Neighbor Boy

Chapter 3

The next morning I woke up to the sound of Green Day as my alarm and a light over my head. I had the worst kink in my neck because I fell against the window sill. I was dreading today because I moved in the middle of the year. I wouldn't know anyone and I'm too scared to talk to people. I get on my outfit while still rubbing my neck. With a quick check in the mirror I realize that my nose is bruised. Great first impression. I thought. I tie my shoes and race downstairs. The school is 4 miles away and I better get walking if I want to make it there in time. 

When I get downstairs, my mom is there with my lunch packed. I grab an apple from the bowl and kiss her goodbye. "Bye mom. See you later!"

I get out on to the sidewalk when I hear his voice behind me. "Hey!" He said with a smile that made me want to punch him in the face. "Where are you headed to?" "West Point High." He gave me a look as if I was insane. "I'm not letting you walk all that way. Here hop in. I'm going there." I open the door of his SUV and attempted to get in but I hit my head on the frame. "SHIT!" I yelled. 

After my failed attempt, I successfully got into the car and we rode all the way there. When we got there James offered to show me where the office was so I could pick up my schedule. I declined but he followed me anyway. I pick up my schedule and compare it with his. "Hey we have AP English together!" Wooptie doo. Just another reason to have to think about his gorgeous eyes. Stop that! I think to myself. You're not gay! I exclaimed.

On the way there I became super anxious of what people would say about me. James seemed to sense something was off because he said to me "Hey. It's fine. There's no need to be nervous. I'm right here." I stare into his eyes but then quickly look away so I don't look gay. We walk into first period and I look around the room. I see most of the same types of people from my old school. I scan the classroom one more time looking for any signs of bullies. When I see that I'm clear, I go sit down int the back left corner of the class and James sits next to me. Just as I think this might be a good class, I hear a loud voice boo into the room. "Ayyyyeeeee. It's Jeremy, It's Blake, and it's Patterson." They start to head towards me and I panic for a second. 

"You're in my spot new guy!" This one was Jeremy. He must've played football because he looked like he could knock me out with one shove. I try and think of something clever to say but all I could come up with is "Make me!" Sooner than the words left my mouth, I regretted it. "What did you say to me?" I curse myself for resorting to sarcasm. I'm saved by the teacher when the beer rings. "Sit down gentlemen! You wouldn't want to get sent to the office on the first day back from break, Would you?"

I make it through first period with a few glances from James to make sure I was okay. After first period, he escorted me to my second period to make sure I didn't have another encounter with Jeremy. "Ok. Try not to get yourself beat up. I'll see you at lunch." He gives me a smile and wink the melts my heart. I quickly dismiss the thought before it distracts me. I walk up to the teacher. "Mr. Rays? I'm Nathanial. I'm new? I was wonder what unit you're in?" "Nice to meet you Nathanial! We are learning about US and Japanese relationships during WWII." Ugggggggggggg I internally groan. The most boring subject.

I take a seat at the back of the class and open a notebook. I'm quickly jogging down notes when I hear a snap. Dammit! My pencil broke. I walk up to the pencil sharpener and sharpen my pencil very loudly. The whole class turns and stares at me. I feel my breath catch in my throat. On the way back someone sticks out their foot and trips me. "Walk much Nathanial?" The class laughs at me as I quickly walk back to my seat and hide my tomato red face. I try and make it to lunch without making anymore mistakes.

An hour and a half later I meet up with James and find a table to sit at. "How was your classes?" He asks as we sit. "Fine." I lie. "You know you're a terrible liar." I glare at him and he laughs. James laughs with his perfectly white teeth and crooked smile. His dimples poke out and make his freckles pop and bend. He looks me directly in the eye and my face becomes as red as my hair. I try to change the conversation. "How was your classes?" He rambles on while I zone out and chow down on my sandwich. "Hey it's getting late we should probably go to 6th and 7th." He says. I check the time and sure enough it's almost 2:30. 

We head to our 6th and 7th period classes that we have together. It's time for science and I sit in the very back of the class. The bell rings and I hear Mr. Jensen's voice boom throughout the room. "Alrighty everyone. Gather your things and line up at the back of the class. I have a new seating chart." Everyone groans as they head to the back of the class. He points to a desk at the front row, right in the middle. Please don't let it be me! "Let's see. How about......... New kid. You sit here." Great. Just another thing to add on the list of why this day is completely horrible. Mr. Jensen finishes going through the list and James sits in the back row. Lucky. 

I make it through the rest of the day with mild comments and I hop into James's car. After a five minute drive of silence he pulls into his driveway. I start to open the car door when he says "What? No goodbye kiss?" I turn to him and see a jokingly smile on his face. I feel my face go completely red as I open the door and walk straight towards my house without turning back.