Course Of Action

CHAPTER 2: Pressure

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P R E S S U R E

PoV: Wilma Morris...|

When we arrived at the campus, Diana parked the car at her usual place—a stone's throw from most. We made our way inside the building where we were met with divided crowds of jittery students. Sun-kissed cheeks, freckles and sun bleached hair filled the hallway, and a smidge of joy touched me as I once again got to see them.

Never mind our stale and awkward relations that were neglected since many years back. They were special to me in a way which made them irreplaceable. Familiarity gave me a sense of family, and it left a pang in my chest knowing that sooner rather than later the life we lived together since kindergarten would shatter for all of us to go our separate ways. For their places in my life to be filled by other, unfamiliar faces.

Having my eyes scan them briefly one by one as we walked down the hallway, it was obvious it wasn't the first time they had all seen each other again since summer started. Just like me and Diana had, they had met up as well, but unlike for us, their summer had likely been a tad bit more enjoyable.

Tucking away my curiosity as to their summer adventures, I checked with Diana if she wished to make a pit-stop at our lockers. Usually she didn't, but I thought that perhaps for once she'd appreciate a brief moment of digging in her locker.

"Sure, I think I forgot my lighter there before summer break after Mrs Lowers threatened to seize it...Would be nice to get my trusted old friend back." She gave out a deep chuckle.

"Well...You kinda almost set the whole school on fire with that thing...So I'd say she was pretty justified in her threats."

A familiar voice spoke up behind us as we neared out lockers, and looking over our shoulders we came face to face with our student representative. A bit of a cheeky guy really, but eloquent and reliable enough to have gained the entire school's trust when it came to the student's matters. He certainly had my vote, as I knew he'd look upon every student, and every student's concern, with equal respect and concern.

"It wasn't my fault the curtain decided to blow into the flame!" Diana fought for her side, rolling her eyes as she yet again had to repeat her defence.

"And perhaps if you had just let it set alight that day rather than snuffing it out, we could've had a longer summer break!" Another guy, Leslie West, joined the conversation, his odd sense of humor making an entrance.

"A little much, don't you think?" Mark raised a brow at him, his arm falling over Leslie's shoulder. "Someone could've gotten hurt if the place burnt down..."

"Should've just told me that then~" Diana cooed at Leslie, ignoring Mark's statement. "Can't say I'd complain about missing your stupid face for an additional month."

"Oh c'mon! That's hurtful Dy~" Leslie dramatically clutched his chest, forcing the pain in his voice. "I'm a changed man~"

Diana's eyes to take a detour around their sockets at his words, and Mark let a snort slip out, unable to keep his poker face for his friend

"A legal man perhaps, but not very changed!" Mark remarked, giving Leslie a pat on the shoulder before he began to make his leave. "Now don't cause any ruckus around here! I'd prefer at least two weeks until the complaints start rolling in."

"Ay ay!" Leslie gave him a salute, and we watched as Mark disappeared in the crowd of students.

Looking over back at Leslie who still traced Mark down the hallway, I took a moment to acknowledge some of his alleged change. It had been long since we last interacted, and I couldn't recall paying him any real mind the past few years.