Into Ether.

Chapter - I: alright be careful.

Leaving a conspicuous enough sigh, Alvi wakes up for the day. There is a clock hung on a hook, on the wall in front of him. He liked where the clock remained, because apparantly he likes watches quite a lot. A time-saver, if you will. Never tries to be late, nor early to any occaision. But today somehow felt a little strange to him, because of an obvious reason. He gets his phone, and sees a text from his best buddy, Taron.

"Hey man. Hope u r well. Back from therapy."

Alvi immediately feels a little relief, along with a sudden strike of tension. 
Alvi texts Taron back...

"thats amazing. wanna catch up?"

Taron texts back...

"Of course. You want a ride? Meet outside ur house in 30?"

Alvi texts back...

"alright be careful"


Alarm goes off at 6 AM..

Quieting down the annoying alarm clock, Alvi gets himself prepared for a fresh and potentially normal day. 


[Outside Alvi's house...]

A deep blue Audi stops right at the pavements of Alvi's house. Inside is a man who looks like is the driver of the car. Alvi stares questionably, but recognises the car. Rolling down the left back window, Taron says to Alvi in a sarcastic tone, "Yeah. My father doesn't trust me driving alone anymore". Seeing a hint of humour in Taron's voice Alvi replies, "You kidding? You're literally one of the best drivers of this whole town, yet you get drived around?". 

[At school...]

Taron and Alvi both catch up about what happened back at therapy, and how Taron's father is doing, and what's up with everyone, and whatnot. They get out of the car and eventually gets into the main hallway. Talking about themselves, they kind of got distracted, because apparently Taron got everyone's attention pretty quick. Other students looking at him, sounds of whispers and of course, the "popular" kids screaming "Freak" at Taron. Well, no one would blame them though, because Taron did have an unusual sort of leave. No notices, no nothing. Everyone assumed he was in a rehab because of drug use and a lot of vulgar things. Even though Alvi had his back saying everyone Taron was in Hawaii for four months, no one really believed him, because.. Well, his introvert voice was defeated by all of the popular kids. 

[At the lockers...]

Reaching their lockers, Taron and Alvi were getting prepared for the first class they had together. But in a matter of seconds, a middle-aged man, in a suit, came before them. It was the school counselor. Being almost 10 steps away he spoke the words, "It is such a pleasure to welcome the best player back to his home". 

The counselor was different than before. Before Cadence Intl: had the students' beloved Mrs. Allie Rider. She was probably the only grown woman who knew what she was and had to do. But that took a toll on her. Mrs. Rider was called off because apparently some students had planted narcotics in her possession and hence was fired soon by the principal. So you see, there weren't a lot to rely on, and the students kind of already had no trust in the authorities. But they did trust Mr. Barry Waters. Mr. Waters was the only one who was empathetic and understanding to the students and everyone loved him really quick. He indeed is a kind and trustworthy man.

"Hi. I'm Barry Waters, your counselor. Although I don't really like being called that, because I try not being a counselor." Mr. Waters introduced himself to Taron.
"Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Waters." replied Taron while shaking his hand.
"The pleasure is mine too, of course Mr. um.." replied and asked Mr. Waters.
"I'm Taron Hemmings." replied Taron, finishing his sentence.
"Ah, Mr. Hemmings. You see, Taron I have an incredible interest in the school sports team. And since, you were the leader, how about we talk about some things? Is that okay?" Asked Mr. Waters confidently.
"Yes, sir, absolutely." Taron replied an affirmative.
"If you will follow me, then." requested Mr. Waters.

Taron turned around for an instance and whispered to Alvi "Let's talk after fifth period, and yeah. I'll see how this goes".

Alvi stood there against his locker raised both his hands and showed two thumbs up to Taron and whispered a "Alright, see you." to Taron as he and Mr. Waters chatter while being on their way to their office.