Peripheral Vision | ✓ [NOW PUBLISHED AS HUNTINGTON AVENUE]

Chapter 10

C H A P T E R  T E N 

Zach's P.O.V.

Sounds flashed through my ears as I entered the cafeteria, making my way to my usual table.

Not being able to see sure isn't an advantage at this school. Cautiously, I walked around large groups of people who taking up most of the area of the room.

After another minute of looking out for everyone else, I sat down in my seat, taking the hood of my jacket off my head. At this school, I felt quite a bit self conscious, but with this possible operation opportunity, hopefully that would change.

"Zach!' Luke's friendly voice exclaimed as he and his two friends sat down. "How are you doing?"

"Fine," I responded, my face lighting up. "And you?"

"I'm doing quite well, thanks," he stated, giving me a playful shove to the shoulder. I almost retaliated, but stopped myself.

A moment later, I heard Kelsey's calm voice. "Hi Zach."

"Hi Kelsey!" I replied, a smile crawling across my face. "What's up?"

Kelsey didn't seem as cheerful as the day before as she answered, "Not much."

"Is everything okay?" I asked, not used to hearing a somber tone to her voice.

"Yeah, I'm fine," she quickly noted, not wanting to say any more.

I paused, unsure of how to respond. Kelsey seemed upset, but she didn't seem like she was in the mood to talk about it. Uncomfortably, I put my now freezing hands into my jacket pockets, staying silent for a minute or two. I wasn't sure what to say. Luckily, Luke revived the moment with one of his random comments.

"I went to the best Italian restaurant yesterday," he stated, some excitement in his voice. "Their pasta was gooooood."

"Oh Luke," Marco scoffed. "You and your food."

I laughed a bit by his comment. Luke absolutely loves food and he doesn't hesitate to let us know. I could hear Kelsey laugh quietly, but she still seemed down. I wanted to ask what was wrong, but this clearly wasn't the correct time, or place. I sighed, taking a sip of water.

I hope Kelsey's okay. I'm honestly a bit concerned.

"So, Kelsey," I began, attempting to change the mood a bit. "How was your day?"

"I don't want to talk about it," she replied, her voice dying down.

I froze, realizing that I had brought up the wrong subject yet again. I slumped down in my seat, disappointed in myself, because apparently I had the wrong idea. I felt a comforting pat on the shoulder by Luke, and I improved my posture before I slipped out of my chair and onto the floor.

Knowing the clumsy person I am, that would probably happen. Before I could retaliate, I felt someone pull the chair out from under me. I let out a surprised grunt as I hit the floor.

"Marco!" Luke raised his voice, seemingly angry. "What was that, dude?

"Sorry, I was just playing around," he confessed. There was guiltiness in his voice.

I chuckled as I got up from the floor, sitting down in another chair. My tailbone hurt quite a bit, but I laughed it off, and responded with, "It's okay, Marco."

"Don't do that, Marco," Luke protested. He still seemed a bit mad.

"Luke, it's not a big deal," I cut in, attempting to sound unbothered.