Our Circle

Addiction

•Chapter Four•
•Addiction•
•Theo•

I'm normal. That's why I can't help but to get caught up on why I've been forced into this therapy circle. I've tried asking why the everyone else is in it, but they don't know either, or so they claim. I think they do know why, especially Skye. Nobody wants to admit why they've been singled out. I understand why, but that doesn't make it any less inconvenient. If I can figure out why me of all people have been singled out for this group then I can begin talking myself out of it. I need out, this therapy circle is ruining my smoke break.

I could hear the faint sound of the bell ringing through the school, time for fourth period. It was too early in the morning to think about school. It was too early in the morning to think about anything, but sleep. I figured that ditching was the appropriate choice of action for my patience and temperament. That, and a cigarette or two now that my smoking break is gone.

I pulled out my brand new pack from my pocket and ripped it open. Gingerly placing the cigarette in between my lips and I pulled out my lighter. After lighting the cigarette I took a long draw from it. The familiar burn at the back of my throat felt amazing as I blew the smoke out, letting out a cough with it. I understood skipping class wasn't right, but going an hour without smoking was equally as criminal. Besides, it was officially time for my first study hall of the day.

After three more cigarettes I was ready to go back to class, or well the therapy circle seeing as class was probably getting close to being over. As I walked down the hall a trail of cigarette smoke followed me. I could tell by the scrunched up faces of other students. I slowly strolled into Miss Gracie's office. I was one of the last to show up. I guess I missed the bell dismissing class. Fletcher showed up a few seconds after me. He must of been right behind me.

"Theo?"

"Yes, Skye?" I asked turning around to meet her gaze and being shocked at the pissed look she was staring up at me with.

"What is that dreadful smell surrounding you?" She asked, crossing her arms.

"Were you smelling me?" I cocked an eyebrow at here.

She didn't even flinch, no blush of embarrassment, nothing. "You stank up the whole room, doofus." She glared at me.

"Aww, I'm sorry." I cooed at her, wrapping her in hug.

"Ew!" She shoved me away forcefully. "I don't want to stink too."

"But sharing is caring." I honestly said, puckering my lips in a pout.

"Not in this case you dummy." She sneered at me.

"In every case with you Skye." I grinned at her annoyed expression.

"Theo, Skye, stop bickering please and sit down." Miss Gracie commanded.

"Yes ma'am." I mocked a salute.

"I'd like to start off today's session with some news. I'm not seeing much improvement with any of you." Miss Gracie said very bluntly. "But I'm not seeing the subtle decline anymore so I'm marking these past three weeks off as a success." She seemed overly pleased. "Now onto my next set of news. Tomorrow I'll be having a meeting with a parent during our session so there won't be a therapy circle tomorrow. You all will be free to go to lunch." My heart jumped at this news. Lunch? I missed lunch, this was great. "Now how are you're classes going today? Lloyd, any problems?" Miss Gracie asked.

Lloyd shrugged in response before Calvin could say, "He didn't get kicked out!" Calvin exclaimed.

"Calvin, let Lloyd answer for himself." Miss Gracie reprimanded.