Before We Tapped In | Suburb Talks

0.3 Group Project

Setting: Junior Year High School
Commitment Issues

Sean was heading towards the library, his mind preoccupied with the upcoming project deadline. As a high school student, he was never one to do the best in his studies. If he barely passed he was happy, as long as he could play soccer then he was chilling. That was all he ever really cared about. Nothing was calling out to him, at least no passion was, but people? There was always one that called out to him.

 As he turned the corner, his notebook in hand he noticed Nina standing near the entrance, her shoulders tense. Nina was one of his long-time friends, even through his afro phase, his elementary phase she was always a friend. They were close, really close, almost too close at times. She held a special place in his heart, a place that he couldn't quite explain. 

Gwen, also a friend that he had known for a long time, known for her sharp tongue, was standing in front of her, a smug expression on her face. Gwen and Nina used to be friends, but something happened that no one really talked about and they suddenly had beef with each other.

"You really think you can handle this on your own, Nina?" Gwen sneered. "Everyone knows you're just riding on Sean's coattails."

Nina's face flushed, but she stood her ground. "I can handle more than you think, Gwen. Just because I work well with Sean doesn't mean I can't do things on my own."

"Even if Sean doesn't try he is smart. He is competent, but you," Gwen scoffed, "You are beyond dumb that I don't even know how you are alive right now."

"I am perfectly capable of doing my over research project, Gwen, and you know that," Nina uttered, "Or did you forget that we were once friends? Did you also forget that I let you copy off me in science class and I covered for your ass?"

"That is a lie, and you know that-"

"Whatever you want to believe," Nina said as she shook her head, "Was it so hard to still be my friend?"

"Yeah," Gwen nodded, "It was impossible, considering what you did-"

Sean felt a surge of anger. He couldn't just stand by and let Gwen belittle Nina like this. He quickened his pace and stepped between them, his eyes locking onto Gwen's. Nina had a shock on her face not expecting the boy that she had been waiting for to be early.

"That's enough, Gwen," Sean said firmly. "Nina is more than capable, and she doesn't need to prove anything to you."

Gwen's eyes widened in surprise, but she quickly regained her composure. "Oh, look, the knight in shining armor comes to the rescue. Don't let her get too comfortable, she might always look for you to fight her battles for her." she mocked.

Sean didn't flinch. "It's called standing up for a friend. Maybe you should try it sometime."

Gwen scoffed and turned on her heel, "If you only knew what I've done, Sean," walking away with a huff. Sean turned to Nina, his expression softening.

"Are you okay?" he asked gently as he put his hand on her shoulder.

Nina nodded, a small smile forming on her lips. "Yeah, thanks, Sean. I appreciate it. I don't get why she is always so angry at me."

"Maybe she just needs more time," Sean replied. 

"I don't think we'll ever be friends again," The shorter said as she looked sadly at the older girl who was once her best friend, continue to walk away.

"Let's get to the library. We've got work to do." Sean said as he wrapped his arm over her shoulder.

As they walked together, Sean couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in Nina's strength. She knew that with friends like him and the rest of their close-knit group, she could face anything that came her way. 

Though eventually things would change, and people would change they still believed that together they were unstoppable.