I slowly made my way in front even though I didn't really want to. Standing next to the teacher, I looked at my classmates and met their wide gazes. It's as if they had seen something so remotely different. So, I dropped my eyes downward to avoid distraction. Not gonna lie, they look kind of creepy.
"Hi, I'm Joaquin Astley, 18. I play basketball. I'm the power forward of Addersfield High with three-peat wins in the Inter-High State League. High school Gatorade player of the year, 2-time MVP of two consecutive seasons, and on my way to playing professionally." Holding my nape, I boastfully ended my introduction there.
I bet they have their jaws dropped after knowing who I am.
I'm not a conceited person, but I figured that if I were to say these facts, then they'd be intimidated at least. Besides, I don't want them to think that I'm weird like them. I want them to know that I'm one heck of a cool guy you do not want to mess with.
But then, it slowly sank in that they were pretty silent. I tilted my head and looked at them again. They don't look impressed; rather, they seem puzzled.
I eyed my teacher and she was nodding slowly, looking at the floor as if she herself is unsure of what came out of my mouth. "That's all…" I said and, finally, I got a reaction from the stubby guy at the back.
He had his hand raised. The teacher called him, "Yes, Epston?"
"Are you related to Rick Astley by any chance?" he asked. I raised my brow as my irritation soared, but then I noticed that it was a genuine question, not a mocking one.
"Oh my gosh, you're related to Rick Astley?" Ms. Sam's mouth flew open, so I could only keep a poker face.
"N-No..."
"Oh, alright. I thought you were cool," Epson guy replied. I don't know him but he's already getting on my nerves. Without waiting for acknowledgment from the teacher, I walked back to my seat. "T-thank you, Joaquin. Welcome to Honeycreek High! We're hoping you'd have a good stay," Ms. Sam eventually said. I plopped down and feigned a generous smile. But then again, a guy in front of me who had these rabbit-like front teeth looked back.
I raised my left brow. "What?"
"Do you sing?"
I clicked my tongue and looked out the window, avoiding his stupid ass question. I never mentioned anything about singing, so what the fuck is he asking? After telling them a very impressive introduction, it seemed like none of them got it. I hate this place!
This is annoying the hell out of me.
Soon, the teacher started teaching as she should, and I decided to listen out of spite.
The window showing the halls, however, is a big distraction. I can see some students going back and forth. Are they cutting classes? I brushed it off and went back to listening, but only for a moment because my eyes started wandering off like the stupid kid I am.
...
"Do you have any more questions, guys?" An inquiry that usually marks the end of class was asked. Finally, after rambling for 3 hours, we're done with the morning subjects.
I was about to stretch my back to loosen up, but I was taken aback after seeing almost everyone raising their fucking hands. I furrowed my brows; what the heck are they trying to do?
"My, what enthusiastic students!" the math teacher, Mrs. Jorge, bolstered with a smile and started answering everyone's questions.
You see, I'm not the brightest student back in Addersfield, but even the nerdy kid who I refuse to hang out with would never ask the teacher any more questions to avoid class extensions. In the end, I sat there with a frown, gazing out the window and seeing other students already on their break. Even Dominic peeked at the classroom door. He waved but I couldn't say anything back. I just eyed him with bafflement.
...
Thirty minutes... The question and answer portion took another thirty minutes of my precious break time!
As soon as Mrs. Jorge who look like bootleg Ms. Trunchbull bid goodbye, I let out the widest yawn I could ever do. I massaged my nape and stood up. It's 11 AM, and I only have thirty more minutes to do whatever shit I want.
So, I storm out of the classroom before anyone approaches me.
To my luck, standing by the door is Dominic. Leaning on the window whilst talking to other students, he saw me.
"Oh, you guys are finally done. Apologies about Prof Umbridge there. She's a bit enthusiastic about teaching, " he said out loud, catching everyone's attention, including Mrs. Jorge who had just gotten out.
Seriously? Why is he so freaking loud?!
Mrs. Jorge threw him a daunting glance, but she just walked away after Dominic greeted her with, "Hi, Mrs. Jorge! I dig the new slacks!"
When the coast is clear, I plan to turn the other way until Dominic walks over to me and wraps his arm around my shoulder as if we're close or something. I would've punched the fuck out of him if I wasn't the new kid.
"Hey guys, he's Joaquin, the new guy from Section E!" He even introduced me to the other students hanging out in the hallway. They all greeted me, so I had no choice but to act a little nice by nodding my head.
"So, Joaquin, what did you bring?" a question by Dominic followed through as we tread the hallway.
"What'd you mean?" I asked.
He tilted his head and we stopped by Class A. "For lunch… What did you bring for lunch? Nash! Dian, let's go."
"I… didn't bring anything," I answered Dominic honestly. "But I'm not hungry, and there's a cafeteria, right?" I just said that as an excuse so he wouldn't probe any further. I'm planning to find a silent spot to chill out before afternoon class starts but it looks like that's off the books right now. Natasha and Diana came out of their classroom, one with a smile and one with a frown. You can try guessing which is which.
"The cafeteria is closed today, dingus," Diana said, making my brows meet.
"Yeah. It's close today because the cook is getting ready for next week's fest. I would've shared my lunch with you if I haven't eaten it yet. Sorry," Natasha informed. I shook my head, "It's fine."
"Nope! It's not fine. Don't worry. I got you!" I looked at him and was welcomed by his stretched hand. "You can have this! Mom prepared it beforehand." He handed me a Ziploc of sandwich; I dubiously eyed him.
"I…"
At first, I was really planning on turning his offer down. But I folded. I'm hungry as fuck.
I took it and now comes the real problem. "T… Thank…"
"Welcome. Let's go," he cut me off after seeing me struggling to express gratitude.
But… Go? What does he mean? Do we have anywhere to be in?
"To where?"
"We'll tour you around!" Natasha said, and the two of them pulled me excitedly while I exchanged curious gazes with Diana, who was behind me with a nonchalant expression.
…
It was a chicken sandwich or tuna, I guess. I don't know really know. I can't make out what meat this is but it's pretty good. I refused to listen to Natasha and Dominic's rambling as we hopped from floor to floor. I'd just occasionally nod or say "Ahh" to make it seem like I'm listening but the truth is I'm focused on eating this sandwich he gave me and pinpointing what it tastes like. It's not like I care about anything they say; I'll only stay for a semester anyway.
But when we got on the field, I was pretty stoked. We strolled around and they pointed out the places they frequently hang out at.
We were walking on the side of the building to go near the woods by now. Dominic and Natasha were bickering about where to go first in front of me when Diana, who was on my side, suddenly asked, "Is it good?"
I nodded. "It's alright."
"You're nearly finishing it."
"Yeah, no shit. I haven't eaten anything."
She shrugged. "I see. I'm just surprised you're not freaked out."
My feet stopped involuntarily. "Freak out? Why would I freak out?"
She stopped and looked me dead in the eye. "You know that's rabbit meat, right? She flashed her front tooth and squeaked, "Bunnies."