The Boy Next Door

Meeting Hyde

White bland hallway, red chipped lockers, and the dull grey doors of classrooms. My school wasn't all that much, but I was soaking up my escape from the house - the first all summer. I passed the single students and teachers in the hall that were getting ready for the first day of school this semester. I came to locker 234. It was a step up from my past lockers. I will tell you first hand, the junior boys have no shame after lunch. It really should be illegal to have your locker five feet from the main bathrooms. Now, my locker was right near my first half of the day's classes. Perks of being a senior. After quickly mastering my combination I shoved my bag into my locker and quickly walked down the hall to the two double doors leading to the back of the playground. I walked past the office, peaking in the window at Mr. Longst talking to two people standing to the side.

I instantly regretted my decision as Mr. Longst motioned me to come in. I signed and opened the heavy door to the office. "You beckoned me?" I asked as he rolled his eyes. Mr. Longst was probably the only teacher I acknowledged. He was old enough to have the 'teacher' look, but didn't act like an actual old person. "Kacey, be polite. This is, " he motioned to the boy as he stepped forward. "Hyde. I go by Hyde." his voice was soft, but at the same time it had a raspiness to it that sent shivers down my spine. I smiled lightly at him and did a small wave. Mr. Longst opened his mouth to introduce me to the man I assumed was his father but cut off by the shrill echo of a phone. The man quickly answered it as we all stood there awkwardly. The man's rudeness surprised me. The man sighed as he held his hand over his temple. "Okay, okay Jean. Just, keep them there. I'm on my way." He hung up the phone and dropped it back into his pocket. "You can finish this, right?" he said as he turned to Hyde. "Yeah, dad. It's fine." The boys voice had a hint of spite, and by his tone I could tell that his father did this often.

As Hyde's dad was leaving the office Mr. Longst explained a few more things to Hyde. They discussed lockers, a quick dress code, how Hyde's ear gauges would probably terrify Mrs. Kimberly in English, as I stood there wondering if I could leave or not. "We don't have much of a welcome wagon here, but, -" Oh no. He wouldn't. "Kacey, can show you around this week. " He handed Hyde his schedule and locker slip. "Behave." Mr. Longst added as we disappeared out the door after I threw it a quick "Always, sir!" Hyde followed me out the office. "What's the locker number?" I asked as I stopped before we made any wrong turns. Lindale High wasn't all that big, but with a good 800 students we had plenty room to spare. Hyde scanned his slip until he located the number. "333." He said, studying over the slip. I snorted. A puzzled look crossed his face. "Here, use my locker this week. Its chili, tacos, and mystery meat. You don't want to be near the bathrooms this week." He nodded, "Thanks."

We started back toward my locker and I flicked the lock and let him drop his book bag off. I pulled my phone out of my pocket and checked the time. 7:30. I got here way to early. I always do. 1st period didn't start till 8:15 for seniors, and I had been wondering the hallways for 20 minutes before Mr. Longst spotted me. "You ready? Lets go."

"Where are we going?" Hyde asked, trailing behind me. "A quick tour toward the smoking area." "Ahh, so little miss goody-goody does have a wild side." he laughed. I ignored his comment, guiding him outside as I opened the courtyard doors. "This is where we go after second. You can stay in class, but most people come out here and buy some food or just talk. You can have lunch out here if you aren't in any actual class. We can't leave for lunch without a special cause or a parent note, and if you're not back in time, they lock you out and call your parents." We walked back pass the picnic tables and the small concession stand. We crossed the entrance to the green house and walked behind the band room. "This little gravel pit area is what saves me from life. The student/staff smoking area." Hyde eyes raised. "They allow students to smoke on campus?" As if he didn't believe me. "Well, actually the campus ends after the greenhouse. Technically if anyone really wants to say something they can only say it if you are underage. Which, I am not." I smiled and pulled my cigarette case from my back pocket and lit the end of my last cigarette. "Smoke?" I asked, turning to him. "Smoke what?" he smirked. I laughed and took a drag from my cigarette. I sat down on the bench the AG shop made for the area. "But, I will take a drag." He said, and joined me on the wooden bench.