MILES
The weekend had come and gone in the blink of an eye, leaving behind only the remnants of relaxation and a longing for the carefree days. With a heavy sigh, I prepared myself for another day of books, lectures, and countless exams.
As always, I hurried out of the house, ready to escape the monotony that awaited me within the confines of the school walls. To my surprise, My brother Jackson was already waiting inside his car, his usual cheerful demeanor masking the early morning chill. He had volunteered to give me a lift to school ever since my mother's new promotion devoured her time and left her unable to take me there herself.
As I hopped into Jackson's car, the familiar scent of his vanilla air freshener engulfed me. "Morning!" I greeted him with a smile.
"Morning," Jacob replied cheerfully, his eyes reflecting his eagerness for the day ahead.
"Let's just grab something at Dino's on our way to school; would that be alright?" Jackson asked me as I immediately put on my seatbelt. He immediately started the car and started to drive.
"No, it's fine, Jackson. I can just eat something at school," I said, mustering a smile as I looked at my older brother, who was still groggy-eyed and disheveled.
"Brother, you have no idea how bad the school food is," Jackson said with a mischievous grin. "I've been there, so don't even say anything about how horrible the food at the school tastes."
I burst into laughter. "Okay, have it your way then, but just don't get me late or else!" I threatened, mockingly pointing my finger at him.
His eyes narrowed, and a mischievous smirk played at the corners of his mouth. "Woah! My little brother is threatening me. That's scary!" he said, his tone dripping with fake fear.
Deciding to play along, I raised an eyebrow and cocked my head. "Well, maybe you should be scared," I taunted, my voice matching his tone. "I'm bigger and stronger now."
Jackson laughed, dismissing my words as a joke. "Aww! Since when did you learn to throw a fist like that?" he mocked, his voice laced with disbelief. "I remember when you couldn't even lift a bag of groceries without straining."
I grinned, relishing the opportunity to prove him wrong. Flexing my bicep, I brought my fist down on his shoulder, carefully delivering a playful punch. To my surprise, Jackson recoiled slightly, wincing in pain. "Hey! That hurt!" he exclaimed, his tone mixed with surprise and genuine disbelief.
The tables had turned, and I couldn't help but seize the moment. I grinned triumphantly. "That's what you get for leaving me behind," I declared, relishing in the rare victory. "And for the record, I'm not a little kid anymore."
His face broke into an amused grin. "Oh, so now you're a tough guy, huh?" he scoffed, playfully rubbing his shoulder. "I suppose you think you can take me down now?"
I chuckled, realizing that this was all in good fun. "Maybe I won't take you down, but I won't be your punching bag anymore," I teased.
"And for the record too, I never laid my hands on you, brother." He reminded me.
Later on, as we found ourselves approaching the diner, I glanced at the clock on the dashboard. We were cutting it close, and I knew we had to hurry. "Let's make it quick," I said, a tinge of urgency in my voice.
Jackson nodded, his sandy blond hair ruffled by the wind. With a parking lot full of cars, finding a spot seemed impossible, but Jackson maneuvered effortlessly until he squeezed the car into a tight spot near the entrance. We hopped out, and the smell of sizzling bacon and freshly brewed coffee filled our nostrils, immediately enriching our senses.
Inside, the diner buzzed with energy. Waitresses hustled, carrying steaming plates of food to hungry customers. The lively chatter filled the space, blending with the sound of clinking glasses and the soft melody of an old jukebox playing in the corner.
As we made our way to the counter, I caught a glimpse of Dino, the owner, manning the grill with finesse. He was a middle-aged man with a kind face, always wearing his white and red-striped apron and a grin that could light up a room.
"Hey, Dino," Jackson greeted him with a smile. "Can we get two bacon cheeseburgers to go?"
Dino nodded, his hands skillfully flipping patties on the scorching grill. "Coming right up, boys." He swiftly assembled our order, expertly layering crispy bacon, melted cheese, and fresh veggies on perfectly toasted buns. It was a sight to behold, his culinary expertise on full display.
As Dino handed us the burgers, he leaned closer, his voice filled with intrigue. "Where are you boys rushing off to? Late for class again, Miles?"
I chuckled, feeling a warmth in my heart, knowing that Dino cared enough to keep track of our school lives. "Yeah, Dino, you know us brothers. If we're together, we always push our luck."
"Well, you better hurry then," Dino said with a knowing smile. "Those burgers won't taste as good if you miss the first period."
Thanking Dino, we rushed to pay the bill and stuffed the burgers into a paper bag. We hurried back to the car, devouring the smell of freshly cooked food.
As we embarked on our journey to school, crunching on our heavenly burgers, a sense of contentment enveloped us.
"Hey, did you have a good time at the party that night? You haven't told me anything about it," Jackson asked me suddenly as he took another bite of his cheeseburger. I avoided his gaze and focused my attention on the road as the faint sound of music echoed in the back of my mind.
The truth was, I hadn't told Jackson anything about the party because it was a night that I wanted to keep to myself. The images of that evening flashed through my mind.
"Yeah, it was fun," I simply replied, but I could still see Jackson's strange look. A puzzled expression creased his face as I laughed. It seemed as though he had expected a more detailed response than just those three words.
"What?" I asked him, trying to hide my smile. "You're acting like some detective from a crime novel."
He chuckled, his eyes twinkling mischievously. "Come on, spill the tea, brother. There's something you're not telling me, and I can feel it."
"Nope, because I've got nothing to tell you, Jackson, so stop it!" I said, trying to hide a mischievous smile.
"You're lying; did someone already tell you that you stink at lying?" He asked me sarcastically, trying to expose whatever secret I was keeping. Secretly, I admired his persistence. His ability to read me so well only made me appreciate him more.
"What is it you want me to say?" I asked him, annoyed, as he smirked mischievously at me.
"Something good might as well be something dirty," he teased, his sparkling eyes filled with mischief. I playfully hit him on the shoulder and rolled my eyes. "You pervert!" I softly shouted at him, unable to suppress my laughter.
He chuckled uncontrollably, his deep laughter echoing among the rustling leaves. "Oh, come on, lighten up! You know I'm just teasing," he said, finally regaining control of himself.
I wasn't planning on telling him what happened, but something was telling me that I should. Besides, Jackson may look like a total dickhead and pain in the ass most of the time, but that doesn't mean he can't be trusted. It took me a couple of seconds before I spoke again.
"I slept with Tyler," I confessed to Jackson directly, my heart pounding in my chest. The car jolted to a sudden halt, causing me to snap forward in my seat. The sharp pull of the seatbelt choked me for a moment, leaving a bitter taste of panic in my mouth.
"Damn it, Jackson!" I yelled out of shock.
Wide-eyed, Jackson turned to face me. "Please tell me you didn't lose your virginity, brother; tell me!" He said, but from the way he spoke, I knew he was worried.
I couldn't help but burst into laughter as he bombarded me with an incessant line of questioning. "Did you have sex with him?" he blurted out, his brows furrowed with concern. "And for heaven's sake, did you use condoms?"
"What? No! We didn't do anything else; We just slept together in one bed! That's all!" I exclaimed, laughing even harder at the puzzled expression on his face.
He raised an eyebrow, his lips twitching into a half-smile. "Are you sure?" he questioned, his tone laced with suspicion.
"How about making out?" he suddenly asked me, his voice surprisingly serious.
My cheeks flushed. "Ahem, yeah, we were making out, but that doesn't mean we had sex! Goddamn it, Jackson, why wouldn't you believe me? Besides, Tyler and I both said we're not ready yet to do such things as that."
"Thank goodness, but you know, Miles, brother, if you're ready, then do it; besides your body, it's your choice. But you should be responsible, alright? Use protection so you won't catch STDs," he said, his delivery filled with love and concern.
I looked at Jackson in disbelief, a mix of shock and amusement painted on my face. "Did you just really say that after freaking out when I told you I slept with him?" His laughter filled the car as he continued, "I thought you were going to disown me!"
Jackson chuckled, his cheeks flushed with a rare embarrassment. "You caught me off guard; that's why I freaked out. Next time, learn to take things slow, okay?" he replied, playfully ruffling my hair. I nodded, appreciating the genuine care of my brother.
...
As I made my way to my locker, a curious mixture of anticipation and nerves swirled within me. The morning had started just like any other, but today was different. As I turned the corner and caught sight of Tyler, my heart felt like it had plummeted into the abyss. There he stood, leaning casually against my locker, engrossed in conversation with his friends Clark and Klaus.
Tyler's piercing gray eyes met mine, and a warm smile formed on his face. He waved his hand eagerly, beckoning me to join their conversation. I returned the gesture with a hesitant wave, feeling self-conscious under the watchful gaze of my classmates.
As I reached them, I couldn't help but notice the curious glances and hushed whispers from other students. Had they somehow discovered the secret Tyler and I both shared? An uneasy feeling settled over me, making my already trembling hands quiver even more.
"Hey Miles, good to see you," Klaus greeted me as I approached them. He was a tall, wiry man with a mischievous grin that never seemed to leave his face. As he extended his hand, instead of a handshake, he offered me a peace bump-a playful gesture we had made up as teenagers. I mirrored his excitement and bumped my fist against his, a wide smile spreading across my face.
"Good to see you too, Klaus," I said warmly. "I like your new glasses, by the way," I added, pointing to the stylish frames perched on his nose. He chuckled, adjusting the glasses as he sat down opposite me.
"It's impressive that you noticed, so thanks," Klaus said, gesturing towards Klaus while wearing a playful smile. "Anyway, Clark's a bit grumpy today, so we'll take our leave first. See you later, guys," Klaus added, waving his hand as he began to tug at Clark's sleeve, urging him to leave.
"See you!" Tyler and I said together, our voices harmonizing in perfect unison. A wide smile spread across my face as I waved enthusiastically at the two.
"Hi," Tyler and I greeted each other at the same time, both of us bursting into laughter at the perfectly timed coincidence.
"How was your weekend?" he asked as he walked away from my locker so I could open it. His voice was filled with genuine interest, and a hint of excitement lingered in his eyes. It was Monday morning, and my mind was still spinning with the events of the past two days.
"Well, me and the gang had a sleepover last Saturday, and yesterday I went to Jackson's band practice," I simply replied as I took the books I would use for my classes.
"You siblings are really into music, aren't you?" he happily asked, so I nodded and smiled at him.
"You know, my mom and grandma used to be pianists at our church in North Carolina," I eagerly shared with Tyler.
His eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Wow, that's incredible!"
"Yeah, and my dad was the main guitarist and vocalist in their band when they were young," I continued, the pride evident in my voice. "I guess that's why we're so into music. It's in our blood!"
Tyler's smile widened as he nodded. "It all makes sense now. No wonder you're so talented."
"So, how about you? How's your weekend?" I asked him as we both walked towards our classrooms.
"It was boring, if I were to be honest," he replied, as we both chuckled.
"Tell me about it, like, how boring was it?" I asked, trying to inject a hint of humor into my question. He chuckled, his laughter blending seamlessly with the surrounding noise.
"I had nothing else to do except play video games the whole weekend and chat with you on social media," he said, his words echoing through the hallway. "Don't get me wrong; it wasn't boring chatting with you, though." A smile spread across my face, warmed by his sincerity.
While we were walking together, I couldn't stop hearing the hurtful words of other students in the hallways. They were like sharp daggers, piercing through my heart, full of judgment and malice. The whispers and snickers echoed in my ears, leaving me feeling isolated and vulnerable. They were judging me for being with Tyler, and it felt like I was being torn apart from within.
Suddenly, like a lifeline amidst the storm, I felt someone grab my arm, urging me to stop walking. I turned to see Tyler standing there, his eyebrows knitted together, and his face wearing a serious expression. His eyes, normally filled with warmth, now reflected concern and determination.
"Don't listen to what they say, Miles; ignore them," he said to me seriously, so it took me a couple of seconds before I nodded. I guess he heard them too.
...
First Class, Music
As I took my seat in the classroom, the usual chatter filled the air. I glanced around, searching for a familiar face, but everyone seemed too caught up in their world to notice my arrival. However, one person stood out amidst the sea of indifference-the guy I had accidentally bumped into at the outdoor cafeteria, our school's common ground.
He sat at the back of the classroom, engrossed in his little world. Clad in his signature gray sweater with the hood pulled over his head, he seemed oblivious to the bustling activity around him. Curiosity piqued, I couldn't help but wonder what drew him into this self-imposed shell.
Suddenly, he glanced in my direction, and my heart skipped a beat. Panic seized me as I realized I had been staring for too long. My cheeks burned with embarrassment, and I quickly averted my gaze. But my curiosity was insatiable. Unable to resist, I stole another glance at the boy.
Just as our eyes met, time seemed to freeze. The boy's eyes held a flicker of surprise as if he had noticed my persistent glances. I felt a jolt of electricity surge through me, and a strange connection formed in that fleeting moment. However, my self-consciousness got the better of me, and I quickly looked away, flustered.
I sat in the back of the classroom, staring out the window and allowing my mind to wander. The thoughts that filled my head were far from mundane, drifting into the realms of the impossible. I shook my head vigorously, attempting to rid myself of these fanciful notions and redirect my attention to the present.
Just as the daydreams began to dissipate, the classroom door swung open, and our Music teacher walked in. He was a man of few words but possessed a deep passion for the subject that he taught. As he entered the room, his eyes sparkled with contagious excitement. Instantly, the atmosphere shifted, and a sense of anticipation settled over the classroom.
"Okay, please find yourselves a partner," the professor told us, interrupting my thoughts. My classmates immediately sprang into action, eagerly seeking out their partners. As for me, I felt a familiar sinking feeling in my stomach. After all, being an outcast at school meant that nobody truly liked me, and this class was no exception. So, I simply remained motionless in my seat, not bothering to find a partner.
My classmates whispered excitedly amongst themselves, their curious gazes darting in my direction. I could feel the weight of their judgment as they concluded that no one would willingly choose to pair up with me. It seemed as if even the air surrounding me was tainted with their disdain.
As I glanced around the room, I observed the students forming partnerships. They laughed and exchanged pleasantries, their eyes filled with enthusiasm. It was a sight I had grown accustomed to witnessing but never partaking in.
"Who else here doesn't have a partner?" the teacher asked, his voice projecting throughout the room. It was a simple question, but it felt like my heart skipped a beat. Timidly, I raised my hand, trying to hide my insecurities behind a mask of calmness.
"Great! Mr. Adams? Mr. O'Malley will be your partner," the professor announced, causing a wave of excitement to ripple through the classroom. I leaned forward in my seat, eager to discover who my partner would be for the upcoming project. My gaze followed the professor's pointed finger toward a figure standing at the back of the classroom, clad in a gray hoodie and with a stern expression etched on his face.
Mr. Hoodie Guy
"Since everyone already has their partners, please sit next to each other and discuss what will be your performance for this school's upcoming talent show. That's all. I'll be leaving you guys for a minute. I'll be back soon enough," the professor said before finally leaving the room.
As Mr. Adams stood next to me, I couldn't help but be taken aback by his sudden action of pulling down his hoodie. It revealed a face that was practically carved by the gods themselves, leaving me completely stunned. His features were strong and chiseled, with piercing brown eyes that seemed to hold a mysterious spark. It was as if he had stepped out of a Max Steel movie, resembling the actor Ben Winchell, who played the heroic protagonist.
But as captivating as Mr. Adams' appearance was, my thoughts couldn't help but wander to another handsome individual who held a special place in my heart. Though he may not possess the same striking resemblance as Mr. Adams, Tyler's charm and genuine nature were unmatched in my eyes. His warm smile, gentle touch, and unwavering support made him the epitome of true beauty.
"Mr. Adams?" I called him, and he turned to me. His eyes met mine.
"No need to be so formal; you can just call me by my first name; it's Caleb," he said, flashing a warm smile. I found myself immediately drawn to Caleb's easygoing nature. His charm and confidence were evident, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of intrigue.
"Oh, sorry, Caleb?" I faltered, trying to recall if I had heard his name correctly. "Ahm, can you tell me what you can do? I mean, your talent?"
"I play the piano," he said, almost as if it were a secret he couldn't help but share. "I mean, I play most of the instruments, but I prefer the piano."
Igniting a conversation, I leaned toward him and said, "What a coincidence! I play the piano too!" I could not contain my enthusiasm and happily told him, and he chuckled.
"Is that so?" he replied, a delightful curiosity twinkling in his eyes. "Well, how about we join forces and play a duet on talent night?"
I eagerly agreed, thrilled by the chance to share my passion with someone who shared the same love for music.
"So tell me when you will be available so that we can arrange the time for our practice," I asked him, and it took him a couple of seconds before he spoke. Finally, he cleared his throat and looked at me.
"Well, I have work after my class, but we can do it during our free period since we're both in the same class," he simply replied, and I nodded. There was an undeniable sense of relief that washed over me.
"Okay then," I said, and we just continued discussing the performance we were going to do until our teacher came back.