Hate Of The Unknown

Chapter 1- After The Storm

11 years later.

I was focused on the lengthy equation I'd been trying to solve for ages. I was so wrapped up in it that the bell ringing caught me off-guard. As I tore my gaze away from the paper, I saw a multitude of students hastily gathering their belongings, scurrying away from the classroom.

"Julian, are you ready to leave?" I heard Rita's voice, and when I turned, there she stood with her bag already in hand. "Gimme a sec," I mumbled, "'cause if I don't get this equation done soon, it's a total write-off." Rita shook her head but remained silent, standing patiently as I continued my pursuit.

I was immensely appreciative of Rita's considerate attitude. Finally, I cracked the equation and sprung upright, collecting my things. I beamed at Rita. "Time to eat!" I announced cheerfully.

At last, it was time for lunch, and I was beyond starving. I eagerly anticipated the relaxation it would provide. We met up with our usual group of friends in the open area of the school.

I greeted everyone, and we continued to our favorite spot. Although Crescent Valley High, or as we called it, CV High, was a relatively small school, with only about seven hundred students, it was easy to get lost inside its walls. I plopped down next to Jake and asked, "So, how'd your day go?"

He laughed heartily, "Eh, I was in dreamland through most of my classes. Gonna come back to haunt me soon enough." I joined in on his laughter and replied, "Tell me about it! Math has been murdering me lately." reading and understanding the words in textbooks was something I much preferred.

Rita and Sara were chatting excitedly next to me about some guy they had both taken a liking to. Rid and Hunter hungrily wolfed down their meals with little regard for the mess they were making. Lyanna was sitting next to them, seemingly oblivious to her surroundings as she read her book, her food forgotten.

I opened up the container holding my lunch, a plain sandwich with some vegetables as a side. It's no secret that my family—me, my grandma, and my brother—have always had difficulty with our finances. There is no denying that money has been a source of tension for us for years.

The last few months have been challenging for my grandmother, as her old injury hindered her from working for extended periods. However, it was all right. We always came through. Jake peeped at my plate and, without a word, passed me one-half of his pizza slice.

"Really, you don't have to do that," I said, but Jake just rolled his eyes. "I'm not that hungry, honestly," I tried again. He chuckled, "Oh please, I wouldn't want to be the only one here getting fat!". Knowing it was a lost cause, I reluctantly gave in and took the piece.

I tacked a white strand of hair behind my ear, it was getting longer, and soon I'll be able to put it in a low ponytail. I was just enjoying playing with it and trying different styles at the moment. "Thanks," I murmured before starting to eat.

We chatted lightly as we ate, filling one another in on the latest dating rumors as well as on which teachers weren't cutting it. I couldn't help but chuckle as I enjoyed my lunch break. I cherished those moments more than anything else. They were the only moments in which I could forget the struggles of reality and just be present.

Jake gave me a nudge, his voice low. "If you're still looking for a job, I've got something for you," he suggested. He flashed me a mischievous grin and added, "But it might be a little illegal." My mouth quirked up as I cocked one eyebrow. "Are we talking about something that could get me in jail for murder or just something minor like tax evasion?" I asked, trying to sound casual but with an undeniable hint of suspicion.

Jake laughed at that. "It's more like tax evasion illegal, but don't worry, it's not that serious," he said, messing around with his phone, likely to look for the specifics.