First-class was environmental science for me. It's a pretty easy class, but that doesn't make it less boring. I wouldn't mind it so much if I weren't table partners with an adie-hard hippie who has dreads and smells terrible, because she refuses to use water in order to save the planet. I've often wondered how she uses the restroom if she's so anti-water use. Does she just stock up the toilet? Does she use a bucket? Does she go outside and bury her business?

I look over at her for a second. She's scribbling notes on her paper with dirty fingernails. I decide to not ask. In a way, I feel bad for her. Her love of the planet drives people away, but she knows that. She has a choice in how she presents herself and this is what she has chosen. 

 We all have a choice with everything we do. Action is never without consequence and the reward is never without action. 

My dad says I'm this generation's Aristotle or Plato. Then he said I'd be even smarter if decided to actually go to college. The reason I don't want to attend is that after college, I get a job and work until I retire or die. Personally, I've always chosen to be a body in free motion. I don't want to sit in an office until I rot - I want to go experience the world. 

Not soon enough, the bell rings and it's time to move on to the next class that will teach me everything besides what I need to know to be an adult. As I roam the hall, an energetic boy bounces up and down the walls, handing out brightly coloured flyers. He wears a childish smile that stretches ear to ear. I recognize him as Adriano, who hardly attends school, but when he does it's to spread the word about some big event. It appears today's attendance is no different.

"Kellin K, Kodiak Zodiac, what's up?" he questions, light green eyes bright with anticipation at whatever news he's spread. 

"Going to class?"

 "KK, no need to be so down in the dumps. I know school sucks, but you know what won't? My party." Adriano hands me a neon orange flyer with a tan arm, which lifts to run fingers through smooth black hair. Classic Italian. 

 I scan through the flyer and hunt for a date. "This weekend, huh?"

 "Yeah, and for once it's at my own house," Adriano proudly points out, handing some flyers to a couple of passing girls.

 I snort. "You mean Jay didn't appreciate when you threw a surprise party for yourself on his parents' anniversary at his own house? I'm shocked." 

 "Yeah, I have a restraining order now," he scoffs. "So can I count on you being there?" 

 "I don't know," I admit. "With everything going on, I feel like a party isn't in our best interest..."

 Aero pops up out of nowhere and takes a flyer. "I'll go." 

"Dude, really?" Adriano perks up. "An SH survivor at my party...sweet!"

"Yeah, really?" I echo.

Nonchalantly, Aero shrugs. "If I stop doing fun things, then the enemy wins. You know how that works, oh wise one."

Adriano gives me a knowing look. "If he can go, then so can the lone-wolf baddie."

Sighing, I shake my head. "I don't know, A."

"Please," he begs, getting closer with a cheesy grin. "Please, please, please, please," he repeats, each word getting louder and louder as his face gets closer and closer.

"God, okay! Fine. I'll go," I give in, playfully pushing him away.

"Yes!" Adriano cheers, pumping a fist in the air. "I've broken the mighty Kellin."

"I'm only going for an hour, if even," I warn. "So don't get so happy."

"Psh, yeah. Wouldn't want anyone to be happy," he jokes.

"Adriano!" someone shouts from down the hall. "Come over here!"

"I'll text you later," Adriano assures me.

"You don't even have my number, Adriano."

He smirks and shrugs. "I'm Adriano Santiago. I'll figure it out."

"Whatever you say," I egg on.

Adriano chuckles and speeds down the hall, leapfrogging over one of his buddies and chattering excitedly. Really, everything he says is exciting.

So," Aero chimes in. "Adriano?"

"Adriano Santiago," I confirm. "Just a point or two away from the crazy mark."

"I think he likes you," Aero says. "And I think you like him."

"What?" I almost shout. "No. No way. You're just as crazy as Adriano. Especially for agreeing to go to that party this weekend."

"Maybe," Aero states. "But I think we deserve time off from our friends dying."

"You're new here," I begin. "You've never been to a Santiago Siesta. It's insane. At least

three people need to go to the hospital by the end of the morning –"

"Morning?"

"Um, yeah. The parties usually last for like, two days at a minimum. Anyways, someone died at one of his lake parties. They drowned under a dock."

Aero's face darkens. "That's terrible...how does he seem unfazed?"

"He got crazier," I explain. "Happier, anticipating, bold...I think the death made him appreciate life more."

"I wish it worked that way with us," Aero sighs as the "hurry up" bell rings and interrupts our conversation.

"It will," I promise. "Just give it time."

"How are you so wise?" Aero inquires, gazing at me with awe.

"You live and learn," I answer. "I've done a lot of living."

"See you later, Kellin," Aero bids, heading into his next class.

"Bye," I respond with a wave