Garroth's POV:

I tapped my pencil against my notebook, just waiting for class to be dismissed. There was still five minutes left and all I could think about was leaving. After Laurance abruptly left last night, I've grown worried. It seems a little off. Chad never calls him that late because, let's face it, Chad goes to bed at like nine. I have so many questions that I know Laurance will answer once he gets back after class. We've built a strong trust I believe that I really appreciate in our relationship.
Mr. Oak, my communications teacher, was going off about the proper way to present a topic. Basically things that I've already learned a million times. Not like I'm complaining. In fact, I think the only reason he's doing this is because half of his class is starting student teaching tomorrow. I'm off to Meteli High School, the home high school of Meteli. I would be lying if I wasn't nervous. I haven't stepped into a high school in almost five years. At least I won't be surrounded by my classmate's judging stares.

"Now, I wish all of you luck who will be going into student teaching for the rest of the semester," Mr. Oak said. "It's not easy but, I know that you all are more than capable to do it. Class dismissed."

I collected my things as well as the rest of the class and started towards the door.

"Ah, Mr. Ro'Meave!" Mr. Oak called. "Can I have a word with you?" I nodded and went to his desk. Once everyone left, Mr. Oak sat down at his desk across from me and said with confidence; "You out of all my students is going to struggle the most."

Ouch.

"What? How?" I asked, already feeling my nerves tingle with stress. "I haven't even started."

"Well," He said, pushing up his glasses. "I hope you don't mind but, I looked into your records and I found that you visited the counseling's office of O'Khasis Prep...thirty-two times in senior year. I assume they aren't about scheduling."

I looked down, a little embarrassed. It's odd having your college teacher bring up something that feels so long ago and you want to forget. I remember every since time I walked in to see my counselor about...events that were going on and asking how to deal with them. I'm sure you know what I mean. Mr. Oak believe it or not has become a teacher I look up to in a sense. He's confident, intelligent, and knows how to connect to his students. Having him remind me of everything that went on during senior year wasn't something I'm proud of.

"Um...y-yeah," I admitted. "A lot of things were happening back then and counseling at school was f-free so..."

"It's nothing to be ashamed of Garroth," He told me. "You don't have to tell me why you were there either. I'm just concerned on whether or not you'll be comfortable in a high school environment. I know you told me you'd rather be there but, I've already told you multiple times that I think you would excel at middle school."

Gross. Middle school.

"Don't you think that since I've had that experience in high school, I would be more equipped?" I asked.

He smiled, like I just caught onto something.

"Maybe you will be fine," He said, exiting out of something on his computer. "I'm sorry for even doubting. Just let me know if you need anything."

I nodded and with that he left with his messenger bag and graying hair. I was about to leave as well when I received a text. It was Vylad.

Hey Garroth! Aph and I are hanging out and we were wondering if you would like to join us?

Sure! I just got out of class.

Cool, we're at Dutch Bros on Forester Street.

See ya there!

I put my phone in my bag and put on my coat to join them.

•••

"Why are you such a plain Jane?" Aphmau groaned at my boring cup of coffee.

"Because if I got anything else I would be bouncing off walls, remember?" I laughed.

Vylad took a sip of his caramelizer and shook his head.

"You need a break Gar," He said, leaning back in his chair. "Dante has been telling me about this whole student teaching thing and it's super stressful."

"Is he majoring in History Education?" I asked to which he shook his head. "Then don't listen to him. I'll be fine."

"You're forgetting that he's not only my boyfriend but, your best friend," He said, punching me lightly. "I'm sure he knows a thing or two."

"Trust me Vylad, I'm fine. It's school. How bad can it be?"

"Correction," Aphmau said, raising a finger after taking a sip of chai tea. "High school."

I rolled my eyes and said;

"Now you both sound like Laurance."

"Good! He's the only one who can get through to you, I swear!" Vylad exclaimed. "Either him or Mom. But she's out of state."

I wrapped my arm around his shoulder and took another sip of my coffee. It's a shame that Zane wasn't here to scold me as well but, I love quality time with just one of my brothers as much as with both of them.

"Garrath!"

We all looked at each other and groaned. We knew immediately who it was. Her high pitched voice and burning pink hair, Ivy came trotting on over with her crooked smile.

"I haven't seen you since finals week!" She exclaimed, leaning on the table, completely blocking Aph's way. My best friend's head poked out from the side as she gave me a 'really?' look. "How was your holiday?"

"I-It was great Ivy. How about your's?" I asked, trying to be polite.

"Lonely without my favorite blonde there," She said, oblivious to Vylad's glaring eyes and snarl. "I heard that you're going to Meteli high for student teaching. I went there myself and I would love to give you some info for the school."

"I would love that Ivy, thank you," I say, again with the most enthusiasm I could.

"Of course! I'm so proud of you for going," She says. "Teenagers are so annoying."

"Eh, I've met worse," Vylad said right to her face. Obviously she didn't notice he was talking about her but, I elbowed him as a warning.

"Well, I'll see you all later! Buh-bye!"

With that she skipped off. We all took a breath of relief.

"How has she not graduated yet? She went to school for cosmetology. Isn't that like six months?" Aphmau asked.

"I think she graduated a long time ago," I sighed. "She just lives by campus and pretends to be a student here."

"Why don't you just tell her your gay? I'm sure she would leave you alone after that," Vylad told me. "Especially adding in the fact that, I don't know. You're in a relationship. With a male."

"I just don't let it get to me," I shrugged. "Besides, Laurance doesn't seem bothered by her either."

"How's your relationship going anyway?" Aph asked. "Katelyn and I have gone on plenty of double dates with you two and we're just wondering when the next step will be."

"Define next step," I say, rather confused.

"I don't know. Marriage?"

I looked at her like she was crazy.

"After college," I say. "Even then some. We haven't even have that conversation yet."

Vylad and Aphmau looked at each other and just took another sip of their drinks.

"You two are ridiculous."

•••

I walking back to my dorm after another hour of just talking to Aphmau and Vylad. I was happy that I caught up with them but, I needed to get home and prepare for tomorrow. I've gotten basically spam from Ivy about Meteli High and how it was "bad but in a good way". I don't get her at all. I continued walking down the sidewalk looking down at the texts that Ivy was constantly sending me when,

Bang!

I fell back onto the concrete and once I looked up, I saw Laurance staring down at me.

"Oh my Irene! I'm so sorry babe!" He exclaimed. "Here let me help you."

He took my arms and helped me back onto my feet. I chuckled and said;

"No worries Laur. I was the one looking down in the first place," I put my phone back into my pocket, which was not broken. I'm sure some people would be panicking right now. "Do you want to head back to my place? Blaze told me this morning that he's going to a party tonight and won't be back till late."

"S-Sure," He stuttered. Is it bad that I just now noticed how fidgety he was? "I need to tell you something though. But not here."

He looked around all four directions as if he thought someone was watching us. Nervous for him, I agreed. We started walking together and his hand held mine tightly.

"Laur? Are you gonna be okay?"

"Y-Yeah," He stuttered again.

We eventually made it to my dorm and Laurance soft if pushed me in. He took the keys out of the lock and closed the door behind him, locking it again from the inside.

"Laurance! What's going on with you?"

He looked at me and said;

"Something's...happened."

"W-What?"

He came over to me and took my hands. He lead me to my bed and we sat at the edge.

"Chad called me in late yesterday, as you know."

"Yes. Why?" I asked.

He handed me a piece of paper. I opened it and as I read it, chills went up my spine. I felt fear spread through my body and my heart started to race. Was this truly happening?

"There's people out there Gar," He says, taking my hand again, getting my attention back to him. "I needed to tell you because I want you to be aware of it."

"W-What are we gonna do?"

He looked down and said;

"Nothing. Just keep an eye out," he kissed the top of my hand and rubbed it lovingly. "Nothing is going to happen to you. Not on my watch."

"But what about you?" I asked.

He looked into my eyes and smiled.

"Cadenza was right," He said. He caressed my cheek and gave me a kiss. "I'll be fine. I know you have my back also."

I smiled and hugged him tightly. I felt tears come to my eyes, knowing that so much shit was gonna come out of it. Once he talked again, I knew he was crying too;

"I love you Gar."

"I love you too...we are in this together. Whether we like it or not."

"I-I don't like it."

"Me either..."

Word Count
1813