Saved [boyxboy]

Chapter 5: Familiar Ground

As I climbed the stairs, nearing the doors of PGH, it seemed like I was entering a vortex. It was strange. People mulled about, talking in their cliques and coming out of their cars but all was quiet. It was like I was underwater: no sound, just visuals.

I gulped and blinked a couple times, wiping my sweaty palms on my shorts. God, I hope they didn't stain. Why was I so nervous?

I crossed the doors and everything changed.

I walked slowly, yet determinedly, observing my surroundings. The famliar chatter of a normal high school came. The shuffling feet of bustling students, the clamming of locker doors, the squeals of friends jabbing about their summer break. Alright, this was okay. Just think of your other high school, Jason, I reminded myself.

As I made my way to the office for my schedule, I noticed that Caleb was coming with me. "You don't have to shadow me, you know, Caleb."

He moved in front of me, stopping me. I tilted my head up to meet himface on. Damnit, he was tall. And cute. Stop it, Jason! "I know. I just...wanna make sure you're okay."

He looked down at his feet uncomfortably and then I knew. "My Mom asked you to shadow me, didn't she?" I asked.

He looked at me. "Well...I don't think that 'shadow' is the correct verbage," he said. "She asked me to keep an eye on you, that's all. I swear."

I sighed. "Okay. Just so you know, you can't shadow - sorry, 'keep an eye on me' ALL day long. We have different classes, I'd assume."

"I figure. But still. I really just want to make sure you're okay." He glanced at something behind me. I turned around and saw a group of people gesturing toward him. I turned back to him. "Sorry."

I laughed. "Don't apologize! Go. Be with your friends. I'm almost at the office. See you at lunch?"

"It's a date!" he said. We laughed and he jogged over to his friends.

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My classes were okay so far. My Mom got my credits transferred from my old high school and it seemed that I was on the fast track to graduation. I was only taking English, Algebra, Econ, Social Studies and Life Skills. I had two Study Hall periods to fill up the extra two classes that I didn't have to take.

Most of everyone that I had left when I moved were here still and they welcomed me back with open arms. I caught up with a lot of them in between classes. No-one did the whole pity "How are you?" thing, which I was grateful for. Everyone just seemed interested to find out how life on the other side of the Country was and what I had been up to since I left.

Lunch came quicker than I expected. I had stuck with a couple old friends for the morning as we had classes together and they invited me to sit with them at lunch. I agreed, on the condition that I split my time between them and Caleb. I had planned to sit with Caleb first but on entering the cafeteria and searching for him, I didn't see him.

I enjoyed conversation with the group. It was easy. Breezy. Casual. Fifteen minutes after we sat, I noticed Caleb bounding through the cafeteria doors. I told the group that I'd catch up with them later and walked over to Caleb and his friends.

He noticed me coming over and patted the empty space next to him. "Hey Cale!" I said as I plopped down.

"Hey Jace! Everyone this is Jason. Jason this is everyone." I waved, looking at the two girls and one other boy. On introductions, I found that their names were Rebekah, Emily and Jackson. They were really nice, friendly, open people. "What classes do you have after lunch?" Caleb asked me.

I pulled my schedule out. "Uhm, I have Study Hall right after and then Life Skills."

"Hey, me too!" Caleb said. "Bec does too." I looked over at Rebekah and she smiled at me, nodding.

After class, Caleb and I walked over to his locker for him to get his books out, then we head over to his car. As I got home, I found my Mom in the kitchen still in her business suit, which means that she got in not long before I did, poring over a takeout menu. "Hi honey! How was your day?"

"It was actually pretty good," I responded while opening the fridge, "even though you hired a shadow for me." I closed the fridge and looked at my Mom, an incredulous look on her face.

"I'm sorry honey," she admitted. "I just asked Caleb to keep an eye on you to make sure that you're okay. With the dreams and all..."

"Moooooom," I began, "I'm fine. Really. They're just memories. I can't forget and neither will I." I moved over and gave her a hug. "Trust me. Just...calm down." She hugged me back and kissed my cheek.

"So I'm too tired to cook anything. Will take out do?"

"Yup. I'll be in my room." I went to my room and laid down on my bed. There...nothing to be afraid of. The day passed without any hiccups or flashes or bad memories. Just 102 more days to go till the end of the semester.