Chapter 21
Theo glanced at his sister, curled up on the thin mattress, her breathing slow and steady. His mother was across the room, picking up the scattered bits of their earlier chaos.
"You should thank that young man from your school again tomorrow," she said softly, not looking up.
Theo paused. He'd told her they went to the same school just to stop her questions. "Alright… I will," he replied, his voice even. "Go to sleep, Ma."
She nodded and moved to her bed. Theo turned away, lowering himself into the old chair by the window.
The night was quiet, but his thoughts weren't. He never wanted anyone — least of all Carl — to see this side of his life. And yet, there it was, laid bare.
Maybe he'd been a little too harsh on him.
He sighed, pulling a worn math notebook from the small table beside him. His eyes caught on the slanted handwriting across the page — Carl's handwriting, from one of their tutorials.
For a moment, his fingers traced the ink without thinking. Then, with another sigh, he flipped to a clean page and let his mind drift elsewhere.
---
Carl walked into the school courtyard, his shoulders slightly slouched.
Gina spotted him from across the way and waved. "Hey! What's with the long face?"
Carl slowed his steps. "Something happened last night."
Gina tilted her head. "What happened? Are your parents back?"
Before he could answer, Valerie joined them, tucking her hair behind her ear. "Morning, guys."
"Where were you?" Carl asked.
"I was busy," Valerie said casually.
"With Rodney," Gina teased under her breath.
Valerie swatted her arm. "Shut up." Both girls laughed.
"Wait," Gina said, turning back to Carl. "You were saying—what happened after you dropped us off?"
"What?," Valerie added, curious now.
Carl sighed and told them about the run-in at Theo's place and the argument that followed.
"Whoosh… that's a lot," Gina said, wide-eyed.
Valerie gave Carl a sympathetic look. "Well… you have to understand where he's coming from."
Before Carl could reply, Sister Rose's sharp voice cut through the courtyard. "Let's go! Everyone to class!"
The three exchanged quick glances before hurrying toward the building.
---
Carl walked into the classroom, his steps slower than usual. Theo sat in his usual spot, head bent over a book, eyes scanning the page with that quiet focus of his. Carl glanced at him once but kept walking, heading straight to his desk. He slumped into his seat, still wearing that faintly dejected look from the day before.
The first teacher came in, and class began. Carl kept his head down, jotting notes without really paying attention. The period dragged, then finally ended.
Before anyone could get up, the school's loudspeaker crackled to life.
"Attention, students," came Sister Magdalene's voice, carrying that mix of sternness and warmth she was known for. "Next week will be our annual Willow Ridge Enrichment Week."
A buzz went through the classroom—Enrichment Week was always different from the usual grind of classes. Sister Magdalene continued,
"As tradition, the first day will be Alumni Day. We will be welcoming back former students, who will share their experiences, advice, and words of encouragement. Attendance is mandatory."
Carl's pen stilled in his hand. He'd never cared for Alumni Day. The school had begged his father, Mr. Jonathan Hale, to attend for years—being the most prominent former student—but Jonathan had never once shown up.
"The second day will be our school trip," Sister Magdalene added. "Details will be given to each class representative."
Carl almost scoffed. The trip had always seemed pointless to him—hours on a bus, taking pictures of things he didn't care about. He'd never joined, and with no friends before, there had been no reason to.
But now… he did have friends.
On the other side of the room, Theo lifted his head slightly, his expression sharpening at the announcement. Alumni Day wasn't just another school event to him—it was an opportunity. Networking meant everything. He had already volunteered for the planning committee and secured a slot to give a short speech. If the right person noticed him, it could open doors. This was his moment, and he wasn't going to waste it.