First Punch ➟ Kellic

T W E N T Y T H R E E

I wake up the next morning to those kids screaming their fucking heads off. I swear I'll burn their house down if they keep this shit up. Okay, maybe that was a bit too homicidal even for me. Still though, I groan loudly in annoyance, rolling over and covering my ears with my pillow as I try to fall back asleep. It doesn't work at all and their high pitched voices pierce my eardrum harshly, giving me a headache. Eventually, thank God, they seem to get into their car and start off toward school. I smile, enjoying the newfound peace and quiet. Unfortunately, my stupid brain still refuses to let me sleep. I lie there for a while anyway, enjoying the comfort and warmth of being in bed.

Eventually, I'm forced to get up by my bloated bladder begging me to relieve to myself. I groan once again, climbing from the floor and starting the day. I seem to be the first one up and use to it to my advantage, taking my time as I get ready and even eating a bowl of cereal before I head off. I never, never, eat breakfast, but I want to take advantage of having the kitchen to myself.

After I run out of ways to procrastinate it any further, I finally leave the house and head to school. The walk is boring as hell, but I'm still in a pretty good mood. Carter really scared me last night. He's okay though, and even if Jake and I can't be together, at least he's safe. Well, safer. Plus, I get to see him soon.

Except, when I reach the abandoned house, the brick is empty. It's maybe ten minutes into second period, and he's usually here by now. Then again, we both suck at coming to school. He might've gone to visit Andres or something.

I drop my knife inside, heading into the school and pacing myself as I travel down the hall. I reach my English room faster than I want to and drop into my seat disappointedly. I lean on my fist, not paying any attention to the teacher as I stare at the clock. Ugh, I hate school. I should've skipped today. No one had even woken me up, I should've seshed in the basement for a while or something. Shit, and they probably would've seen my empty room and assumed I'd already left. Ugh, why do I never think things through?

The period seems to drag on forever, and as always I try to lose myself in a game. It doesn't work though. I don't know why I even try, it never works. I look up at the clock for the trillionth time, happy to see the long hour coming to a close.

When the bell finally rings, a smile grows on my face as I hurry off to my locker. I know it won't be the same as usual, but even seeing Jake's face will brighten my mood. Yesterday was so hectic and emotional, and he always manages to make me happy.

I walk into the classroom, getting there before him and taking my usual seat. I flip open my book to today's lesson and write the date at the top. I chew the inside of my cheek anxiously, glancing up at the door every few seconds. He's still not here though and class starts in like 2 minutes.

Mrs Turner comes in, putting the lesson up on the projector just as the bell rings. Jake's still not here. I look over at his empty desk, my eyebrows furrowing. Is he just skipping today? Maybe he's late. Or he could just be sick? No, no, I'm sure he went to the hospital. That's gotta be it, he's with Andres, right? My mind reels as I overthink everything, a new habit of mine that I'm convinced is his fault. What if he's mad at me? What if he hates me for cutting our...whatever it was off?

I hardly pay any attention to Mrs Turner, mindlessly copying the lesson down as I question all of my decisions. I don't want him to be mad at me. Maybe I'm looking too far into things though. I decide to test it out, flipping my phone open as I text him. I try to play it off cool, being casual as I type: Want me to send you the notes from today? I get nervous butterflies as I press send, hoping he'll reply soon.

I keep my phone on my desk throughout the class, waiting for it to buzz or the screen to light up. It doesn't. It's not too unusual though, from my experience he doesn't check his phone religiously.