Overtime

six ✧ || abnormality

"I can't believe that class is real."

"You're only mad because you couldn't do it."

Dustin's brows furrowed at Raymond's claim. "I didn't think sculpting was actually a high school course." His arms folded. "When our schedules said 'art' I thought it meant painting or drawing."

"We'll probably be doing those eventually."

"You're kidding."

Emerging from the front doors of the building, the two meshed with the swarm of students darting for escape. Just as the duo slid through herds of teens debating what they were to do after school, they spotted Colten. He was leaning against a tree with one of his manufactured cigarettes in one hand, exhaling into it. He blended in remotely well with the other smokers outside: the ones using the cigarettes to destroy their lungs rather than make them functional.

They had established at lunch that they would meet outside after school, and Colten had sent a text the instant he propped himself against the tree. Without needing explanation, they all knew it would be the location where they would meet after classes every day.

His gaze wandered through the swarms of people absentmindedly, fluttering from one group to the next. It was strange that this was how they were to be introduced to the normal teenage world: via experiment. It was an easy guess, but still wasn't the outcome he wished for.

Spotting his teammates, he offered a wave. Raymond responded. Dustin's hands remained buried in his pockets.

They stood in silence for a moment, contemplating what exactly they were to do until the others arrived, when bubbling laughter escaped the doors. Turning, the three watched as Aubrey and the twins headed for them.

"Stop, you're wrong."

"I'm right! Just admit it." Jay's persistence, not phasing Noah even slightly, continued as they headed for their group.

"No, you're wrong."

Jay scoffed. "Even the teacher agreed with me."

"That means nothing."

"That literally means everything when you're in school, Noah."

Colten smirked as he watched the two, pushing himself upright to interject in their conversation. He stopped when he spotted Aubrey gazing vaguely into the distance behind the two. Her eyes were locked onto the squad of girls from their gym class. They were staring intently at them, but lingered on her in specific. A handful of them whispered back-and-forth, but Angela's stare, cold and cunning, narrowed on Aubrey's. The experiment stared back, unapologetically acknowledging her gaze. Then, without a stare back, she turned to her group and joined them in their small circle.

"Jay, no, you're so wrong."

Somehow unfazed at the popular group's gossip, Aubrey rolled her eyes behind sealed eyelids. Upon opening them she spotted Colten offering her a smile, his head tilted, silently asking if she was okay. She forced a smile and nod in return.

"Let's get going." Colten said plainly, turning and following the path to the sidewalk.

"Do you remember how to get back?" Aubrey questioned, trotting to the front of their line where he was leading.

Colten nodded. "That's why The--" He cut himself off, pausing for a moment and clearing his throat. "Our uncle," he gave a sigh at his quick save. "Had me up front this morning. He wanted to make sure someone knew."

Silence fluttered over the two, and instead the air was entirely filled with the arguing of the group behind them.

Raymond sighed. "Germany was not the victim in World War II, Jay. Give it up."