Since the team has decided to celebrate at a nearby club, we'll be going there. The ringing sound when I unlocked my car dominated the area. It's a red mustang, which my dad bought for me the moment I turned 18.
Jake and Samuel are still talking shit about our opponents earlier, a school from downtown. "I was face to face with their center and no kidding, he smells like literal shit. Satan's breath, if I may say."
Samuel laughed at Jake's comment. "Well, his jersey looked like it hasn't been washed ever since he bought it. Those disgusting poor shitheads are up to no good. It's a good thing we won't have to play with them anymore."
I shook my head. "Wow. I can't believe you two got the time to analyze those details about them. I couldn't see nor smell them because I was too focused on the game earlier, or maybe I was just moving too fast?"
Hints of exasperation claimed their faces. "Oh, shut up. We know, you're the best…" Samuel gilded. We reached my car but before we could even get in, someone called for me.
"Joaquin…" I halted upon hearing that familiar voice. Meanwhile, I could hear Jake snicker beside me and Samuel turn to our behind.
My cheeky smile immediately dropped at the mention of my name. Since the game has ended and it coincides with the dismissal time of literally all the afternoon classes, the parking lot is hella crowded.
It's 6PM for God's sake, everyone is on their way home! What made her think that she can approach me during this time? We've talked about this.
Slowly, I turned with gritted teeth to see Stephanie Cher in her stupid glasses and beaded braces. Her frames are thicker than a calculus book and her pimples are more defined than that of the Sahara desert sands.
But what does she have to do with me? Well, that's a little complicated.
She's my… fiancee.
Do I like her? No, never!
Did I propose to her? No, what the fuck?!
Are we getting married? Over my dead body. I'll be a runaway groom instead!
There's no way I'd marry this nerd, insecure, anime geek, science freak, monster right here. The thought of it disgusts me. I hate weird people, and she's one of them!
I stepped a little closer to her to minimize my whispering voice. "What the heck do you want?! I told you not to talk to me when we're at school."
"Yeah, Stephanie! What do you want? Bill Nye isn't with us," Jake said with a mocking laugh.
"Shut up, man! Let the two talk." Samuel shoved Jake off to the side. Unlike us two, Samuel is a lot nicer to Stephanie. They should just end up together.
"I… I'm sorry. I just wanted to congratulate you. And, I wanted to give you this." There she goes again with the stupid stutter. Every time she talks, a whole episode of Breaking Bad ends. It's a pet peeve of mine since I like confident girls.
She pulls out a red box with a transparent lid. It has a pink ribbon and upon scrutinizing what's inside, I realized that it was actually a small cake with the word "Congratulations!" written on it.
"I know… that you… love chocolate. It's a chocolate cake, but it's red because of the frosting. It's chocolate inside, and I m—made it."
"I can see that," I answered and sighed, a sigh of disbelief. Brimming with contempt, I looked her straight in the eye and worded, "I will never eat anything you give me. It's just not safe. You might've put some potion there. Go home, Steph."
Turning my heel, I planned to turn back until she stopped me to shove the box into my hands. "But it's really good. Trust me! F—father said that food is the way to my future husband's heart. So—"
"Shut up!" Ever since I hit puberty, I've been lifting weights like crazy. So, it's inevitable that my light push accidentally made her fall to the ground, the cake included.
"Woah!"
"Damn!"
"What is he doing?"
Surprised reactions danced along with the wind. The people seem surprised by what I did. Everyone stopped in their tracks to look at us. I look like I just bullied the most miserable person in Addersfield High. But I had a reason! I mean, why would she say that for everyone to hear?
"Future husband my ass! I don't even know you! Stop stalking me!" I yelled to save my face. I can't let others think that Stephanie Cher is really my fiancee. No way!
Jake's laugh echoed while Samuel's concerned words caught me off guard. "Joaquin! It's Mr. Cher!"
"What?" I mumbled and looked ahead, only to see Stephanie's father sauntering his way towards me. "Astley!" He yelled with his nose seemingly fuming.
"Shit! What's he doing here? Let's go!"
The three of us hurriedly stormed my car and left the parking lot. I looked at the rear-view mirror and saw Stephanie still sitting on the pavement, covered in cake and all, while other students would stop by next to her and giggle.
"Damn, that was dope!" Jake commented with a laugh as he pats my shoulders.
"Are you stupid, Joaquin? Your father's going to kill you!" Samuel, on the other hand, warned.
…
"Damn it!" I squirmed like a salted worm under the blankets. I haven't slept at all. Everything that happened before this played in my mind like a broken loop. Huffing, my eyes trailed towards the ceiling. It no longer had the bluish, dark hue. It's now tainted with a rich tangerine color. I looked at the clock on the study table… 6AM.
Only 2 hours before the first day of my senior year starts, and I still don't have any plans on going. I know where the school is, Janice pretty much discussed the outline of this town last night before she goes away with the rest of them.
She even offered to iron my uniform!
Yes, the school I'm transferring to requires a uniform. It's a navy coat with a small nameplate. It sucks, but it ties the white polo shirt, red necktie, and dark slacks that you have to wear with it. Still, I didn't know that there are schools that still impose uniforms on kids.
How are students supposed to flex their Supreme shirts, then?
But that's not the important question right now.
Should I go to school today? Or should I just forge my grades using photoshop and give it to that asshole so I can finally hug my dreams of being an NBA star hello?
Shit…
I pondered for a while but in the end, I did the most reasonable thing for now, which is planning to take a shower. I stood up, grabbed the stupid uniform, and went to the bathroom. Thankfully, all the lights are working, but this tub... I was utterly perplexed.
I turned the handle and waited for the water to gush out… but it never came!
"What the…" I muttered and turned the knob some more. I did the same with the bathroom sink, but it didn't work either!
I walked out of the bathroom and went to the kitchen, and there, the faucet worked, but the water is hella cold! I kid you not, literally freezing point!
"Fuck it…"
I bit my lips. Looks like I'm left with no choice. I didn't take a bath.
Me, Joaquin Astley, awarded as Mr. Neat and Clean in fourth grade, didn't take a bath before attending school. Laugh all you want, but it's fine. I'm sure, everyone here smells. Give me a break and I'll try to fit in.
20 minutes later, I stormed out of the house and was welcomed by the magnificent view of the mountain before me. The sun hasn't soared high, allowing its gleam to touch the edge of the hill and crowns of the woods. The corn plants shine like golden hurls this Monday morning.
I took a deep breath and inhaled the air.
"God, this reminds me of my desktop wallpaper. I miss technology."
Then, I began my journey. The only high school in this town is in the southern part, near the woods at the back of the mountain and right next to the lake that leads to the ocean. I strolled around with too much green taking over my eyes. Plants are everywhere in the countryside, and I'm not the biggest fan.
I continued to trail down the pathway, which is the same area I walked around yesterday. I was nearing the intersection and I faintly heard the crashing waves. The wooden fence I broke caught my eye before the water did. It's at that time I remember the nosy woman who spouted nonsense before me yesterday.
By the way, isn't that girl wearing this uniform too? Meaning, we're in the same school? So, does she live around here? Will I see her later? I hope not.
I paused from walking and faced the calm sea. It's so bright and blue that it made me feel quite lost. I have no idea why.
"Careful. You might fall again."