Lemon Row

Chapter 3: First Day (Part Three)

Rowe was glad he didn't say anything else to make it sound like he misunderstood, but so far the weird kid isn't much of a weird guy. If there could be any other weird guys in the school, it would be himself. The teacher still stares at the attendance list, yet Lemuel's last name was etched out or blurred. She shrugged and checked his name as present. "Welcome to Birquerock High School, freshman. As you can see, you are sitting a two person desk." Everyone turns to their desk mates then back towards the teacher. "The person beside you will be your project partner for the rest of the year." Rowe's eyes widen in disbelief and looks over to the unbothered boy beside him playing with his pencil swirling the tip on his finger. Most people in the room were pleased with their partners and were somewhat familiar with the people beside them. He didn't really know much about Lemuel other than the reputation he held.

He knew best not to listen to rumors since most rumors could be lies or misunderstandings, but he is scared they could be true. One rumor is that his friends got abducted by his shut in family. Another one is that he eats food from the trash can or would eat the grossest things in order to get attention. Rowe wish he didn't hear the news from his friends and would start over fresh with Lemuel. Although it may be very difficult.

The teacher kept stating the usual rules for the school. 'Always have your uniform tidy.' 'Never be tardy unless you wish to collect warnings.' 'No horse play.' In all truth, Lemuel had no problem with getting in trouble since he was used to breaking these simple rules. Sometimes not intentionally, but rather for his fit for survival. The bell rang and they all began to head home to process the common school rules.

Rowe began to trudge his feet checking his messages on his phone. It seemed as if his friends left early to do their secret hobby they refused to tell him about. He frowned about the lie Horace told him that they would go home together and looked up with a glum face to see a silhouette dancing in front of him. It almost sounded like the silhouette was playing pretend. The silhouette was twirling with a watering can and prayed that the ground will dance with him. The silhouette in front of the sun was none other than Lemuel.

The day was almost over and it was quite a bit to handle. Rowe hopes to takes this chance to make a good impression for his desk mate. And possibly, his new friend.