unholy (joshler)

chapter six

Monday's are usually the dull days, as expected, but this Monday in particular is not.

When Josh got off the bus all eyes darted to him. He ducks his head lightly, hearing the whispering but not being able to make words out of it.

That's how he knew he made captain without having to look at the sheet Coach Hodge hung. He heads that way anyways.

It's a white sheet of printer paper thumbtacked to the bulletin board, messy writing in blue pen right in the center.

new CHS football captain : joshua dun

Josh traces his name with his fingers before placing his hand back on his backpack straps calmly. He's aware of all the eyes on him, the heated glares of losers and the ones of interest and curiosity from everyone else.

With a small confirming nod Josh turns around to walk to class, coming face to face with Dallon Weekes.

"Hey! I'm Dallon. You're Josh right?" Josh nods curiously. "Sick. Hey, you should come sit with me and the guys at lunch. We'll introduce you to the rest of the team."

"But aren't you on the basketball team? Not football?" Dallon laughs and claps his shoulder gently.

"That I am. So I'll see you at lunch?" Josh doesn't know what else to do besides nod. He does need to meet the guys he'll be spending his time with.

"Yeah."

"Sick. See ya then." He can't help but feel like he's heard that exact phrase from someone else.

-

"So you made it. You're the talk of the school." When Chris says this, it's not with much enthusiasm.

Josh has just walked into first hour, taking his seat next the boy. He doesn't look up when Tyler walks in, he doesn't want to give him a chance to congratulate him. That could lead to him asking why he didn't come to church when he said he would and Josh doesn't know what he'd say to that.

"Yep."

"It's not weird for you? Having random people talking to you now? Like four people stopped just on your way to your seat." Josh laughs.

"It's kind of nice, actually. I mean I hope it's not permanent, but it's nice." Chris hums and turns to the teacher, officially cutting off the conversation.

Josh doesn't know what this means exactly. He knows that Chris hates most of the populars without reason, but it's not like he's going to convert into one of them.

It's about ten minutes before lunch that Josh is called to the office. Everyone stares as he collects his things, his brows furrowed and his head low.

Has he screwed up? He can't recall anything.

The secretary smiles at him brightly, the school being small enough for her to know everyone very well.

"Josh! I heard you made the team."

"Yes Ma'am."

"I bet Cindy is super proud. Mr. Jake will see you now." She waves to his door, one Josh has never had to enter until now.

"Thank you." He opens it lightly, peering in.

"You look like a scared Doe, Mr. Dun. Come in." The principals voice startles Josh as he quickly shuts the door behind him.

"Sorry." The mans sitting behind his desk, a buff guy with light stubble on his chin. He's the basketball coach and very laid back until you mess up.

"Take a seat." He does. "So I reckon you know why you're here."

Josh shakes his head, eyes wide. Mr. Jake raises a brow as he leans forward on his elbows.