—(Mark)—
As I entered the school and made my way to my locker, I noticed Allison at hers. A bunch of balloons fell out as she opened it, and she quickly stuffed them back in, looking embarrassed.
I overheard Allison mentioning that she was turning seventeen today to Scott. Who mentions that she shouldn't be embarrassed that she's a year older then people in there grade. She's moved around a lot so it's reasonable that she's been held back a year. I figured I should say something.
"Happy birthday, Allison," I said as I approached her.
She looked up, surprised but pleased. "Oh, thanks, Mark."
"I'm turning seventeen in a few days too," I mentioned. "And don't worry about what people think. Just enjoy your day."
"That's easier said than done," she replied with a sigh. "Not everyone can ignore people easily," Ribbing at my nonchalant attitude towards people.
I smirked. "I guess not everyone has a spine."
She frowned. "I do have a spine."
"Sure you do. But if it were me, I wouldn't be at school on my birthday."
"My parents—" she started, but I interrupted with a sarcastic cough. "Spine."
Scott suddenly appeared, looking eager. "Hey, we should all skip today and do something fun!"
I snorted. "I'm good, thanks. I don't want to be a third wheel on this date of yours." Both of them blush.
Inwardly, I was already giving up trying to keep Scott and Allison apart. They were on a broken bridge, and it was up to them to decide when to bail. They decided to skip , and I just waved them off as they left, continuing with my day.
In first class, we were reminded about parent-teacher conferences and that those with low grades were expected to attend with their parents. Knowing how the Argents were, they'd show up even if Allison was a straight-A student.
James mentioned he would come later and we could visit the teachers I liked. He knew I was an A-/B student, so he wasn't worried about my grades.
The day continued normally until the afternoon when James arrived. We only bothered visiting Coach Finstock's economics class, where he continued trying to recruit me to the lacrosse team.
"Have you contacted my therapist?" I asked Finstock.
"Yes, but you could be a sacrificial player, taking out the star player on the opposing team," he suggested.
I was left speechless, and so was James. "I think James has gotten all he needs to know about my grades in your class," I said, and we quickly left.
"You'd think a coach would be against intentionally injuring someone," James whispered as we walked away.
"He likes winning," I replied.
Next, we stopped by Coach Harris's class. Even though I didn't have his health class, I wanted to introduce James to him.
"Hey, Coach. This is James," I said.
"Ah, you must be Mark's father. I see where he gets his height from," Harris remarked.
"He's like an uncle to me and my legal guardian at the moment," I corrected.
Coach Harris got a look of realization, and I quickly corrected any assumptions. With my scars and clear mental health problem it probably lead him to believe that I was taken from my parents. I didn't want him to think badly of them. They're truly great parents.
"It's not like that. James is just stepping in. I'm dealing with mental health issues, and my parents and I decided it would be best if I moved away for a fresh start."
"It's working. I'm doing better now. I still have my off days like that day at practice, but I'm making progress," I added quickly.
"Well, I'm happy it's working out for you. James, I'm sure you already know but Mark has been made co-captain of the swim team in his first year with us," Harris said proudly.
"Really? That's news to me," James said, raising an eyebrow.
"It must've slipped my mind," I muttered, looking away.
"We'll talk about this later," James said.
"No need. It's getting late; I'll wait in the car," I said, leaving them to talk a bit more.
As I walked out, I saw Scott and Allison getting scolded by their parents for skipping class. As I passed by, Allison pointed at me.
"It was his idea!" she exclaimed.
Both sets of parents turned to me, Allison's mom's eyes filled with literal killing intent. "I think you're mistaken. All I said was that if it were my birthday, I wouldn't be at school."
"Yeah, but you said I didn't have a spine because of my parents," Allison retorted.
"I never said that. And it was Scott's idea to skip," I replied calmly. "I, of course, disagreed. I value my academic studies. If you chose to fall to peer pressure, that's not my fault. Now, if you'll excuse me—"
As I turned to leave, a scream echoed through the parking lot.
"Stay here," Chris ordered as he moved towards the sound, gun in hand.
A few moments later, we heard a gunshot. Everyone went silent, then rushed to see what had happened. Chris stood over a cougar's lifeless body, his gun still smoking.
"It's just a cougar," he announced, calming the crowd.
As everyone started to disperse, I found James and headed to the car.
As we got into the car, James started the engine and then turned to me with a questioning look.
"Why didn't you tell me about being co-captain of the swim team?" James asked, his voice calm but firm.
I sighed, looking out the window for a moment before turning back to him. "Because it was something I needed to keep to myself. Being on the swim team gives me a sense of normality, James. It's one part of my life where I can just be a regular kid, not someone dealing with a bunch of supernatural stuff or mental health issues."
James nodded, his expression softening. "I get that, Mark. But you know you don't have to hide the fact that you're excelling at something you enjoy doing. I'm here for you."
"I know," I said, managing a small smile. "But sometimes, it feels good to have something that's just mine. Something I can hold onto when everything else feels chaotic."
James reached over and gave my shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "Alright, I understand. But remember, you're not alone in this. You've got me, and you've got your pack. We're all here for you."
"Thanks, James," I replied, feeling a bit lighter. "I appreciate it."
He smiled and started driving us home, the silence now comfortable between us.
The ride home was quiet, both of us processing the day's events. I couldn't shake the feeling that something bigger was at play, and I needed to be ready for whatever came next.