Solemates (soulmates)

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High school is one of the most emotionally, physically, and mentally  draining experiences people go through during the first 20 years of their life. The problem is that no one except high schoolers acknowledge that, adults often forget that even though their high school experience might have been a breeze, things are different nowadays. Kids are worse because egotistical adults raised them, systems are crumbling, nobody knows the basics of English or human respect. Modern high school is a nightmare. So, the second I came home on Monday afternoon, relief flooded throughout all of my senses. I threw my backpack up on the hook in my closet, kicking off my shoes and slumping on my bed to rest my eyes. My head already felt like it was drifting away, and sleep came easier than anything in that moment. But then I remembered I had to be at work within the next hour, and if I were to fall asleep I might not ever find the motivation to wake up. Groaning, I sat up from my comfortable position and made my way downstairs to eat something. My limbs felt exhausted and sore from the school day alone. Working did not sound like my cup of tea right now, and making conversation with middle aged women sounded even worse.

Walking into the kitchen, I had to do a double take when I thought I saw a flash of jet black hair. Looking over again, I saw it was indeed Joel, sitting at my kitchen counter, munching nonchalantly on a sandwich.

"Why the hell are you in my kitchen?" I asked, beginning to crack up. I didn't care enough to not find the situation comical. 

"Didn't feel like going home today," Joel shrugged.

"So you followed me home?"

"No, I stopped at the market and picked up a sandwich. And then I came here." Joel said as I shook my head in confusion.

"Okay," I said, muttering, "Weirdo,"

"Heard that," Joel said, finishing off his sandwich.

"You were supposed to," I told him, obtaining the necessary ingredients to make a sandwich myself.

"Then what was the point in making it barely audible?"

I sighed, taking a sip of water from my glass.
"Dunno. You're the one sitting in my kitchen, eating a sandwich like it's no big deal."

"Is it a big deal?"

I considered this for a second. Obviously, I didn't want to lose this banter battle, but it looked like I was headed there. No one could win when it came to words with Joel. The guy was too intelligent and articulate, like a walking Merriam Webster dictionary.

"Guess not," I shrugged.

"Yeah, that's what I thought," Joel snickered. I finished making my sandwich and proceeded to sit down across from him. Chomping down on my snack, the two of us sat there in silence, occupied with our own minds. It wasn't awkward because despite the fact that Joel and I had been best friends since we were younger, we still never talked much. We didn't really have to, especially if there was nothing to talk about. 

"Hey, have you thought about going on that French exchange trip?" I asked him, remembering he was enrolled in that class.

"I've thought about it. But there's no way in hell I could pay for it," he declared, propping his foot up in his stool so he could rest his elbow on his knee.

"You could get a job, you know," I suggested.

"Yeah, I'm just very hesitant about it. I feel like after the bike shop, every other job is ruined for me now. As if I'll never have as good a time anywhere else as I did there," he paused, drifting his eyes across the room. "I don't want my job to just be a job, I want it to be a good experience."