8 Days

Chapter One: City

A/N: No introductions, we're going straight to the shit. 

Happy reading!

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"You should stop spacing out."

The man turned to the owner of the voice, rolled his eyes, and slumped down further on the chair. He was regretting his life decisions right now and hoping that some miracle would appear and free him from his current predicament.

"And you should mind your business." He immediately regretted saying that out loud after receiving a harsh slap on the back of his neck.

"Watch your tongue boy, we wouldn't want you getting beat up on your first day." The older man's tone seemed playful, but underneath the mask, he knew he was being serious.

"Mr. Jones... it's literally just college, I don't think people have the time to notice someone like me, let alone, waste their time harassing me.... unless they like, really don't have a life. I'm not in middle school, you know," the boy sighed and bent forward to tie his worn-out shoelaces. He was getting bored of having the same conversation over and over again.

"It's Randy, how many times do I have to tell you that?" the man corrected and then continued. "And yeah, I get that, Zack. And I know you're not a little kid anymore, but this is the next big part of your life and I don't want you regretting things later," Mr. Jones stopped for a second, catching his breath to phrase his words properly. "Just, don't get in trouble, alright?"

Zack opened his mouth to defend himself against the underlying accusation, but he was too tired to argue, and it was going to end up the same way as last time. He'll get another lecture and only be met with the silent treatment afterward. He hated to say it, but sometimes, he felt like he was misunderstood. And he hated how he never bothered to correct anybody about it.

Giving in to a small smile, the boy nodded and picked up his luggage turning around to leave his 'home'. 

"I won't."

"Promise?"

"Come on, is this really necessary-" Zack turned back around, ready to retort to the man's stupid request, but found himself unable to with the grim (maybe even hurt?) look on his face.

With another sigh, he nodded again. "Fine, I promise. Happy, old man?"

"Yes, now shoo. There will be important visitors coming in here soon and I don't want you or your stuff taking up all the space," Mr. Jones ushered the boy out, helping with the luggage but before sending him off, he extended his hand out.

Zack, still confused but not surprised by the previous man's mood change, frowned at the hand held towards him. "What?"

"Ever heard of a handshake?" Randy rolled his eyes, seriously wondering how the boy was going to pass his classes at this rate. He would be lucky if he didn't accidently end up in a different school on the first day.

As if knowing what he was thinking, Zack glared at him and shook the extended hand roughly, or with as much strength as he could muster up. "I know what it is, I just didn't expect that from you."

Carrying the suitcases down the street, a car pulled up right beside them just in time, and Zack was surprised to see that it was Mrs. Jones, his other guardian, who was in the driver's seat.

"Get in dear, I'll drive you there," the woman grinned and patted the passenger's seat next to her. Seeing that he didn't really have a choice in the matter, as the husband was already stacking his luggage in the trunk and back seat, he reluctantly obliged.