The sounds of his alarm awoke him from his deep slumber.
'It's been two days' Liam thought, 'since I woke up in the forest...' He remembered the day before and winced.
He recalled the first day of High School:
"LIAM" came the voice of his mother "WAKE UP!"
Liam sat up, hoping to just disappear.
"It will be fine" his Vicky, his mother, kept reminding him.
''First day of High School'' Liam whispered, sighing.
He envisioned all the fatalistic stories about high school. The strict teachers, the countless pieces of homework and the punishing tests. Whilst he was eating breakfast, he recalled something Jorden told him:
"We'll be at the bottom of the food chain again, Liam" he had said, laughing nervously, hours after his encounter with the man he meet at the forest. Liam wished he forgot about the event. It still sent shivers through him.
'Pretend like nothing happened' Liam remembered, taking a deep breathe. 'Expect me to act as if nothing has happened' Liam thought, terrified. He was lost in thought when...
There was a knock on the door:
"Are you awake, Liam" came the voice of his mother.
"Yes" Liam said half-heartedly...
The car ride to Arkville High School was shorter than Liam had intended. He stepped out of the car and stood still, not knowing how to proceed. He looked at the school, mesmerized by its size. He really hoped he could meet up with Jorden soon.
"Go find Jorden" his mother shouted over the radio.
Liam nodded, a fake smile plastered across his face.
Vicky realized. "Make some new friend's Liam, you'll be fine!" she said, giving him a kiss on the forehead.
Liam waved goodbye and started working towards the entrance. Every step he took, he heard his heartbeat getting faster and faster. A few steps before he got to the entrance, someone touched his shoulder.
Liam immediately turned around, aggressively, his Werewolf side taking over. The feeling quickly subsided after realizing the kid standing in front of him was Jorden Malis.
"Wow there Liam, it's only me!" he said, grinning at him.
Liam had known Jorden since the first day of nursery. He was more of a brother to him than a friend. He had bright green eyes and pale skin. His hair was short and flat. He had intelligence like no other. Even if the answer he suggested was incorrect, he would always find a way to justify it. He would say some stupid things at times, but he'd always find a way to get himself (and Liam) out of trouble. Jorden was a dedicated individual, keen to learn new things, and never makes the same mistake twice.
Jorden still had a goofy grin on his face when Liam awoke from his daydream.
''Do you think we're going to see any high school friends?'' he asked.
"Nope" replied the two friends simultaneously, laughing uncontrollably right after.
Liam, his bag slung over his shoulder, alongside Jorden Malis, walked up the concrete staircase. They walked slower than usual, enjoying the new comfy feeling of his new shoes, and taking in the sunlight...
Inside, the headteacher welcomed the two friends.
"Good morning-" she began, reading both their badge numbers and looking at a piece of paper.
"Liam Hydes and Jorden Malis" she finished.
"Nice to meet you... Mrs Solace" Liam said, reading the small print of her name on her badge before she could introduce herself. She was momentarily puzzled.
She cleared her throat and said "Both your form rooms are 7B on the second floor. Please make your way there. A teacher or head student will come to show your class around the school shortly"
Liam and Jorden walked away in silence until they were sure the headteacher couldn't hear them anymore. "How did you see the name on her badge?" Jorden asked, his eyebrows knitted when he was confused.
Liam wanted to lie to him, but he knew Jorden was the key to answering all his questions.
"I'll tell you later, it's important" Liam stuttered. "But I don't think you'll believe me..."