Apathy ~Minizerk~

Curiosity

"So, where are you from?" Josh asked the new boy, Simon, "England?"

"Yeah, it's so different from here, I don't think I'll ever get used to it," he responded. Well that's a new variable, Josh thought, although it won't be accurate with only one non-American.

"Cool, I've never met anyone not from here. Not many people choose to move to this small-ass town in the middle of nowhere," Josh chuckled as they pushed their way through the crowded halls. Many students hadn't bothered to start going to class yet, as there were still a few minutes left before the bell.

"Josh! Hey Josh! Wait up!" a voice yelled from behind them. Josh sighed and tried to ignore it, but was forced to stop when Simon turned to look, "I think someone wants your attention." When Josh did turn around, he saw a short dark haired boy with glasses running after them. He was carrying about five books, not to mention his backpack nearly bursting at the seams.

"Hey Josh! Who's this? A new boyfriend?" The boy asked once he reached them, hair in disarray after running through the halls.

Flustered, Simon attempted to deny the claims, but Josh interrupted him, "Nah, he just moved here from England and I'm showing him around the school. Simon, meet Vik, Vik, meet Simon." Simon attempted to shake Vik's hand, accidentally causing him to drop his books.

"Shit, sorry, here, I'll pick them up," Simon offered, collecting Vik's books for him and handing them back.

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After homeroom, Josh and Simon met Vik again in their first period class, AP Juniors English. Even though Vik was only a sophomore, he had been raised up a level and placed in a higher class.

"Alright class, so today we will be beginning end of the year pieces. I know, I know, it's only February, but these projects will be worth 60% of your final grade for this semester, so you best begin now. I will begin by assigning groups, then explain the premises of the project," the teacher lectured, an old woman with short graying hair who wore many necklaces and rings.

"Catherine Heines, Brandon Tuckson, and Katy Pierson will be group A," she continued, and Josh began to stop paying attention, only listening for his name.

Finally, after nearly everyone was in their respective groups, she announced, "Group E will be Joshua Bradley, Vikram Barn, and, oh, it appears we have a new student. Simon Minter?"

"Hello, that would be me," Simon spoke up from his seat near Josh.

"Welcome to Valley High School, Simon. You will be in a group with Joshua and Vikram. Alright, now that everyone is in a group, I'll explain the project," the old teacher, Mrs. Williams, continued in her monotone voice.

"So, the premises of this project are that you must write an essay given only the following prompt," she began to write on the chalkboard as she spoke, "What is love?"

Josh gasped slightly. Oh, shit, at least I have a group. This was the first time Josh questioned his ability for school, also the first time being thankful for working with a group.

Around the classroom, the students were whispering about the essays and the ridiculous prompt, as Josh thought, coming up with ideas in their respective groups.

Simon turned to Josh and Vik, who sat behind him, "So should we meet after school?"

"Sorry, I've got a swim team meet, what about sometime tomorrow?" Vik asked, putting away his books as the bell was about to ring.

"Yeah. Two o'clock tomorrow, my place, Simon, I'll text you the address, what's your number?" Josh asked, pulling his phone out of his pocket. When Simon told him, he sent him his address.