Something More

Chapter Three

It's been a little over a week since school started. My first period was beginning in a few hours and early-as-always I sat at the dinner table and chewed on some mediocre flavored cereal. The flavor was low but the health contents were high. I've been taking extra precautions so I don't get sick. Although the chance was lower now, I still didn't want to risk anything.

The empty house was much more depressing than it had been all year. The sky was gloomy and greying at the edges. The walls were beginning to fade, needing a new coat of paint. I'll have to do that later.

Time passed slowly. The hanging clock ticked, and although it was several minutes earlier than I would have, I washed my bowl, grabbed my book bag and made my way to the bus stop. 
The street corner was relatively empty except for Kevin and I. But he didn't seem to notice me and I wasn't exact going to announce my arrival. Eddy and Ed would be here soon to talk too.

On my way over I dragged my feet, hoping to let a few minutes pass before I waited for the bus, it hadn't helped.

The birds chirped aimlessly in the still dark sky. I remember when Eddy got his phobia of birds. We had just finished a scam and for once it had worked. He held up his quarter, proud of his accomplishment and a bird snatched it. I thought of it as Karma, Eddy thought the animal just hated him.

"Hey dork. " Kevin loomed, he smiled, studying me as a lion would to his prey.

I never noticed how deep his voice was. Instead of stepping backwards as I would have before I felt myself staring, making Kevin and even myself slightly uncomfortable. His hair was a golden auburn and his skin was fair, except for a few freckles that sprawled across his cheeks and nose. His shoulders were broad and well muscular. As was his stomach and arms. I forced myself not to look further and my eyes left him. I could almost hear a faint sigh escape his mouth.

"Salutations Kevin. How may I help you?" I asked, faintly seeing Eddy and Ed make their way toward us from across the block.

"I need last nights homework answers for Algebra I. " He stood up straight, his eyes left my own and I could have thought he looked awkward. Kevin, awkward? I wouldn't dare think so.

"Since school is only just beginning I would think the Quarterback for the junior varsity team would be caught up in his studies. " I replied as I opened my bag, pulling out my neat homework page.

He shrugged, pulling his interlocking hands behind his neck after taking the paper. It surprised me how many classes we shared, of course Eddy was in many of mine as well. Kevin's light green sweater rose from the movement. His pale skin exposed itself along the line of his jeans.

I forced my body to move away, my face heated in a unrecognizable manner.

I faintly saw Kevin peer at me questionably but I was already closing my bag and walking toward Eddy.

I took deep breaths, struggling to lower my accelerating heartbeat. What was going on? Am I sick?

My question was never answered. Eddy smiled and held up a thick journal. I tentatively grabbed it, peering inside.

"What is it?" I wondered not recognizing the hand writing. I didn't dare read any, unsure of what it was, Eddy's smile grew, widening fractionally as his eyes watched Ed, as he picked dying flowers.

His voice was low. "Remember a week ago when we ran out of Ed's house?" I scowled. He knew I did. My second kiss stolen. The first was Eddy when he was being blackmailed but none of us spoke of that day.

"No of course not, it's everyday I hang out with the Kanker sisters and make out with them." My sarcasm was incredibly thick and harsh. Eddy laughed loudly, struggling to lower his voice.