A Walk To The Heart

Daniel 2

It was the second day of school and I don't expect much. At least it is better than I expect for a bad thing or good thing. I rely my whole self to the fate and destiny on whatever consequences that might come. To me, it is better rather than we hope for everything to happen as it might not turns up the way we want it to happen and ended up hurting ourselves.

In fact, the day didn't start in a very good way as I have a slight minor fight with my mom. She insisted on providing me a meal for recess while I opposed the idea. I mean, it doesn't mean that I don't want to eat whatever she cooked but ugh...

She sent me to the school today with an angry face on her face. Frankly, I never care as she seems to try so hard being a good mother for me and it just painful to accept. She has never been a good one when we were still with dad. Then why she wants to act like one now?

She gave me $20 and I accepted it even I still the money she gave me the day before. Well, it's money after all. I didn't even wave her back when I off from the car into the school building.

I put all my stuff in the locker before bring my steps to the first class of the day which is mathematic. You got it right. MATHEMATICS! I went inside the classroom and I saw someone in a wheelchair already there.

"Hey, is any empty chair here?" For the first time, it's my turn to begin the conversations.

"Oh hi. The one behind me is empty."

I then walked to the chair that he meant. I sat on it and then began examining the boy in front of me. I don't saw him yesterday so I bet he is the one Estelle talked about yesterday.

"So you are Daniel, aren't you?"

"Yes!"

"We will be in three same subjects apparently. Err, can you come in front of me as it's hard for me to look back."

"Oh yeah, sure." I stand and walked to the front of him. I took my chair too so it will be easier.

How to describe his appearance? Well, he is wearing spectacles and his skin is quite fair. He is wearing a red flannel shirt along with blue jeans. He looks just the same as other peers. What differs him is just others are walking on feet and he is not.

"I'm Nick. Nicholas Fortune Coulson. I know my name is quite ironic as seems like I'm not fortunate enough. And you are?"

"Daniel. Daniel Montgomery Sheridan. I just moved from California."

"Wow! California boys! Which part?"

"San Francisco."

He seems to be so mesmerized by where I came. I choose to be kind so I just smiled when he did so. I need to gain a good first impression from my new mates. So, I'm trying to be nice.

"You have a nice name, to be honest."

"Thank you. Well, two years ago I feel the same way too but then I'm not."

"Do you mind if I ask what's happened to your leg?"

"Oh, car accident. I don't want to talk about it in the morning as it might ruining my mood. Sorry..."

"It's okay."

"But just so you know, my upper body from waist to head can function effectively. It just I lost my two wheels."

I chuckled when he said that.

"So, since you are the new student, why don't you intro yourself? I don't come yesterday so perhaps you can repeat why you are here?"

"Well, my mom divorce with my dad. So, my mom took me with her here. My dad has had the other woman behind my mom. They divorce, custody battle and that's how I landed here. Not much to be happy about with my life."

"Hey, be grateful. At least you still can walk freely on Earth."

Be grateful. I don't remember when the last time I was grateful was. I don't even remember or know how to act to be grateful. Or do I really have to be one considering how fucked up my life is?

"Where did you stay?" He asked again.

"Oh, 10 Huntington Ave. And you?"

"I live up the road. Boscombe Street."

Pause.

"So have you made any friends here?"

"Including you?"

"Well, if you take me as your friend then I am one, now."

I try to remember anything that happened yesterday but I don't seem to recall any. "Including you, one. I talked to Estelle and that's it."

He laughed. Well, he supposed to laugh after all. As a socially awkward person, it is hard for me to make any acquaintances wherever I am. But to have him accepting me as a friend is a good thing though.

"You will make more, don't worry. Estelle also can be a good company. I know her since second grade."

"That's a long time. You've been living here since small."

"Yes after I moved from Kuala Lumpur. I was born in Malaysia and stay there until I was four. I only have my sister as my sibling. You?"

"I was born in California and never out from the city until last week. I am the only kid in my family. My mom changed her name from Sheridan to Phelan after she divorced with my father, Peter Sheridan. So now, I'm partially Sheridan and partially Phelan."

"I see. Well, my parents passed away already. From the same car crash that took away my ability to walk."

We chat with each other until the next teacher came. I couldn't concentrate on the lesson but to think about Nick. He seems so cheerful and happy with his life. I know it is stupid to judge someone by 10-minutes of talking but I don't know people much. I guess it gave me extra privileges.

After school ends, I try to find him along the hallway. Apparently, his locker is only three lockers away from mine. I reached him and asked him how he gets home.

"My sister will pick me up. See you very soon, perhaps."

Nick got something that really enlightens me to know him more. I want to know what are his interests, what are his characteristics or in other words, I want to know everything about him. Or maybe because he is the first person I looked up to here. Perhaps?