The Stars

Ch 7: The Text

     That text... Who sent it? That text was all I could think about that day... It's day 2 of school and this school year is already the craziest year of my life... In 6th-period, many more people noticed me. I could physically feel them staring at me... gossiping about my news story... It seemed like every hair on my body stood stiff... Then I noticed Stephen wasn't there...

Shit... Where's Stephen?

     I was getting more worried... He was here this morning. My friend, Cameron, came out of nowhere and grabbed me by my shoulders.

Cameron: "Tyvan! What the fuck, man... Are you okay?"

     Cameron and I talked off and on throughout middle school and high school. We didn't become very close until last year. He's a very interesting guy because he can either be really chill or really energetic. In both moods, his sense of humor is the same.

Me: "Yeah... I think I'm fine... So, you watched the news then?"

Cameron: "No, but Aidan talked about it for a bit earlier... I'm just checkin' up on you, man. Hang in there."

     He walked off to set his backpack somewhere. Speaking of Aidan, he walked into class just as I set my bag down. He noticed me and immediately walked my direction.

Aidan: "Yo, Tyvan! Are you good?"

Me: "Yeahhh... Yeah... I'm fine... I see you saw the news..."

     I've only known Aidan since the start of high school. Again, we didn't get closer until last year. He's unique, but in a good way. The awkward, dark sense of humor really suits him well.

Aidan: "Dude, how are you even alive right now?"

Me: "...I don't know....."

Aidan: "Shoot, that reminds me. I was gonna show Noah. Alright, man, stay safe. If you ever need anything, hit me up and I'll help you the best I can."

Me: "Thanks, man..."

I caught Ulysses glaring at me from across the room. I felt his judging eyes observe me from where he stood. He turned away to talk to his friend. More than likely, they were gossiping about me. I approached my chair and sat among the circle. Fortunately, Stephen walked in just before the bell rang.

Noah: "Tyvan! You good?!"

Me: "*sigh* Yeah yeah... I know..."

Like many others in this class, I've known Noah since the beginning of high school. Being in improv last year brought us all closer. Noah has to be one of the most responsible characters I know. He has that steady vibe of a leader. Still, he's very laidback and chill.

Noah: "Aidan told me about it just now, but I already read about it this morning. Did you see the newspaper headline?!"

(He's laidback and chill MOST of the time...)

Me: "Uhh... No? Who the fuck reads newspapers anymore?"