CHAPTER 2:

I slowly approached the door to the classroom.

Here it is.

A smile slowly forms on my face.

This is what I've been waiting for.

My eyes glance over the note across the door.

{Class 182. Mrs. Addison. Music.}

This is what life is truly about.

At least for me anyway.

I swing open the door and the immediate rushing sounds of violins and flutes engulf my ears.

No matter how many times I try to do so, I can't describe this feeling deep inside me when I come here.

It's my home away from home so to speak.

It's a gift from the heavenly gates that even gratitude wouldn't be enough to express it.

I slowly observe the students tenderly tend to their instruments.

They treasure these fragile items with all their hearts and would protect them at all costs.

I know that feeling all too well.

My eyes settle onto the glistening black and white keys resting at the back of the classroom.

Perfect.

Just what I was looking for.

I scurry across the instrument filled room with a grin plastered on my face.

My inner child is overwhelmed, and I love it.

It's breathtaking at just the thought of the different possibilities at my fingertips.

I cautiously approach the flawless black piano while taking in its glistening frame.

Such a beautiful piece of musical craft work.

I slowly settle onto the stool with a gentle breath.

It's always good seeing something this mesmerizing every day.

It's medication for the weary soul.

My eyes slowly fall onto the sparkling keys.

Do I dare play this incredible masterpiece?

I place my fingers onto them accordingly.

Yes, I very much think so.

I gently press against the keys while relaxing my shoulders.

Wow.

Just the feeling of this delicate treasure alone is enough to drive any inspiring artist mad with creativity.

I need this as much as I need oxygen to stay alive.

My fingers slowly move against the keys in rhythmic sync.

Every time I play, it's like the world around me is fading away.

My worries disappear and are replaced with something better.

Even if it's just for a moment, that's a moment well lived and I'm here for it.

'You mean everything to me.' 'Life without you has no meaning.'

My voice grows slightly louder along with the sound of the keys.

'When I close my eyes'. 'You're all I see.' 'We have to believe.' 'We can do anything.'

The aching in my chest quickly rises through every key I play.

Nothing else matters in this very moment.

Just me and the piano.

'Please don't run away from me'. 'You're the reason I still breathe.'

My voice carries through the room as my playing increases through the slight aching sensation in my fingers.

Life is hard.

Life is pain.

Life is.............

'ALL MY LIFE I KNEW!' 'I'M STILL IN LOVE WITH YOU!'

The music wrapped around my heart.

The words trapped inside my soul.

I crave it.

All of it.

I want it all.

Every last note.

'All my life I knew.' 'All my life I knew.'

My playing slows down along with my voice barely above a whisper.

'All my life I knew.' 'I'm still in love with you.'

I remove my fingers from the keys and place them in my lap.

This is truly my everything.

The room suddenly fills with violent claps and whistles.

Oh!

I immediately turn around and cover my face as heat rushes to the surface of my cheeks.

I may have over did it just a little bit.

Not to say that's a bad thing But........

"Alright class." A lightly tan, green eyed, blonde mid back length curly haired woman pushes through the crowd while waving her hands in every direction. "Back to work please."

Through loud whining and a few mumbles, the class dismisses the huddled-up circle and goes back to their individual seats.

Geez.

I didn't realize I brought that much attention to myself.

"Nice work Mr. Johnson." She says walking over to me with a warm radiating smile. "Very inspiring."

I gently rub the back of my head.

"Thanks Mrs. Addison."

I didn't expect people to like it that much.

Nor was I trying to do draw attention to myself.

When I get in the zone, I tune the rest of the world out.

"Is it for someone special in your life?"

A wave of burning heat quickly covers my face as I shrug my shoulders.

She's not dodging any bullets, is she?

"I don't know why I wrote it." "It just kind of came to me."

Honestly, there has to be a reason why or I wouldn't have thought it up in the first place.

"Well Anthony." She says with a gentle nod while placing her right hand against my left shoulder. "You certainly had everyone on their feet and have a remarkable gift."

I avoid her eyes then slowly look back with a smile.

"I appreciate it Mrs. Addison." "Thank you."

As much as I want to believe it, I just don't think that's true.

She slowly removes her hand from my shoulder and gives a thumbs up.

"Keep up the good work and don't be ashamed to be who you are."

She quickly turns around and walks back to the front of the classroom.

Huh?

What does that mean?

The sounds of flutes and violins immediately start up again as I let out a sigh of relief.

Man.

Even a second time around it still sounds amazing.

I glance around the room with a heavy sigh.

What Mrs. Addison said.

Is it true?

I blink and look down at my hands.

Ashamed?

I'm not ashamed of myself.

I glance over at the piano.

Or maybe I am, and I just dont know it yet.

I slowly look back at my hands.

Maybe I should even consider it as a career option or perhaps keep it hobby orientated.

I huff out while placing my head in my hands.

Ugh.

I don't know but it's something to think about at least.

But how far would it even take me anyway?

This isn't exactly an easy task to accomplish overnight but it's still an option to put in the back of my mind for later.

"I see you've been showing off again."

I lift my head to see an all-too-familiar face standing in front of me.

"And I see you're late again."

Jack shrugs his shoulders while pulling up a nearby chair beside me.

"Yeah bro." He sighs while slumping into his chair and dropping his bag onto the floor with a loud thud. "I know."

Ah geez.

Here we go.

"I'm assuming things didn't go well with that girl."

He roughly rubs the sides of his temples while letting a groan slip from his mouth.

"What gave you that idea?"

I softly sigh.

Apparently, your expression.

"Come on Jack." I laugh while placing my right hand against his left shoulder. "What happened to being a player?" "I thought they couldn't resist you?"

He then removes his hands from his head and shrugs his shoulders.

"I guess she couldn't handle all of this." He says gesturing towards his face.

I blink.

Wow.

Even through rejection, he still has the confidence to move mountains.

"Yeah Jack." "I'm sure that's it."

I then remove my hand from his shoulder as he shakes his head.

"It has to be that bro." he whispers while letting out another sigh. "What else would it be?"

Well.

I can think of a few reasons on the top of my head but that probably won't help.

"Jack." "Cheer up." I say colliding my right shoulder with his left. "There's always next time."

He then rolls his eyes while crossing his arms tightly.

"Yeah right." he huffs sinking into his chair even more. "You would say something like that."

What?

I raise my brow.

Ok?

"Cut it out Jack." I say sternly. "It's over now."

He then leans back into his chair and stares up at the ceiling.

"Why do people resist my natural charms?"

He lays his right hand against his forehead and lets out a heavy breath.

"How can people reject the Jack Johnson experience?" "The Jack of all trades?"

Oh brother.

I roll my eyes while shaking my head.

I have no idea.

Maybe it's because you do things like this.

"Jack." I say gripping onto the side of his chair. "Snap out of it."

He sinks into his chair even farther as he sighs another heavy sigh.

"This isn't good for me." "There's no hope for......ouch!"

His head forcefully collides with the back of the chair.

Oops.

I didn't mean to shake the chair that hard, but he needs to come down from his performing pedestal.

I let go and he quickly straightens himself in the chair.

"What the hell bro!?"

I slowly turn around.

Uh oh.

All eyes quickly appear on us in silence along with a few snickering individuals.

Great.

More attention and not the good kind.

"Jack." I whisper into his right ear. "Cut it out." "People are staring."

I then turned back towards the crowd with a grin.

Ok Anthony.

Act natural.

"Nothing to see here." I laugh while pointing between Jack and me. "Just two bros having a conversation."

I then wave my hand forward.

"Go back to whatever you were doing."

The crowd of people turn around in unison and the awkward silence soon fades back into music once again.

Woah.

A sigh of relief leaves my mouth as I relax my shoulders.

Thank God that actually worked.

The last thing I need is to look more like an idiot than I already do.

I quickly turned around and collided my right hand to the back of Jack's head.

"Ow!" He yelps while gripping his head tightly. "What's with all the slapping!?"

I scoff.

"Because you're acting like a fool." "This isn't drama class."

And you also deserve that slap back to reality.

So there's that.

"So I'm too dramatic for you." he says forming a glare on his face and removing his hand from his head. "You can't handle my problems, but I'm supposed to handle yours?"

I raise my brow and lower my hands in front of me with a heavy sigh.

"This isn't as big of a deal as you're making it to be." "Everyone gets rejected."

He then crosses his arms and leans closer.

"Says the rich pretty boy that never gets rejected."

Woah.

I lean my head back against my chair and cross my arms.

"Excuse me?" "What did you just say to me?"

He kicks my chair as hard as he can while keeping his arms crossed.

"You heard me bro." "People don't reject you." "You reject them."

He then uncrosses his arms and points towards my chest.

"With a face like yours, you'll never understand how I feel." "With the amount of money you have, you'll never know the struggles some of us go through."

I narrow my eyes and quickly bawl up my right hand into a fist.

"That's not true Jack!" I yell, banging my fist against the table. "And you know it!"

The veins on the sides of my head start popping out as I clench my fist tighter.

I suffer just as much as everyone else.

I'm no exception to that.

"Oh give me a break." "All you care about is yourself."

A glare forms on my face as adrenaline quickly rushes through my body.

That's it.

I jump out of my seat with a heavy stomp and stand a few inches from his face.

"Is this all worth it to you?" I growl with a slightly stronger tone. "We've known each other all our lives and you have the nerve to say that?" "What's wrong with you?"

Jack quickly jumps out of his chair with a loud thud causing me to jump back.

Oh boy.

"What's the matter bro?" he asks, inching his face closer to mine. "You don't have enough money?"

What?

We stand our ground in front of the other's face while keeping eye contact.

Really?

You're throwing another problem into the mix?

This is about rejection.

Not money.

"Are you serious?" I ask while stomping forward. "Maybe you're the one who doesn't understand. You........."

I pause for a moment before shaking my head.

No.

I'm not entertaining this anymore.

"You what?" he asks, crossing his arms.

I slowly breathe out.

"Nothing."

I slowly stepped back.

I'm not doing this.

"Go on Anthony." Jack says stepping closer. "Say it."

I shake my head and turn to the side.

Let's just drop this.

I don't like where this is heading.

"You started that sentence." "So finish it!"

I slowly turned to him.

"No Jack." "It's not worth it."

He then puffs up his chest and turns around.

Great.

Now what?

"You're right Anthony." he says pulling up his right bag strap while turning to me. "It's not worth it."

He then inches his way closer and jabs his finger against my chest.

"Since my life is such a joke to you, I'm going to go be 'dramatic' somewhere else."

He takes a deep breath and turns his head towards a group of people.

"HEY JENNY!?" he hollers. "CAN I SIT WITH YOU!?"

He quickly nods his head and rushes to the other side of the room.

Wait.

Did he just.......?

I gently brush my fingers against my chest then quickly pull my hand away.

Yeah.

He did just do that.

I slowly sat back down and laid my head onto a nearby desk.

What did I just witness?

That was totally out of character for him and he's a real character kind of guy.

I lift my head and stare across the room observing the diverse group circle with Jack sitting dead center towards the crowd of mainly girls.

Whatever happens next, the best thing for me to do is give him some space.

After all, that conversation got heated fast, but I can't do anything about it until things calm down.

A high pitch noise rings through the classroom causing the students to get up in unison.

Class is over already.

I didn't enjoy it as much as I'd thought I would.

I sighed and slowly stood up.

Geez.

I'm off to a rocky start today.

I grip tightly onto my bag and swing it over my right shoulder.

Maybe I can turn it around somehow.

Given the right amount of time and perseverance, anything is possible.

I turn around and sigh out in a now empty classroom.

Great.

I'm alone again.

I lower my gaze and drag my feet into the crowded hallway.

Well.

I guess I better get to class.

~ My eyes focus on the movement of my feet over the hardwood floor as my steady pacing starts slowing down.

Kind of like my well-being lost control of itself and is now living in default mode.

Which in a way, that's coming to pass.

This day hasn't really worked out in my favor so far today.

So it's a possibility that this is only the beginning of what this "Wonderful" day has to offer.

"What's wrong with him?" a high pitch voice says near my ears as I slowly walk past a cluster of people.

Just ignore them, Anthony.

Keep walking.

"What does he have to be upset about?" Another voice appears as I walk by another group of people.

I sigh.

A lot of things.

Things you wouldn't understand.

I keep my head low while slightly picking up speed.

I don't have time for this right now.

I gotta get to class.

"What?" "You don't have enough money pretty boy?" a third voice asks as the whispers quickly turn into abrupt laughter and finger pointing.

Stop it.

Leave me alone.

I shake my head as the laughter becomes stronger and the whispers grow louder.

You don't know me.

None of you will ever know me.

I race past the crowd while stumbling in the process.

Get away from me!

You have no right to laugh at what you don't understand!

My feet suddenly stop in front of a white wooden door.

Whew.

It's over.

I lay my hands against my chest while taking in a few heavy breathes.

If only they knew the truth, then maybe they wouldn't be so quick to judge.

Or even if they did, they might judge me even more.

I slowly let go of my chest and shook my head.

Whatever it may be, It's time to get over it and move on.

I quickly glance over the note on the door.

{Class 164: Mr. Cool. English.}

I've gotta say he really does live up to the expectations of his name and not just because he brings us snacks of our choice every day to help us "focus" in class.

There's just something about him that everyone respects.

A mutual understanding if you will.

I gently push onto the door with a loud creak appearing from it.

Hm.

It seems to be a bit quieter than it normally is.

I poke my head in with a raised brow.

No wonder.

It's empty.

I slowly enter with the sound of my own footsteps stretching through the room alongside my soft breathing.

Where is everybody?

I sigh while looking around the desk filled room.

If it's a free day, it would've been nice to know where to go.

My eyes quickly fell near the teacher's desk.

Well.

There's a good chance he left something here that reveals where they went.

I walk forward and step in front of his desk.

Let's see.

I slide papers in different directions and quickly open the English textbook mid center.

Maybe it's in..........

I stop searching and slam the book shut.

"Absolutely nothing."

I roughly rub my hands against the sides of my temples.

Of course there wouldn't be anything.

Why would there be?

I back up from the desk the moment a high pitch noise echoes through the classroom.

And I'm late for class.

Perfect.

I throw my hands in the air while pacing back and forth.

So what now?

Technically I'm in class but there is no class!

I heavily sigh and pull up a nearby chair in the front row.

Whatever.

If they need me, they can come get me.

Since they were so kind enough to tell me where the hell we're supposed to go.

I adjust myself in my seat and drop my backpack on my left.

Regardless, I still showed up for class.

I tried.

That's gotta count for something.

I gently lay my head against the top of the desk allowing my eyes to slowly close.

So with that being said, I guess I'll chill here for a while.

~ My left shoulder starts shaking as a faint voice whispers into my left ear.

Ugh.

I shove my shoulder forward.

Stop doing that.

It's distracting but not enough to get me up from this desk.

The shaking becomes more violent as the voice grows slightly louder.

Come on.

I roughly bury my face into the desk.

Just leave me alone.

Geez.

It suddenly falls silent with only the sound of my own breathing.

Wait.

Are they gone?

I slightly raise my head.

Good.

I just want to sit here and.........

"WAKE UP ANTHONY!" The voice belts out causing the leg of my chair to jerk forward and my forehead to roughly collide against the desk.

Ow!

What the.......?

I pull my head up and gently rub it.

Really?

I quickly turn to the person with a deep glare.

Ok.

I'm up now.

Happy?

"Really?" A light brown eyed medium sized girl sighs while crossing her lightly browned arms tightly and shaking her head. "You're that upset that I woke you up for class?"

A yawn slips out of my mouth as I stretch out my arms widely.

"Not necessarily." "I'm just........"

Another yawn escapes my mouth as I quickly cover it up with my right arm.

Wow.

I'm more tired now than I was before I went to sleep.

"Anyway." she huffs while rolling her eyes. "Mr. Cool isn't here today." "So we're having a free day in the library."

I blink while crossing my arms.

I knew it.

Honestly, I'm better off just staying here and resting.

"It sure would've been nice if someone told me sooner." I mumble standing onto my feet and tightly grasping my bag into my hands.

Then this whole awkward situation could've been avoided entirely.

"Well it would've also been nice if you'd paid attention to when he said it last week."

She then leans closer with a grin.

"So stop complaining and let's go."

She quickly turns around and heads towards the slightly opened door.

I think it's best that I dont argue with her.

That'll cause me more trouble than it's worth.

I watch her black wavy hair glisten under the lighting and gracefully swoosh from side to side.

She always seems to have a smile on her face.

Her positivity and good nature are comforting.

Gravity pulls her hair past her waist as she stops mid doorway and turns back around.

The light shines heavily down on her slightly frizzled up hair as she stares with a bright twinkle in her eyes.

In her just being herself, that alone is enough to drive any guy crazy.

There's just something about that energy of hers that really makes people forget their problems.

To want to become a better person.

"Are you coming or are you just gonna stand there all day?"

Huh?

I quickly snap out of my thoughts and nod.

"Good."

She gestures out into the hallway.

"Come on then."

She then smiles warmly and exits out of the room.

Yes ma'am.

I throw my bag over my right shoulder and walk out of the classroom.

With that attitude, how can I say no?

She can talk anyone into anything with just her smile alone.

Not to mention her strong-willed personality to go with that.

Yeah.

That's Dellie Dee Sanchez in a nutshell.

I quickly jog up to her right side.

Ah.

There she is.

"Dellie Dee?"

She silently stares ahead of her.

Hm.

She's probably buried deep inside her thoughts.

"Dellie Dee?"

I tap her on her right shoulder.

She stays silent while looking straight ahead.

Wow.

She's lasered focused on whatever her mind is set on.

I wonder what she's thinking about.

I tap her on her shoulder a second time as she continues to stay silent.

I sigh.

Alright.

Time to try something else.

I quickly jumped in front of her.

"Dellie Dee!"

She gasps and quickly loses her footing.

Oh crap!

I grabbed her right arm before her butt hit the ground.

Whoops.

I pull her back onto her feet as she stares at me in silence.

Uh.........

"Hey!" she yells colliding the palm of her right hand to the back of my head then pointing towards my nose. "Don't sneak up on people like that!"

I slowly breathe out.

My bad Dellie Dee.

I lightly touch the back of my head and flinch.

To be fair, I did try to get your attention.

But yeah, I deserved that slap.

"Sorry Dellie Dee."

She removes her hand from near my face then shrugs her shoulders.

"You're good." "No apologies necessary."

Oh.

I chuckled.

Ok good.

I'm glad we cleared this up.

We nod our heads and start walking once again.

Alrighty then.

Moving on.

~ We slowly walk through the hallway as if we're lost in time.

Like the rest of the world is fading around us and we're just existing in it.

Just two lost souls trying to find their way back home.

Or in this case, the library.

I shake my head as a smile quickly forms on my face.

What am I even thinking right now?

It's not that intense.

But even so, how poetic of me to assume such an intense thought.

My thoughts are interrupted by a single laugh and a nudge to my left shoulder.

"Why are you smiling like that?" Dellie Dee asks slowly leaning towards my left ear. "Are you thinking dirty thoughts?"

What!?

I quickly jumped back.

"What are you even saying right now?"

Her smile quickly turns into a grin as she nudges my shoulder a second time.

Geez.

Heat immediately rushes to the surface of my cheeks.

This took a weird uncomfortable turn.

"And no." I scoff while shaking my head. "I'm not thinking "dirty thoughts" in this current moment."

She speaks her mind so freely.

I just never know what she's gonna say.

Just like another person I know all too well.

"I'm joking Anthony." She laughs while patting my back. "Don't be so serious all the time."

Yeah.

I release a shaky laugh as my eyes look off into the distance.

I'd figured that much.

Which just confirms for me that she's indeed an exact replica of Jack.

It's quite the coincidence.

Who knew two people could be so similar?

"Why are you so quiet all of a sudden?"

I snap out of my thoughts and look back at her.

Oops.

I spaced out again.

"Oh." I say clearing my throat as a smile appears on my face. "I was just thinking how you remind me so much of Jack Johnson."

She stops dead in her tracks as I did the same.

Oh.

We're stopping.

"You both have the same kind of humor." I laugh while patting her shoulders. "And you're basically like the female version of him."

Which is something special in my eyes.

You two mean a lot to me in different ways.

"Well." "We should probably get to class now." "Don't you think Dellie Dee?"

Silence appears between us as she slowly shakes her head.

"Dellie Dee?"

She huffs out and stands a few inches from my face.

Uh oh.

What's with that look on your face?

"Why of all the people in this school would you compare the two of us?" she asks, crossing her arms.

Huh?

I raise a brow while tilting my head.

"What do you mean?"

I don't understand.

What's happening?

"Is it because we're both Filipino?"

Huh!?

An immediate blush covers my face as I violently shake my hands in front of me.

"N-No! I didn't mean......."

"You do realize not all Filipinos are the same Anthony!" she yells while pointing her finger inches from my nose.

Crap.

What have I done?

"Dellie Dee." I whisper placing my hands against her shoulders. "I swear I didn't mean it like that."

She then retracts her hand from my face and places it on her right hip.

"Then what did you mean Anthony?"

I swallow hard.

I just.........

I mean.........

I lower my head and let my hands drop to my sides.

She's right.

There's no excuse.

I don't even know why I said it.

It just came out of me.

"I didn't mean to upset you, Dellie Dee." I sigh while slumping my shoulders. "I'm sorry."

How do I fix this trainwreck of a disaster?

That was definitely the right time to stop talking my nonsense and listen to her sense of humor.

The sound of footsteps grows distant until it falls into silence.

Wait.

Did she just.........?

I lift my head to see an empty hallway.

Yeah.

She did.

"Damn it!" I yell out gripping my hands tightly against my hair. "Why!"

I bang my head against a nearby locker.

"Why am I socially awkward!?" "I always say the wrong things every damn time!"

I then let out a growl and back up slowly from the locker.

Ok.

I breathe out and release my hands from my hair.

I need to calm down for a bit.

I think heading to class is the best option for now.

That way I can stop causing trouble.

I turn around and head down the silent hallway with a heavy sigh.

Today's becoming a joke filled circus and I hope it can quickly be turned around.

~ I quickly stop in front of a multicolored brown heavy layered wooden door.

Geez.

I hope I didn't hurt Dellie Dee too bad.

I didn't mean to be so ignorant.

It just kind of happened that way.

I release a soft breath and nod my head.

In any case, I just hope she comes around.

But for now, I will give her space to herself.

The smell of dusty ancient books engulfs my nose as I slowly enter the room.

Weirdly enough, something about this smell is calming.

Like a relaxing day by the beach kind of way.

Only not quite as fresh and a lot dustier.

But with all the same existing calming qualities attached to it.

My eyes fall onto a nearby cluttered wooden table.

Oh.

What do we have here?

I approach the table and stare down at the scattered piles of paper.

I'm assuming this is optional.

I slide one of the papers off the top and grasp it into my hands.

[Extra credit: Essay: What is the meaning of life?]

I raise my brow.

That's a very vague topic.

That could be literally anything.

Everyone's interpretation of it would be completely different from one another.

I shake my head while folding up the thin paper and putting it inside my right pants pocket.

I guess that's the whole point, isn't it?

I sigh.

Maybe one day I'll be able to answer that question honestly with no strings attached.

A high pitch noise suddenly runs through the library.

What?

Class is over already?

I look down at my Rolex that read twelve oclock.

Huh.

I guess so.

I shrug my shoulders.

There seems to be a pattern here.

I turn around and watch all the students leave in their individual groups.

"I just need some food then I can restart this whole day as if it never happened." I heavily sigh while walking out of the library.

That's the best thing for me to do.

So enough talking and more soul searching.

~ My heavy steps echo through the hallway and become louder than the previous one.

Geez.

I gotta relax somehow.

Then everything will be ok.

I blink and stop mid walk.

But what if it's not?

What if it gets worse?

How will I be able to handle it?

What if I can't handle it?

My inner thoughts grow stronger and pierces through my skull.

Ugh.

My head.

Each random thought bangs against the inside of me at extreme speed.

Stop.

Get out of my head.

I tightly grip onto my head.

What's happening!?

It's cutting through my brain!

I violently shake my head while stomping my right foot against the hardwood floor.

What's going on!?

My mind is being possessed!

The pressure inside starts caving in.

Argh!

I collapsed to my knees while keeping a grip on my head.

Stop.

Please stop.

The pressure tightens up as the voices increase.

I can't hold it back.

It's too strong.

It's.........

"GET OUT OF MY HEAD!"

I lower myself towards the hardwood floor alongside my fast-paced breathing.

Stop it!

Stop torturing me!

GET OUT OF ME!

The voices suddenly go quiet, and the piercing pain quickly disappears.

Huh?

I roughly press my head against the floor with sweat rolling down it.

Oh God.

What was that?

Those unknown voices.

They weren't mine.

I take a few heavy breaths while propping myself up with the palm of my hands.

Whatever that was, I never want to experience anything like that again.

I slowly raise my head and my eyes immediately widen.

Uh oh.

A crowd of people circled themselves around me while blocking me dead center with snickering popping up in random directions.

Well that's just great.

My body starts trembling as a few people in the back pull out their phones and point them at me.

What do I do?

What can I do?

Why right now of all times?

I slowly look back down as the snickering rises along with the rest of the crowd joining in.

This is a disaster.

I might as well go back to the library.

Maybe I won't be bothered there if I leave now.

The crowd grows louder with different conversations and abrupt laughter.

Or they'll just do that.

I exhaled and punched my right fist against the hardwood floor.

I'm so screwed.

I knew I should've stayed home.

Today was a waste of time.

A pair of hands quickly pulled me up from both my arms and back onto my feet.

Woah!

The immediate action causes me to jump up.

Who.........?

I lift my head to see two familiar figures that I know all too well.

"Back up!" Jack yells while shooing the crowd backwards. "Nothing to see here!"

Oh no.

Did they witness that?

All of it?

"Let's go Anthony." Dellie Dee says grabbing my right arm tightly and pushing us through the crowded expanding circle.

Wow.

Who knew we'd end up in this situation?

I should've seen public humiliation in today's activities.

Seeing how this day has been going so far.

We roughly push and pull through the laughter of people until we forcefully break out of the circle.

Good.

A sigh of relief slowly leaves my mouth.

I'm glad that's over and done with.

People are so nosy and don't know how to stay to themselves.

"Go on ahead!" Jack yells from afar while blocking the remaining people with his arms. "I got this!"

He quickly turns around and shoves them backwards.

Yeah.

He has no problem putting people in their place.

Especially with something as reckless as this.

We nod our heads and move forward.

Great.

Let's get the hell out of here.

~ We eventually slow down as the sound of footsteps quickly appears behind us.

Geez.

That could've ended up being so much worse.

Even more than it already was.

"You alright?" Dellie Dee asks as we slowly turn around to a red gasping Jack.

"Yeah." He breathes out while giving a thumbs up. "I'm good."

I raise my brow.

I'm surprised he's this much out of breath just by sprinting up the hallway.

But to be fair, he did fight off some stragglers before coming over here.

So I'll give credit where it's due.

"You certainly put on a show, didn't you?" Jack asks grinning and quickly composing himself.

My eyes widen.

"What?"

He shrugs his shoulders with a heavy nod.

Oh boy.

I roughly rub my temples.

That was no show, Jack.

I was the literal definition of a laughing stalk of the entire school.

"And here you thought I was the dramatic one." He laughs as the palm of a hand collides with my middle back forcing me to stumble forward.

Not funny Jack.

My eyes slowly fall onto the floor alongside my slightly shaking legs.

So they saw it all happen.

For some reason, that's even worse.

"Come on Anthony." Jack says lightly patting my back. "Lighten up, will you bro?"

Oh.

Knots quickly form inside my stomach and tighten up.

The guilt is real and it's too strong to put into words.

"Let's just go eat lunch you two." Dellie Dee says letting go of my arm and quickly walking off into the distance.

As much as I would love to carry on this awkward conversation, I agree with Dellie Dee.

It's best to go fuel our bodies to take on the remainder of the day.

"Hell yeah!" "They have bake chicken today!" Jack yells sprinting past me through the empty hallway until he's out of eyesight.

Honestly, I'm not really surprised by that reaction.

He loves his chicken no matter what kind.

I chuckle while slowly shaking my head.

Man.

He's a real trip.

One thing that always cheers him up and that's chicken.

I nod my head and silently walk forward.

Well I better go eat before there's not anything left.

~ I tightly grip onto my dark blue tray and approach a nearby empty table with a heavy sigh.

Because nothing really says an embarrassing life crisis like bake chicken, mashed potatoes, and green beans.

I drop the dark blue tray onto the table with a loud thud and plop into my seat.

I'll admit, the school does make some good food for our everyday troubles.

After a day like today, I wasn't sure what to expect.

I stare blankly at my slightly smoking food with a silent nod.

Everything is unclear and I'm not sure where to find relief or clarity.

I rest my head against my left hand while picking up my fork with my right.

Whatever.

It's time to get up and move past this.

It's not gonna help my situation being worried over something that already happened.

I forcefully stuff the green beans in me with the burning juice quickly dripping from my brimful mouth and trickling down my chin.

Wow.

Even something as good as this isn't enough to make me feel better.

Abrupt laughter echoes beside me alongside various conversions.

Huh?

I look over towards the left nearby table to witness high schoolers smiling and laughing while keeping eye contact along with various gestures of enthusiasm.

They're so happy in this current moment.

Even if it's just lunch, it's still something worth celebrating with friends.

My eyes fall towards the crowded lunch line.

Oh?

The lunch ladies sulk in unison with frowns plastered on their faces while scooping up food and dropping it on each student's tray passing by.

Geez.

They're acting like they're serving a jail sentence.

I blink while observing their miserable looks quickly turn into hatred.

I'm just amazed that some people are so unhappy with their lives that they don't care anymore.

And yet.........

I look back at the table from before witnessing their laughter growing stronger along with their voices.

There are genuinely happy people that live their life to the fullest.

Their contagious smiles brighten up the room like their sole purpose in life is to cheer people up with their positive energy.

I sigh while taking in another mouthful of green beans.

What am I even thinking?

I'm reading too much into it.

I roll my eyes while lifting my head from my hand.

For all I know, they're excited to be out of class.

Which is a valid reason to be so if you ask me.

My body quickly tenses up to a sudden crash noise appearing on each side of me.

Woah!

I turn to both my sides and two-colored trays sat in place.

Who in their right mind would want to sit beside me during this current state of mine?

I look up then slowly look down towards my food.

Of course.

I knew it was a matter of time.

"Why are you sitting by yourself?" Dellie Dee asks patting my left shoulder and slowly taking a seat to my left.

Well.......

"Yeah bro." Jack says plopping down onto the seat to my right with his eyes focused on his tray. "You trying to ghost us?"

I blink while letting out a soft sigh.

"No." "I'm just........"

I started aggressively poking the baked chicken with the tip of my fork.

I swear this food isn't helping me as much as I wanted it to.

I glance over at Dellie Dee who's gesturing me to continue.

I slowly breathe out while staring down at my tray then start violently attacking my mashed potatoes.

"I just feel.......guilty."

I slowly shake my head.

I don't know why it's so hard for me to say a simple word, but I also feel it deeper than anyone can ever imagine or even understand.

So that could be part of it.

I huff out while tossing my fork down onto the tray with a loud ding and look ahead of me.

It's like the world is watching my every move and waiting to critique me at any moment.

I place the palms of my hands against my forehead while tapping my right foot.

"I know what I said was wrong and there was no excuse for it."

I slowly remove my hands from my forehead and look over at Dellie Dee.

"I'm sorry."

She then smiles and gently pats my back.

"Like I said before, no apologies necessary."

The tension in my body quickly leaves along with a shaky breath.

God.

I'm so happy to hear those words.

"But I really appreciate the apology." "Thank you, Anthony."

I nod my head.

Great.

Maybe now the rest of the day will be easy sailing.

The sound of clearing ones throat appears behind me causing my body to jump up.

Right.

Jack's here too.

"And I'm sorry I acted that way towards you Jack." I say slowly turning around. "It was uncalled for."

He nods his head while giving a thumbs up then stuffs his face with greasy chicken.

"I'm sorry too bro." He mumbles reaching for a napkin in front and tightly grasping it. "About what I said and stuff."

I slowly nod my head while observing him roughly wipe his face and take another violent bite of his chicken.

I'm glad to hear it, but why are you acting like you're starving?

It's not going anywhere but your stomach.

"And so am I."

I turn to Dellie Dee.

"I overreacted and handled it terribly." "Do you accept my apology, Anthony?"

She then slowly shakes her head towards the sound of Jack's violent munching.

Oh brother.

I breathe out.

Seriously Jack?

Are you that hungry?

The chicken isn't even all that good.

"Ignore him." I chuckle while rolling my eyes. "And yes." "I accept your apology."

A smile appears on her face as she pulls me into a hug.

That's what it's all about.

Forgiveness all the way around.

"Let's just stop fighting, ok?" she asks slowly pulling away from the hug.

I nod my head a second time.

"Okay."

This is sweet.

Like milk and cookies cuddling near a fireplace kind of sweet.

It's so comforting that it makes me want to stay a little while longer.

No matter the weather or outcome of certain things.

Uncontrollable coughing appears behind me along with the increase of munching.

Alright.

That's it.

"For the love of God Jack." I huffed out while turning around. "Will you just slow down!?"

He stares at me before the munching starts once again.

I swear he's a real mood killer.

"Yeah Jack." Dellie Dee chimes in while crossing her arms. "It's not going anywhere."

I glance at her then back towards Jack.

Right.

My thoughts exactly.

It's cafeteria food for crying out loud.

Jack then swallows the last piece with a smile while reaching for another napkin.

"My bad." He mumbles wiping his face and putting the napkin onto his tray. "I just love chicken, you know?"

I laugh while softly shoving his left shoulder backwards.

"Oh trust me." "We noticed."

It doesn't take a genius to figure that one out.

He slowly nods while closing his eyes and stretching his arms behind his head.

Wait.

What are you........?

A smile appears on my face as I slowly shake my head.

Sure.

Take a nap why don't you.

It's not like we're having a conversation or anything.

I pick up my fork and stuff my face with the remaining green beans on my tray.

It's times like this where I wish I didn't have to grow up.

Being around friends that I treasure most in this life is much simpler than going out into the real world and doing who knows what.

Because once you reach that point who knows what could happen.

These special moments will slowly fade away and then what?

I just sit around contemplating my life choices?

I look over at Dellie Dee whose laser focused on her mashed potatoes.

I wonder what she plans to do once we graduate.

Be a doctor?

A lawyer maybe?

She's smart enough to be at least one of those options.

I turn towards Jack's direction who's in the same resting position.

Honestly, Jack's smart too.

He just doesn't try to get his grades up, but he can be successful if he tries to do so.

No matter what he decides to do, I hope it makes him happy.

Even if it's against the normal everyday agenda.

I slowly look down at my half-eaten food on the tray while shaking my head.

I have no right to say anything.

I'm not any better.

Yes, I make all A's, but will that be enough?

Good grades alone aren't a guarantee to a better potential future.

I release a heavy sigh and slowly raise my head.

Geez.

Reality is such a hard pill to swallow.

Am I eventually ready to let this all go when the time comes?

Is there a purpose for me outside these isolated school walls?

I glance around the cafeteria and look back at my tray.

I have so many questions and I can't seem to find enough answers.

With the biggest one tugging at my soul.

Can I make it on my own?