ALEXANDER
I walk down the empty hallway, trying to find room 203. I look around, but can't seem to find it anywhere. At this point, I don't really know where I'm supposed to go. Just then, a tall boy with curly hair and a ton of freckles steps out from the bathroom down the hall. "Hey, do you need help finding your classroom?" I shrug. "Yeah, I can't find room 203." "Oh!" He smiles widely. "Homeroom with Mr. Washington?" "Yep, that's the one." He looks me up and down. "You're new here, right?" "Yeah.. I'm Alexander." He reaches out to shake my hand. "Pleasure to meet ya, Alexander. I'm John Laurens. Welcome to Kings Academy." "Thanks." I stuff my hands into my pockets. "So..." "Oh, right!" He exclaims, "class! Room 203 is right over here." Right in front of me. Nice move, Alex. He opens the door, and we walk into a room full of kids, sitting at desks. "I've delivered the new student!" John says, laughing. "Oh, Alexander! Welcome! I'm Mr. Washington. You may take a seat in the desk back there, next to John." "Okay." I make my way to the back of the room and sit down next to John, who has already sat down and is doodling a turtle on his notebook cover. "Hey, that's really good." I comment as I arrange my books. A blush spreads across his freckled cheeks. "Uh, thanks."
Class begins, but isn't very interesting. I look at my schedule, and realize I have math next. My least favorite subject. But talking to John, I see that our schedules are similar. At least I've already made a friend. The rest of the day passes by in a blur of new classes, new faces, and new teachers. I'm glad when it's finally lunch. At least I think I'm glad. Walking into the huge cafeteria, seeing all the friend groups and cliques, I begin sweating nervously. I'm relieved when someone calls my name from across the room. "Alexander!" I turn to see John sitting at a table with two other guys. I head over their way. "Hey.." One of the guys says to John as I get closer, "Is that the cute guy you saw in-" John clamps his hand over the boy's mouth, blushing wildly. I blush a little too, and look around anxiously. "Shut up, Mulligan!" He whisper-shouts. "Sorry, Alexander..." John says. "Come sit with us though. This is Hercules," he says, pointing to the boy who had yelled out earlier. "And this is Lafayette." He points to the other boy, who waves. "Bonjour, mon ami! John has told us all about you!" John rolls his eyes and face palms. "F you, Laf." Hercules laughs a little. "I apologize for John..." He says, placing a hand on his friends shoulder, "he's sort of a weirdo."
"So, Alex," Lafayette says, taking a bite of his sand which, "Tell us about yourself." I smile. "My favorite four words! I mean, I grew up in the Caribbean and moved here a couple years ago. I went to a public school but I hated it there. All the kids were terrible... Especially this guy named Samuel Seabury, he was so annoying, my god. Anyway, I got a scholarship here, because they like my writing I guess? I really do like writing, I mean, it's kinda my passion. Does that sound cheesy? Sorry, I am talking too loud? Sometimes I get over excited." Lafayette and Hercules stare at me. "oh... uh, wow." Says Hercules. John looks deep in thought, his brown eyes glittering. "I'd love to read some of your writing." He says. "I mean, I guess." John looks right at me. "I bet you're a great writer." "Thanks, John." The moment is ruined when Hercules shows up in between us. "You guys are moving fast! Get a room!" "Jesus, Hercules! I will kill you, you little..." And with that, John is up from his seat and chasing Hercules around the cafeteria. I sit there in awe. "that was weird." I finally say. Lafayette shakes his head, smiling. "Don't judge Hercules. He is sort of... insane." "Yeah, I caught on to that," I say, laughing.
