Back at school. Feels weird after playing the talent show. Like we had achieved our purpose by playing a great show and had no real need for classes anymore, no need for this physical space.
When Alex sits next to me in English class, I think about how best to tell him what's going on. I won't be able to keep it from him for very long.
After class, we play a round of chess in the school lounge.
"Hey man, so there was something I wanted to mention to you."
He looks up from the chessboard, his eyes suddenly sparkling with fear.
"What's up?"
His anxiety is striking. It rattles me. I wonder if telling him right now is the best idea after all.
"I was thinking about getting some new guitar pedals but I'm kind of an idiot when it comes to that stuff, so I was wondering if you'd be up for helping me choose."
I can see him immediately relax, his mouth forming a wide grin. "Dude, hell yeah. What the hell am I here for if not to keep you from looking like a total idiot?"
Back to his jovial self.
"You are my great protector," I say. "From being seen as the world's biggest moron."
"Damn right," he says, before full on cackling.
"Okay, it's not that funny."
His attention suddenly shifts back onto the chessboard.
"Oh dude, I didn't even notice but you just checkmated me."
"Is that how you say that?" I ask.
"Monkey balls."
I look down at the chessboard. He's right.
"Who's the moron now?" I say with a satisfied grin.
I don't want things to change between us.
YOU ARE READING
Alternative
Teen FictionTim's public high school experience thus far has been characterized by bad grades and the total absence of a social life; he's listless and needs a change. So, after grade eleven ends, his mom decides to enrol him in a bizarre, little alternative sc...
