The Insecurities We Have

Chapter Three

Tysm 4 reading
                            Is he okay?                          

"Umm..." I stuttered, trying to think of a lie.

"I lost them," but it wasn't me who said it. It was Prince. I turned to look at him. "She gave them to me yesterday, sir, and I'm not quite sure where exactly I left them."

He studied us before, "Hurry and go to class."

With that, we didn't wait for another second before Prince, Atida, and me quickly left his presence.

"What was that about?" Aty asked as soon as we were out of Principal Sinclair's sight.

"What was what about?" Prince casually asked.

Honestly, I had no idea what that was about. But what Prince did, wasn't it what all best friends did? They notice when you need a lie, and then they go for it. That's  got to be in the best friend guide, right?

I rolled my eyes at what Prince said. "What Prince meant to say was that I've lost four pairs already this year, and this would be my fifth. Mom told King to be out on the lookout because she's done having to get new ones after every two or three months."

By the time I was done explaining, Atida had stopped by the door of her first class, and Prince was looking at me as I explained my story.

"Why do I feel like you two are hiding something?" She asked sceptically while looking between the both of us.

"Because you always feel like we hide stuff from you?" Prince cockily replied with an answer that seemed more like a question.

It wasn't a lie, though. Aty always thought we hid stuff from her. I always thought it was out of jealousy.

"That's absu–" before she could finish, the door she was leaning on opened. She managed to keep balance and turned to stare at the teacher who'd just opened.

"Atida in class now!" Mrs Hallow screeched.

Aty didn't have enough time to react before she made her way to class. The teacher gave us a death glare before we both began walking to our classes. It was only after I saw Prince laughing that I smiled.

"There's something wrong with you," I giggled. He rolled his eyes and shoved me a little with his shoulders.

We were silent for a second before, "Thanks for having my back," I said as I motioned for a fist bump. He gave me a disgusted look before slapping my fist away.

"It's weird enough you said thank you, and now what? Do you want to fist bump?" He said as he shook his head.

"What? Isn't it what the cool kids do?" I chuckled as I came to a stop.

I had reached my class.

"Sure, the cool kids," Prince snorted. He stopped as well. We were quiet for a while. I was about to say bye when he finally spoke up. "But we aren't cool kids. We're best friends,"

But you are one of the cool kids.

"Right," I smiled and turned to go to class.

"Um, Can?" He called out.

"Yeah," I replied without turning around.

"Come to my practice today instead of Jake's." He quickly said.

"Sure," I replied– not really wanting to go to the basketball training session– and went into class.

I know what you're thinking. Why go if I don't want to, but I've drowned myself amongst the popular kids my entire life. I've observed the way they dress, interact, and even the way they present themselves. And every single time, I can't help but just compare them with me. And in a way, that made me anxious 24\7. I notice errors in everything that everyone –including me– does.

I've noticed how Prince tries his best to fit in America when at school, and yet when he's at home, he tries to fit into England. Which in the end just gives him various accents. But I would never point it out to him, though.

And maybe that's why right now, instead of trying to work out the accelerating speed, I'm observing Miss Jen, my physics teacher. I notice how, despite the lesson she is in, she discreetly checks her phone here and there. And before biting her lip.

All minor details but major in another way.

Alas, the lesson ended. I quickly gathered my stuff before I was stopped by Miss Jen.

"Miss George, you're needed in the principal's office."

I froze for a second before nodding and making my way out of class. As I walked to Principal King's office, I passed by the art room. And of course, there were already some men painting the wall back to its original colour.

Part of me ached as my masterpiece was being removed as if it never existed.

As I reached King's office, my heart was pounding, wondering why he'd ask for me in his office. Slowly, I entered.

"Ah, Candice George!" He exclaimed in greeting.

I smiled in response. "Please, sit."

I timidly sat on the chair opposite to him. My eyes scanned the room, and I came in contact with my glasses. My eyes widened.

"I see you've recognized these glasses," he observed.

"Um, yes, where did you find them?" I faked innocence.

"In the art room," he nonchalantly said.

I stared at him, waiting for him to say or do something. I knew better than to be the first to speak.

"You're lucky I decided not to call your mother," he spoke. "You of all people know how she hates it when you lose your glasses."

I nodded.

My mom and King went to Richmond together. They weren't close, but they had this weird parent bond. You know those people who get along with your parents because of their past history but aren't actually friends.

Long story short, my mom had once ranted to King how careless I was with my glasses.

"Take your glasses and rush on to your next class. Wouldn't want you to be late," he said, motioning for me to take my glasses and leave.

Obviously, I obliged without a single fuss. As I was about to leave, I stopped.

"Mr King?" I called as my hand never left the handle.

"Yes?"

"There are rumours... An– About August..." I stuttered. "Is he okay?"

He gave me a warm smile.

"August is fine," he reassured. More to himself if you ask me. "He has permanent damage to his eyesight but fine nonetheless."

"Okay," I murmured as I exited his office, feeling bad about how I might have just ruined his eyesight.

_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_