By the end of the day my body was crippling. I could feel every sore muscle screaming in pain when I moved. Different parts of my limbs had been aimlessly shaking for the past hour. All I wanted to do was collapse- to just give up and move onto tomorrow. But I knew that there was only one last class period, then I could go home. This delightful thought danced in my head- going home. But at last, I mustered up the strength and pushed myself into science.
I had always been shitty at science- just wasn't my thing. I could never remember the formulas, or where the different organs are, or how plants photosynthesized- it all seemed so pointless.
As I entered class I witnessed Kiri at a desk next Aonung chatting about something... they seemed friendly. Weird, I knew my sister quite well and she was never welcoming to new people. And from the small interactions I have experienced with Aonung, he was the same way- closed off. Unwilling to let those unfamiliar in.
I slowly sat behind my sister observing the two. I started studying Aonung and saw how uncomfortable his seat was- Knees pressing into the top of the table, back hunched over in an attempt to shrink himself, ribs condensed between the desk behind him and his seat. The discomfort was practically radiating off of him. It wasn't like I felt great ether. My tender muscles screamed in agony with every minor move I make.
I then glazed over to see my sister- she seemed oddly comfortable. Unlike earlier today. I figured that her migraine must have past; putting her in an uplifting mood. Though I must have been staring too long cause out of nowhere my sister abandoned her conversation to face me.
"Hey brother ! How was P.E ?"
"Oh- it was fine... is your head okay now ?" I lied- P.E was awful. Lo'ak and I just sat in silence hiding in the locker rooms. But I didn't want Aonung to think I was a complainer, so I decided to tell her later.
"It's way better !"
"Dame your cheery."
"In a good mood."
"I can tell." The whole interaction was strange- usually Kiri is very blunt and stand-off ish. Even towards me. Though right now she was grinning from ear to ear without a care in the world. I was deep in thought about my sister when a majestic voice spoke, " You good Nathan ?" At first I didn't respond knowing that's not my name. "Nathan ???" A large hand appeared on my shoulder shaking me. My body winced in tender pain. I looked to face the culprit- only to realize it was Aonung.
"Dude my names Neteyam ! And what the fuck do you want !" Normally I wouldn't have been so hostile towards someone- especially not in class. But this guy was pissing me off. I could barely get through the day and now I have to deal with him ?
"Sorry, sorry..." he held his hands up in defeat.
I gave him a Kiri- like eye roll before facing my attention to the teacher. He kept droning on and on about microorganisms. Science was always never ending- but this was true torcher at its finest. The way the teacher could take the life out of a subject about life was truly a talent.
All throughout the class my mind kept drifting to many things- my family, this school, the new 'friends'. Who are only being kind to us because of their dad. So far I couldn't even imagine me thriving here- I knew I could survive. I knew I could endure my time spent in this town. But would I truly enjoy my life here ? No. It would just be me barley getting through the day. Barley managing to survive the life that was forced on me.
Due to Neteyam's sulking he was unaware of fact that Aonung had been turning his head to watch him. Admiring his concentration. Aonung wondered why he looked so down- just drifting off into space.
"Aonung is there a reason for your staring at Mr. Sully ???" The teacher pulled Neteyam out of his trance. Tey looked straight into Aonung's eyes with confusion. Was he really staring ?
"I was just day dreaming ." Aonung said this is such a casual tone. Like it was no big deal that Aonung was 'just' day dreaming in his direction for who knows how long.
Aonung was clearly starting to get under my skin. All morning I tried being friendly towards him- only to be left with nasty replies. He reminded me so much of the typical high school jock- large, muscular, an ass-whole, full of himself, ...
Neteyam continued his list, only getting nastier with each remark he made about Aonung. Though, he just kept gazing at Aonung. Letting the wheels turn in his head. Letting himself replay every interaction they have ever had- all of them hurt Neteyam in some way. From how he tried to ditch him in the hallway, to him ripping the paper out of his hands, judging him in the cafeteria, and now this. Embarrassing him in front of the class- ON HIS FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL ! Who does he think he is ?
Luckily the bell started to ring. I threw everything into my bag, grabbed Kiri and headed towards my car. With my bed pictured in my mind I started to race even quicker to the car- exhausted from the day. Excited to pass out when I get home.
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