He's a Fox

You and Charlie look at each other, it was obvious neither of you knew who it might be. You were already standing so you walk across the room and open the door.

Standing at the door was an older gentleman. He had grey-black balding hair, glasses, grey slacks and a cozy looking blue and grey checkered button up sweater over a white collared shirt. His skin was a chocolate brown. He was as tall as you were and had a deep barrel chest with a middle aged gut to match. You suspected he may have played some football in his youth.

He looks at you obviously surprised, you were not who he was expecting. "Oh! You're...uh...Jonathan, Jonathan Spencer. Correct?"

You nod and smile as you reach forward and shake his hand. "That's right." He takes your hand in his and you share a firm handshake.

"I hear you're one hell of a defensive midfielder. Going to try out for the team?" He asks. You wonder how he knew this about you.

You nod. "I was thinking about it."

He grins. "Good. I'm sorry to bother you but is Mr Fox in by chance?"

You pause. "Mr Fox? You mean Charlie?"

He nods. You show him in. Charlie was still sat on his bed, he hadn't moved. Having another person in the room doing little to ease his obvious tension.

The man crosses the room in three long strides and forces his hand into Charlie's for an enthusiastic hand shake. "Charlie, I am the Resident Dean for Chapel Hall. I am here for guidance or help for any of my boys here. You can call me Professor Williams or Doctor Williams." He was smiling ear to ear, your presence seemingly forgotten. Letting go of Charlie he steps back, Charlie just squirms uncomfortably. "On behalf of the University I wanted to come personally say hello and thank you for choosing our fine institution. I believe you'll find we can help you get on the right path."

He looks back over to you and chuckles. "How does it feel to be roommates with a genius?"

You were stunned. "What? A genius? Charlie? Wow!"

He nods then returns his gaze to the VERY ill at ease Charlie. "We have never seen such scores on the placement tests. Not bad for home schooling!" He laughs. He then says to your roommate. "Your parents deserve the highest praise young man. We understand you could have gone anywhere, Ivy League or overseas. We appreciate you showing your faith in us, and we will show our faith in you. Just tell us if you need anything. Anything at all."

Your poor roomie was squirming like a worm on a hook. He still hadn't said a word and obviously did not appreciate this kind of attention. You decide to throw the poor guy a life line.

Stepping forward you say. "Thank you Professor. I'm sure Charlie appreciates the visit but we were just heading out you see and..."

Seeing the opportunity to escape Charlie begins nodding furiously. "Uh...yes sir, sorry, we were just leaving."

The Resident Dean lets out a big belly laugh. "Of course, of course. You probably want to get to know your new campus." He grips Charlie's shoulder and gives it a supportive squeeze. "Well don't let this old man stand in your way." He makes his way out. As he passes through your door he turns back. "A pleasure to meet you young Mr Fox. And you too Mr....uh....Spencer."

You smile and wave as you close the door behind him. "Thank you sir. See you again sometime." You shut the door.

You hear Charlie let out relieved sigh. You suddenly had so many questions about your mysterious little roommate. A real live genius, here sharing a room with you. Crazy. The questions begin to turn over in your mind. Those could wait however.

You give him a warm smile. "Come on Charlie. Let's go."

In that soft voice of his he says. "Okay Jonathan."

Charlie gets up and grabs a faded olive colored denim army style jacket, adding yet another layer to his upper body. It wasn't even cold out. Ah well, he was obviously an odd duck. Perhaps he was some sort of savant or something.

Charlie gets his keys, wallet, and phone and falls in behind you. Together the pair of you make your way out to find a restaurant or pizza joint.