unspoken connections

(6).

Fear of the Unknown

[When the dead comes back to life]

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Chapter 6: unspoken connections

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*Ace Carlton*

Ace sat at his usual spot in the bustling cafeteria, the popular kids in the school spot, a tray of food in front of him, flanked by his two closest friends, Jason and Harper. They were a tight-knit trio, always sharing stories and laughter over lunch.

Today, however, something seemed different, and it didn't escape the keen eyes of Jason and Harper.

Jason, the jovial and outgoing member of the group, couldn't resist a sly grin as he noticed Ace's frequent glances in a certain direction. The entrance of the school’s cafeteria.

He leaned closer, nudging Ace playfully.

"Hey, Ace, something's up today, isn't it? You've been looking over there quite a bit. Mind telling us what's going on?"

Harper, the thoughtful and perceptive one, chimed in, his curiosity piqued. "Yeah, Ace, spill the beans. You've got that telltale blush creeping up your cheeks."

Ace felt his face grow warmer, and he lowered his gaze to his plate, suddenly very interested in his salad. He tried to play it cool. "Oh, come on, guys, it's nothing. I just... was waiting for someone to show up, that's all."

Jason and Harper exchanged knowing glances before erupting into laughter.

Jason clapped Ace on the back, nearly causing him to spill his drink. "Nothing? Ace, buddy, this is monumental! You, the Mr. Cool and Confident, blushing like a teenager in love? Come on, that isn’t you, where’s the real you?! We're here for you, man!".

Harper nodded enthusiastically, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Absolutely! We've got your back, Ace. You need to talk to this person. No more hiding behind your lunch tray."

Ace couldn't help but smile, feeling grateful for his friends' support. And also happy for the fact they didn’t question if it was a boy or a girl.

“Okay, okay, you win. I'll give it a shot after lunch.”

The remainder of their lunch period was filled with Jason and Harper excitedly brainstorming conversation starters, offering tips on how to approach the mysterious person who had captured Ace's attention. Ace listened intently, their enthusiasm contagious.

Jason slapped the table with excitement. "I'm telling you, Ace, this is your moment! You've got to seize it. Confidence is key."

Harper, ever the strategist, added, "And remember, be genuine. Just be yourself, and you'll do great."

As the bell rang, signaling the end of lunch, Ace felt a mixture of nerves and determination. With his friends' encouragement, he knew he couldn't let this opportunity slip away. He was ready to face the unknown, to initiate a conversation with the person who had unknowingly stirred his curiosity.

His mind raced with thoughts of the encounter he was about to have. Jason and Harper's words echoed in his head, urging him to be confident and genuine.

As everyone around the cafeteria stood up going for their next classes, Ace, his best friends and other male people having P.E as their next class made their way toward the next location he knew he might find Skylar.

The boy’s locker room.

That was if Skylar in question was taking P.E class.

****

*Sheila Gates*

Sheila and Cassie walked side by side, their animated conversation carrying them away from the bustling cafeteria. Sheila, with her striking auburn hair and piercing grey eyes, was known for her vivacious personality. Cassie, on the other hand, was a picture of grace with her elegant box braids and warm demeanor, her doe-like eyes always observant.

As they navigated the busy hallway, Sheila couldn't help but bring up the topic that had been on her mind all week.

“Cassie, you won't believe what I've been thinking. I've got a gut feeling that Ace is into someone and we both know that my gut feeling never lies to me.”

Cassie raised an eyebrow, suddenly intrigued in where this conversation was leading to. "Really? Ace? I thought you said you’ve been talking to him a lot lately. What makes you think that?".

Sheila's cheeks turned a faint shade of pink as she responded, "Well, of course you know how I've been...interested in Ace for a while now and I plan on making him and I a couple. I mean, we would totally be the couple of the decades to come but lately, I've noticed some changes in him. Like, he's been more distracted and fidgety. And I think he might be spending a lot of time with someone else."

Cassie couldn't help but smile, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Sheila, my dear, you've got it bad. Alright, let's investigate. Who do you think Ace might be into?"

Sheila pondered for a moment, her grey eyes scanning the crowded hallway. "I don't know for sure, but I've seen him talking to that petite girl from algebra class quite a bit recently. They seem really friendly, you know?"

Cassie nodded, her box braids swaying with the motion. "Hm a girl, huh? Interesting choice. But remember, rumors have been floating around that Ace might be gay. Could they just be friends?"

Sheila's expression turned pensive as she considered Cassie's point. "You've got a good point there. It could be friendship. But, Cassie, you know how I feel about Ace. I can't help but always think more to his friendships with the girls he talk to.” She paused gasping. “What if there's something more to his friendship with Harper? Or Jason?.”

As they rounded a corner, Cassie leaned in closer to Sheila, her voice soft and conspiratorial. "Alright, let's dig a little deeper. We'll keep an eye on them. But, Sheila, promise me you won't get too invested in this. It's just a hunch for now."

Sheila sighed, her gaze distant as she recalled all the moments she'd spent daydreaming about Ace. "You're right, Cassie. I need to be careful. I don't want to get my hopes up too high."

Cassie gave her friend a reassuring smile. "That's the spirit. We'll gather some information discreetly and see where it leads. But remember, even if Ace isn't the one, there are plenty of other fish in the sea."

Sheila nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and trepidation. "You're absolutely right, Cassie. Thanks for being such a good friend and .. .” She giggled before adding the last part. “Of course, indulging me."

As they approached their next class, Cassie chuckled, "Anytime, Sheila. Going on a ride with your thoughts are always an adventure. Now, let's focus on school for a bit, remember? We are in school and then we'll resume Operation Ace Investigation after school."

The two friends shared a laugh, with Sheila shoving her feared thoughts about Ace Carlton back into her mind.

What if the rumors were right and Ace was gay??

It would horrify her to think that all her efforts was in drain.

Sheila shakes her head trying to whiff the thoughts as she gave Cassie a fake smile to assure her best friend she was okay.

****

*Ace Carlton*

The school's locker room was a cavernous space, filled with the sounds of laughter, camaraderie, and the clinking of cleats against the tile floor.

It was the domain of the football team, a place where they came to prepare for practice and games, where camaraderie and competitiveness thrived.

Ace Carlton, the charismatic quarterback, led the team through the door, his teammates following closely behind. His brown hair was tousled just right, and his hazel eyes sparkled with a sense of excitement. Ace was a natural leader, and he knew how to motivate his team, but today there was a hint of something different in his demeanor.

As they entered, Ace scanned the room with his usual confidence. His gaze landed on Skylar, who stood at his own locker, a slender figure with a quiet presence amidst the hustle and bustle.

Skylar's presence was like a breath of fresh air to him in the midst of the boisterous football players.

Ace's mood seemed to instantly brighten at the sight of Skylar. His smile, usually infectious, became even more radiant as he made his way toward his own locker, which happened to be just a few steps away from Skylar's. The football team continued their chatter and banter, but for Ace, the world seemed to narrow down to this moment.

Skylar, engrossed in whatever was behind that locker of his, didn't immediately notice Ace's approach. Ace took a deep breath, fighting back a flutter of nerves. He'd been eager to see Skylar, since Jason and Harper hyped him up, to share even just a few words.

As Ace reached his locker, he cleared his throat, finally catching Skylar's attention. Skylar turned toward him, surprise lighting up his features. Those doe-like eyes, full of curiosity, met Ace's gaze. For a moment, they simply locked eyes, an unspoken connection that held the promise of something more.

Ace couldn't help but feel a rush of exhilaration, his heart pounding a little faster. He offered a friendly smile, one that had charmed many, but was now reserved for Skylar.

Skylar's cheeks tinged with a hint of pink as he stared back.

Ace’s mind was racing with a million thoughts.

The football team's chatter continued around them, but Ace and Skylar existed in a world of their own for a moment.

Ace was eager to learn more about Skylar, to discover the person behind those doe-like eyes, to understand the mystery that had captivated his attention this morning.

Ace couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation.

He knew that there was a budding connection with Skylar, a connection that held the promise of something new and exciting.

Ace's plan was to engage Skylar in conversation, to finally break through the barrier that had kept them as mere acquaintances. But now, with the opportunity right in front of him, he felt a surge of nervous energy. His fingers trembled as he tried to turn the combination lock, betraying his uncharacteristic unease.

Just as Ace mustered the courage to speak to Skylar, a sudden commotion erupted around him.

The other boys, in the throes of camaraderie, jostled him playfully, their laughter filling the air. It was as if the universe conspired to add an extra layer of complexity to the moment.

Amidst the chaos, Ace watched helplessly as Skylar made a hasty exit, stumbling forward in his haste. Skylar's foot had caught on a stray shoelace, sending him teetering dangerously off balance.

Panic surged through Ace as he saw Skylar lurching forward, and without thinking, he reacted on instinct.

In the blink of an eye, Ace closed the gap between them, his strong, capable hands reaching out just in time to catch Skylar before he fell. The room seemed to freeze around them, the once rowdy locker room falling into an eerie silence.

Skylar, flushed with embarrassment and surprise, found himself mere inches away from Ace, the quarterback's eyes locked onto his with an intensity that took his breath away. Time seemed to stand still, and for that suspended moment, it was just the two of them, locked in an unspoken connection.

Ace's hazel eyes, usually filled with confidence, bore into Skylar's with a curiosity that sent shivers down his spine. Skylar's heart pounded in his chest, and his mind raced, trying to decipher the emotions reflected in those eyes.

As the silence stretched, Ace finally broke it, his voice gentle and reassuring.

“Are you okay? That was a close one."

Skylar managed to nod, his voice a mere whisper as he mumbled, "Thank you."

Ace's gaze lingered on Skylar for a moment longer than expected, a small, knowing smile playing at the corners of his lips. It was a smile that hinted at something deeper, something beyond the surface.

Skylar couldn't tear his eyes away from Ace's, a mixture of emotions swirling within him.

What was it about this encounter that felt so charged, so significant?

Skylar couldn't help but wonder what thoughts were racing through Ace's mind.

Finally, Ace stepped back, though his eyes still held a warmth that Skylar couldn't ignore.

“No problem at all. It happens to the best of us. Just be careful, alright?"

Skylar managed another nod, his anxiety slowly giving way to a growing sense of gratitude and intrigue.

As the bustling locker room returned to its usual noisy state, Skylar took a step back, his cheeks still tinged with embarrassment from the earlier stumble. He felt a strong urge to make a quick escape, to retreat from the spotlight that had suddenly fallen on him.

But just as he began to turn away, ready to slip out unnoticed, a subtle nudge from Jason, Ace's best friends, caught his attention.

Jason's eyes met Ace's, and the unspoken communication was clear: Skylar should not be allowed to slip away.

Ace, despite his own lingering embarrassment from the earlier encounter, nodded in understanding. He took a step forward, his gaze fixed on Skylar.

Skylar, sensing the approach, hesitated but didn't flee. He couldn't help but wonder why Ace was taking an interest in him, why he'd bothered to save him from the embarrassment of a fall.

Jason's encouragement had its intended effect.

Ace found his voice, determined to make amends for the awkwardness of the previous encounter.

"Hey, um.. “. Ace began, his tone friendly and warm as he stretched out a hand. “I’m Ace.”

Jason releases teasing chuckle making Ace roll his eyes but continue talking despite that.

“I’m sure you already know my name but I don’t know yours.”

Skylar blinked, surprised by Ace's genuine interest.

His initial instinct had been to escape, but now he was intrigued by the prospect of talking to the charismatic quarterback. With a shy smile, he replied, "Um, Skylar".

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TBC

~please drop some gems for this book~