Odd One Out

CHAPTER 15

Bailey
Thursday, October 23

The Henderson's were on the less fortunate side of town. It was not necessarily a horrible place to live in, just less fortunate. In middle school, Viktor moved from his home in Janiceville, only a few hours away from here. He was the kind of kid you didn't really speak to, but somehow always remembered — he used to be the fun and creative kid in class who always called attention to himself even when he wasn't trying to. He stopped going to school for a couple of years during our seventh grade year, and when he returned for our freshman year of high school he was completely changed. No more talking, no more playfulness, no more jokes. No one ever found out why.

Until now.

Jake
Friday, October 24

Not a single student at Roosevelt High expected Viktor to show up, especially after the twitter account revealed that story of him. I was honestly still in shock, trying to find the right words to describe what I was feeling.

However, much to everyone's surprise, Viktor Henderson walked in Friday morning with his backpack slung over his shoulder and his head up high, looking nonchalant as ever as those around him began to whisper a little too indiscreetly.

He stopped by his locker, hesitating for a moment before a frown formed above his eyes. As soon as he turned around to face the students behind him, people began to break apart and move like ants in a colony, trying to make it seem as though they were busy talking about something other than him. It was evident that this made him feel uncomfortable, for he rolled his eyes before abandoning his locker, making his way towards the metal double-doors that led to the football field.

"It just dawned on me," Naya whispered behind me, causing my heart to stop.

"Naya," I breathed out, feeling the blood rush back into its natural place. "God, you terrified me."

"Sorry, I couldn't help it," she answered worriedly, her hands clamped together, resting on her lower stomach.

"What...what did you say earlier?"

"I said it just dawned on me. Viktor doesn't have social media."

Shit.

I hadn't even thought of that.

"He doesn't even know—"

"Mm-hm. Exactly," Naya finished, looking to the path of whispers Viktor left behind.

"Should we tell him?"

"Probably."

"...okay, you tell him."

"What?" she immediately retorted. "Why me?"

"Because, you're...nice. I mean, if he got angry about it you'd be less likely to be hit by him. Not that he's violent — I mean sure he can fight, but—"

"Uh uh, Jake I'm going to stop you right here," Naya said, holding her palms up towards me. "I'm not telling him. You know him more, so it's your move—"

"I don't know him," I clarified, almost whined, turning back to the doors that were now closed. Through the glass, I could still see a speck of a human walking in the distance, moving towards the bleachers.

"I've seen you talk to him—"

"Oh like in our meetings?" I protested sarcastically, causing her to cross her arms.

"No, like in the hallways," she spat back. "I've seen you two talk—"

"Who?" Ellis asked behind Naya, his hands in his pockets.