(nischa) I write poems to burn by firelight ┋Ride the cyclone

Stars

8:25am

I arrived at school just as the bus pulled up, and I saw Constance stepping off. She spotted me almost immediately.

— Hi, Noel! — she called out, waving as she approached.

— Hi, Connie. — I replied with a small smile.

We started walking toward the entrance, where Ocean was waiting. Constance hurried ahead and hugged Ocean tightly, and I couldn't help but notice how close they'd become lately. It was a little curious—how suddenly their friendship had turned so affectionate.

As we approached, Ocean glanced at me but didn't say anything, focused on chatting with Constance.

Our first class is Algebra 12, and I settle into my seat, trying to focus as the teacher dives into the lesson. About ten minutes in, there's a knock on the door.

The teacher pauses and walks over to open it.   —Mr. Mischa Bachinsky, — she says, tripping over his last name like it's a tongue twister. — You're 10 minutes late, again. —

Mischa strolls in, looking like he couldn't care less. He gives her a quick nod, mumbling something about the bus being late. The teacher sighs, clearly tired of the same old excuse, but she doesn't press it. She just motions for him to take his seat.

Mischa drops into the desk next to mine, getting closer to me with a smirk. — This teacher is something else, huh? — he mutters, keeping his voice low so only I can hear.

I stifle a laugh, knowing exactly what he means. — Yeah, she really butchered your name. — I whisper back, trying to keep a straight face.

Mischa just shrugs, unfazed. — Happens every time. You'd think she'd get it right by now. —

3:00pm

Choir practice again. I'm not sure if I can even bring myself to sing or listen to everyone else after what happened. But I show up on time, and so does Mischa. As we walk into the choir room, he's going on about something—his latest debate on the best rapper of all time.

I'm not really into that stuff, but I let him talk because I can tell he's really excited about it.

When Mischa and I walk into the rehearsal room, Ocean and Constance are already there, busy taking down the fall fair decorations.

Ocean is carefully peeling off streamers from the walls, while Constance is folding up the banner that had been hanging at the front. They seem to be in their own world, chatting and laughing quietly as they work.

As Mischa goes on about his favorite rappers, Ocean glances up and notices us. — Wow, you two are quite early. — she says, raising an eyebrow.

Mischa grins, clearly enjoying himself. — We are here on time for once, so you are welcome. —

Ocean chuckles. — Well, since you're here early, you can help us finish up. — She gestures to the remaining decorations.

Mischa and I exchange glances, and I can tell he'd rather do anything else.
After a while, Penny and Ricky arrive. Ricky approaches me and starts signing something. Since I'm still learning sign language, I don't quite catch what he's saying.

Penny notices and steps in. — He asked if we can help with anything — she translates.

I smile and shake my head. — Oh, no, it's okay. We're almost finished here. —

Ricky gives a thumbs-up and takes a seat next to us. Penny heads over to help Constance with the last of the decorations. The room gradually returns to its usual state.