The Brightest Star

15. Leo

Leo's POV

I don't know how King was able to get on my bad side so easily. I hated it because I didn't want him to see that side of me but at the same time it's like he just closes himself off to me and that really frustrated me.

What he said did get under my skin though. I sat awake that night, sitting next to my mom, just staring at my books thinking about it more and more. I know they all used me for their own gain but it also didn't affect me. I still got my work done, passed all my tests, and did my best on my own work. But maybe I was going a little overboard with helping everyone, especially if it's being pointed out to me by the new kid so fast.

The next day at school I walked into the classroom and sat next to Joey who looked at me a little smug. "Yo Leo. Gonna help me get this done today or run off to help your little fangirls again?" He asked me rudely.

I looked at his narrow eyes for a few moments. "Oh, ha yeah, I won't leave you today. Sorry about that." I gave him a nice smile and tried to look happier than I really was. My mind went back to what King said. Maybe he was right after all.

"Whatever bro. Just don't wanna fail because you too busy helping everyone else pass. You know what I mean?" He said again in an annoyed tone.

"Yeah, man. Don't worry, we got this," I tried my best to reassure him with a smile.

He just pressed his lips together in a 'whatever you say' kind of smile and nodded his head.

Finally, the teacher walked in and clapped her hands together with a smile. "Okay, tomorrow is race day. Today I want you to sit in your own seats and get as much done as you can but first let's start with our history quiz and your other lessons."

I could feel the tension pouring out of Joey as we sat together for the rest of the day and again the next day too. It was horrible and he didn't help out much which kinda pissed me off but I did most of the work with a smile like always because I'm just too damn nice.

We waited until after lunch to start and really, I just wanted to get this over with already. I was so over this project and couldn't wait to go back to my seat next to the window, alone.

I watched a few people go and looked over at King and Jess talking to each other. Looks like they've been hitting it off. I'm glad to see them getting along. King needed a friend. They both don't talk much and Jess had a nice personality too.

"Okay King and Jess you're up," the teacher said and King walked the car over and set it down. He was nice enough to let Jess be the one to let it go, showing that he could be a gentleman when he wanted to be. They both stood together as we all watched it travel far down the smooth running track outside.

Jess smiled up at King with excitement. "That's really far King," she said, looking so happy with herself as she clapped her hands together and he even smiled back at her with a proud nod.

My smile faded a little as I looked away from them. My heartbeat felt weird as I felt... well I don't know what this feeling was, like a large lump formed in the back of my throat and something weird turned in my stomach.

"Wow. Great job!" The teacher said as she walked back with the tape measure. "Looks like King and Jess take the lead."

Jess jumped for joy hugging King unexpectedly as his eyes shot open. He didn't look uncomfortable, just surprised for a moment before he hugged her back and laughed before she pulled away with a red face. That made everything in me burn. Why did that make my stomach feel like an empty pit?

"Okay Leo and Joey, it's your turn." The teacher said, snapping my attention away from them as I looked over.

I felt nervous with all the eyes on me as I set it down at the start line with Joey and we both let it go together.