Chapter 18: Preschool.
Humphrey's POV:
I woke the next morning to pleasant sound of guitar strings as my alarm dragged me from my slumber and into the world for another day. For some reason I was feeling good this morning and got up with more vigour than usual, turning on the radio in my room before heading into the bathroom. I didn't bother to shut the door since the door to my room was closed anyway and I wanted to listen to the radio, occasionally singing along as I showered and prepared for school. As seemed to be becoming my habit I gathered my things, turned off the radio and headed downstairs, placing my bag by the door to the garage and making myself a coffee before joining Charlie at the table.
"Morning Charlie." I said as I sat, taking a sip of coffee and letting out a content sigh. I didn't need coffee to get going in the morning, having spent most of my life without much access to them but that didn't mean I wouldn't enjoy them whenever I could. I took another sip as Charlie looked up at me with a bemused expression.
"You seem to be in a good mood." She stated, to which I smiled a little and shrugged before taking another sip of coffee. "Don't give me that. You were singing in the shower and everything." She continued. I flinched and looked up, a little embarrassed since I didn't think she would've heard that as Charlie laughed and stood up, putting her mug in the kitchen before heading for the door.
"Don't be late for school." She called back over her shoulder as she got into her car and drove off, leaving me sitting alone. It was still early and I wondered whether or not I should do something before heading to school but eventually quashed the idea since it was only my second day and I didn't want to accidentally be late.
"Guess I'll go." I muttered to myself a few minutes later, draining the last of my coffee and standing up with a stretch. I placed my empty mug in the sink and checked that the house was locked up before heading into the garage. I turned my car on and was about to leave when I remembered something, running back inside and upstairs to grab the playbook from the desk in my room. 'Might have some time to read some more.' I thought to myself as I headed back down to the garage, getting in my car and heading out. The traffic was similar to yesterday as I drove towards the school, not paying much attention to the radio as I thought about the upcoming day and looking forwards to seeing my new friends. 'Especially Kate.' The thought surprised me a little as it jumped unbidden into my head but I thought about it a little more and shrugged, smiling a bit to myself since it wasn't untrue.
Kate's POV:
Kate looked out of the car's window as Silas drove herself and Lily in to school. Lily was rambling on excitedly about what she and her friends had planned for today but Kate wasn't really listening, just nodding and mumbling agreements whenever she felt it appropriate. Normally their mother would've joined them for this trip, believing that it was important for them to spend time together but she was meeting some friends for breakfast and couldn't make it. The traffic didn't seem too bad that morning and they made good time to school, arriving about 15 minutes before the bell.
As Silas drove through the car park towards the drop and go zone Kate noticed Humphrey getting out of his car and Kate caught herself staring, although whether it was at the car or Humphrey she wasn't too sure. She and Lily both thanked Silas as he drew the car to a stop, merely nodding in reply as they both grabbed their bags and got out. Lily was gone immediately to look for her friends but Kate waited a moment as she saw Humphrey headed in her direction, smiling and falling into step with him as they headed towards where her friends were waiting.
"Morning Humphrey." She said with a smile once he was close enough to hear easily. He smiled back and mirrored her sentiment as they walked. Once they got close Angel looked up and noticed them and nudged to others to alert them to their presence. They all looked up and greetings were exchanged once they got close enough. While Abby was asking Humphrey about how his first day was Kate saw Sam and Brittany exchange a look, letting out a sigh and shooting them a threatening look, warning them silently not to say anything as they had evil grins on their faces. Kate knew what they were like but she didn't think they'd try anything while Humphrey was there, he was new after all. 'Those two...' She thought to herself as they nodded and gave her knowing looks but thankfully remained silent. A minute later Humphrey excused himself, jogging over to where Chris, Rob and Barry had just arrived and were waiting for him.
"So Kate, you two seem close." Brittany and Sam said in unison as soon as Humphrey was out of earshot. Angel and Sam might've been identical twins but when it came to personalities Kate knew there was almost no one more in sync as these two. Kate scowled at them but it was a mistake as that just set them laughing, Angel and Abby joining in as well.
"What's that supposed to mean? We're friends." Kate said in an annoyed tone. They were always teasing her like this, whenever she even looked at a boy it would set them off. It was partially her fault, since she always reacted even though she knew she shouldn't but she couldn't help it, they knew how to wind her up. It also didn't help that she'd never had a boyfriend, or even any male friends really, Humphrey was probably the closest she'd had to a male friend and she'd only known him for half a week. The reason for this lack of interaction was her father, whom was known by reputation to almost everyone in Jasper City and likely its neighbours and surrounds as well, leaving most people too scared of reprisal to approach her.
Humphrey's POV:
I half-jogged over to where Chris, Rob and Barry were waiting for me at the top of the stairs just outside the doors. As I reached them we greeted each other before heading into the school building, sliding through the crowds as we sought out our lockers. I was a little annoyed that they hadn't come over and talked to the girls, forcing me to choose between the two groups but I also couldn't really blame them. We talked and joked around for a while before I bid them farewell, trying to make my way through the thronging crowds towards homeroom. Unfortunately I was going against the flow but most people got out of my once they saw me which I didn't really understand but appreciated as I only just made it to the class in time, walking over and taking my seat next to Kate.