Cliché Beginnings

Thomas Weiss

"Great."

and the world stopped

No, not really but God, I can't even begin to explain what I'm feeling. I'm trying so hard to accept the fact that I may apparently have a more intense crush on Nic than what I previously thought. The guy actually wants to see my artworks and I don't know about the others but it means a lot.

Art is precious for me. It's like a jewel that's hidden deep within the ocean that can only be found by the pure heart-ed ones. Ok, I'm being extremely dramatic but that's just how I can describe it. No one, and I mean NO ONE has ever asked me about my art. The girls and guys who wanted to be with me were all just concerned on the fact that I play football. Even Sam, whom I talked about my interests with never got pass his admiration for my athletic abilities and Nic, Nicolas Pearson hasn't even had the chance to see that part of me.

"Oh, and Carol also said you're good at History and I suck at it, so it will be great if you can help me."

I'd help you with anything. 

I look at this pretty guy on my right and mentally pray from the Gods of the above, to please give me a sign, one small sign that will tell me that I at least have a chance on making him look at me.

"Tommy?"

"Tommy?"

He smiles, his beautiful and radiant dimpled smile. "Yep, Tommy. Tom is too short and Thomas reminds me too much of a train so, Tommy."

I feel myself smile. I am ridiculously whipped and it's just the second day. "Tommy it is and Math or History, I'll make sure to help you. Well, not really Math but yeah."

"Great."

"Great."

Unfortunately, we don't have any other classes together besides the one yesterday and History. It's not enough but at least I get to start my mornings good four days a week. Fridays are solely for arts and football practice so I don't think I'll actually get to spend that with him. Unless I― 

"He's so adorable." 

I glance at my side and see two bundles of buns walking side by side. "Who is adorable?" Viv snickers and slings her arms with mine. "You know who I'm talking about. It just sucks he's straight and is currently in a relationship."

"Yeah, but only until the weekend." I snort in reply.

"Again, he's straight."

"He didn't actually say it." Yes Caroline, say it louder for the people at the back. 

"Yup, he never said it." 

Viv roll her eyes on me but smiles still. "Oh, so you got the hots for him?"

Is that even a question? He already got me when he showed those adorable dimples of his but I don't dare admit that to these girls. They're terrible teasers. "He's nice."

"Not nice. AMAZING. It's good that Carol babe here made all these stuff about destiny or else you wouldn't even get to have a chance on him. You'll be on the SIDELINES watching him fall for a hot, future chemist girl who smells like chlorine but gives wonderful blows while you cry with your broken heart."

"Way to be harsh. Even if Carol didn't meet him at the hallway before lunch you'll still find some way to befriend him. You're that kind of thirsty for friends, VIV."

She stops walking, huffs and crosses her arms on her chest. "Um, excuse me? I am not thirsty for friends. If I am then you're the last person I'd ever consider to become friends with."

I look at Carol and we both snicker. "So bad you've been stuck with me. I guess having a hot football, quarterback for a friend doesn't do you any good."

"Nope, not at all." 

"Ugh! I hate you two! Babe, shouldn't you be siding with me?"Carol shrugs making the little girl even more frustrated. "I'm so done with you. I'm going."

"I'll text her. See you later." I nod at Carol and go on my way to the next class while she follows her grumpy girlfriend.

I wasn't surprised that even the girls find Nic adorable. It's not even an exaggeration to compare him to an angel. He is that adorable. One would think that tall, slim guys can't be adorable but wait 'till they see Nic. I am taller than him but he's about 5'7 and a half which is not that small considering that the average height of students here is at least 5'6. Imagine someone with that height but his skin is so white and fair that it's almost as if he bathes in milk everyday and his eyes are crazily shining like amber when he smiles that you'll find blue and green eyes so ordinary. He's that type of adorable where you'd just want to put him in box only for you to see. Don't even get me started with his personality. He's just that close to perfection. I know I'm being quick on my assumptions and being irrational but it's Nicolas Pearson that I'm talking about. If there's someone who can make me swear to the whole universe that I am gay, it's him.

As I step inside my room, my phone dings from my front pocket; a sound I usually hate because of all the spam texts I receive. 

"Tommy, it's Nic. I asked Carol for your number."

and the world stopped once again

"I can't understand this part of the history assignment. Can you please help me? Pretty please, with a cherry on top?"

How the heck does he know these words? "My pay's a little high, Pearson."

"Hmmmm....... Carol didn't mention that. How 'bout sandwiches? :-)"

"You know, it's not good to always just eat sandwiches."

"I do eat salad too."

"You're incredibly unhealthy."

"EXCUSE ME? I am healthy. You are just bulky."

I chuckle. He isn't unhealthy. He's just naturally slim and I find it fun to tease him. "Can't deny that. I guess sandwiches will do for now. What don't you understand?"

"Great! I knew you can't resist my sandwiches." Oh, only if you know, Nicolas. "I'll highlight the part  and send it to you."

Calm, yourself Thomas. You have to be calm. "Ok, will wait for it."  "Have you just been doing homework since you got home from school?"

"Nope. I went to find part time after school. I got one in the cafe near the gas station."

That actually surprises me. He did say he moved here to become independent but I didn't know it's to the point of needing to get a job. Most kids here are supported by their parents so only a few do get jobs. Nic might be taking this independence thing more seriously than what we thought. It just makes me want to support him more. "That's nice! Don't work too much tho. You've got to enjoy your life at least."

"Thanks. Don't worry. I wouldn't, MOM. hahahaha"

Gosh, Nicholas Pearson. You're adorable.