Odd One Out
The morning sun shins though Jacks window and he opens his eyes. He groans and sits up. He rubs his eyes and slowly gets out of bed. He is surprised he got any sleep considering how disheveled his mind is.
He trudges to the bathroom to prepare for morning. Then goes to the kitchen for breakfast.
Caitlyn watches her son make a bowl of cereal then sit at the small table. She lets out a sigh and continues to eat her eggs. After a couple minute of silence, she breaks it.
"Sean, please tell me what's wrong" she says
Jack flinches at the use of his real name.
"I'm sorry Ma" Jack takes a beet breath "I messed up"
"What happened?" she asks
"I made a friend he said he would protect me, but he didn't, and I yelled at him and called him a liar" jack sighs "He became a student for me, after he ran away he wasn't anywhere"
Jack buries his face in his hands "I ruined my first friendship"
Caitlyn pulls him into a hug and starts rubbing circles in his back.
"I'm sure you can fix it" she murmurs
"I told him I didn't want to see him again, and he will drop out because of me" Jack cries
Caitlyn bites her lip not sure what to say. She pulls him away and smiles.
"Things will work out" she says running her fingers though his hair then kisses him on the forehead
Jack gives a small smile and finishes his breakfast. He grabs his bag and walks to the door, Caitlyn following.
"Bye Ma" he says
"Hope for the best" she says
Jack nods and leaves, He jogs to the park with hope. He walks to the bench, no one there he walks out still looking at everyone.
Upon arriving at school, the halls are empty, and he runs to his locker. Still nothing. He sighs hope gone. He exchanges his things, then closes it and rests his forehead on it.
'Why am I here?'
"Jack?"
Jacks eyes snap open and he spins around. He stares at Marks confused face.
"Ma-Mark" Jack stutters
Mark hums with a smile.
"Did you come to drop out?" Jack asks
"No"
"Then why-"
"You asked me and now I'm here"
Marks smile turns to a frown when tears stream down Jacks face.
"Ja-"
Mark is cut off when Jack drops his stuff and, hugs him. Jack grips the front of Marks shirt and cries into it. After a moment Mark wraps his arms around Jack and pulls him closer.
"I'm so sorry Mark, you're not a liar and didn't break your promise" Jack says though tears and hiccups "Please stay and be my friend"
"Alright" Mark mumbles
They stay still until the bell rigs and Jack jumps away, back hitting the locker. He wipes his eyes as students flow out of the rooms. Mark helps Jack collect his books. When they are up Jack looks at Mark but he an angry expression and looking at something. He looks over and its Noa making his way over. Students, move out of his way.
"Seems your puppy is back" he says
"I'm not a puppy, I'm his friend, so stay away from Jack" Mark says though gritted teeth
"You're his dog them?" Noa asks
Mark bristles, anger coming off him in waves. Anyone watching runs off and Noa himself is trying to his best to hold back his fear.
"What is going on here!"
Mark immediately calms and the three turn to the history teacher.
"Nothing Mrs. Hails" Noa says
Jack nods in agreement, Mark remains silent. He can smell jackrabbit coming from her. Noa walks way and, Jack pulls Mark in another direction. Mark and Mrs. Hails keep eye contact until they turn the corner.
The two walk to the stairs. Both in silence.
"Are you ok?" Jack asks
It is silent as they walk up and down the hall.
"Jackrabbit" Mark mumbles
"Huh?"
Mark opens the door to the room. The woman inside is Very unhappy.
"You two, take your desks" she orders
Jack bolts to his desk and Mark sits in the one beside him.
"Sean Mark, Detention" she says then returns to teaching
Jack is happy the desk next to his isn't vacant.