Awakened

Chapter 2: Is This What Fame Feels Like

The Friday morning air was brisk as Mia and I strolled the few blocks to school, the vibrant streets of Chicago buzzing with life around us. Sunlight filtered through the gaps between the towering skyscrapers, casting warm golden beams that danced on the pavement.

Street vendors were already setting up their carts, the rich scents of fresh bagels and brewing coffee wafting through the air, mingling with the laughter and chatter of the city's early risers. Yet, amidst the hustle and bustle, I felt trapped in a bubble of my thoughts, the weight of the morning's events still pressing heavily on my mind.

As we walked, Mia pulled out her phone, reverberated videos played in and out as she clicked quickly through her lineup of Snapchat stories.

Suddenly, her eyes lit up. "Shut the fuck up! Have you seen this?" She turned the screen toward me, revealing a colorful party flyer. "Since when is Hayden Fisher throwing a party tonight? Have you heard about it?"

I recognized the name instantly. Hayden has been my best friend since I moved here. Moving to a new high school isn't easy. I remembered the first day I transferred to this school, how whispers followed me around the halls, students judging me for being an orphan. I wonder what happened to his parents. Do you think he did it? It felt like a spotlight was on me, and not the good kind. But when Hayden stood up for me, the tide began to turn. The bullying stopped, for the most part.

Things have always been easy for Hayden. I'd normally detest a guy like Hayden Fisher, but he surprised me. The perfect family, an endless revolving door of girls, and a huge house; our school's usual party spot.

He had mentioned the party a few days ago, but I hadn't given it much thought. "Yeah, he said something about it," I replied, trying to sound casual. "But I'm not sure if I'll go."

Mia leaned closer to the screen, reading the flyer at her fingertips. "Everyone's going to be there, and it's a great chance to celebrate your birthday. Plus, Hayden's like, your best friend, I know he'd love if you were there."

I kicked a small rock along the sidewalk, feeling the familiar knot of uncertainty tighten in my stomach. "I don't know... I just don't feel like being around a huge crowd right now."

Mia sighed, clearly frustrated but determined. "You can't keep hiding away, Kyle. You're eighteen now! This is the time to step out of your shell a bit. Besides, you'll have me with you. Just think about it, okay?" She nudged my arm playfully, trying to lift my spirits."

"Alright, I'll think about it," I said, as we approached the school, the old brick building looming ahead.

We stepped into the crowded hallway, and I immediately noticed the usual scene. Students drifted in and out of the classrooms, chatting with their friends, rushing to lockers, and pulling out books.

We walked toward the back of the hallway where my locker was tucked in a corner, a quieter area where the noise didn't seem as deafening.

When we reached my locker, I began twisting the combination, but before I could open it, I heard the unmistakable sound of high-pitched giggling approaching from behind. I glanced up to see Mia's friends, two of the most popular girls in school--Ava and Riley--strutting toward us like they owned the place.

"Well, look who's here," Ava said with a sly grin. "Happy birthday, Kyle. How's it feel to finally be eighteen?"

Riley chimed in, flipping her hair over her shoulder. "Yeah, do you feel any older, or are you still like the same..."

A thick silence lingers over the four of us.

"Anyway... happy birthday, Kyle. Hope it's a good one." Ava said, with a look that I couldn't quite interpret, but I didn't have time to think about it before Riley grabbed Mia's arm, dragging her away with a wink at me.