Life Unexpected

04: Life Unexpectedly Ended in the Janitor's Closet

"If you want to know where your heart is, follow your mind when it wanders."

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I MADE IT to the library where detention was being held, found a table near the back of the room, and threw my things on top. The librarian shot me an aggravated look and I shot her a sweet smile before pulling out a chair, it's feet softly screeching on the tiled flooring. The chair felt cold on my skin, my overalls wrinkling as I crossed my arms over my chest and leaned my head back to stare at the opaque ceilings.

They were a dull, beige color in desperate need of a repaint and the fluorescent lights further back in the corner of the library flickered like in a horror movie. The library was old and worn down, having students rummage through this place for years had taken its toll. Graffiti covered the table beneath me, little love notes here and there, doodles of flowers, stick figures, and smiley faces, and someone's phone number.

"Can I sit?" I didn't even have to look up from my staring contest with the ceiling to know it was Austin. The grogginess in his voice was distinct, always present.

I merely nodded, sitting up from my slouching position, grabbed my bag from the table and threw it on the floor near my chair. To allow myself even the slightest amount of comfort on these wooden chairs that were in dire need of replacement, I propped my legs up onto the chair next to me, my back leaning against one of the armrests.

I traced invisible lines against the ceiling, my mind wandering into space. Detention had only started three minutes ago and I was already beginning to die from boredom. I turned my head to take a quick glance at Austin.

He had his head buried in his backpack, his arms sitting on top acting as a pillow. The furrow that was sketched onto his face — curtesy of me — was nowhere to be seen. He looked serene and peaceful, any sign of bitterness gone as he fell into a slight slumber. Austin always managed to fall asleep, no matter where he was, he would fall asleep.

I bit back a soft chuckle, realizing how much more beautiful he looked in his sleep. My back began to ache from leaning against the wooden armrest, so with a swift movement I was facing the table again with my arms resting against the old, broken down wooden table.

"Does it hurt?" I surprised myself with the question as I stared at the black eye Austin had.

It was blue mixed with shades of red and purple. It covered his whole left eye and extended to a small section by the bridge of his nose. One more punch and I probably would have broken it.

He simply shuffled in his slight slumber, his head tilting slightly upward to look in my direction, "Mmhmm?" He mumbled, never bothering to open his eyes.

I huffed, remembering he could sleep through an apocalypse, "Does your eye hurt?" I said, a little louder than the last time which earned me another side-eyed look from Mrs. Goodwin the librarian.

I mouthed sorry with a small wave before turning to Austin again. He was still sound asleep, soft snores escaping through his slightly parted lips. "Yeah, I forgot how great your right hook was." he breathed, shifting his head slightly.

"From what I can remember, this is the first time I've physically hurt you." I said, furrowing my brows together in confusion. The last time I hit someone was back in the first grade, but I could never remember who or why.

Austin lifted his head from his makeshift arm pillow and stared at me, "Seriously?" he asked. I just shrugged my shoulders. He rolled his eyes, "First grade, during recess? Ring a bell?"