ANIMA

12. Plus one

Tomas

I haven’t seen much of Trent since the incident in the cafeteria yesterday. I think he might be mad at me for sitting with Kenzie at lunch.

When I find him in class I decide to just ask.

“Hey. Are you mad that I sat with Kenzie yesterday?”

“It wasn’t only Kenzie but I am not mad. I know you are a really nice guy and always try to see the best in everyone, Tom. I just…I just don’t want to see you get hurt, this crowd can be very vicious.”

“I know you are only trying to look out for me, Trent. I appreciate it but…I can handle myself.”

“I know you can. I just think it will be nice for you to also get know our type of people, like the other scholarship kids. How about I introduce you to some of my friends later?”

“Sure, that would be nice. I don’t really know a lot of people here.”

The rest of the day goes by without any incidents. After class I spend about an hour trying to choose an extracurricular activity. Cooking club sounds interesting but I have no skills for it, debate is more familiar to me but I think it would take up too much time and sports are out of the question.

I narrow it down to photography and volunteering plus mountaineering because it sounds interesting yet simple enough.

Now that that’s done, I text Trent to know what time we should meet up. He says he’s in the middle of something and will text me after.

I decide to sufficiently catch up in all my subjects and even read a bit ahead in some. That takes an hour and a half, Trent still hasn’t texted.

I call video call mom, she fills me in on all the gossip she’s heard through her catering business.

“I’ve been thinking of doing a pop-up store at the market maybe once a month. What do you think?”

“I think that’s amazing, mom. It’s definitely a good way to get more exposure for your business. You will definitely blow them away.”

“Thanks, Tomas. So how is it being away from home?”

“So much freedom. I am having a blast! The only thing I miss is your cooking but the food here is 5 stars so…” I say jokingly.

“Oh it’s like that huh?”

“I’m kidding. I miss you guys. But I made at least two maybe two and a half friends so that’s been nice. Oh I also ran into Trent.”

“Wow two and a half friends plus Trent, you have truly become a social butterfly over there. Have you met any cute boys yet?” she says smiling cheekily.

It is my mom’s joy in life to play matchmaker and tease me about all of my crushes, fictional and real.

“No…”

“You hesitated! Who is he?”

“I have no idea what you are talking about, Ms. Kendall. Is that dad I see in the background?”

I spend another half hour just catching up with dad. At some point mom leaves to start on dinner.

“So…who is the new crush?” dad says out of nowhere.

“He is not a crush I barely know him!”

“So there is someone!” mom crows in the background.

“Ugh, I have homework to do. Love you, bye!”

“That was definitely a diversion but I’ll let it slide. Bye, love you too.” mom says.

“Bye son, love you.” dad says.