The Philosophy of You

Chapter 34

It was lunch time and I was sitting with Henry who was currently studying for his French quiz after the break. Occasionally I'd help with with asking questions on how to conjugate certain verbs or how to say certain phrases. While he was worried, I assured him he had nothing to worry about since every question I asked him, he had gotten right. While Henry studied, I watched another episode of The Office, I was on season 8 and after Michael left, it seemed bland, which sucked because I was really invested in the characters and the general plot. Nothing of great concern had happened between Shaw and I as of yet, we said hello to each other in the halls and would work together in COY. Things were slowly getting back to how it used to be, but one thing was for certain, our friendship (if that's what we're calling it) was insurmountable. 

As Henry and I had begun to spend more time together, we were aware of one person who didn't seem too content at our newfound friendship, Shaw. He began acting rudely to Henry, and would always seem hostile towards him. We had our reasons to think that Shaw was jealous, but nothing was certain, for now. Last Friday, Henry and I had spent our lunch in Shaw's portable talking about how far we've come as friends and how Marvel was the one thing that really brought us together. At times, Shaw would interject, saying a quick liner here and there but nothing more than that. We already Shaw would listen in my conversations with other people, so this wasn't anything new. What we did notice was how Shaw suddenly seemed so invested in Marvel and seemed to want to put extra effort in letting me know how I was valued in COY. 

The bell had just rung, signalling the start of fourth period. The halls were crowded but slowly grew more empty as students made their way to their classes. Henry and I stayed, since we had a double lunch period, continuing in his studies and my binging. Everything was just as it was supposed to be, or so I thought. Henry tapped me on the shoulder, pointing past me towards the stairs where Shaw was heading upstairs, presumably to the English department. As he made his way and onto the third floor, he turned our way and began heading in the direction of the department. Henry said hello whilst waving his hand, but there was no response, Shaw's eyes were glued forward.

Henry frowned looking towards me for clarification as if asking, "Did you just see that?". He shouts even louder, "Hello, Mr.Shaw!"

Still no response, and with that, Shaw passes by us and walks down the hall. Henry face flushes as he looks horrified, "Is he serious? I was loud, wasn't I?"

I respond, "I mean, yeah you were. He didn't even look at you."

Henry exhales sharply, clearly agitated over what just happened, "are you kidding me? He's just a child, he probably saw us sitting together as he made his way upstairs and decided that the most mature thing to do is ignore me when I say hello. What a jerk!"

I simply nod, agreeing with Henry and still shocked over what just happened. Past Henry, I can see that Shaw has turned into the English Department, but greets several students on the way there. "You know, he's saying hello to everyone else."

Henry's mouth drops in shock, as he turns to see but notices Shaw isn't there, "Remember that theory we came up?"

"Which one, there seems to be a lot lately." I ask.

"The one where he is jealous because of all the time we spend together. Remember, how Rosa mentioned that it was like Shaw's interests were shifting to better match yours. Like he seemed a lot more interested in Marvel now than he ever was. I mean, I was in his class and he never ever mentioned Marvel once. And then he sees you liking it, so he goes to the Captain Marvel premiere!" Henry exclaims, still agitated. 

It takes a moment before I realize that Henry was referring to. In late February, Shaw had mentioned that he was going to the Captain Marvel premiere having stopped by where I usually sit. It didn't occur to me then that he wasn't nearly as interested in Marvel before as he was now.