*** Monday
Summer had once again passed far too quickly, feeling like it had gone by within a blink of an eye.
I was awoken by my alarm, groggily opening my eyes to see the time was six thirty. I lay there with my eyes closed for a bit before my mom opened my door, flipping the light on.
"Rise and shine, sweetheart. You can't be late on your first day of junior year." She sets down a plate of food on the beside table, which consists of scrambled eggs, two pieces of bacon, and a piece of toast. "And eat up! It's the most important meal of the day!" She walks out of my room, closing the door behind her.
I had already sat up at this point, my eyes still trying to adjust to the light. I swung my legs over my bed, stretching my arms over my head as I let out a big yawn.
I'm tired. It's so early.
Quickly, I ate my breakfast, brushed my teeth, showered and put on a grey sweater, light blue jeans, and some worn-out black converse. I looked at myself in the mirror, fixing my dark brown hair the way I liked it before walking out of the bathroom and grabbing my phone and backpack.
"Eziekiel, honey, it's time to go to school! I have to drop you off early because I have to work this morning!" My mother calls from downstairs. I rushed down quickly. "All set." I say tiredly.
She laughs a little as we head out the door.
***
On the way to school, I can't help but zoning out while staring out the window. I thought about how uneventful my summer had been, not having done much, but sitting around in my room and practicing my guitar. Granted- I got pretty good at it, having played it for basically three months straight. I hung out with Dakota a few times, too, but she was busy practicing volleyball most of the summer and looking for good colleges to get into, which I can't blame her. Other than that, I was all alone. in. my room. All summer.
I mean, I couldn't have at least made a boyfriend? I haven't even had my first kiss, let alone a relationship.
Sad. I know.
Dakota was my first friend - correction - only friend that I've had since freshman year. If it wasn't for her, I think I'd for sure be a worthless nobody.
"Eziekiel, hey, we're here, hon." My mom's voice snaps me back into reality. I lean to give her a hug before stepping out of the car. "Bye, mom! See you after school!" After I close the door, she nods and drives off.
***
I faced towards the school, making my way towards the entrance. As I walked, I pulled out my phone, realizing I hadn't even looked at my new schedule for the year. After pulling it up, I examined it carefully.
Turning a corner, I slammed into a tall masculine frame. He had been holding a drink, which ended up splashing all over my sweater. For a moment, I'm too embarrassed to look up. Before I do, his hand reaches to grasp my sweater, pulling my face close to his.
"Watch where you're fucking going next time, freak!" He snaps, clenching his jaw.
Looking up at him, I notice it's Phoenix, the school bully- he looks so different than last year, I almost didn't recognize him.
"Still an asshole this year, I see." I say, trying not to care.
He scoffs a little, then smirks, amused. "Finally, grown some balls this year, I see?" He counters.
"Wouldn't you like to know."
Phoenix gives me a confused look before loosening his grip on my sweater and shoving me back. As I watch him, his expression looks like he's trying to think of a snarky remark or comeback but simply can't.
"Whatever." He mumbles, shoving past me. "Loser."
As soon as he's gone, I feel my legs turn into noodles. I'd never actually stood up for myself before.
I'm not sure what made me do it, but man, it actually felt nice.
When the adrenaline had worn off, I'd realized my next major issue: my sweater.
"Ah, man.."
*** Bathroom
It's pointless. What even is this shit!? Coffee? Tea? It's not coming out.
I'm fucked, this is fucked. Why me.
By this time, my sweater was not only drenched in - what I think is coffee - but now water too.
As I stand in front of the sink, trying to hold back my tears, I hear the bathroom door swing open.
I try to compose myself - as hard as that is being me - not even bothering to look up.
"Hey, are you okay?" His voice doesn't sound familiar.
Looking up, I don't recognize his face either. His piercing blue eyes and dark purple hair would surely remind me if I did. He stared back down at me with intense and worried eyes.
"Ah, yeah.. I'm fine. Nothing new." I say nonchalantly before looking away.
There's an awkward silence before he walks over. "Here, wear this."
He takes off his black hoodie, and I can't help but stare as his shirt gets lifted slightly, exposing a glimpse of - could it be!? a six-pack.
A. motherfucking. six. pack.
Ba dum Ba dum
Holy shit stop staring. Stop staring-
I can feel the blush rush to my cheeks, and it's already too late.
He's so hot.
Apparently, I had been staring at him for a while because he had been waving his hand in front of my face, trying to get my attention.
"Hellooo? Earth to stranger? Are you in there?"
I quickly blinked and realized what I'd be doing.
"Oh-! U-um you really don't have to do that it's okay-" I stutter, clearly flustered at the thought of wearing the strangers hoodie - and the fact I had been intently staring -
He didn't notice that, right?
"I insist." He gestures to my hand, waiting for me to hold it out. "I wanna help make your day better."
Ba dum Ba dum
He does?
I put my hand out nervously as he gave me his hoodie.
"T-thank you..." I say shyly, trying not to make eye contact.
Once I'm in the stall, I quickly take off my sweater and stuff it into my bag. Staring down at his hoodie, I felt strange, like I was about to wear my boyfriends hoodie, but he's not my boyfriend. He's just a friend. Actually- he's not even a friend. He's just some guy. I don't even know his name. Why do I feel this way about someone I don't even know yet!? Hormones? God.
After I had put the hoodie on, I'd finally realized how huge it actually was on me. The sleeves were so long they flopped way over my arms, so I had to roll them up. I almost looked like I had on one of those wearable blanket hoodies.
You know the ones.
"I'm Ayden, by the way." I hear him say from over the stall.
"I'm Eziekiel, but everyone calls me Ziek."
And by everyone, I really meant Dakota.
"Can I call you Ez?"
The nickname catches off guard, and I can feel the heat rushing to my cheeks again.
"Y-yeah, sure!" I cover my face with my hands.
I'm so glad he can't see my face right now.
I grab my bag and step out of the stall just as the bell rings.
"Let's be friends, Ez." He gave me a soft smile, and we walked out of the bathroom together.