The Rift Between Numbers

Chapter One

12:44 pm - Lunch

For years I watched him. He does the same thing every day. Mostly. Stretching his arms up high, causing his shirt to lift and to show a bit of stomach that makes my own stomach flutter. I've gotten used to the feeling since this was always what he does after a long while of drawing. I wonder if he knows how provocative he looks when he does this or if he even knows I'm watching him. To me, I find this tantalizing beyond words and I can't even do anything about it. He's so caught up in drawing, so reserved and quiet in his own little world and I'm stuck over here, surrounded by all these people who wouldn't even know in the slightest of how I feel.

How.. do I feel? I don't really know. I don't know anything having to do with my feelings because I'm just a basic, boring, teenage boy who's crushing on the quiet kid. I don't even have the balls to tell him. Why is this such a problem? I'm the popular guy! I just have to walk up and tell him I like him! Like I'm going to get rejected. Everyone likes me! Well.. the rebels don't I guess.. which.. sucks.. because the rebels are his friends... Why didn't I think of that? If they hate me then so does he.. then.. I don't actually have a chance with him.. do I.

But.. why? Why do they hate me so much? Is it because I do as I'm told and follow the rules and they don't? I don't get it. Am I too narcissistic? I could understand that. I am. I'll admit that but it's not really my fault. I grew up being told how good-looking I am. Who wouldn't get a little narcissistic after that? But I don't think I've ever spoken to them so how would they even know how I was? I guess rumors could have gotten to them but who would spread rumors about me if not them, themselves?

Wait what was I thinking about originally? Oh right. Seven. His name isn't really Seven but that's what everyone calls him. I never really knew why.. Maybe he's good with numbers? If so.. then wouldn't you call him like.. something that has to do with math and not seven specifically. Because of this nickname, I don't even know his real one. Man.. How can I be crushing on someone and not even know their real name.. what kind of secret admirer am I..

I sighed and decided to just stare rather than think too hard about a question that will never get answered. "Evan, what the hell are you staring so hard at?" I quickly shift my gaze to Jeff, my current best friend. He and I pretty much grew up together since we used to be neighbors. He moved a few years ago but that didn't stop us from hanging out.

"Oh uh, I guess.. just kind of curious as to why they call him Seven.."

"Seven?" he looks over where Seven was seated under a tree he's claimed as his own. We usually have lunch outside and due to the lack of picnic tables, some have resorted to sitting on the ground. Seven never seems to mind though. "Oooh Seven. Doesn't he have sisters who are seniors? What were their names?" He taps on Holly's shoulder, his older sister who's a grade higher, a senior herself. "What are those two seniors' names? The numbers?"

"Five and Six?" He nods. "Technically they both should be called Five since they're twins but Addie is younger so she's Six. What about them?" Why does she know their names and not his?

"Why are they named after numbers?"

I lean in, eager for the answer. Holly knows everything. Well gossip-wise. She's big on gossip and knows about everyone and what happens around the school. Her information is always true because even though she is a gossip, she isn't too keen on lying and bad rumors. She's like a journalist. "Oh. Easy. They have a bunch of siblings and all of their names start with A so everyone started calling them by numbers. Most of them are girls too so they were easily mixed up. I'm pretty sure that's why Seven dyed his hair white so he wouldn't be confused with them."

"Speaking of hair dying, what do you think about green?"

Holly grunts. "Um no. I don't want to be known as the sister of the swamp-haired boy."