How Green Becomes Wood

"Cool," Xander said. He offered Milo a choice of stress balls in various shapes, sizes and colors.

Alec came rushing in seconds after class started. The teacher gave him a stern look but kept going. Alec hurried to his usual seat, blushing, and sat down. He glanced at Xander. Xander wasn't paying attention. Austin gave him a little nod of recognition. At least not everyone was upset with him in this corner.
 
Milo grabbed one without looking at it and settled down to try and make it through the rest of class. Because Alec came in late and class had already started, he didn't notice the tension between the brothers, because he was just focusing on class.
 
Class went well enough with Alec valiantly trying to pay attention and not think about anything else that was going on. It wasn't easy, but he mostly succeeded. Xander had no trouble focusing as he was an expert in the art of "shove it all in a box." After class, it was off to history. Xander didn't wait for Alec as Alec hurriedly tried to shove everything in his backpack, leaving him behind as he headed to history class. History class was much the same, although at least Alec wasn't late to this one.

After class, as everyone was leaving, the teacher beckoned to Milo. "I need to speak with you for just a minute, Milo," she said.

Xander paused and glanced between them but stepped out to wait in the hall.
 
"Deep breath, dear, and let it out. You are not in trouble," she assured him. "I wanted to confirm something, that's all. Am I correct in assuming you have some anxiety issues?"
 
She nodded. "I see. I wanted to let you know that as a part of my curriculum, at the halfway point of the school year, there is an optional history presentation for anyone who wants extra credit, and at the end of the year, there is a mandatory one that can cover any subject you want - as long as there aren't duplicates. I can't make an exception for you for the end of year one, but if you feel you need extra credit for the mid-year one, we can discuss other options for you, alright?"
 
"Alright. I'm glad that helps. When we get closer, I'll give you some extra credit options," she said with a little smile. "That's all I wanted to talk about. I don't want to make late for your next class."
 
"Yeah?" Xander asked, raising his brows. "That's pretty cool of her. Guess that's one nightmare taken care of." He started for his next class, walking with Milo until their paths separated. "See you for lunch?"

Alec followed a few steps behind, feeling like a lost puppy.
 
"I still have to do the last one, but... it's one less. I guess." He hesitated for a moment, "I don't know about lunch. I didn't really want to come here today, you know? But I knew that I had to. And the cafeteria is a lot." He looked down at the ground as they walked, "You can, uh, I guess come to under the bleachers."
 
Xander glanced at Milo in surprise. He couldn't remember if Milo had ever invited him to join him for lunch. "Yeah, if you're okay with that, it'd be cool to join you. If you're okay with it. If you need your space, I get it."
 
"See you later," Xander agreed. He turned and continued on to the next class.

Alec glanced between them. So. This was what it felt like to be the unwanted third wheel. He heaved a sigh, knowing full well this was deserved even if he did feel abandoned, and followed Xander. This was a long, long day.

After class, Alec headed glumly to the cafeteria alone, barely managing to muster up a smile when friends greeted him on the way. He didn't feel like being friendly, but he also knew they'd missed him the day before. He reached the cafeteria and sat in his usual spot with his lunch box before him. Yay. Lunch.

Xander headed for the bleachers with his lunch, glad to be skipping out of the loud, chaotic cafeteria.
 
"Hey dude," Sloan said, turning to smile at him, "How is your first day back? We were worried with you being sick yesterday."

Milo sat where he always did under the bleacher, eating the same sandwich he always did, but he waved slightly when he saw Xander sneak in.
 
"Sorry I worried you," Alec said, smiling back. "I'm fine now. It was just a hard day." He glanced around. Peter was eating with some other friends, but he did give Alec a wave, and Tom wasn't in sight yet. Becky was nearby but standing talking to someone else animatedly.

"I should come here more often. It's way better than the cafeteria," Xander remarked, settling in.
 
Alec heaved a sigh and slumped over the table. "I messed up big time, and I hurt someone, and I did apologize and do all the things, but I don't think Xander wants to forgive me. Ever. The big hypocritic idiot."

Xander opened his lunch box and got started on his lunch. He didn't say anything, letting Milo have the silence.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top