Secrets we keep in bottles

Braving the unknown

School buzz ran along like it always did, teens crammed together in stuffy classrooms, hallways filled with some new oder that was either nauseatingly gross or pleasantly delicious. Class after class, the gang switched rooms and chatted each other up between hallways. Eric grew more and more disappointed each passing hour, unable to have spot Jacob the entire day so far.

Hopefully he's alright. I'll probably see him at lunch. He reassured himself, turning into his most dreaded class of the day. Pre-algebra.

There was one person however he did not miss in the slightest. After the little incident yesterday, Mark Rull had been put on a three day suspension and a strict final warning. No doubt he would be after him, Parker and Jacob later into the week but at least Jacob was safe inside the school. Pre-algebra seemed to drag on agonisingly, bouncing his leg during the majority of it. Finally the bell rang and he scooped up his things, stuffing them into his bag at the same time his feet led him out of the classroom door. He was eager to meet up with Jacob. Maybe overly so but that was a thought he kept to himself.

Finding his way into the lunch line he made a face. "Who was allowed to pair Pizza and broccoli together?" He sprang aloud to himself. 

Shaking his head he took a tray and turned to find where the group was sitting. His mood raised instantly as his eyes fell on Jacobs small figure hunched over the lunch table with Bill, Jessica and Tim. Tammy had a doctors appointment this afternoon so it made sense that she wouldn't be joining them. As he walked closer the skip in his step faded and his smile dropped. Jacob looked awful. His curls hung loosely around his head, barely combed through. Very unlike him. He almost never went without some sort of product to keep his hair all nice and straight. As he took his seat the puffy redness of his eyes caught his attention as well. His heart silently broke seeing his friend this way. Bill kicked his foot lightly to get his attention and he shot him a questioning look. Bill made a very familiar face at him. Eric wasn't allowed to bring it up. He bit the inside of his lip, stress creeping in but he obliged.

"Hey Spaghetti." He nudged his shoulder gently, taking a bite of his pizza.

Jacob nodded a little and made a face. "You know i hate that name."

Silence fell on them. Jessica had picked up a piece of broccoli and began to eat it slowly, holding it out for Tim to take a bite. He quickly refused.

"If you make a mess again i'm not cleaning it up." Jacob added, offering a small skeptical smirk in his direction.

Eric chuckled. "What am i a child?"

"Yes. Very much so." Bill stated matter-of-factly.

"Hey!" Eric complained. Jacob softly chuckled, taking a sip from his strawberry milk carton.

"Whats up nerds?" Parker called behind them, plopping down on the opposite side of Jacob.

"Ayyy hey Parker." Eric grinned, giving him a fist bump. He takes note of Jacobs uncomfortable nod of a greeting.

"Oh shit hey man." Bill smiles at him. Parker peels open his milk and looks at Jacob, raising an eyebrow.

"Damn uhm. You look kind of terrible today." His words fill with slight concern.

"Rough night. Im fine." He mumbles, picking at his pizza.

Tim shakes his head. "Moody ass. He probably watched the newest episode of Gilmore Girls." Jessica joins him in a chuckle but Bill glares at them both. 

Eric glares at Tim himself. He could be quite rude sometimes. Jacob pops a small stalk of broccoli into his mouth and pushes his tray away from him rolling his eyes. He really wasn't in the mood to argue with him on that, nor eat. His appitite today was non-existent. Tim leans forward dramatically and stares at him.