What Happens in Clarketown

3

For two weeks, I do everything in my power to be in Ben Foster's life. Every time I see him, I try to have a conversation with him. Hearing his voice sends shutters down my neck and I feel addicted to the sensation.

I learn about his Tourette's. He has two main tics: his sniffling and the high pitched noise that he calls "squeaking." He also blurts out his thoughts when he's nervous, which explains "pretty boy."

I learn that he's gay, which is exciting to hear. His favorite color is green and his dad is the only family he has.

Talking to him is an amazing part of my day.

"You're going to school." Jason tells me in the middle of my daydreaming about Ben.

"What?" I say, sitting up off the small couch.

"You're going to school." He repeats.

"What do you mean?" Rachel asks from the kitchen table where she and Rosey are playing a board game.

"I mean I called Clarke High School and all three of you are starting in a week or two." Jason explains this as if it's obvious.

"Do we have any say in this?" I ask.

"Nope." Jason says. "You have to go to school. Did you think you would just stay here forever?"

"Kind of." Rachel says jokingly.

"Funny. We'll go tour the school on Monday." Today is Friday. "The guidance counselor will talk to you about classes and you'll start as soon as possible." Rachel sighs, but Rosy seems happy. Despite her quiet personality, she loves school. She makes friends easily and can soak up information like a sponge. Rachel and I, however, are different. Rachel can make friends, at least, but neither of us enjoy learning or being at school in general.

"How big of a school is it?" I ask after a pause. Jason will know why I'm asking. I'm not fond of crowds. They scare the living hell out of me. I feel the need to stay next to someone's side that I know, and keep track of everyone else that I know in the bustling abundance of people. A big school means big crowds in the hallways and cafeteria, which means I'll be terrified.

"It's bigger than our old school." Jason says, "but not by much. There are about two hundred kids in each class." My heart thumps hard.

"That's a lot." I say quietly.

"You'll be fine. Ben goes there, so you'll know someone."

Suddenly, I feel much better about the situation.

"What about us?" Rachel asks with a load of sass.

"You two make friends like your life depends on it. You'll be part of a massive group of people before first period." I comment.

"He has a point." Rosey says with a grin.

"So there." Jason says confidently. "It's settled."

••••

The school's guidance counselor, Mr. Hampton, is a tiny man that can't be much past his thirties. He has dark hair that seems to be beginning to fall out and a goofy grin that makes me feel uncomfortable and safe at the same time. He's short and extremely thin and wears glasses that barely stay on his small nose.

Rachel, Rosey, and I pick our electives and are escorted around the school during class hours. Jason follows.

It's a large building that is sorted by subject. It's separated into seven sections: Math, Science, Language Arts, History, Health, Electives, and the cafeteria, auditorium, and lockers in the center. The counselor informs us that we are advised to cut through the cafeteria on our way to classes to save time.