The next morning, Caius woke with a sense of determination. Despite the restless night and the lingering worry about his father's strange encounter, he knew he had to focus on the day ahead. As he got ready for school, Caius couldn't shake the image of the man who had confronted his father.
Caius stood at the edge of the schoolyard, a sea of unfamiliar faces and bustling activity before him. Blackthorn High School loomed large. Yesterday, he didn't have the chance to explore the school.
Taking a deep breath, Caius walked through the gates, clutching his messenger bag tightly. He was greeted by the sound of laughter, chatter, and the occasional squeak of sneakers on the polished floors.
The bell had already rung, meaning Caius was on his own to find his classroom. The night before, he had texted his new friends, and they had agreed to help him out until he memorized the school. Unfortunately, as the bell had already rung, he knew they were already at class and couldn't help him.
'Great. Maybe I can find somebody else who isn't at class to help me' Caius looked around only to be disappointed. 'When I need help there is no one to help, how perfect!' Caius thought as he made his way down the corridor looking for his class.
As he continued walking, he got bumped into by a group of students.
"Watch where your going asshole!" the boy bumped into him shouted. They went away as fast as they had come.
"You're the asshole!" Caius shouted as he saw the groups retrieving their backs. 'Stupid jocks'
"Hey, you are new?" Caius heard a voice behind him. He answered as he turned back to face the girl" Yeah."
"I'm Antia." She was wearing a cheerleader outfit.
"Caius."
"Nice to meet you. It looks like you need help getting to your class. What class do you have?"
"Biology"
"Class no?"
"272"
"Come with me I will take you to your class." She said dismissively.
After a few minutes, she stopped at a door.
"This is your class."
"Thanks."
"Yeah, no problem. You are from the southside?" she asked.
"Yeah"
"Try not to talk to me," she said coldly. "I just helped you because I felt like doing a nice thing for once."
'Rude'
"Not like I was dying to talk to you but anyway" Caius replied. 'What's her problem?'
"Good thing we have that understanding. I wouldn't want people to think I associate with South Siders," she said as she turned back and started walking like nothing happened.
'Well I think I just met the school's queen bee Barbie doll'
"Hey, Kai! How was your first class?" Grayson asked.
"Normal?"
"You're as talkative as ever," Kial said laughing.
"Gray, what's up with your jacket?"
"My jacket? What's wrong Is there a stain?" Grayson asked looking at his jacket.
"It's the football team's jacket but there is-"
"What's up, boys!" Penelope said as she interrupted Caius.
"Good, Penie. We were just talking about our youngest first day of school."
"I'm not that young! Just by a month."
"Younger than Bianca. But I am 6 months older than you."
"Months aren't such a big deal."
"I see everyone is as chaotic as ever," Bianca said while walking closer to the group. "The teacher had something to say to me so I'm kinda late."
"I just came too," Penelope added.
"Let's go to the student lounge then?" Bianca asked. Caius and Grayson were continuing to bicker in the background.
"Okay," Kai replied.
"Gray, Kai we are going to the student lounge," Penelope said trying to get their attention.
"Coming" both of them replied.
As they walked towards the student lounge, the lively banter continued.
They reached the student lounge, a cozy space with comfortable seating and plenty of room to hang out. Students milled about, chatting and relaxing between classes.
"So, how's it been so far, Caius? Any new friends besides us?" Bianca asked, dropping onto one of the couches.
Caius thought about Antia and her cold dismissal. "Well, I did meet someone else. A cheerleader named Antia. She helped me find my class this morning."
"Antia?" Kial raised an eyebrow. "She's... something, isn't she?"
"Yeah, she made it pretty clear she doesn't want to associate with South Siders," Caius said, feeling a mix of frustration and amusement.
"Classic Antia," Penelope said, rolling her eyes. "Don't take it personally, Caius. She's just like that. Well, most of the school is like that."
"Good thing you have us," Grayson said, patting Caius on the back. "We'll stick by you, no matter what."
"Thanks, guys," Caius said, genuinely appreciating their support. "I'm lucky to have met you all."
As they lounged, the conversation drifted to lighter topics—favorite movies, upcoming events, and weekend plans. Caius found himself laughing and enjoying the camaraderie, feeling more at ease with each passing moment.
"The school is way too big! It's so hard to find the classes." Caius complained.
"Then I will take you to your next class Bianca said.
Later, as the bell rang, signaling the end of the break, the group began to disperse to their respective classes. Bianca like she had promised walked Caius to his next class.
"See you at the break," Caius said.
Bianca caught Caius's arm, her expression serious for a moment.
"Hey, Caius. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask, okay? We're here for you," she said. Her eyes looked at his arm.
Yesterday when the women had grabbed him It had left a mark.
Caius nodded. "Thanks, Bianca. I will."
He couldn't tell her about what happened last night. At least not till he figured out what happened.
Caius felt like he was going to ask something... but whatever he couldn't remember now so It probably wasn't important.