The Silence of a Shark

Chapter IX - Collision

Morning sunlight streamed through my window, nudging me awake. I opened my eyes, greeted by the familiar sight of my room—shelves packed with books, my cluttered desk, and the usual chaos. It was comforting in a world that seemed to be spinning a bit unpredictably the past few... day, I guess.

I got ready for the day, every motion part of my lovely routine. Making the bed, picking out clothes, and heading downstairs for breakfast. Lily, my l̶i̶t̶t̶l̶e̶ (edited by yours truly) sister, was already ghosting around the kitchen, grabbing a quick bite before vanishing back to her room. Morning conversations were rare with her.

The walk to school was the usual time for reflection. Although, when isn't it? Bryce's polished assignment was tucked in my backpack, a bridge I never expected or wanted to build. It felt strange to have this connection. Hopefully it crumbles. Not that I don't like him, I just think it's better if I watch him. And, again, not that I'm a stalker- (He rambles for awhile. You're welcome 😘).

As I got closer to school, the usual chaos of students filled the air—greetings, last-minute test preps, and half-baked weekend plans. I drifted along the edge, dipping in just enough to stay current.

Amy popped into my thoughts again. Today was her first day at the new job, the start of something big. I spotted her in the crowd, a face I now noticed more than before. She was just another student, yet more significant in my mental story.

Walking through the school doors, I felt the usual invisible barrier around me thin slightly. Maybe it was Kaylee's unexpected request, Amy's new venture, or just me starting to confront my own hidden chapters.

The school bell rang, reminding us all that the day waited for no one. I merged with the flow of students, another (depressing) character in the high school drama.

At my locker, I felt a weird mix of anticipation and curiosity. I was just content watching today, but I have a feeling that won't be a choice.

As I opened my locker, arranging my books, Eve appeared by my side. She had this knack for showing up out of nowhere. I thought I was the stalker.

"Quite the collection," she said, glancing at my locker's contents with a mix of intrigue and amusement.

I straightened up, closing the locker a bit too quickly. Eve always managed to blur the line between my private story and the outside. "Morning, Eve," I said, trying to keep it casual.

She leaned against the lockers, smiling. "Anything new?" she teased, clearly knowing her escapades.

"Wouldn't you like to know?"

She chuckled, her laugh unexpectedly melodic. "Aw~ don't be like that. Sometimes the side character is more interesting than the main one."

Just then, Amy appeared a few lockers down, clutching her bag like a shield. Eve watched her too, with a look I couldn't didn't want to decipher.

"Do you think she's ready for this?" I asked, voicing my curiosity.

Eve looked back at me, her expression thoughtful. "She'll be fine."

. . .

"You've got more of a hand in this than you let on." I met her eyes, a wave of understanding washing over me. "It's no coincidence I'm involved now."

She smiled knowingly. "Maybe. Or maybe the universe decided it was time for Oliver the Observer to become Oliver the Participant."

That was cheesy. (🧀♥️😽)

The tension in my shoulders eased a bit. Eve had skillfully woven me into the social fabric of high school life—especially Amy's. She'd fostered a connection without my conscious consent, but not entirely against my will.

The swell of students began moving towards their classes. Eve pushed off from the lockers, ready to go with the flow. "Just remember, even observers have their own story to tell."

"True," I said, folding my arms. "But some stories are best observed from a distance."

"Safe, maybe. But not nearly as fun," she countered with a wink before merging with the crowd.

I watched her go, her ease among the students starkly contrasting my own careful navigation. In that moment of solitude, I felt a tap on my shoulder.

Turning around, I found Kaylee, looking impatient. "Finished with Bryce's thing?" she asked.

"Ah, yes. That 'thing'," I said, pulling Bryce's assignment from my bag.

Kaylee grabbed the papers, scanning them quickly. "You're a lifesaver, Oliver. Who knew you'd be so handy?" Bit of a backhanded compliment, but I'll take it.

"With any luck, he'll learn to do it himself," I said, but she was already turning away, her mission accomplished, leaving me with my lonesome.

It hit me, how my world of observation had collided with their universe of drama and crises. Eve's nudges, Kaylee's requests—they'd set a narrative in motion that I was now part of.

I shook my head, a reluctant smirk forming. The universe, and Eve, had indeed conspired in an interesting way. And who was I to resist a good story?