I stepped in to be met with 25 other pairs of eyes, most of which were cold and uninviting. I backed myself up to the wall and held my books close to my chest.
The teacher didn't seem to notice my presence, so I inched along to side of the room to where she was seated.
"Are you our new student?"
I nodded, keeping my gaze focused on the floor, trying to avoid eye contact.
I really should work on interacting with people more.
"You'll be sitting at the desk near the far right and- well how about you introduce yourself to the rest of the class?"
The class didn't seem any more fond of this idea than I was.
I shook my head immediately and slipped into my seat. I tried to make myself look busy, although I knew this tactic was useless, as those eyes were still on me. A few kids laughed, obviously amused by my embarrassment and aversion of the situation.
~
I walked home in the rain, making a point to step in every puddle possible. California rarely ever received rain. I guess this is something I could cherish until I got back home.
A while into my commute and I saw him again. Jackie.
"Jas!"
My head shot up.
"Oh, h-hey..."
He made his way over to me.
"Wanna come over to my place?"
"But we just met and-"
He ignored me and pulled me over to his house.
"Jesus kid, you're soaked. Want something else to wear?"
Before I could say anything in response, Jackie went out of the room to grab dry clothes. He returned soon after with an oversized jacket.
"These probably won't fit you- you're pretty tiny- but it's worth a shot."
I pulled the NASA hoodie I was given over my head. It swallowed me up, but at least it was something warm to have on.
Jackie chuckled.
"How's that working out for you, short stuff?"
I glared back at him.
"Okay, okay, I'm sorry. Okay?"
I nodded.
"We should do something."
"Like?"
"Like, just follow me."
Jackie took my hand and began leading me down the street. He sure is controlling. I reluctantly followed. It's not that I don't trust the guy, it's just that I've known him for less than 24 hours and he's already dragging me off to god knows where.
He led me down a stairwell and through a series of halls and doors. We came to one final set of doors, with a beam of light visible from the crack underneath.
Jackie grinned.
"We're here."
I tilted my head to the side.
"We're where?"
He disregarded my question and cracked open the door. We both stepped inside and I blinked, stunned for a moment.
"What the fuck-"
There was no room. There was a portal.
"Jackie? What is this?"
He chuckled.
"Oh. You'll see."
I narrowed my eyes, pissed that he'd taken me here with no explanation.
The next thing I knew, he shoved me forward with all the strength he had.
"Wait-!"
It was useless. I was already through the portal.
