Things Change

Meeting Leondre

"I am looking forward to seeing you at this school, Taylor." the principal said eagerly.

I dipped my head.

"I will find a student to show you around, I assure you they will be very welcoming." she said, before opening the door of a nearby classroom.

All the students looked up at us, scanning me over. They looked confused as to why I didn't have a uniform on.

"I need someone to show Taylor here around." she announced.

The class immediately lifted their hands, obviously eager to get out of class. Only one person didn't stir, keeping his head down and eyes focused on his work.

"Leondre!" the principal called out, and the boy lifted his head. She beckoned him over. He shyly got up and walked over to us, earning occasional menacing looks from his classmates. Why?

"Would you show Taylor around please?" she asked, and he nodded silently. We left the room and the principal went away.

"Leondre, huh?" I said awkwardly in an attempt to break the silence. He did nothing but nod, so I kept my mouth shut to avoid embarressment. He didn't talk until we started off down the corridor.

"These are the year eight classes, which we are in." he said, gesturing to the many doors we were passing.

Each one had a subject name on the door. He showed me inside any that were empty, and showed me where things like the canteen and the toilets were. He also showed me the gym, the changing rooms, the other year classes and the staff offices.

Then we went outside.

"When are you joining?" he asked.

"Next week." I replied.

My hand accidentally brushed on his back as I tried to push open a door, and he flinched.

This made me wonder what was wrong. He was shy, he didn't talk much, he got menacing looks from others in the school and he flinched at the slightest touch. Maybe I'd get to know him more when I joined.

"Hey, you know when I start? Would you mind sticking with me, just for like the first lesson?" I asked.

He nodded slowly.

"Sorry if I'm annoying, I just...I feel awkward in new places." Leondre shook his head.

"You're not annoying." he murmured.

"Thanks." I said, and the silence began again until we reached the principal's office.

"Have you finished your tour?" she asked, and we nodded.

"Thank you Leondre, you may go back to your lesson." she said, and he reluctantly walked away.

"Thanks." I said too, and he just tilted his head.

"Is he okay?" I asked quietly, as the door shut and I was in the office.

"He...is a very quiet boy. He doesn't seem to get along well with others. Maybe you could be his friend?" she asked hopefully.

I nodded with a smile.

"I asked if I could stick with him on the first lesson and he said yes." I told her.

"Just...don't leave him, okay?" she asked sadly.

"I won't." I said.

We carried on talking for a bit about my past schools and life before it was time to go.

As I was getting into the car with my mum, the bell for break rang. I saw kids of all ages spilling out in the yard. Last out was Leondre, almost cautious. He tucked himself away into the corner, avoiding everyone else. It kind of upset me, he seemed so sweet.

"Was it good?" my mum asked, breaking my thoughts. I nodded.

"Can't wait." I said, just to make her happy.

With that, we drove back home to try on my uniform.