Rock Bottom (MLM)

TWO

-'✮'-

CALEB

Sunday, August 18, 2024. 9:00 AM

My alarm flinches me awake. It's the beginning of my last year of high school. Well, not officially, but it will be my last time walking into that building for the first time after a long summer.

Student council always shows up a day early to prep for Freshmen Orientation. Ronnie is probably awake already. They probably never even fell asleep. I, on the other hand, was passed out at 3 PM, I think?

I'm stressed, frankly. I know how this year is going to go. Lots of people treading on eggshells when I'm around. Everyone asking how I've been.

Plus, in the scenario where anyone runs against me for Student Body President, I will probably get sympathy votes. So that's... fun...

I've always run unopposed, so unless there's some cocky freshman shooting for the stars, I'm pretty sure I'll win anyway. It's not like I've done anything wrong to the student body. Of course, there are the bastards who are simply offended by my homosexual existence, but they can take me up on that during their annual protest.

I'm thinking the homophobia will die down this year though. Obviously, when I got outed last February it was pretty bad, but I think after what I've gone through people will be easier on me. Also, anyone who still gives a shit is just pathetic.

I groggily climb out of my bed, heading over to my closet. I don't go crazy with my outfit, simply picking out a forest green t-shirt with loose-fitted jeans. Then, I slip on my typical two gold rings and my bracelet with the D on it.

I head downstairs where I can already hear Ronnie talking to Dad. And then I realize they're talking about me...

"I don't even have any classes with him. Finn and Silas have art class with him, but that's not until the end of the day! I literally won't get to see him until lunch and council meetings." Ronnie sounds stressed. Over me. Of course. Why wouldn't they be? That's all they do; dance around heavy subjects and worry, worry, worry.

"Ron, he's doing better. You don't need to be this worked up. I'm sure all he wants is to return to normalcy." Dad says. And he is correct. I need things to be normal again. "Focus on yourself. I know you're hurting too."

"Well, yes, but Caleb is hurting more!"

I decide this will be my time to make my presence known, and step off the stairs and into the kitchen. I don't explicitly regard either of them or acknowledge the conversation they were openly having over me.

"Mornin'" Dad says with a small smile. He probably knows I heard them talking, but he too doesn't bring it up.

"Morning..." I take a berry Pop Tart from the cabinet, peeling open the silver packaging. I don't toast my Pop Tarts, so I go straight in for a bite.

"You're driving, right?" Ronnie asks me. It's a stupid question because I've driven us to school or literally anywhere else since I got my license

"Mhm..." I mumble, taking my seat at the island. Ronnie always takes the farthest left seat. The one to their left is always—was always... Ugh, never mind. My point is, I sit just two seats down from them, as in there's just one chair between us, I guess? What the fuck is wrong with me this morning?

-'✮'-

9:56 AM

I pull into my usual parking space and hop out of the car. It was a hand-me-down from my grandma, so it's nothing special, but it drives! That's what matters in my eyes. Plus, it's basically free if you exclude gas and maintenance prices.