A Rift Between Us

Chapter 40 - Alfie's Comeback

The corridor was eerily still, a gentle draft whistling through every gap in the school's aging structure. Alfie shivered as the cool air brushed against his ankles. It was Own Clothes Day, a rare reprieve from the usual uniform. He pulled out his phone, quickly checking for any lurking teachers.

Mum: Have a wonderful day at school little lamb! And remember to stay away from anyone that's sick. xoxo <3 08:42

With pleasure. Those daily doses of random folk medicine that you made me take are NOT something I want to undergo anytime soon...

His thumbs patted across the screen, tapping out a simple reply before sending it. He slipped the phone back into his pocket and reached for the doorknob, still warm from countless touches.

Okay...here we go.

The door creaked open, revealing a sea of heads turning towards him almost simultaneously.

"Oh wow, so he's finally back!" said one student, sporting a cheeky grin.

"Bro, your hair is looooong. You need to hit the barbers." sneered another.

Another boy near the entrance complained.

"You should have worn something better man..."

Alfie looked down at his attire. It was simple, a light blue shirt with dark denim jeans and black trainers. No fancy art. No words. No designer.

The typical murmur of disparate voices inundated the classroom, bogging down Mr Dodge who slowly rotated in his seat. Keiko glared at Alfie, completely focused on him as he casually walked to his chair. He sat down, ignoring her, taking his backpack off and hanging it behind him. A student ahead spun around.

"Yo Alfie, how are you missing this much of school so close to exams?"

He was soon bombarded with questions from every direction, making it impossible to understand, let alone answer. Mr Dodge's face lunged forward.

"Stop talking! Alfie, I'm incredibly disappointed by your lengthy absence. You've got a tremendous amount of catching up to do. We'll discuss this further later."

The noise in the classroom fell sharply, leaving Alfie in a reticent state following Mr Dodge's remark.

"You still haven't done that detention you owe me either. Don't think being off for so long has made me forget."

Alfie's body slumped forward as he rested his chin inside his palm. He could sense the festering rage radiating from Keiko, engulfing him like a thick fog. Mr Dodge peered around his desk.

"Has anyone seen my pack of Blue Tack?"

His head whipped around, desperately searching for the packet amidst the clutter on his desk. Alara pointed towards the floor, where it lay half-hidden beneath his chair.

"There it is sir. It has simply fallen near your feet. Shall I get it for you?"

A grating scrape echoed through the room as Mr Dodge's chair wheel snagged on an unseen object, jarring the otherwise quiet atmosphere. He leaned over to retrieve the pack, which clattered onto his desk, sending loose bits of paper flying. Alfie watched as he tore off a fresh piece of Blue Tack, wondering how many packs he'd used in his absence.

He rolled the Blue Tack between his palms as he scanned the register. Alfie's head jerked as Keiko nudged him with her elbow. She leaned in close, her face inches from his.

"Why the heck have you been ignoring my calls and texts?"

Her voice was calm, but her frustration was palpable. Alfie shifted away, rubbing his nose to hide the movement of his lips from Mr Dodge.

"I've been sick, what do you expect?"

Dissatisfaction washed over Keiko's face, rendering her speechless at his audacious tone. Her hand trembled, clenching into a fist. It darted across the desk, striking Alfie on the arm with a thud.

"Have some respect you nerd!"

Alfie's brows furrowed as their eyes clashed like two well-trained knights.

"Respect?"

Their eyes locked in a silent battle, neither willing to look away, until Keiko finally broke the stare, turning her gaze in the opposite direction.

"Humph. Whatever, nerd..."