Perennial Archives

Chapter 2

I had my political science class from 8:30 and I had managed to reach school on time. I rushed for my class and went to my locker to put my jacket into it.

I tried to match my code several times but it didn't open. I hit it with my fist but ended up hurting my hand.

"You must take it easy", a boy with a broad but mesmerising voice said.

I glanced at his appearance. He was tall and fair, he had an Asian-European skin tone and brunette hair. He stood there half smiling.

"Uh, with....this", I said awkwardly and pointed to the locker. He nodded, "Yeah. May I ?", he said and smiled and went further to the locker. He asked for the code and opened it gently.

"Oh, I totally got messed up. It's confusing. The numbers....yeah. And then there was this thing.... I thought I forgot", I said rather murmured softly.

"It's fine", he spoke very softly and charmingly. His accent was descent English.

There was something about this guy that made him different than other guys, his scent was dictatorial, his voice, his look everything seemed totally off the hook.

I removed my jacket and kept it in the locker. He shut it carefully. His look was distinctive and youthful. His skin glowed and his eyes were abstract.

"Thanks", I said.

He nodded and half bowed, "pleasure is all mine".

"I never saw you around", I asked.

"Well I've been here since a week", he said.

"I mean I've never seen you in town. Where do you stay", I said.

"Oh you won't know that place. I kind of live on the outskirts of town", he said.

"Okay", I said.

"What class do you have by the way?", He said.

"Political science", I said.

"Me too", he said.

We both headed to the class.

The class ended and I came out. He appeared like a model in front of me. He smiled perfectly, his teeth were pearl white and of perfect shape.

I thought of spending some more time with him but I didn't know what I'd talk about and supposed that he was in a rush.

"It was pleasure meeting you Miss ? I'm sorry I don't know your name", he asked.

"Clara. Clara Bridget", I replied coyly.

"See you later Miss Bridget", he said and left.

Damn it, he didn't even tell me his name.

I came home and started to make a plan for my entire year so that I can act accordingly. I sat on my desk and saw a group picture of me and my friends that we'd clicked on the 4th of July. We were all so happy. I missed those guys. I never knew I would feel so incomplete and everything would feel so pointless without them.

I took out a pen and a paper and wrote on it

'I WILL FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENED TO MY FRIENDS'

and pinned it on the cork-board.

I did my afternoon nap as usual and after waking up I did my homework and even cooked dinner for dad and myself.

We had been doing this since I learned to cook in the first place. Dinners were always my thing.

Dad came at 8. We were eating together when I said, "Dad I'm doing a job after school from tomorrow."

He choked his food and coughed. I passed him a glass of water.

"You, what ?!", he asked.

"I'm doing a job after school from tomorrow", I repeated.

"But why?", he said, "if you need anything just let me know I'll buy it for you".

"No dad, it's not that. I want to be as busy as I can in my life", I said not looking up at him.

"What job is it?", he asked.

"It's at a food chain restaurant. They'll be paying everyday on hourly basis", I said.

"What about your studies and school. You know that this one's a crucial year for your SAT as well", he said.

"Yes dad I know that's why I will be doing this only for a few months", I said.

He didn't seem to neglect my decision so I took it as a yes.

"Don't worry I'll be home before you are", I said understanding his concern.

I slept early that night.

I was running away in the dark and dense forest again, a big wild animal growling and running behind me. As it bit me by my neck, I woke up with a jolt.

Crap, my alarm was ringing. It was 7.

I went down, dad had made breakfast and left a note alongside-

"Clara honey. I had to rush for an early meeting today. Make sure you have your breakfast. Good luck for your first day at job. Take care.

Love,

Dad"

Aww that's sweet dad. Dad and I had been doing this for years before we even had cellphones.

I took out my phone and sent him a text "Love u dad :)"