Before Everything

Chapter 25

Louis' Pov

It has been interesting living here in the USA. It's a lot different than what I thought from the movies I have watched. And I have gotten many friends which is something I didn't think would happen this fast. The only thing that I'm disappointed about is that they don't have football here. I loved playing football at my old school and I was really good at it. Here they only have basketball and I have no idea how to play that. My height also doesn't really help with the fact.

Mike told me that a new exchange student is coming to our school today and that I should show him around. He thought that it would be a good idea because I know how it feels to be new. The guy's name is Jacob Lei and I think he is from China.

I had to start getting ready or I would be late for school. It's nice to be living alone but I'm horrible at keeping myself in check. The place is always dirty and I am late to everything.

I was luckily just able to catch the bus. If I hadn't, I would have had to walk all the way to school. I had the first period off so that I could show the new lad around. All that I wished was that he would be nice because I really don't have the energy to deal with a dick head.

Where can I find this Jacob guy, I thought.
"Hey! Mike, have you seen the new lad? I have to show him around."
"Yeah, he's in the principal's office. Go wait there. I'm sure he will be done soon!"
"Okay, thanks, Mike!"

I walked to the head master's office and said hi to couple people on the way. It's really nice that I have got so many friends already. I was afraid I wouldn't get any!

After I had waited on the bench near the office for five minutes, a tall Chinese guy came out of the office.
"Hi, I'm Louis. You must be Jacob!" I introduced miself.
"Yeah, I am. It's nice to meet you Louis!"

I was astonished. He had said that sentence with a perfect American accent. Do they learn English that much in China?

"Wow, your accent is really good!"
"Oh, thanks. I hope so! I have really been trying to practice it a lot these couple few months."
"Nice! Okay, I should be showing you around the school so let's go do that!"

We started to walk around the school and did some small chit-chat. I asked some things about China and got to know that his actual name is Jian Lei, not Jacob Lei but he wanted to have an American name. So that it would be easier to pronounce it. Apparently, it's really common for Chinese people to choose a new name when they move to a different country. I also got to know that his last name means thunder in Chinese.

We walked to the cafe and then to the gym where the basketball team was having their practice.
"How can I join the team if I want to?" Jacob asked.
"Well, they have tryouts at the start of each year but if you are really good the coach might let you on the team anyway."
"Okay, I might have to ask him then."
"So you like basketball then? I miself am not that great at it. My sport is football or like they say here soccer."
"Yeah, I was actually the team captain of my old school's basketball team. I really love the sport!"

We watched the rest of the practice and then Jacob went to ask the coach if he could join the team. He had to show him some throws etc.

I just looked at him with a weird look on my face as he did all sorts of throws and moves. The coach was watching him with a stern look on his face. I have no idea what all the moves are actually called but they looked cool. He wasn't as good as Mike but still, really really good.

He finished showing the coach his moves and came back running to me with a smile.
"I got in!" He said with still having that same smile on his face.
"Awesome! You should meet Mike. He's the team captain and also a really nice guy. I think you would get along well!"
"Sure! I would love to meet him. I mean, he is going to be my captain now anyway."