Silent Connection

i.

It started with a thud. That was it.

-Your POV-

I could hear all the people bustling around me, talking loudly to one another, ruffling through their things. The hallway was crowded, and I was trying not to get bumped around. It was rather difficult. People were running around and walking in groups or pairs.

I was walking with my head down, tying not to make eye contact. It seemed like a good plan. I was watching my shoes as I made my way across the tiles, barely hearing the soft taping against the floor with all the other noises. The only problem was that I wasn't exactly looking where I was going.

One moment I was walking, the next I was down on the floor with a thud. My books were tossed around me. It took me a moment to realize what happened. When I did, my face flushed as I slowly looked up.

There was a tall boy standing above me. Well, it was more like he was towering above me, and he didn't look happy. I scrambled to pick up my books. As I did, I heard a 'tch'. I glanced above me to see him walking away.

Well...that was rude. I thought to myself.

I wasn't paying attention but it's not like I walked into him on purpose. I had almost gathered the last of the books. I reached out for the final one, but it was picked up before I could.

"Are you okay?" A soft voice asked.

It was then I noticed that there was someone else there. I looked up to see a boy. He was crouched down, looking at me.

I simply nodded as I stood up. I couldn't do much more.

"I'm sorry about my friend." He said, rubbing the back of his neck. I waved my hand in front of me frantically to show that it wasn't a big deal.

"Well, here's your book." He held it out to me, and I could feel my face redden. I gave him a small bow in thanks.

"I've got to go...but I'll see you around." He said before turning and leaving in the direction that his friend had gone.

I stood there, watching his retreating figure. I shook my head and got my books in order. All I had left to do was make it out of the building without any more trouble. I cautiously weaved my way around the bodies, making sure to pay attention as I did. I finally made it out and began my short walk home, following the GPS on my phone.

Once I made it inside the house I was greeted with my smiling mother.

"Hi honey!" She chirped. "How was school? It wasn't too rough, was it? I know it's a new school and first days are difficult enough. But I hope yours was good." She said, looking me up and down to make sure I was unharmed.

I nodded and gave her a thumbs up.

"Oh good. Well, I think it's going to just be you and me for dinner tonight. Takeo has to work late tonight." She said, referring to my stepfather.

"So, you have the choice of me making something or we could go out and find something tasty." She smiled down at me.

I thought about it. It was either trying to survive my mother's cooking or going out and dealing with more people. It was a do or die situation.

I held up two fingers.

"Going out it is then!" She said enthusiastically. I gave her a smile and shook my head at her antics.

"It's still early hon. So go upstairs and change. If you have any homework, you can do that before we head out. I'll call you down when it's time to go."

I made my way up to my room, sighing as I shut the door. I walked over to my desk and set down my books.

It would probably be easier if I got a backpack. I thought to myself but shrugged away the thought. I went over to my closet to get some clothes to change into. I opened one of the boxes I hadn't finished unpacking, pulling out the top items. I hoped that mom didn't mind if I was dressed comfortably. After changing out of my uniform, I pulled on some shorts and a hoodie. I looked around the seemingly empty room and decided to start on my homework.