Someone You Love (AMBW)

Chapter One

It felt as if summer lasted forever. The few months people spend a year dying for and I wanted more than anything for it to end. I could kiss the rubish-tiled floors and lock myself into the tan lockers until it morphs into my home. Anything that could stop time and put me back where I was two months ago. Instead, I remain moving forward with everyone else who most likely enjoyed every second of their break.

If I had to guess who enjoyed theirs the most, I would point my finger at Josie Man. She went out of the country for a month with a group of talented young dancers. When I say young, I should clarify that they are our age but just a lot more youthful. Maple Park High School has a bunch of students just like them. Always happy and finding something to get into. I have been attending this school for two years and have yet to find that spark of attraction. Josie is my best friend and even her attempts at getting me to fit in have been that of a failure. For now, I get to watch her strut down the hall with a duffle bag hanging from her shoulder, sweaty black hair in a ponytail, and three other girls laughing at all her poorly thought of jokes.

When she approached me, she dismissed the last of her posse before acknowledging my presence. It was the first day of junior year and I could already see this happening for the rest of the week until they run out of things to talk about from their trip. Then again, the way they moved in sync with one another led me to believe that this small moment together could lead to something more. Did she develop the ability to see through them like she could see through me?

"Hey, Josie." I sent her a small smile and a wave. "How was traveling around Europe?" The sigh of relief that settled across her face was all I needed to know that I would not have enough time to stop by the restroom before first period. As she opened her mouth and explained every little detail about the European girls outshining them on the guest stage, my eyes could not help but drift to the clock on the off-white wall. Every second or two, I would nod like I am listening when in reality, I was trying to remember if I ate breakfast.

"Victor was jealous when I got home so be sure to mention it every now and then when he comes around." Her finger twirled around the end of her ponytail and her eyes drifted down to the phone in her hand. Her attention was gone. She never asked me about my summer.

"How is... Victor?" A question I asked all the time turned into a question that left an angsty feeling in my mouth.

Her eyes darted into mine. The stare caught me off guard since she looked as if she was about to question me instead of answering my question. "What was the name of that one teacher we had who made a guy throw up in class to prove he was sick. I think Tonya is stuck with her this year." She cringed jokingly but I thought that was quite sick to see.

"Mrs. Blackwell... I think she is divorced now."

"Sucks for her. I have to go shower. Text me." She then jogged away in her shin-length tights and loose sleeveless top.

The brief encounter was soothing in a way. I knew that if she said all that she needed to say now, then the rest could be saved when I go to her house this afternoon. That is even if she wants me to.

After a while, I noticed I was just standing in front of my locker staring down the spine of this school hallway as if I had time to waste. As quickly and productively as I could be, I turned around to start emptying my backpack into my locker.

"Have you seen Josie?" That voice made me jump out of my skin right on the spot. I have never been a person who was scared of something so small as turning around to face who was speaking to me. For some reason, it felt better to keep my face in my locker so I wouldn't have to look my problem in the eyes.

"Yep." I nodded slowly and begun to wait it out to see if he would leave or not take the hint that when I said I didn't want to talk to him anymore, I meant it.