When We Were Young

6.

LOUIS POV

I sat at my desk, contemplating what to do. I didn't have any friends yet, so I didn't want to go stand in the hallway and be awkward but I didn't want to come off rude or weird if I don't go. I also don't want to leave because I don't know my way around and it would be way more embarrassing to get lost than be alone. 

It was early when I had arrived at the school; I was hoping to find my way around before the morning traffic came in. It would have been possible if I found a school map or directory anywhere in here. There was no reason for me to find a directory. It's definitely not because I am trying to avoid anyone, nope, that would be nonsensical. I rushed to me room when I saw signs of students entering, smiling at some new faces as I made my way but nothing more than that. I hoped they would all think I had a lot of work to catch up on and excuse me rude behavior. 

I got to my room, unlocked the door, and let out a sigh of relief as I stepped into the room. Not running into Liam was a blessing today; I really didn't need to get on his bad side anymore than I already was. I set my bag down next to my desk and started up my computer. 

Glancing around the room, I was proud of what I had accomplished in the last few years with everything that had happened. I finally got out of my hometown to do a job that I've always wanted to do. Being this far from my family wasn't ideal, but it sure was nice to finally have a sense of complete freedom for the first time. 

 A knock on the door interrupted my thoughts. I looked over to see Liam standing there, one hand in his pocket and the other resting on the door knob. 

"Listen, I want to apologize for yesterday. I wasn't having a great day and your presence surprised me and really caught me off guard. If you'll let me, I would like to properly give you a tour of the school that you deserve." Liam stood in the door frame, looking a little ashamed of himself. 

"Actually, I was already offered to be given a tour during lunch break, but thank you for the offer." I turned back to my work, well, not any real work was in front of me. I sat there pretending to type for a minute waiting for him to leave. "Is there anything else, or...?"

"Oh. No, that's all. Uh, sorry," he whispered before departing the spot he was standing.

I leaned back in my seat, letting my shoulders relax slightly. Seeing him always brings back all my feelings and all that I never dealt with, the closure neither of us every received. It's hard to dwell on the past, especially when you can't do anything to change it. You always think things will work out, but when they don't, you never really know what to do. It'll be bad to dwell on that for now. One day he will have to talk to me, and maybe he will forgive me too. 

At lunch, I saw with the same group of ladies notably with the absence of a young man. They were all so delighted to see me, so how could I resist their smiles and charms. Every other word out of their mouth was a praise of some sort or gossip of another sort. It was hard to keep up with the ever changing topics. Carroll was the sweetest of all three of them. She has a sweet temper and gentle eyes. Then there was Mrs. Evans, a middle aged biology teacher with two children currently attending this school and there was Mrs. Cowen, an English teacher who always seemed to follow Carroll's lead. 

"So, Louis, I hope you are settling in well. How has your first full day been? Hopefully, none of your students are giving you any trouble yet. Those theater kids have always been an interesting bunch," Carroll asked. 

"I'm delighted to be here. I couldn't have asked for a better set of students. They don't seem to detest me as much as I thought they would. I'm hoping to keep them well engaged as long as I can," I replied lightly. 

"You've met Liam, right? He's such a sweetheart. I'm hoping you two can be really good friends. There aren't that many males around here and since you two are so close it age, it would do you both some good" Mrs. Evans suggested, seemingly decided that it would happen.

"Funny that you mention that. Liam and I actually are acquainted with each other," I started, but before I could finish, I saw Liam enter the cafeteria. If any of the three ladies made a comment, I didn't hear. 

Liam made eye contact with me, before squaring his shoulders and walking towards us, lunch in hand. I'm glad he did interrupt my conversation. How would I even continue or start to answer their questions? Then I might have to recount the history of the two of us and then what would they think of me?

"Sorry I am late. I got caught up with something" Liam glanced my way as he slid into the last seat with a sigh. His face was scrunched, his brows almost touching. He looked very distressed at the circumstance. 

"Let us cheer you up, my dear." Carroll started. All the other ladies immediately agreed. It wasn't hard to tell from a day here that Liam was a favorite among his coworkers, but this wasn't surprising. He was always a favorite no matter where he went. It's how he was in high school. Everyone adored him; I never met such a person will an ill opinion on him. Carroll looked upon him almost as a mother would a son, but Carroll reminded me dearly of him own mother, so it wasn't a far off thing to think. 

"What's bothering you, Liam?" Mrs. Evans asked. All eyes turned towards him. 

"Nothing of any concern at the moment, but the moment that changes, you all will be the first to know. " He smiled politely at them before directing his attention at his food. I took this opportunity to take in his features since I last saw him.

His face had slimmed slightly and his hair was must shorter and straighter than I last remembered. He looked good, aged though. Not that it would have been in a bad way. He looked more mature than ever. His brown eyes shined in this environment, marveled at all that was around him and taking the company of those that offered it. He looked content and at ease, much different that yesterday morning. 

In that moment, I realized how nice it was to see him again. I had missed his previous company and relished in the thought of out lunchings being a new turning point for us. He doesn't have to be my friend, but I'm hoping that could change with our new daily acquaintances together, as I don't think I could get out of sitting at this table, even if I wanted to. 

+++++++++++++++++++++

Hi everyone,

Sorry for the long wait! I guess there's no time to write like a quarantine. I hope you all liked this part and remembered where we picked up from last time. Hope everyone is doing well and enjoying this week!

As always stay lovely,

-pastryprincess