My Own Little World

Chapter Three - Get-Away's

"We call it, Getaways," my mother proudly announced. Today was the opening day for our book store. We had half a football field of people show up (not literally), 88% of which were the judgemental assholes that didn't think we had a chance. Okay, so, maybe I thought we didn't have a chance either. But I vocally stayed optimistic and any doubt was left unsaid and bubbled in my brain.

I'd like to say I stood proudly at the front with my mom marvelling over the transformation, but I wasn't. I was in the back of the store trying to fill out my enrollment forms for school that started in like 20 minutes as I  silently cursed the predatory eyes that searched the store.

I hated the fact I'd miss our store opening but school was simply "more important" and my little brother, Aiden, needed a ride to school. By 'ride' I mean walking buddy. At 18 years old I had yet to take driver's ed due to my fear of driving. Some would say that fear is unnecessary but an opinion is an opinion after all.

I grabbed my bag, shoved the papers in, and yelled for Aiden who came trudging down the stairs. "Cheer up bud," I chuckled messing up his hair.

He looked up at me and laughed, fixing his hair, as I made a goofy face at him. "Okay, okay."

"Come on then," I led him through the crowd. We smiled and waved to mom as she gave a wink for luck and out the front doors we went.

"What if people ask?" Aiden spoke.

"About?" I asked, watching out for cars and pedestrians as we made our way to school. When Aiden didn't respond I looked down at him to see him attempt a glare. I sigh, "well what do we always say?"

"Dad died before I was born and we travelled a lot before finding a place to-"

"Settle down," I finished for him. "So what's the issue?"

"I don't like to lie. What if I make friends? Like you?" Aiden asked softly.

I sigh as we come to the front of Brynlux Elementary school and turn us to face each other before kneeling down to him, "Aiden, I don't make friends. I only make meer acquaintances, you know that. You can't trust anyone outside of the 3N. And who is the 3N?"

"You, mom, and me," he responded with a small smile.

I grin, "that's right, we're family. Friends come and go but ma and I will always be there," I said pointing where his heart is.

He chuckled, "okay."

I laugh, "okay?"

He nodded and I stood up to walk him into school. 3N stood for the three of us and our last name, Nova. We came up with it when things seemingly went to shit and left the three of us our only safe haven. Although Nova was our last name...we often went by our mother's middle name, Cora. An assurance we took to keep things in the past.

"Name?" The lady at the front desk asked.

"Levi Cora," I lie.

She hands me his classroom number and I walk him into class giving a wink for luck and a hug for encouragment before sprinting to Brynlux High School. I made it in time for the bell but with my lack of such given luck my schedule was mixed up with another student and I had to wait for them to fix it. About 20 minutes later...I arrived to class.

I opened the classroom door to many eyes, scowls, comments, and whispers. With a wave of my hand, "hate to make my first impression late but there was a mix up with my schedule," I introduced, "Fawn Cora."

The teacher gives me a tight smile, "take a seat Miss Cora."

I nod and look for a seat. There was two free seats in the back by the window. I walked over and sat down, placing my bag in the other open seat, as the teacher continued with the lesson without re-explaing what I couldn't help but miss. I heard some students whisper, things I always ignore, and began to take the notes on the board. Half an hour later the classroom door opened and two boys stumbled in.