I fumbled with my bag as I stood at my locker. I double checked my timetable, groaning. I had History. It was half-way through Tuesday, and I still hadn’t made any friends. It seemed like over the weekend when I’d been experimenting with my powers and struggling to find a way to sneak a TV I’d brought into my room, everyone had formed full fledged friend groups. And I wasn’t part of any. There was a burst of static in my brain and I felt a presence behind me. Not again. A ball of paper hit me in the back of the head, and a group of guys behind me laughed.
I ignored them. Annoying. On top of all the superpower stuff, and trouble with the faculty, some kids had decided to start messing with me. There were two groups, Kate’s group and Derrick’s posse. I had no idea what their issue with me was, but I guess shit like this happened to everyone one way or another. I winced as I straightened out, slouching again. I was also getting seriously bad growing pains. I didn’t know if it was power related, but they’d started on Sunday morning and only gotten worse.
I made my way to class and sat at my desk. The lights were off, and the blinds closed, so we were probably going to watch something. The class spoke in hushed whispers amongst themselves as Mr Brand sat behind his desk waiting for everyone to come. I rested my head on my arms laying down on the desk and groaned. I really hoped whatever this was went away soon.
The sound of students steadily got louder as more and more people came into class. Suddenly a burst of static went off to my right. It was probably another paper ball. I waved my hand to swat it away and felt my hand smack against something that felt suspiciously like a person. I glanced up. The guy who sat behind me looked back at me.
“Uh… you’re sitting in my seat” he said.
“Oh, just sit in front of me or something” I said, before resting my head back on the desk. I was in too much pain to move one seat over, it’s not like anyone would say anything. The guys footsteps tracked to the chair in front of me before he sat down.
“If we get in trouble, I’m pinning it on you” he said.
“Sure” I replied back.
“Alright class. Today we’re going to be watching a short documentary on the Great Depression, and then have a short discussion. Pay attention because I’m going to give you homework on it after class” Mr Brand said. I kept my head on the desk. I could just watch it later.
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-
I opened my eyes as I was shaken awake. Mr Brand stood over me with his arms crossed and the rest of the class laughed.
“I’m in trouble aren’t I” I said.
“Just wait outside” he replied.
-
Students streamed out of class as the bell for lunch went. A few glanced at me, and Kate shot me a disgusted look as she brushed up against me, but most of them ignored me. I thought about leaving but Mr Brand put a hand on my shoulder as I went to.
“Come back inside Lucas” he said. I followed him back inside, my legs feeling like lead pipes.
Mr Brand sat down behind his desk, arms crossed.
“Why did you think it was ok to fall asleep in my class?” he said.
“I didn’t I-“ I started.
“So you knew it was wrong, but did it anyway?” he interjected. I paused. Crap. Were all the teachers here good at reprimanding students.
“I’m sorry” I said, my shoulders slumping, “I’m just really tired.”
His expression softened.
“Just try to go to sleep earlier. I know it can be difficult adapting to a new environment, but if everyone else can do it, you can too” he said, “I won’t tell anyone about this but don’t do it again. You can go.”
“Thank you, sir” I said sincerely. Trudging out the classroom, I yawned before wincing. I needed the day to end quickly.
-
I woke up to a knock at my door. It was dark outside and my lamp illuminated the room. I hopped down from the ceiling and grabbed the mini TV before stuffing it under my bed, along with the PlayStation. The knock came again, louder this time.
“Coming, just give me a sec” I said. I pulled the webs off the ceiling and shoved them under my bed as well. I winced as I stood up, but quickly wiped my hands and opened the door. The security guard, Abel, stood behind a tall guy with tan skin and dark brown hair. He carried a red suitcase, a duffel bag and a backpack.
“Lucas this is Eric, you’re roommate. Eric, meet Lucas. He’s not the most well behaved, but he’s not as mean as he looks” Abel said, “I’ll leave you two to talk.” Abel left. I’d have to talk to him later about that mean looking comment.
“Uh… hi” I said stepping out of the doorway to let him past.
“Hey” he said sticking out his hand. I shook it and he stepped inside looking around.
“It’s big right?” I said.
“Yeah…” he mumbled trailing off. He put his suitcase down and dropped his duffel bag on his bed.
“So…is everyone here nice?” he asked.
“I guess. Depends on who you ask” I replied. He nodded sitting down on the bed and an awkward silence settled over the two of us.
“Uhh… so what took you so long to get here in the first place?” I asked. He chuckled to himself slightly.
“My Mom booked for the wrong flight and then just made up an excuse as to why I’d show up a week late. She says it was an accident, but she probably did it on purpose. She didn’t really want me to come” he said, looking at the floor.
“Oh. Well, I’m sure you’ll be fine. The food’s pretty nice here so… there’s that” I replied back.
He nodded.
“So what do you do on your time off?” he asked. I tried not to show any visible reaction, at the question. The answer was run around the walls or hang from the ceiling but I couldn’t just tell a stranger that. Wait, if he was here could I even do that anymore? Crap.
“Uh… you ok?” he asked.
“Huh? Oh yeah. Um… have you ever played pool?” I asked.