Zelus (Perseus Reimagined) (BXB)

Chapter 11

It was weird that I wanted to ask, promise? But instead, I just forced a smile and nod.

2009

I WAS ELEVEN WHEN I met Alexander, now I'm thirteen, and we're in the same high school.

Since the end of middle school, he's been debating on enrolling in the school I chose or the private school his parents decided for him. Of course, it comes with outstanding luxuries and privileges that we peasants could only dream of. He'd be a fool to not take up on their offer.

Though, I didn't say anything. I went on my own path, blocking any thoughts about him because I knew I would miss him. I always believed that preparing for the worst is better than simply enjoying the moment because the more you enjoy, the more attached you'll get. And you can only imagine the impact once they leave.

Morning is here, the worst time of the day. The first class begins at eight, and students are to be in by seven-thirty. I assumed punctuality wasn't something the students cared about on their first day, but to my surprise, everyone was on time. I sit at the corner of the room, next to the corridor, making it easier to leave once class is over. I close my eyes and lay my head against the desk, hoping to get at least a minute of shut-eye, for my spirit is still under the covers of my bed. I should really stop watching Naruto once the clock strikes midnight. It's like Cinderella, but I lose my mind instead of losing a shoe.

I began drifting to sleep, feeling relaxed even though the class was anything but quiet. Students toss their paper airplanes from one end to another, talking and laughing as if their jokes were funny, playing tag that gets the floor vibrating, and even vandalizing the whiteboard with their own markers.

Suddenly, a pair of hands slam my table, shooting my eyes open to see someone standing before me. I slept on my arm, and my visions are hazy that I had to blink countless times until they returned.

"Hey!" He speaks, and I know that voice anywhere.

I look up to see Alexander, energetic and enthusiastic as ever.

I'll admit that I'm surprised at first realizing he's in this school and not in some rich kid institution where he belongs. It's embarrassing to think he'd always find his way back to me, but today proves it. Either in middle school, my house, the malls, and now, high school, he'll always find me. Another thing that I will admit is that I'm really happy he's here.

"Hi," I said while releasing a yawn. "You didn't pick the private school?"

He plops down in the empty seat next to me, removing the backpack from his shoulders and leaning it against the table. He's my desk partner once again.

"Nah, I never liked those kinds of schools. The people there are snooty, they're not into fun things, and it's always quiet and cold," he rants. "I prefer public schools because it's everything that a private school isn't, and I like that."

"Well then, I hope you won't regret your decision someday, especially when you see what the cafeteria offers. Not to mention the methods of education used by our scruffy, lumpy teachers," I tease, I know the school isn't that bad, but I've seen some teachers whose skin bounces more than a ball.

"I don't mind, I mean, I didn't regret my decision to join middle school now, did I?" He's really keeping eye contact, and sometimes I'd wish he stopped because it makes me feel like I'm being judged. "It's where I met you."

"Technically, we met at the skating rink."

"True, but we barely spoke then. It was the kind of meet-up where you think you'll never speak to this person again, so you're all, just-be-nice-and-move-on," he explains. "I'd like to think we have officially met during middle school, and yeah, it was a good day. I still remember it quite well because it was also my first time accompanying someone to the nurse's office."

Yeah, I remember that day quite well too.

"Thanks again for that," is what I reply instead.

"Don't sweat it," he adjusts his body to face the desk in front of him, resting his left leg on his right knee. "We're pals and always will be."

It was weird that I wanted to ask, promise? But instead, I just forced a smile and nod.