The Art of Losing Touch

Chapter Seven

I spent the rest of the weekend setting up my school things. I made an email specifically for classes. Iain helped me write up a schedule around my sleep times so I could be sure I was using my time right and getting everything done. I had to make a username, first initial and last name. cowen. It looked like something in Welsh.

I shied away from the class chatroom at first and just kept to discussions on the website. The chatroom wasn't officially with the school. A few students had just decided to make one and invite the other students their age in. Finally, a week in, my curiosity got too strong, and I logged in. I just used the same username I did for school. It would be easier to remember everything.

I didn't say anything the first few times, just watched everyone else. Then, finally, one day, someone sent me a private message.

cparker: hey, I always see you logged in but you never say anything

cparker: just thought I'd send you a message, say hi, let you know we're not sharks or anything and don't bite!

I didn't reply immediately, unsure of what to say. cparker. His username looked familiar. He was in my... maths class?

cowen: Are you in the intro to algebra class?

cparker: hah, yeah, I am

cparker: I take it you're there, too, if you're asking?

cowen: Yeah.

cparker: so, if I'm allowed to ask, whereabouts are you?

cowen: Scotland.

cparker: you don't talk much, do you, dude? even online?

cowen: You talk like an American.

I was surprised at how upfront my statement was. Something about being behind a computer screen made it easier to be straightforward.

cparker: you caught me

cparker: I'm from California but I moved to England a few years back to live with my aunt

Even from behind the computer screen, I knew better than to ask why he was no longer with his parents.

cowen: Was the move a good thing?

cparker: eh

cowen: Sorry, that's probably none of my business. Just ignore me.

cparker: nah dude you're fine

cparker: anyone can ask me anything they want, I just can't swear I'll answer

cparker: so how did you end up in the online classes?

cparker: or are they shipping you off to the campus like me?

cowen: I was too sick for regular school. What do you mean the campus?

cparker: you didn't know? the classes are hosted by two boarding schools over here in England. there's two central campuses and then internet courses for people too far away or without enough money to send their kids to the school itself, one for boys (like me) and one for girls nearby

cowen: Oh. No, I didn't know that. What's boarding school like?

cparker: it's like regular school, but you live there. hah but that's probably not what you meant