Forever Alone

Chapter 1

It was a sunny day, particularly midday. I walked with my friends to our secret hangout place where we have our lunch together. "Guys! Hand me your lunch bags." I asked kindly.

"Connor, catch!"  a guy from behind shouted.

"Justin!" I exclaimed. He was a great friend. I knew that from his actions when we first met.

"Sorry!" Justin quickly replied.

I remember the times we've spent together in this school. I loved how the birds would sing and the breeze of the wind would flow through my body. It was peace and quiet along the way then Anthony suddenly played rock music from his phone which practically broke the silence and peace of nature.

"Finally, we're here!" Summer shouted enthusiastically with glee. We all sat down and I finally had the chance to drop all the stuff I was carrying. Bringing  all their stuff was harder than I expected, it was like carrying their luggage in an airport. Summer placed the mattress. Justin was preparing the food.

"So Julia how's your score in the quiz earlier?" Anthony asked.

"It was so difficult for me to understand all that...thingamajig. Seriously Mr. Jonathan? A test about Quantum Physics!?"Julia answered in stress. No wonder she's been quiet the whole walk.

"Don't worry Julia, at least you got higher than an F." Summer said as if she doesn't even care.

"So a C is gonna help me feel better?" Julia stood up and shouted. "WHY WORLD? WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS TO ME!" then quietly sat down and ate her sandwich, making everyone quiet.

"How 'bout you Justin, how was the quiz?" I asked. Justin and I just got into a little argument earlier.

"Obviously, I got an A!" he boasted.

"Oh! Seriously?" I said as everyone was so shocked to hear his reply.

I know Anthony and Julia are smart and all, but I never thought Justin could beat their intelligence.

Summer began changing the topic. We talked about Summer's past until all of a sudden...

"So Connor, How's it going with you and Amelia?" Justin suddenly changing the subject while I was drinking.

All the water bursted from my mouth and I wiped my face quickly. "Well, by now.... still awkward friends, I guess."

"Don't you have any plans on trying to date her?"

I didn't answer.

Amelia? Date!? That word won't fit for a person like me. I almost choked by what Justin said then Julia interrogated.

"Hey guys, we're still too young to have any girlfriends or boyfriends okay?"

Summer interjected her. "What ever happened to your feelings about Michael?" she smiled at Julia.

Julia hid her face, blushing a little. She spoke as if she was about to cry.

"There are just some people who will never get what they want. H-he's got someone else on his mind."

"On his mind but not in his heart." I said with a smile and a burp.

*  *  *  *  *  * 

While Anthony and Summer were still chatting and eating, Julia and I were fascinated by a magic trick Justin was doing.

"How did you do that?"Julia asked.

"Well I learned it from my grandfather when I used to live in a ranch in Cleveland. Justin replied frowning.

"How come I never knew you used to live in Cleveland for...How many years?" I asked as Justin fixed his hair and clamped his hands together.

"I lived in Cleveland 6 years ago then moved to this school because my parents got divorced and they had long distance relationships because of their work. My father wanted me to be here in a  school in New York so that I can improve my intelligence. I lived with my Grandpa ever since. A few years later, My...Grandfather...died" I feel my eyes water. I also remember my grandparents. Both my grandfathers died and my grandmother from my mother's side. I feel alone. I feel like I'm different. Something lime a weird different. Maybe that's just something that makes me special. That was something Holly used to say.

Anthony burped very loud as Julia and I were already about to cry.

I noticed something strange. It was silent after Anthony's phone died. We were several meters away from the cafeteria. It was really quiet. I stood up and stretched and stared at  the cafeteria. It took me a while to realize that the cafeteria was EMPTY.

"Guys... I think we better go."  I felt the anxiety rushing through me. Something wasn't right. I get these every time I sense bad energy.

"Not now Connor, We are still cleaning up for our next hangout. " They usually don't do that. Anthony and I always fix the whole place after everyone finishes. Things must have changed. Maybe because of Summer.

Last year, I was selected for a leadership training. I was class president for 3 years straight. Until, the nerds came. They think I wasn't "good enough". I didn't mind on our class elections they voted for Michael. He was a transfer a few months back. They saw his geeky look. He wore glasses, carried books all around all day, and stayed in the room for the rest of the day. He was technically the Google of our class.

The training for the Leadership program lasted a week. I had no idea what the others have been doing. We all planned a schedule for our dismissal routine. We like to keep ourselves well organized, except for Justin, who likes to be the joy killer but at least he's trying his best to follow our guidelines.  Anthony on the other hand, acts like the big brother of Justin yet they practically both look a like. Julia is much more of a soulmate than a sister. Not that we are a couple, but two equals. Someone I can rely on. After the training, I feel uncomfortable with my friends ever since, but I got the hang of it weeks later.

I heard our bell. It was the bell for our second period. The others didn't realize until now. "GUYS LISTEN! I'M SERIOUS!

I think we're Late...

...AGAIN."