The mind is an interesting thing. Every memory we have is stored in the most complex computer ever created. And we take this for granted.
"Mr. Kenari," Ms. West said "are you even paying attention."
"Of course," I replied "the answer to question thirty one is Skinner. He formulated his theories on operational conditioning using pigeons, rats, human beings, and dogs. He was a marvelous man in many respects."
Embarrassment started to cloud her mind slightly. "We aren't on thirty one yet. We are just finishing thirty."
"I know. Seeing how we are practically finished with it, I am simply speeding the process along."
I was left alone for the rest of that hour, much to my relief. I did not want to deal with the hundreds of new people I've been forced to occupy space with.
And down the hall was my "office". It really was just an abandoned music hall. Never used for anything.
This was my little home. And it's always quiet. In this world that is a welcome relief. I couldn't help but escape here in between classes.
The halls filled with students while I was sitting here. I had to slip out though.
I slipped through the door, quietly and without being noticed, or so I thought. I turned and saw her staring at me. She smiled wryly. And I couldn't help but be slightly mad at myself. Shoulda been more careful, looked before I slipped out. At least no one followed me out. That would have been a difficult thing to explain. And then came Icarus, strolling casually out. God dammit.
She smiled. I saw black mail in her eyes.
Great. "Dammit Icarus. Why the fuck didn't you wait a moment?"
"Why would I?" he whispered, edging closer. "After all it's so much more fun to embarrass you."
Sometimes I want to strangle him. He might be my best friend but still. Also how the hell did he get in there....?
She started to walk toward me. God dammit
"Hello there." she said. "And who are you?"
"Kaoru Kenari. Why do you ask?" I replied.
"Because names link with faces. And stories."
"No one knows me so go ahead. It won't matter."
She laughed slightly. "If I wanted to share that interesting scene I would. But I am interested about the room you came out of."
"No." I simply said, and walked away. The music room locked on its own anyway. You have to pick the lock to get in, and not many people have that skill anymore.
Next class I have is in room three twenty one. Latin. Mrs. Caecus has been the teacher for at least my two years. She is an unusual person. She teaches using projects and group work. I usually hide in the back ground away from the rest of the class. She tends to think that I believe people are below me, when I really just have too much pain to be open with them. The work gets done quickly, and I escape to a world of music or dreams. There are a few people in the class I can stand, like Icarus. But he's outgoing and tends to get me in awkward situations. But a friend is a friend. So I still sit near him. Though his cliche doesn't quite enjoy my presence.
After yet another long class, I have a free period, and escape to my music room. Icarus shows up a few minutes later sitting next to me on the couch we brought in from the old student lounge. It was a bit worn but it was comfortable enough. "Hey." I said.
"Hey" he responded, sitting next to me. Sometimes he played my heart against me (like this morning) but he just liked to mess with me. In there it didn't matter who I was in the halls and classrooms.
"Who was that girl this morning?" I asked.
"Who knows? Probably just a new student." he knew everybody, so it came to a shock when he couldn't tell me.
"You don't know?" I can't believe that. "Lier. Who is she?"
He shrugs, and closes his eyes. "I really don't know." And so the discussion ended.
