The Pursuit of Happiness

3. First Day of School pt.2

(Edd)

We get to the school at 7:45, which gives us about fifteen minutes to get to class. Peach Creek High was close enough where we could walk. I rushed to my locker, anxious to sanitize. Who knows what type of bacteria could have thrived on my locker during the summer?

*Filthy Filthy Filthy*

It's a good thing I had sanitary wipes just for this occasion. I cleaned as best as I could and gathered the necessary supplies for my classes. As soon as I closed my locker, an announcement came over the P.A. system:

"Good morning students! This is your principal, David Jones, speaking. Welcome to your first day of School. Hopefully you all enjoyed the summer. I would like for all of the team captains to report to the gym for their annual homecoming meeting. The rest of you enjoy your day!"

I pinched the bridge of my nose. It's times like these I wish that I wasn't the captain of the swim team. Yet another one of Eddy's ideas that didn't go according to plan. He was trying to get me a date with a very popular girl whose favorite hobby happened to be swimming. In the end, I didn't get a date and I ended up on the swim team. After freshman year, I became captain. I would have quit a while ago, but surprisingly I enjoyed it and decided to stay.

There is also the added benefit of being accepted to more colleges because of me being "well-rounded". It's funny, I don't even remember that girl's name.

*Oh well, let's get this over with*

I entered the gymnasium. Each year, Principal Jones and Coach Davis, the head coach of the sports department, have this meeting. The purpose is to promote school spirit since the sports department is the biggest and most influential group among the students.

"Alright, listen up! Say "here" when I call your name and sport." Coach Davis stated.

"Antonio Vasquez; Soccer Captain"

"Here coach"

"James Richmond; Basketball Captain"

"Right here, coach"

I sighed. Why am I missing class for this? It's a good thing Mr. Jones promised my attendance record will not blemish because of these so-called meetings. If he cared more about the academics instead of sports, I would actually miss this place. I half-listened to all the names being called until mines came.

"Eddward Vincent; Swim Captain"

"Present!" I shouted, perhaps a little too loudly.

"And last but not least, Kevin Barr; Football Captain"

There was silence.

"Barr!", Coach Davis screamed.

No response. Suddenly, the gym doors opened. A red-headed jock with piercing emerald eyes started walking towards us. I stared. I couldn't help myself. Those eyes...they were gorgeous.

*Stop it Eddward!*

"I'm here coach." Kevin said with a laid back attitude.

"Barr, that's 50 push ups after practice for being late! Don't do it again." He snarled.

Kevin shrugged his shoulders.

*I wonder what's wrong with him today?*

He must have sensed that I was staring at him, because he quickly turned and was staring back at me! I instantly looked at the ground, feeling my face grow hot under the intensity of his eyes.

*Oh dear, I hope he didn't see anything*

I sneaked another look at him. He was staring at the ground too. He was scowling...wait is he blushing?!