Time for School

Hunger

The next morning, I awoke at the same time I had the previous day. I breathed deeply and stretched out as far as I could. The muscles in my body felt... stronger for some reason.

I sat up on the edge of my bed and got up with a quiet groan. I was feeling way more refreshed with my slumber than usual. I decided to get up and head into the bathroom, flicking the light on. I looked at my shirtless body in the mirror, front and back. I still looked the same as I always did, yet I felt like I could somehow bench press a car.

I couldn't help but snicker and shake my head at the thought. Obviously I was just being as imaginative as usual.

Out on the city sidewalk, I strolled toward my bus stop with my hands casually in my pocket and a song in my heart. I felt really good, getting a sense of euphoria just from inhaling the cool, sea breeze through my nose. I was unusually peppy and alert. All the sights around me seemed so much more vibrant and colorful. ...Was I on drugs?

I couldn't help but enjoy myself, even during something as simple as my morning walk to the bus stop. Although I was a bit uneasy about my striking change in attitude, I knew it had to be a pleasant side-effect of my newfound confidence. I was starting to open up and really enjoy my life, one step at a time.

I waited at the bus stop and once again kept to myself. However, I couldn't get the calm, worldly smile off my face as I continued to slowly look around and soak up my surroundings. It eventually caught the attention of one of the guys waiting with me.

"Hey, man," he said. I had no idea who he was, only that he was some guy with dark hair.

"Hey," I replied back, continuing to idly look about. He shrugged and went back to waiting for the bus to show. I think he was more surprised that anyone could be so happy halfway into the school year.

The bus showed up a bit earlier than usual. Everyone was quite thankful as it meant we didn't have to stand around in the quiet early morning anymore. We all climbed aboard and took our seats before the bus soon rolled away. I took in a deep breath and sighed, folding my hands behind my head as I watched the picturesque sights of the city I'd lived in for over a decade sweep by. I had made the guy sitting next to me a little uncomfortable with how my elbow was practically right in his face, but I didn't care. He'll live.

The bus made its way onto school grounds and I got off just like a normal person, who perhaps doesn't have the power to stop time, would. School seemed a lot fresher to me, like it was actually enjoyable to be there. For once in my life I actually appreciated the sounds of countless teenagers gossiping and conversing as I approached the main gate.

Just before I did, however, I spotted a familiar female face walking up from beside me. It was Eve, another one of my ravishing and tantalizing Biology classmates.

"Morning, Eve," I greeted her with a warm smile. She looked over at me and cocked her head, taken aback that I was striking up a conversation with her.

"Hey there, Anthony," she replied with a hint of surprise in her voice.

"How's it going?" I asked as the two of us headed past the main gates and into the front courtyard.

"Pretty good, I guess," she replied. We slowed our pace a bit as we wandered over to the stone benches. She slid her backpack off her arms and let it drop onto the bench and then took a seat. I sat down on the bench across from hers. For just a moment, I smiled and admired her long and soft sable hair draped over her dark, olive-colored skin.

"So..., is there a reason you wanted to talk to me?" she curiously asked.

"Just wanted to make friendly conversation," I stated as I leaned back casually. In my effort to be relaxed, I forgot there was no back to the bench and so I immediately grabbed onto the front of the seat to keep myself from falling over. She laughed quietly.