CHANGE

II.

1 1/2 months later

Emma and I had been together for 3 weeks now.
Spending all my time with her, I didn't have time for anything else.
School starts this week. I am still well enough to go, my doctor said the cancer is shrinking and I should have no problem furthering my education.

The day before school starts I decide to take a visit to the bookstore; I haven't been there in a little over a month.
As the cool air sweeps my face, I smile to myself. I'm heading into my last year of high school. I have to make it count. I'm excited I have Emma (my second-ever girlfriend) this year.
Last year was so lonely.
I always felt so trapped.
All those eyes staring at me.
The condolences.
The whispers.
I start to involuntarily shake and take a deep breath.
No. I can't think about that this year.
My breath shudders as I exhale, and I am staring down at a beautiful book.
Golden pages, and a dark purple leather cover. I hold it in my hands and read the title.
The Secret.
Halfway through reading the synopsis I decide to take it.
I pick up two more books on my way to the cashier.

"Just these three please,"
As he hands them back, I looked up and am faced with a tall brown-haired boy. He's on the skinnier side and he's staring deep into my green eyes.
But it was a different state from the people at school.
It wasn't full of sadness, anger, hate, or anything of the sort.
I couldn't put my finger on the emotion his eyes showed, and as I was thinking he spoke up.
"Hi,"
I look at him, bewildered, and he chuckles. Looking at me expectantly, I say "thank you," and got the hell out of there.

~

My alarm beeps at 5:45.

"Ughhh."
I wipe the sleep out of my eyes and hop out of bed. I stretch my limbs and smile at the great feeling.

I walk out of the steaming bathroom, thanks to my shower, and grab some clothes.

When I finish putting on my best shorts, a white shirt, and the cologne I haven't worn in months,  my mom ambles in. She smiles at me and her eyes pool with tears. She runs up and hugs me.
"I can't believe it. A senior. I'm so proud,"
"Crushing. Ribs," I wheeze
She laughs and pulls away, "now get ready you big boy,"
Big boy my ass. I'm 5'8 and skinny.
I walk back into the bathroom, flip on the light and grab my gel. As I run it through my dark, curly hair I look into the mirror.
My green eyes look dull.
I decide to put on a green shirt and smile at the popping color.

~
I take a deep breath and open the door handle.
I see Mike and rush over to him

"What are your classes?"
"Where do I get a schedule?"
"Over there," he points to a table on the side of the hallway.
I approach the woman sitting at the table and she asks my name

"Uh.. E-Eli Clearwater," I stutter

She hands my my schedule and my eyes pour over it

CALCULUS BC (AP)................................ 1st

ASTRONOMY...........................................2nd

LUNCH.....................................................3rd

EUROPEAN HISTORY (AP)....................4th

FRENCH (AP)...........................................5th

LANGUAGE (AP)......................................6th