“Well, no, I actually …” Jade had already started making her way towards their high school’s entrance, and didn’t seem to want to dwell on that part of the conversation either, “never mind” he added quietly. He wasn’t exactly annoyed at her for not staying behind to listen to him, he was moreso annoyed at himself for his inability to keep up in this type of fast-paced conversation.
Jacob made an effort to walk much faster, so he would be slightly further ahead of Jade, instead of walking behind her. He figured he’d come off as a bit more secure and focused than before if he tried to take charge in a more obvious way. He wasn’t sure that type of move suited him, though. He was always the type to be more comfortable with staying in the background. He found himself suddenly being increasingly insecure about every little move he made, now. Did we walk with a slouched back? Could she tell he hadn’t had a haircut in six months? Were they even walking in the right direction?
While worrying about all of that, he seemed to completely forget about his surroundings, and bumped in to a student running down the hallway. The collision hadn’t been violent enough for him to fall or anything, but it still threw Jacob off his rhythm.
“I’m so sorry! I …” the student didn’t answer, he barely made eye contact, but Jacob still managed to see the bone-chillingly frightening look in his eyes. His eyes were wide open, while his pupils seemed as small as peppercorns. His forehead was drenched in sweat - his hair looked like it had been super-glued to it, and he was panting like a dog. Clearly, he was in some state of shock or panic. But before Jacob had the chance to take another look at him, and much less speak to him, he kept running down the hallway and then exited the building.
“What was with that guy?” he said to Jade, although he of course knew that she wouldn’t have an answer, “maybe he found out he had Mrs Olsen in history this year” he then added, in an effort to lighten up the mood a little.
Jacob kept walking with Jade, making small talk about their upcoming school-year, but his thoughts never left that student. What had happened to them? They must’ve seen or experienced something truly terrible to react like that. He considered asking Jade if they should go find him, but decided against it. He guessed the student’s friends or some teacher would find him and take care of it.
When the pair reached their destination, Jacob watched as Jade knocked on the door. He expected it to be ripped open right away by some stressed-out guidance counselor, but no. The otherwise hectic office stayed completely silent, even as Jacob knocked a second time. In fact, the whole school was unusually empty this morning. The only thing that could be heard in the entire hallway has the sound of his knocking echoing through the halls.
“That’s odd” he pointed out. Jade seemed to agree with him, since she looked about as confused as he felt.
@OhSumana - Jade Martinez
