We're Different

Chapter 2

     "So me and my dad moved around a lot. I was home schooled most of my life," Marcus continued.

Third lunch had begun, and I was sitting next to Marcus, along with Adam and Chase. There had been an awkward silence at first, but soon, we were all talking like old friends.

"No way!" Adam piped up. "So were we. We are so similar. Do you have a third nipple too?"

Marcus, Chase, and I all made disgusted faces, then Chase moved on in the conversation.

"Anyway... That's a pretty sweet guitar, Marcus." Chase pointed at the sleek, black electric guitar he was holding.

"Yeah, and you're a natural, bro!" He paused for a moment, then shared an idea. "Guys, we should start a band!"

"Oh, that's a great idea!" Adam began drumming his chopsticks against the table. "But what would I play?" He began drumming them faster, then stopped, throwing his arms up in the air. "I got it!.... No, I don't got it..."

I face palmed.

"I think you're gonna be our drummer, Adam," Marcus said.

"Hmm. Interesting choice. I had been pondering the French Horn."

Chase, Marcus, and I all looked at each other with 'he's an idiot' looks on our faces, then moved on.

"Oh, sorry Skai!" Marcus sighed. "I totally forgot about you. You wanna play an instrument?"

I shook my head.

"No thanks. I'd rather be in the background, doing nothing..." My eyes shifted down to my shoes.

"Really? Can you play any instruments?"

I shook my head.

"Actually, Skai's a really great singer," Chase piped up.

"Chase, don't," I hissed.

"Oh really? Well, could I maybe hear you sing something?"

I looked at Marcus and knew I couldn't say no. His brown eyes were too full of hope. I sang softly, but loud enough so he could hear me.

"''Cuz you're everywhere to me. And when I close my eyes it's you I see. You're everything I know that makes me believe that I'm not alone...'"

I trailed off at the end and looked up at him. I expected to see some sort of look of disgust or hatred, but he had the widest smile plastered onto his face.

"That was beautiful! Chase was right, you are a great singer. Hey, maybe you could be our singer."

"Oh, no thanks, Marcus. But I'll watch your rehearsals, if you want."

"Yes, please do!"

He and I looked at each other for a moment, and I took the time to really analyze his features. His pale face was littered with freckles, his brown eyes full of love and wonder. His rich brown hair was gelled over in a way where it was slightly raised, but not by much.

Our moment was broken by Leo sitting down at our table, next to Adam.

"Hey Leo, guess what?" Chase smiled. "Marcus and Adam and I are forming a band."

"Well, you guys just met. Don't you think it's a little soon?"

"A little soon for what? Taking the deeply committed step of jamming together?"

"Now of we could just find some place to practice," Marcus chimed in. "I live in a pretty small place, so..."

"Oh, I know a place." Adam stood up. "The Lab."

My head shot up and Chase, Leo, and I glared at Adam, who quickly caught himself.

"O-oh! Labrador Retriever park. Yeah, the dog park. Nice acoustics. Plus, they have dogs." He leaned close to me. "Saved it," he whispered. I responded by rolling my eyes.

"Well.. you know, Marcus, we have a pretty big place," Chase spoke up. "We can all just jam there."

"Whoa, whoa, whoa. Hold your horses, cowboy." Leo stood up and pointed an accusing finger at Chase. He then walked over and pulled the two of them away, leaving Marcus and I alone. We were silent for a few moments before he spoke.

"So, Skai... where do you actually live. You know, since you're staying with the Davenports."

"Oh, right," I chuckled. "Well, I live a few miles from here, so I usually have to take the bus in the morning." He nodded. "What about you? Where have you lived before?"

"Don't you think it's a bad idea to let a total stranger into our very private home?" We heard Leo say. Marcus stood.

"That's alright guys. We don't have to jam." Marcus' voice began breaking. "Not everyone needs a bright spot in their otherwise horrible life."

"Oh, look Leo," I groaned. "You're making him feel bad." I stood and walked around the other side, meeting his eyes. He weakly smiled at me.

"Don't worry Marcus," Chase cut in. "We'll practice at our place later. Come on over."

"Great. See you guys after school."

Marcus grabbed his bag and walked away, waving at me as he ran off. I waved back, then turned my attention to the other boys.

"You guys are making a big mistake," Leo sighed. "I mean, you've only been in the real world for a little while. There's still a lot of stuff you don't know."

"Look, Leo," Chase shot back. "I'm not gonna run my playdates past you. Hello? Genius!" He gestured to himself.

"Playdates? Really?" I sighed.

"What you have is book smarts. I have street smarts. And I gotta watch what's happening on the street."

"Oh, Leo! Relax!" Adam reassured him. "We are not going to be playing in the street. We're going to be playing in the house." He pushed past Leo to get closer to Chase and I. "This guy." He pointed at Leo. I groaned and rolled my eyes at Adam's stupidity.

"Adam... you truly are an idiot. I'm glad my super strength also came with super smarts."

Adam was about to retort, when the first bell rang. I quickly scooped up my bag and ran off.