Course Of Action

CHAPTER 2: Pressure

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P R E S S U R E

 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 filled 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 than later the life we lived together since kindergarten would shatter for 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 old 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.

"You kinda almost set the whole school on fire with that thing though...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 in our matters. He certainly had my vote, and out of everyone going to our campus he was one who never ceased to treat me with kindness. A guy who made me feel seen in the most genuine of ways.

"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 we could've had a longer summer break!" Another guy, Leslie West, joined the conversation, his odd sense of humor making an entrance once again.

"A little much, don't you think?" Mark raised a brow at him, his arm falling over Leslie's shoulder.

"Should've just told me that then~" Diana cooed at him. "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 added, 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 coming 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 his friend down the hall with his eyes, I took a moment to take him in. It had been long since I had been that up close to him, and I could only now see the changes he had undergone over the past year or so. He was certainly taller and broader than before, his features sharper and his dark hair longer. But no matter the physical changes he underwent as he slowly morphed into a man, his character remained the same. it was obvious in his speech, his childish antics and his somewhat eccentric way of dressing. The happy-go-lucky guy I once called my friend with was still in there.