?”

“Sorry, whose Kat again?” Ben asks.

“His little sister.” Mark answers, and turns back to you with rapt attention.

“Marcy.” You mumble. Mark howls with laughter.

“Does Kat know yet?” Mark asks, wiping away tears. You shrug.

“Beats me.” You sigh.

“I hope you have a plan when she does.” Mark crows.

“Me too.” You say, rubbing your tired eyes.

“I hear Argentina is nice this time of year.” Mark chuckles. You scowl at him. Then your phone chimes in. You pull it out and see that you have a new message from Kat. “Oh my God, you’re kidding.” Mark laughs. “I can see it on your face.”

“Can it, I need to take this.” You groan, standing up and walking towards the kitchen. “Nice seeing you Ben.”

“Nice to see you too. Good luck with your sister.” Ben says, Mark howling with laughter into his arm.

You walk to the bedroom and change out of your sweaty clothes from last night and toss them in your completely full hamper. You set the waitress’s note on your desk. You grit your teeth and open the chat with Kat on your phone.

KAT: Hey I just wanted to let you know that Marcy is doing fine

KAT: Thought that you would like to know that

You sigh a sigh of relief.

YOU: I am glad to hear that

KAT: Also you and I need to talk

You feel your blood run cold and run down to your suddenly very heavy feet. You decide to try and play for time

YOU: Sure, come over after class tomorrow?

KAT: Sounds good, also promise not to flake

YOU: I promise

You groan and lay down with your eyes closed. You already know that you are probably going to get shouted at for fucking Marcy, but right now that is a future you problem. You lay there a long time, resting your weary eyes.