Never Too Late

Chapter Thirteen

"Have you joined any clubs yet Johan?" Rachel asked as she watched her brother unpack his bag. They were in the living room, and she had not long before returned home, so she tried to bond with her brother.

She found being in his company peaceful, and unlike Luke, who was more outgoing, he was calm and reserved.

"I haven't found the time yet." He said opening up his notebook and highlighting a few words.

Smiling softly, she noted he was just like Luke in some ways, he was reluctant to admit that he wasn't a people person and preferred to be alone. Luke had broken out of his shell in junior high but Johan was still a loner. He was always spending time in the library and avoided people unless he had to talk to them but Rachel understood him.

"You know, you can't bury yourself in studying forever; there's a cool spot in town, a diner that most of the guys from school go to; maybe you go there and hang out with them sometimes." Rachel encouraged him but Johan frowned.

"I already see them enough at school, I don't want to be around them in my free time," Johan grumbled as he started on his homework.

"Oh, did you and anybody have a falling out?" She asked curious about his change in attitude.

"No, but I've heard enough to know that I don't need to be looking for friends." He said going through his bag before pulling out his calculator.

She was about to ask him what he meant when she remembered all the gossip that had gone around about him after he had enrolled. She didn't realize that he had heard it but she secretly berated herself for not guessing he would.

"Johan, there are decent people at school. I'm sure if you gave someone a chance you'd see that for yourself!" Rachel said trying to convince him despite everything.

"It's fine; remember, I'm only going to be here for a few months, so there's no reason for me to group myself with anyone," Johan said nonchalantly.

Sinking down on the carpet, she leaned against the couch defeated. She almost forgot that Johan still planned on leaving and there was no telling if and when they might cross paths again. Thinking back on the night she had spotted him outside through the window, she thought how fortunate it had been for her to be home at that time, or Johan would've been on his way, and she would've never known of him.

Just then, Luke came down the stairs, and an idea crossed her mind.

"Hey Luke, are you heading by Shelly's diner?" She asked hoping that he was.

"Yeah, why?" Luke asked as he buttoned up his jacket.

"Oh, no reason," she said as she nudged Johan on his side, but he didn't move.

Catching on to what she was trying to do Luke sighed and shook his head.

"Let him be; if he wants to stay here, it's fine. It might be too much for him." Luke said looking at him pitifully.

Seeing this Johan put down his book and and stared back at his brother daringly.

"Why not? Maybe I'll go," Johan said, getting to his feet. "Give me five minutes."

At this, Luke looked annoyed, but Rachel couldn't stop smiling because, just as she had predicted, Luke was more persuasive than her, though unintentionally.

***
Johan sat in his brother's car quietly as he pulled into the parking lot of the Diner his sister had told him about. It was small but had a lot of traffic going in and out the doors, and he could spot a few faces from school that made him feel uneasy, but he remained stoic. He wasn't sure why he let his feelings get the better of him and made him decide to come but now it was too late to do anything.

He got out shortly after his brother and looked around briefly before someone caught his attention. It was the same guy that had surprised him at school on his first day when he was on his way to the principal's office. When he noticed Johan was looking at him he immediately walked over and greeted both him and Luke.

"I wanted to apologize for frightening you at school, I hope we can be cool." He said offering apologies to him right away.

"Yeah, no problem," Johan said taken back by how straightforward and sincere he seemed.

"I've been trying to talk to you all week but you always seem so busy." He told him. "I know it sounds weird but I think it's cool that my best friend has a twin."

"I guess," Johan said, trying to be enthusiastic, but inwardly, he had to admit that he found him to be a bit more tolerable than his other schoolmates.

"It might seem cool, but he's nothing like me; sorry to disappoint you, Noel." Luke joined in, and Johan shot him an irritated glance, but Noel laughed at their interaction.

Just then, Luke broke out in a smile and suddenly seemed happier, and Johan realized that a girl was walking over to them, but he didn't pay her any attention.

"Erika, I didn't expect to see you here today." Luke smiled brighter, his demeanor immediately changing as she stood near him.

"Is this your brother, nice to meet you." She said in a soft voice that tickled his chest and made him look up. As soon as Johan's eyes met hers he understood why Luke was acting the way he was. The girl had unusual striking features and a delicate smile that made her stand out. Her eyes were grey, and she had long black hair going down her thin, small frame, and when she smiled at him, his face felt warm. Guessing that she was his brother's girlfriend, he tried to hide his growing smile but it was clear to him that he and his brother had similar tastes in women.

***
The next day at school, Johan headed to the library as he usually did after classes, but this time, he ran into his sister, so he went up to her.

"Are you on your way to dance practice?" He asked, curious as to why she wasn't already there.

"No, not today. We're on a short break." She sighed, "Just for a few days, though."

"Oh, at least you can relax, no-" Before he could finish what he was saying, he heard someone speak over the school's intercom.

"Johanan Hunter, Johanan Hunter, please report to the principal's office shortly." The voice called repeatedly.

Confused, he looked at his sister, who seemed to be just as confused as him, before he started off in the direction of the principal's office.

"Johan, did something happen?" She asked as she followed behind him.

"I don't know but that's what I'm going to find out." He told her as he continued down the hall.

Once there, he was led to the principal, who was waiting for him with his teacher. After taking a seat, he wasn't sure what to expect, and he tried to think of anything he might've done to warrant being called there.

"Johanan, thank you for coming. We need to talk about your grades." The principal began. A sinking feeling grew in his stomach as he wondered if he was doing so poorly he was being considered for expulsion but his teacher started smiling.

"Johanan, your grades are exceptional!" His teacher began. "I had to bring it to the attention of the principal because you're doing so well!"

"Johanan, you have the highest grade point average in the school at the moment and I'll be transferring you to regular classes next week!" The principal added but Johan didn't know whether to be happy or confused.

"T-Thank you." He muttered.

"I'm going to recommend you for AP classes as soon as I can!" His teacher continued. "You've done well, I'm sure your parents will be proud!"