LEIAS POV:
John been acting strange. First this morning with Bryce, then at lunch when he just sort of zoned out. Don't know what's gotten into him. At the end of lunch I asked him about it on our way to history and he said that is was just stress from all the school work, but it feels like something more. Then, when I tried to ask Stanley, he got super nervous (which isn't like him) and made up some excuse that he didn't want to be late for class. Stan's always late for class and has never cared about it. John and Stanly are best friend so I know Stan knows something. I wish John would just be honest with me. I was actually hoping he would ask me out now that I'm done with Bryce, but he didn't even seem to Marian didn't say something, he wouldn't even know. Sometimes he drives me crazy! We grew up together and I've had a crush on him since freshman year. Now that we are seniors, I'm afraid that he'll go of to collage and forget me. You know what? I'm going to tell him I like him at Coles party Friday. I've always been open about my other emotions and thoughts, why not be open about this?
Johns POV:
"John Smith please report to the main office, John Smith to the main office please." The chipper voice on the intercom said. Every one turned in their seats to look at me. I glance over to Cole and shrug. I haven't done anything wrong, so why should I worry. When I reach the office Mr. James, our principle, is waiting with a short, round kid.
"Hello John," Mr. James says,"this is Richard Collins. Rich is a new student here, and I was wondering if you could show him around and help train him a little. It would be nice if you would take him to some get together that you young people always seem to have."
I really don't want to, but how can I say no. And it will look good to collages.
"Sure thing Mr. James."
"Thank you John." Turning to Rich he says,"John is the most popular student here at LH. He's caption of the football team, basketball team, soccer team, and baseball team. He is also at the top of the class. You couldn't be in better hands."
"Mr. James you're stretching the truth." This is so humiliating.
"All right, well you two better get to class. Wouldn't want to take up any more of your time." He says smiling.
I show Rich around the school. I make jokes about the school, teachers, stuff like that. He doesn't say a single word. And it's not the shy type of quiet. It's like he thinks that he's better then me and is just walking around with me to amuse me. I bring him to his locker just as the bell rings. I head to my own locker and grab my stuff for baseball practice. Stanley is already at the field warming up. I tell him about Rich and having to help him out.
"Wait, you have to hangout with this dork outside of school?" He says.
"Yup. Mr. James thinks I'll have a good influence on him. Perks of being a straight A student and captain of the majority of the sports teams. I get that being a new student is tough, be have a little respect. If it wasn't for me, he would still be looking for his locker."
"That's rough. Hold up. Does this mean he is coming to Coles party Friday?"
"Unfortunately, yes." I completely forgot about the party. This Rich guys going to bring my mood down a few notches. Oh well.
After practice I start walking to the parking lot when I'm suddenly pin against the side of the school.
"Hey fire boy," Bryce growls. Fire boy, really.
"What do you want Bryce?" I feel my lumen heating up. I promised my self I'd never fight Bryce, but he's not making it easy.
His hand presses deeper into my shoulder. I feel the bones starting to bend under the pressure. He knows I can heal it so he keeps pushing.
"You might have heard Leia and I are going through a rough patch right now. But that doesn't mean that she's free. If you make a move, you will die." Lots of people may think he isn't being serious, but I know he would love to end me.
"That's not a problem" I say.
He lets me go and leaves. I wait until he's gone to place my hand to my shoulder. I feel the power working its way through my shoulder. I run to my truck. I speed away from school, away from Bryce, away from Leia. I pull over at an old field. I get out and start throwing fire balls at the sky. I'm angry. I should of fought Bryce. I can, I'm strong enough, but I always hold my self back. Why? Because I'm supposed to be the perfect student, the perfect son. I like doing the right thing and making people happy but I want to do it by my standards. I hate fighting, but sometimes you need to. Like with Bryce. I think I should fight back. That's different then just fighting for fun.
When I've burn of enough steam, I get in my truck and go home. The minute I get inside I know something's off. The house is to clean, to perfect. There are no dishes in the sink, no dust on the windowsill. I walk into the living room and realize why. Dad's back.
My dad's been away for eight months helping on a space station. He's a solider, but he's also a scientist. I want to hug him, but I can't. What if he doesn't think displays of emotion are appropriate? What of he liked not having a son for eight months? My worries are cut short by my dad giving me a huge bear hug.