『𝙾𝚋𝚕𝚒𝚟𝚒𝚘𝚗'𝚜 𝚃𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚜』

Chapter Nine

Chapter Nine-

"After-School"

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Stay still...

"Got it!" I whisper while clasping the photograph and furnishing it a loose shake before sliding it into my pocket. I turn to the mirror, now farther than before. Centering on my supposed reflection with frustration, I turn away. I look like a dump.  I morph into the ground, disappointed. Taking a glimpse at the bird.

I lock eyes with it, mustering every gram of my hope in my blood. The landscape rushes past outside, closer with every second.

And suddenly I'm standing facing my locker, one hand clasped on the door. I reach to grab the photograph out from my pocket. It must be lonely out there. Can't blame it, this town is just full of gloom. Such sorrow lives, I can't imagine happiness for these folks. I recall having no plans after-school, well that's just sad. I decide I have nothing else to take care of and set aside my boredom. While hoping someone to be awaiting me on the other side of the locker door, I slam it shut. No one. What did I even expect? Typical, just like every day.

Something calls to mind. Did I?...

Shit-...

I have my shift today. I nearly forgot. Dang it... Col is gonna kill me...

I snap into my speed mode, taking my eyes off of any diversion. This happens almost all the time, no wonder I'm such a bother. I push open the front doors, almost bruising myself because of the heavy lift it provided. Skylights slant the sidewalks with morning sun, all of it surrounding the sound of cars dashing in and out. Shit shit shit shit shit shit- A red light. In a panic, I look over to examine any cars within the roads. Rapidly alternating between my thoughts as I think twice. I just need to calm down, no need to worry. Noticing the expression on the person opposite to my route. He looks my age, I guess from the same school. I swelter, giving him a kind gesture. He looks away in discomfort. I guess he was creeped out. Great job Alex, you've officially weirded out yet another stranger. I resist the urge to care, and at that, it strikes yellow. Just a few more seconds of shame.... Then quickly green. I begin to step onto the tracks, following every single one as another eternity. I arouse to look above me, noticing the beautiful hedges and trees lines up as autumn falls. I've been through this path many times but today feels distinct. like a newly placed garden arranged to indicate warm welcomes. I shrug. Too bad I need to get moving. I recall being late and set forth my pace at a higher rate.

I haven't visited my parents for an extended time, neither have I reached out to them. I wonder how they're doing, they must be sick with worry. Though I hope Kim is fine, she seems quite distant lately. My parents did mention she was acting a little weird It hasn't been the easiest for her lately. She's growing, and after what happened with her, she isn't the same anymore. It's only me she appears to do better along with, I bet she would've loved if I visited.

I zone out just as I walk through the path, accelerating through everyone's shoulders. Passing through other lives while having no exceptional one of my own. I shouldn't be whining, I'm lucky enough to have everything I need.

I'm lucky enough to be truly happy.

Chapter End--

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