I'll Show You The Stars

Chapter 4 - Josiah

I slammed the door of my Range Rover Velar behind me and grabbed my books from the backseat. I didn't really see the need for an SUV when literally all I use it for is to was driving ten blocks in either direction, either to school or town. But I wasn't complaining. It was better than most of the wrecks other kids drove. And it got me from A to B.

My friend Kale was waiting for me already, next to a banner declaring the school's motto: "Olympus High; Home of the Gods since 800BC." Witty, but dishonest. Only our football team were called the Gods. No one here are actually like gods, unless you only take into account the myths about murder and incest and the like.

I've known Kale since kindergarten. He was the first person I spoke to, and we really hit it off, I guess, despite our differences. In a few weeks we were constantly around each others houses for sleepovers and such. In fact, his mum and dad are pretty much a second set of parents to me. His family even moved next door for a few years, so then we practically lived together. Now they live on the other side of Olympus Park though. His parents are sorta hippie health nuts (hence "Kale") so they move houses fairly often when the feng shui gets bad. Each to their own, I guess.

"'Sup Josiah!" Kale called. No matter how many times I told him how much of a douchebag he sounds, he still insists on saying that.
"Hey Kale! Where's everyone else?"
"Well, you how Imogen is. The bitch texted me to say she'd be late today. As per usual. Olly and Rory already headed inside for early football practice, and Maya's in the library finishing an "assignment" with Dorian. You and I both know that just means they're making out."
"So she ditched us to get in the pants of the school fuckboy. Fairs. You do you boo. Just don't come crying to me when you've got genital herpes."
"Damn Jojo! Feeling a little salty are we?" Kale remarked.
"You could say that," I replied.

We turned around to walk inside, only to find Ms Taylor blocking our path.
"Boys, that sort of language is unacceptable and will be not be tolerated here at Olympus High. A detention will be in order tonight," she droned.
"Shit!" Kale blurted. I slapped him. Hard.

***

I shoved my bag under a desk. Thus begins 60 long minutes of torture, sat in a room with 30-odd people plus the pedophilic librarian, in silence. 7 desks away from the only person you know. Great! I recognised some people, of course, but it's a big school.

On my left sat the captain of the volleyball team. I only recognised her because Kale, Olli, Rory and I went to the games sometimes to check out fit girls. Perks of being bi; both football players and volleyball players are fit AF, thus boring obligatory viewing of matches is less boring. Anyway, she was fit. And now was as good a time as any to get to know her.

"Hey. Josiah Lovett." I extended my hand to her.
"Elaia Kenley," she said, taking my hand in a vice-like grip. Hot. What can I say, I'm the S in BDSM.
"You're on the volleyball team, right?" I asked.
"Yep. Captain of, in fact."
"So, you're really... Umm... Sporty, I guess?" Why, oh why, am I so bad at conversation?
"I guess you could say that," she chuckled.

"Will the couple flirting on the back row remain silent please?" Mr Nayborn demanded, sounding like he'd rather die than be here right now. Kale turned, looked at me, and winked. I flushed red.

"I bet he'd like to see that," Elaia mumbled.
"We'd better keep quiet, or else he'll "punish" us," I responded suggestively.

Her laugh was full-bodied and warm, comforting like coffee.

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A/N: I wrote a new chapter! Its been a LONG time coming, I know, but writer's block is a thing. I wanted to write this chapter without it being cliché, but its a high school chapter, so unfortunately some cliché is inevitable. Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. I have no idea where this book is going, I just know I want to tackle some big subjects such as sexual identity and incest. If these are topics that make you uncomfortable, then don't read on. Simple. Anyway, what did y'all think of Kale? The others (Imogen, Rory, Maya and Olli) were mentioned in this chapter, but you'll get to meet them all soon.

Love, love, love,
Oliver xx