Huntington Avenue | ✓ [PV REWRITE]

Part I: Chapter 6

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Chapter 6 | ❝ Of course I mean it. ❞

Monday, September 10th, 2018 - 11:24 a.m.

AFTER ALMOST TWO complete days came and went, Zach's anxiety hardly ceased. He had quickly become paranoid of people, no matter who they were due to the incident occurring the previous Saturday. Zach was on the top of his guard more than usual, and it was for a valid reason. He simply had no idea who to trust and who to put on his "must avoid" list, which was quite short. Jaylen's name was at the top of the metaphorical list.

Zach's nervousness progressed into him becoming more easily startled at anything in particular. Whether it be his sister desiring extra help with homework, his mother asking him about his day, or even if an object fell from its place onto the floor, Zach would flinch. Sudden noises never used to bother him much until his condition was taken advantage of.

He was grateful for his parents not asking any safety questions when he arrived home on Saturday. During the three hour span between the pool incident and walking through the front door, his clothes and hair had completely dried from the sun's warm and comforting rays. The only question given to him was if he had a satisfactory time, which Zach responded honestly with a yes. He had met a new friend, Harper, and that was more than enough.

Good people were difficult to come across in places such as Oceanview High, where the popularity hierarchy and social statuses were the most important things to the pupils. Not many people were interested in creating genuine friendships with one another and sustaining an upbuilding relationship lacking toxicity. Popularity and how well known you were was the top priority to most students in that particular school.

Zach could feel his heart lurch at the sound of the agonizingly loud bell signaling the end of class. He never knew when to expect it, and amongst his fears of being in a toxic and harmful environment, it was not helpful. Zach slid his laptop into his bag and slung it over one shoulder as he waited for a clear path to exit the room. He listened to the footsteps of his peers in order to determine whether his safety was justified.

After he deemed it safe, Zach exited his classroom and began on his journey to the cafeteria. He paid extra attention to detail, letting his light perception, which was the only minimal sight he had left, do the work for him. He was barely able to distinguish light from shadow, which unnerved him, but what was left of his vision helped him somewhat enough to remain out of the way of his classmates.

Before long, he arrived in the lunchroom and sat down at the table he claimed as his own. He did not mind the solitude. In fact, Zach was used to being alone by then. As he sat down, he remembered how Harper told him after walking him to Trigonometry he would meet him at lunch. Zach trusted his new friend, but did that mean he should believe him? After all, a lot of people went back on their word.