XENOI

Chapter 1: The Stone

- October 19, 1984 -

[Hillcrest High]

The mid-morning sun painted streaks of warmth across the classroom, casting a tranquil ambiance over the rows of neatly arranged desks. Mr. ANDERSON, a middle-aged man with a penchant for corduroy jackets, stood at the front of the room, adjusting his wire-rimmed glasses and flipping through his binder filled with lesson plans. It was a typical Tuesday afternoon, and the sun cast a warm glow through the windows of Hillcrest High School.

"Alright, everyone," he began, tapping a VHS tape on the desk. "Today, we're diving into a crucial part of American history. We've been talking a lot about the 20th century, but let's rewind a bit to discuss the foundations laid in the 18th and 19th centuries."

He walked over to the TV cart, a staple of the classroom, and popped the tape into the VCR. The students murmured with a mix of curiosity and indifference. The tape buzzed to life, showing grainy footage of historical reenactments and old photographs.

"First off, let's talk about the Declaration of Independence," Mr. Anderson said, pointing to a large, laminated copy of the document hanging on the wall. "Does anyone remember the year it was signed?"

A few hands went up. "1776," answered JONATHAN, a bright student sitting in the second row.

"Correct," Mr. Anderson affirmed with a smile. "July 4th, 1776, to be exact. But the journey to independence didn't end there. The Revolutionary War continued until 1783, culmina..."

The door creaked open, disrupting the serene atmosphere. ALDIEN, a disheveled figure with an apologetic look, entered the room. Mr. Anderson's gaze shifted from the chalkboard to the tardy entrance, raising an inquisitive eyebrow. "Sorry I'm late, Mr. Anderson," he said, offering a quick wave. "Got caught up in something."

Mr. Anderson paused the tape and looked at Aldien, who flashed a sheepish grin. "Take your seat, Aldien. We're just getting started on the Declaration of Independence."

Aldien found an empty chair at the second row and plopped down, opening his notebook. "Cool. So, where were we?"

"Well," Mr. Anderson continued, slightly amused, "we were discussing the Declaration of Independence. What year was it signed again?"

"1776," answered Melodia, a girl sitting next to Aldien.

Aldien offered a sheepish nod as he settled onto his chair. Jonathan shot him a bemused glance, a silent query lingering in his eyes.

"Late again, Aldien? What's your excuse this time?" Jonathan whispered with a teasing grin.

Aldien leaned in, his expression a mix of contrition and amusement. "Well, you see, I stumbled upon a mysterious portal in the hallway that led to a world where time moves differently."

Jonathan chuckled, shaking his head. "A likely story. Try better next time."

From the back of the classroom, BOB, known for his less-than-friendly remarks, piped up with a sneer. "Maybe Aldien was meeting some queers. That's why he's always late."

A hush fell over the room as tension crackled in the air. Jonathan's expression darkened, and he shot back immediately, "Shut up, BLOB."

Their whispered banter continued, a lighthearted conversation weaving through the backdrop of Mr. Anderson's lecture. As the teacher delved into the complexities of historical ideologies, Aldien and Jonathan shared glances, finding solace in the familiar camaraderie that even tardiness couldn't disrupt. The classroom, once momentarily disrupted, settled back into a rhythm of learning and friendship, an everyday harmony that defined the contours of their high school existence.