Left Behind | ONGOING |

Chapter Six: For Your Thoughts

Hello again! This author's note will probably disappear once I finish making revisions to previous chapters, but you may notice that in this chapter, the narration seems a bit different. It's not too noticeable (hopefully) but it's because I'm trying out a new style that I feel like would give more insight in our characters' head. I just wanted to get that out there so that there is no confusion. Every follow, comment, and vote is appreciated. Happy reading!

L E V I

Locker rooms give me the worst anxiety. 

Just stepping in makes you feel as if everyone is staring at you, picking out each insecurity you might have, when in reality no one actually gives two fucks about it. 

This morning started out rough. After my long staring contest with a picture, I took a shower and got dressed, per usual. But for whatever reason, today was the day that Aiden decided that being extra stubborn was the way to go. The little pest kept dodging my attempts to get him dressed and refused to eat his breakfast until I used other methods. 

Translation: bribing him with the promise of a Twix bar. 

I walked into the gym locker rooms rubbing my forehead, my hand clasped on the strap of my bag. The constant pounding was making me more and more annoyed by the minute. I let out a frustrated sigh through my nose. Laying off the coffee for a bit might be the way to go if it means being able to sleep at night. I also didn't have the time to eat breakfast throughout the chaos of my morning, so there's another thing to tick off on the Levi's Bad Day list.

The locker room was loud, with at least thirty sweaty boys crammed together in one space. And it smelled exactly like what it was. I hurriedly changed into an old t-shirt and shorts, exiting into the gym before the teacher came in to yell at us to hurry up. 

Speaking of, the man shouted at me and a few others who walked out at the same time. 

"Get yourselves out to the track! Everyone is doing two laps as a warm up!" He practically growled, pointing to the open door at the other end of the gym. 

Of course we're doing something I have little energy for. Sighing inwardly, I forced myself to get moving. It was going to be a long day. 

~*~

I'll admit. The way I flopped into my lunch seat was a tad bit dramatic, but I really couldn't be blamed. Not with Mr. Jenkins already assigning a semester-long essay about some book I had zero interest in reading, and getting a pile of homework for Algebra 2 due in a couple of days. It was a good thing I didn't sleep at night anyways. 

As I bit into a burger that looked gross - but actually tasted decent - I scrolled through the playlist on my phone. Putting it on shuffle, I put my earbuds in and proceeded to tune everything else out. My tense muscles slowly began to relax, and I hummed softly underneath my breath. 

Music can really help me center myself, especially at these moments when I feel like I'm a leaf in a rip current - being pushed and pulled in every which way, with no say in what's going on. It's probably a bad sign that I felt like that constantly, but there isn't much I could do. I took up a responsibility, and I had to stick with it. Even if it meant feeling helpless for days on end. 

I was pulled out of my trance when I felt a tap on my shoulder. Reluctantly peeling open my eyes, I peered up at the person who interrupted my momentary calm. I was met with a semi-familiar head of dyed blonde hair. His tie was loose around his neck, and his blazer was unbuttoned, the sleeves rolled up to his elbows.