Between the Lines

Three - Calvin

It's only a matter of minutes before I want to be on the road so I can go to the library. I couldn't tell you what made yesterday the best day I've had in a while. Maybe it was denying social standards or getting away with it or finding someone who cares as little as I do who played along. Or maybe it was just finding someone I could actually feel like I got along with. Nothing about Oliver makes me want to forget him, unlike my 'friends' that each have their individual qualities.

I've been trying not to let my mind wander off, but in the last few moments of school, there's no way I have enough energy to actually pay attention to whatever we're meant to be learning. I take note of my surroundings. The teacher is too busy to notice if I laze off, no one I know is around to annoy me, and there is literally nothing in this boring, cookie cutter classroom that can keep me entertained. So, I let my mind drift off.

I don't know what Oliver made of me talking to him at first, but I think he understood I wasn't a threat towards the end of our conversation. No Lower-class deserves to be treated like they have no right when faced by an Upper-class, so I'm always as nice as possible. Most don't take it too well. But he did.

He was refreshing. He was like no one I've talked to recently. In fact, I would say he was like no one I've talked to ever. No Upper-class or Lower-class I've ever come across has been so simple and non-judging. Most of society lost that trait since the zones were introduced, but I guess I don't know what it was like back then.

Maybe the reason he seems to be so different is because I'm used to sadistic popular kids as friends, which is what comes with being a part of an extremely wealthy family. Or maybe it's because I don't feel like I have to act around him? What am I saying? I don't even know him. We talked for a few minutes, I can't act like we're friends, or like he would actually care about talking to me. I don't even think we can be friends.

The bell interrupts the crisis that I was unwillingly pulled into. Quickly, I scribble down the homework, even though I probably won't do it anyway, and dash out the door. I slip out into the hall and jog through the people, hoping no one I know catches me before I can make it out the door. Skipping down the stairs and I still haven't seen anyone. I came to the door and burst through, into the carpark. It's not long before I locate my metallic-white Mercedes amongst the other student's cars, get in and start the drive to the Middle.

I've lived in the divided city of Highland my entire life. Born in Upper-class to the disgustingly wealthy Wood family. Not my choice but it never is. I hate Upper-class, but I've been assured Lower-class isn't any better, and sadly, I'm probably going to be stuck as an Upperclass for the rest of my life. That's how it tends to go with rich families, they don't let their kid's financial independence mess with their streak of having the important members as members of Upper-class. I had to face that when I turned eighteen, the 'we'll be in control of your finances, so you don't drop your class' talk. Class matters way too much to my parents.

I smoothly make my way around town. I memorised the streets and shortcuts through the roads as soon as I got my car, so it's never hard for me to find my way out of this snobby place.

I reach the last stretch before the wall that separates the Middle from Upper-class and slam my foot down on the accelerator. I'm not one to break the law, but when you're in a car like this, you can't help it. The only law I'd gladly break is class law, but not usually laws that actually matter. I slow down before I reach the gate and wait for them to lift the barrier. Then, I set a course for the library.

When I get there, there's no sign of Oliver, so I order at the little barista in the corner and wait on a leather couch, which is surprisingly soft. Well-worn, I guess.

I haven't seen much of the library. I usually just duck in and duck back out again, mainly because when I spend too long away from home my parents ask questions. But it's the best library I've found so far. It's like a hideaway and nothing like the other cold and overly modern libraries that are scattered across the Middle. It almost feels like it's lost in time, a sanctuary from the rest of the world.