Cliché Beginnings

Nicolas Pearson

Dad and Papa didn't let me go until this morning. After having late lunch we went around town then I brought them to the cafe where I work. One day was not enough so we went back to my apartment and got change of clothes so I can stay with them in the hotel. They were waiting for the right moment to ask about my worries but it never came. I was also so into spending the time with them that I have actually forgotten about it as well. I pretty much got over it already until they've dropped me at school and I realized I have yet to see Tommy.

It was another day of festivity. Evergreen High really loves celebrating lots of things. Today it's the art festival and later in the afternoon is the first football game of the season. Tommy's participating in both events so I'm actually anticipating this day more than the Open House. Carol told me that Tommy has a painting displayed at the student hall but didn't tell me what exactly it looked like. 'You have to guess which it is, Nic', she more than happily said to me. I never got to see any of Tommy's artwork since I've arrived here so I didn't really know which is going be his. He is already a contrast of his own person so it wouldn't be any more surprising if his painting turned out to be completely different that what I expect it to be.

The Student Hall is bustling with students but The Chipmunks and Josh are nowhere to be found. They really want me to guess which artwork's Tommy's, I could tell. No one even cared to give a hint or at least explain its concept to me. There are lot of paintings and sculptures lined up in the whole place that it already seemed impossible to find Tommy's painting. There are even digital works that are playing on portable LCD Screens. The event is more thorough than I thought and everyone seemed like they were really interested in the artworks as I can even hear a few offering their personal opinions.

I made a quick glance of everything through the middle. Any of this could be Tommy's but one thing that can make difference is the reflection of his personality. Deep blues and purple, white and hint of black. It's deep and emotional. The painting at the far, right corner of the hall seems to call unto me. This is not Tommy but it certainly tells something about me. If I were able to paint and tasked to make a representation of myself, I'd definitely envisioned it like this; a small bulb of flower encased in shadows. There's a warm feeling deep inside of me and butterflies gathering on my stomach. It makes me want to curl up on the comfort of someone and cry 'till there's no more tears to cry. 

"Do you like it?" It's the voice I've been missing for days, the voice I've wanted to hear the most even if it confuses me. 

"I love it." Tommy's cheeks become slightly tinted. He's looking away as if afraid to meet my gaze. I want him to look at me, talk to me like always. I want Tommy to see me as I see him.
"Thanks, Nicolas." Despite it I smile at myself. He called me Nicolas and it's enough to make me hold myself not to stumble in glee. This warmth and closure is the one that I've been missing; something only Tommy can give. "This is you. I mean, I was thinking of you when I made it."

My heart flutters in my chest, intensifying the giddiness I feel. "Thanks, Thomas. You're a good friend, a really good friend. I appreciate it."

We've met with the rest before the game started. It was hilarious to see Viv, Carol and Josh in similar black shirts with golden stripes at the sleeves and Tommy's surname and number written on the back of it. They really looked like a family who went out to watch a neighborhood game. They've made it a point that it's how they can support Tommy and be easily spotted by him through the large field. I was even asked to wear the same shirt but I don't really want to gather so much attention besides I reckon being beside them is enough for Tommy to know where I am as well. 

The crowd is already cheering so loudly and the players haven't even entered yet. The other half of the stadium is filled with people wearing red shirts, symbolizing the opponent's side. They are equally excited and hyped for the game cheering with open arms and widely open mouths. It's a peculiar feeling to be among them. 

My former school has never really supported sports like football. It was more focused on honing business-minded and society ready people. There were no excitement, everything was predictable. The tournaments were all dedicated to quiz bees and debate battles. A cup was given to the Science Olympiad champions. Walls of the school were plastered by faces known as sponsors but really they're just parents of the students who seemed to have so much to earn they decided to share it with the school. We also have a large pool and a stadium with a track and field but they were reserved for the athletes trained to compete in the Olympics and university varsity at least. They had time slots you have to reserve and no one can occupy the space at the same time. The large library was the only considered common space of the students besides the cafeteria but even it has designated areas for the children of the important people. They have specials books and materials supplied to them with corresponding security codes in case someone of low social status decides to borrow them.

It was never like Evergreen High with students of different personalities and attributes openly spending their time together. No, we never really had someone like Tommy who's athletic, popular but kind and sensitive at the same time. This is a feeling so alien to me that I don't really know how to respond to it. I've never really screamed in my life and waved my arms in the air. I never spent my time with friends and looked forward to the upcoming days. This life wasn't something I own until recently. 

"Nic, what are you doing? Come on, they're entering! Look, there's Tom! NUMBER 12! NUMBER 12!" Viv pulled me by my arms and cluck her bottles together. 

"Babe, you do realize Tom's not number 12."

I chuckle lightly. She's right. Tom's number 15. 

Viv tentatively roll her eyes at her girlfriend. "I know. I was just teasing him." Sure enough, Tommy was looking at us shaking his head as his teammate who actually possess number 12 laughs. "See? His friends need a little pushing so they perform well as well. The game should not just revolve around Tom. He's too precious to get injured.

"We can't really get enough of Vivian and her wittiness. Sometimes you'd think she planned on saying those things but you'd look at her and realize she's just being true to her nature. I perceived that it was what made Caroline adore her as well who's quiet and observant in contrast to her.

The game went on for about an hour with few setbacks at the middle of the game. It was a wholesome game as to say. Tommy's team won through the goal he made at the last minute. It was like a scene out of a movie. My voice became horse after so much cheering and I was sweating bullets from the heat that occupied the whole stadium from the lights and the crowd. If there's something I want to treasure at the duration of my stay in the place, it's the adrenaline that flashes into you in these small games with large dreams. It's seeing Tommy run through the field then looking up to us and smiling with his fist in the air.