Cliché Beginnings

Thomas Weiss

I didn't see Nic the whole day yesterday. Today, he's absent. I was so worried that I was tempted to just storm in his apartment and check on him but Viv and Carol held me back. It wasn't until before lunch time that he messaged us all that his parents are here for a visit. I wanted to ask more, to call him and talk to him just about anything just so I can hear his voice at least once today but I didn't want to get on his way with his parents. This is probably the first time they're going to see each other again ever since he moved away and even though Nic's already pretty much adapted to this place I know deep down he's still scared and worried and misses his parents. I guess I have to hold back another day. Tomorrow will be the artwork presentation followed by the game in the afternoon. I should take this opportunity that he's not around to focus on myself. I've been thinking about him ever since I realized I liked him and I guess this is also some sort of sign that somehow we need to keep some distance.

The three of us together with Josh decided to hang out at the art room since I have to do some finishing touches on my painting. I'm pretty guilty that Josh gets to hang out with us here first before Nic but I don't really have a choice. After all, I was the one who decided to keep this as a secret.

"It sucks that Nic's not here. I feel like there's something missing." Viv really like talking to people but as far as hanging out goes, being  with me and Carol has always been enough for her. It never really occurred to me before but now that Nic's not around, it might not has just be me who developed a connection with him. "Tom, don't you miss him? You didn't even meet each other yesterday. You weren't in class, right?"

I nod. "I can't even skip practice so I had no choice. I don't know any school like us who'd allow clubs to have the whole day solely dedicated to practice. It's exhausting."

"Haven't you thought of quitting?" I whipped my head to Josh who seems oblivious of his sudden question. When it comes to football I never really loved it but I don't hate it as well. Like I said before, I'd choose art in a heartbeat over football but come to think of it now, maybe I do enjoy it more than I thought. Why else would I be playing still?

"I'm not really sure but I guess I just don't find any definite reason to quit."

He hums lowly. "I get what you mean. Somehow." Carol moves a little closer to him and pats his head like a mother reassuring her son. "Tell us about yourself, Josh."

Josh smiles his usual shy smile as he leans back to the bookshelf. "Um, I don't really know what to say." This brings me back to when we first met Nic. We asked the same question and he just shrugged returning the question with another question. He was shy but at the same time confident. "I don't really have any friends. I used to hang out with my childhood friend and sometimes his girlfriend and I never really felt the need of befriending anyone else until the beginning of this school year, when I realized they've graduated and I'm alone." Viv sniffles beside me using the hem of my apron to act like she's wiping her tears. "Ah, but I have you guys now and Nic. I'm lucky Nic wandered into the greenhouse that one day. I don't think we'd have been friends if we hadn't met."

I smile to myself. It was Carol who brought Nic to us and Nic brought Josh. It was a good thing that our group is somehow expanding. I used to think my life will only consist of just Carol and Viv, not that I'm getting tired of them. I just find change scary sometimes but getting to know Nic and Josh proves that maybe it's not as bad.

Three hours in and I finally finished my painting. The family left awhile ago to attend their respective classes. While I do have other classes to attend as well, I decided to skip it. I was too much in the mood that I didn't want to let go of my paintbrush unless I finish it completely. I look at my work and I feel pride swell up inside me. It has been my best work so far. It's looks exactly as what I hoped for. My style has always been straightforward and vibrant. This time, I took the risk and created something a little abstract and muted just like Nic.

Excitement got the best of me and I ended up calling Nic. It wasn't until he answered, that I realized my mistake.

"Hello? Tommy?"

"H-hi. Nic?"

He chuckles. Oh how I missed the sound of his voice. There goes the distance I'm meaning to take. "Yes, Tommy."

"Oh. Y-yes! Sorry. I didn't really think before calling." Way to go self. "What are you doing?"

"I'm with my Dad and Papa."

This is a mistake. "Sorry, did I disturb you? I can hang up now."

"No. It's fine. I wanted to talk to you."

"You do?"

"Yes."

"What is it Nic?"

"I didn't see you yesterday."

"Yeah."

"I didn't talk to you too."

"Yeah."

"I missed talking to you."

This is bad. I swear I'm blushing so hard. I can even hear my own heartbeat. Nic, my Nic, how can he say something so casually. Is this it? Is this the sign that I've been waiting for?

"Tommy?"

"Nic?"

"See you tomorrow."

"See you tomorrow."

I wish tomorrow would come faster.

It came faster than I thought. I'm sweating bullets and my heart can't stop thumping. What am I nervous for? The presentation? The game? Meeting Nic? Whichever it is, it's not doing my heart any good. I'm so pathetic it's not even funny.

"Thomas, darling, are you alright?"

"Good morning mom."

She raises an eyebrow. "Thomas." I force a smile at her before grabbing a toast and drinking a glass of juice quickly. "Today's presentation day. I have to go to school early. Later's the first game. You're coming, right? Ok. See you!" I didn't even wait for her reply. I'm so out of it. I'm incredibly nervous but I just want to arrive at school fast. I want to meet Nic as soon as possible.