Astral: Founded (Astral Book 2)

Chapter 1

The bell rang immediately as the minute hand reached "12." Jess stood up from her chair as if it's summer break already, although we still have eight months 'til graduation. Every dismissal, Jess would come up to me to ask if I can accompany her in their group project meeting. Oftentimes, I would pinch in suggestions even though I don't belong in her group. I just always like to help, even if I won't benefit from it.

"You won't believe what group project we have to discuss later." Jess quickly slapped my back to say her tea.

"What now, Jess? I... I don't even care how wild that is, just spill it. You know I'd always be there for you, right?"

"So, hear me out. I'm partnered with Brent! So cool, right? And we need to construct a shared family tree or somethin'. I don't know. Mrs. Lopez sucks big time. But at least, I'm with Brent! Isn't it fun?"

"Are you kidding me? You're serious? Like, legit serious?"

I didn't know what to say.

"Yeah! You know, don't be jealous. Just because Brent's in my class, doesn't mean I'm going to make out with him and stuff. Do you think I'd do that to you? C'mon. It'd be fun! Care to deliver me to your one and only b-hey-b?"

"Stop it. Stop. Just. Stop. Let's go."

"Someone's jealous! Joke, I'm kidding let's go."

I wasn't happy at all that Jess is with Brent. I mean, I couldn't get mad, of course. She's my best friend and all, but, meh. I'm sure this project will be finished in no time. And besides, I have an excuse to be with Brent.

We went to the bleachers and found Brent sitting there, just the right time to have a meeting with him. I immediately sensed that he was not in a good mood, but we snuck in either way.

"Hey, dude. So, what do we do in our family tree? It should be good." Jess said.

"Yeah, umm, can we talk about that tomorrow? This project's not due until next week, right? I'm just encountering some problems right now."

"C'mon, Brent. Share it with us!" I exclaimed to lighten up the mood.

I snug in with Brent and placed my head at his lap. Usually whenever I do this, it would make him relaxed.

"I planned this weekend getawa-,"

"Nope. Shut up. We're going to wherever your vacation will be. What time on Saturday? 1, 2 P.M.?"

"No, Jess, it's supposed to be me and Rose only. Right, now it's not a surprise anymore. Agh, screw it. Sorry, Rose. It's just the weather predicted there would be heavy rains and all."

I was really shocked when Brent said those words. Him? Planning a surprise? Well, that's what I love about him.

"I'm sure we'll be fine with the rain! I'll drive. Does everyone agree?"

"Wait, Rose, no. You don't have a license and I have! We could get in trouble! Besides, it's supposed to be my effort, so I'll drive."

"Shut the nonsense. I'll do it. I'm super fun when I'm driving!"

I know to myself that I'm not entirely fun whenever I'm driving but it's Brent, so I'll do it.

Jess and Brent didn't even start a meeting and they're already planning about what to do with the project while having a vacation. I just sat there with my head still on Brent's lap while they talk endlessly about how stupid Mrs. Lopez is. I didn't really had enough, since I've always loved Brent's voice, especially when he's venting out.

Their conversation was finished, and we headed to Quebec's Best to get dinner before going home. Most of the time, I order garlic wings with buffalo sauce. I like my wings separate with the sauce, so I often don't get it in my face unlike Brent.

Upon looking at the news, I saw the weather forecast for Saturday, and Brent was right. There will really be thunderstorms to hit Canada. I guess I had enough so all I heard after the anchor was the rain will last for about an hour and the winds will probably be hard, so we must stay in our houses. Considering I don't care about it anyway, I eagerly talked Jess and Brent through it, for them to not cancel our plan.

"Hey, so, as the final verdict, what should we do with our project while in vacation? Should we bring any art material?" Brent asked the two of us as if I know the answer to their own problem.

"Look at me, I'm your groupmate."

"Jeez, Jess, okay, fine. So, Ms. Short-tempered, what should we do? I don't wanna fail this subject, please. It would look REALLY bad in my college applications."

"Who says anything about failing? Okay, so I have these enormous box of art supplies from my sister. I think we can use it since she's not around town right now."

"Really, Jess? I'm not approving that idea." I told her with pure confidence.

"C'mon, Rose! Don't tell my sis', okay? Besides, we should not be worrying about the project's progression since we have a getaway!"

"Just eat." I urged her.

I was suddenly in a bad mood because of Jess doing illegal stuff, but I know I sound like a hypocrite since I'm approving the idea that we must continue our getaway this weekend, so I just shut my mouth.

After eating dinner, we headed out and startedgoing home. I kissed Brent and hugged Jess goodbye for the night.