Amor Musicae (A Jick/Joick Story) Ch. 37
The first day of school...again. Only this time, I won't have Joe with me. The days without him have been so difficult. True to his word, Joe has called a lot to keep in touch...but it's just not the same with him gone. I miss his smile, his smell, his touch...keep it together, Nick. You can't cry on the first day of school. At least Miley is waiting by the entrance.
Miley: "This sucks. I can't believe were back in school already. I think we need at least five months of vacation."
Nick: "It doesn't matter to me. Either way, Joe's still gone."
Miley: "Sorry...I didn't mean to bring that up."
Nick:*a little angry* "So what, you just want to forget that he ever existed?"
Miley: "That's not what I meant, Nick. It's just that...I know it's a touchy subject with you. You're not the only one who misses Joe."
Nick: "I-I'm sorry. I just really want to see him again."
Miley: "I know you do, but do you think Joe wants you to mope all day at school?"
Nick: "No."
Miley: "Then, be more optimistic. Think about it this way. All of us only lost Joe, but Joe lost all of us. Doesn't that give him more of a right to be depressed?"
Nick: "I guess so."
Miley: "And does he sound all gloom-and-doom over the phone?"
Nick: "No."
Miley: "Exactly! Joe is going through the same thing, but five-fold. Not only that, but he's in an unfamiliar place. So, don't look so down. It'll all work out."
Nick:*sighs* "I guess you're right. Thanks, Miley."
Miley: "No problem...but now I have to find my first class."
Miley ran off to where her first class was going to be. I already knew exactly where my first class was. Advanced piano...in the piano room. As I made my way up to the third floor, I was met by some unexpected company. Those friends of David. Of course, they threw insults at me. I decided to just ignore them. They didn't like that. I felt my back slammed against the wall. I braced myself for the next attack, but someone intervened.
David: "Hey! Leave him alone."
Even though they were his friends, they didn't look like they were going to listen. In response, David punched one of them in the face...hard.
David:*angry* "I said, leave."
They tried running away so fast that they began tripping over each other.
David: "Are you ok, Nick?"
Nick: "Uh...um, sure. Thanks."
David: "No problem."
Nick: "Hey...I thought you were a senior last year. So, why are you in school?"
David:*looks away* "I-I'd rather not talk about it...not here. Do you really want to know why?"
Against my better judgment, I nodded my head.
David: "Then...meet me behind the school at lunch. It should be vacant. Hope to see you there, Nick."
David walked away. It's strange...he seems to be a completely different person than before. He's even acting friendly. I'm...intrigued. I guess I'll see him at lunch."
To be continued...