Truth In Trust

PART ONE Pages 17-27

15 MINUTES LATER, AT LUNCH

Where was he? I have been scanning the cafeteria for Noah for as long as my brain can remember! Was he sick, or busy with a task some teacher gave him on his way here? He is kind of a teacher's pet, because of how respectful and kindhearted he is. Oh boy. The worst notion came to my mind. What if Noah is involved in some shady matters and has been skipping school? This wasn't the first time he had missed lunch; it had happened at least four times before. I just put it out of my mind because I figure there's no way Noah could be that sort of person; just no way!

A huge rush of relief came over me as I saw what I thought was his chestnut brown, naturally shaggy hair above the crowd, since he has a tall six foot four inches stature. However, it was just a false alarm, as it is actually just another student. Okay, if I'm being totally upfront, now is the time to start panicking! It would break my heart if I had to deal with another great friend of mine making the wrong decisions concerning their lives. Why couldn't people just adhere to the "play it safe" philosophy?! That usually works for me. . . With the exception of, I guess, these past couple of months. I can't believe I let my guard down. When is everything just going to go back to normal?

Right now, I have so many questions, more than I could possibly count. I don't know how I'm going to make it through the school day. But, then again, I've survived these previous wrecking ball weeks, so there's that. If you didn't already know, I'm kind of a perfectionist, which doesn't necessarily help this situation. Or rather, should I say, situations? Either way, I haven't been able to concentrate on my schoolwork as much lately. Somehow, though, I am still able to hold my head high above the waves when it comes to my grades; I still have all 8o's and above. It must be prayer helping me, and that alone.

Although, I am actually zooming in on a classmate of mine. Her name is Sonia, and it is evident that she has been struggling in several classes, currently more than ever. To be honest, I feel great pity for her. It must be hard having to cope with failing grades, which could in turn cause you to fail an entire class, or worse, grade. No one wants to feel utterly defeated in life, no matter what part it is. I'm hoping to help her in some way, as well as befriend her(in contrast to the fact that friendship has not even been working in my favor).

I was contemplating how I would accomplish this, when I was dragged off the throne in my castle of thought by a boisterous voice in the opposite direction of where I was seated. Startled, I glanced up to see what seemed to be Denver, a shy and reserved kid, being bullied by the new kid, Alvin. The brawny bully lifted Denver off the ground in a light manner, and effortlessly threw him into the nearest garbage bin. The audience in the cafeteria sat stunned and silent, not willing nor daring to challenge this unpredictable danger before their eyes.

"Hey, Doomed Denver! How does it feel to finally belong somewhere, with a real family?. . . Oh, wait. You're so worthless that even the garbage bin you're in wouldn't accept you!! Ha ha ha haha haha ha!"Alvin bellowed in wicked triumph.

I watched in terror as Denver, too weak to recover, sat pathetically in the bin, without a word. I feel it for him; a person can only take so much tyranny and oppression. Suddenly, though, a clear, cool and confident voice shone through the cafeteria. It took me a second to realize it was, surprisingly, Noah's voice. My heart skipped a few beats, both because I was worried about what would take place next and due to the knowledge of Noah being so closeby.

"Leave him alone, Alvin! You're going to be sorry you chose to bully anyone today!" Noah boldly declared, finally challenging the new kid who thought he was in charge all of a sudden.

"I'm gonna be sorry?! I think you're making a big mistake, Nate! You don't mess with me, or you'll be sorry! Anyone who does will, for that matter!" Alvin arrogantly proclaimed.