ĸaι'ѕ p.o.v.

Michael became distant after his birthday celebration. He didn't talk to us on the first day back at school. Harriet and I were instantly worried about him. He didn't speak on the way home from the bar we went to. We were all seventeen, but we were able to get fake identification cards.

Michael was so happy that he had finally turned seventeen. He thought that he would be able to say that he was proud of being part of the seniors at last. At least, that was what he thought. After that night, his head hung low. His eyes had dimmed from sparks of happiness to practically nothing left at all.

I also noticed something different about Luca. He seemed satisfied when Michael was terrified that evening. It was like Luca knew something happened to Michael but chose not to say anything. Harriet glared at the windshield the entire drive home. I glanced at Michael out of the corner of my eye.

He was pale, and his eyes darted around like we were going to hurt him. His hands were shaking badly, and he was jumpy. He stayed silent during the ride to his house. When we arrived at his place, he said "goodbye" hurriedly and took off up the hill to the front door. Harriet and I kept looking at each other, concerned for our best friend, while Luca had a smug look on his face.

I know Luca Richards is the cause of Michael's fear. Michael's terror. Harriet and I both know this, but we can't say anything yet. Luca can't find out. Neither can Michael.

On the first day back at school, which is November 27, 2017, I wake up to Awake and Alive by the Christian rock band, Skillet. I love their music. I'm not a Christian, but their sound is fantastic. Their songs are powerful, and I love them for providing hope for everyone who listens to them. I change into a gray Henley T-shirt, brown leather lace-up boots, dark gray slim fit jeans, a brown Barn jacket, and a wristwatch.

I head downstairs and nibble on a piece of toast, sipping orange juice. My parents are still asleep because of how late they work. I slip out the front door and see Harriet parked in front of the house. I wave, and she waves back. I get into the front passenger seat, and we head to the school.

Luca walked today, and Michael was already at the school by the time we arrived. He had a black hoodie on, a black My Chemical Romance T-shirt, black jeans, and back canvas sneakers. Silver headphones can be seen over his ears as he keeps his head down. His eyes are filled to the brim with tears as we walk to him slowly. He looks up at us and doesn't smile at us.

Whatever happened to him changed him. It was for the worse, too. We head into the school, our shoes making noises on the cold floor. Harriet's high-heeled boots are white and made of leather. Her shirt is a shade of lavender, and her jeans were freshly ironed.

Her pale pink scarf protects her neck, and her denim blue jean jacket keeps her warm. She and I lock eyes as I shrug. No theories are running through my mind at this moment. I'm pretty sure that's how my pansexual friend feels, too. We notice a limp for the first time as Michael walks ahead of us as best he can.

Let me know your opinion about this chapter. Question time!

1.) What do you think of both Harriet and Kai? Is Luca the good guy or bad guy, based on what you've read so far?

2.) Whose point-of-view do you want to see next: Harriet's, Luca's, Rolando's, or Su's?

See you guys in chapter three.

Word Count (excluding author's note and footer): 668