The meeting

Monday arrived too quickly for my liking, with a quick bath and speedy blow dry, I got ready for school. I hope we can start the project as soon as possible.

I rushed down the stairs and almost fell off the stairs when I saw my brother smiling at me.

" Hey sebb", he greeted, sitting down with a bowl of fruit in front of him.

When did he arrive? 

My brother has always been my guard since we were young, he would always protect me from the bullies but ever since he went to college, I have no one to stand up for me. He knows I am gay, he was the first person I told when I was always with him.

I always knew I like boys since I started crushing on my brother's friend when I was fourteen, my brother found out and accepted me for who I am.

" When did you arrive?", I whispered. I was no longer free with my brother since the day father started comparing me to him and he knows I am no longer the little brother that confide in him but he didn't even know about me being bullied in school, I want nobody to know about it not even my mom.

Marcus laughed, he hit his chest when he swallowed a large portion. He beckoned me over to sit with him which I reluctantly did.

" You were asleep yesterday and I didn't want to bother you", he rubbed my hair to which I swatted his hand away. 

" Let me drop you in school", he said as soon as he finished his meal. Mom wasn't around to prepare my lunch so no food today at lunch in school. I took some slices of bread and spread jam on it, packing it in my backpack. 

" You don't have to", I said honestly. He might no like to be seen with me and I didn't want him to see me in my weakest point.

" I don't mind dropping you off and I can also tell dad about giving you the car in the garage", he shrugged as he picked his car key. My face lit up on hearing that.

" You will?"

He chuckled, rubbing my head again. Something he does a lot when we were younger. " I will, my little brother is not so little anymore."

.....

" So tell me, do you have a boyfriend?", Marcus glanced at me before turning his eyes on the road.

I choked on my saliva, suddenly feeling hot.

" What!", I exclaimed. I could feel goosebumps go down my skin as my face tightened in embarrassment. My brother laughed , " you should have seen your face."

" But let me know if you are facing any challenges. Mom told me father is giving you a hard time", he glanced at me, this time, he was serious. " I am always here for you Sebb. I nodded without responding, I don't think I can open up to him about my school issue. 

" We are here", he announced. I unbuckled the seat belt , opening the car door. " Thanks", I said, waving at him.

School will be good. Not sure

Classes will be nice. Maybe 

Grade will be good. Definitely

There will be no bullies today. no bullies. Impossible

Kaden will come around and work with me on the project and we might become friends and he will open up to me. I hope so.

I repeated countless times in my head as I walked into the school hallway. It was surprisingly quiet today, I wonder why.

" Sebb!"

I jumped and I swear, my soul left my body for some seconds. I swiftly turned and saw Mason standing alone. 

Whew! That was close.

"I am sorry. Did I scare you?", He eyed me cautiously as he looked around from time to time.

" If you don't want to be seen with me, why talk to me first?", I rolled my eyes, picking my books from my locker. 

" I just wanted to ask you about the project, when are we starting and moreover, I found some shelter home around", he said as he brought out his phone, showing me a picture.

" May's shelter home" I read aloud. " Since it is close by, we should volunteer to help them."

" Great! I will speak to the owner, she is my mother's good friend", he smiled. " And about that........"

" What?", I asked, confused.

" I am so sorry for the way I treated you and........."

" Stop", I held out my hand, preventing him from speaking. " If you are telling that to me because of the project then I suggest you stop now because I can never forget what you or John did to me", I slammed my locker shut and walked away.

............

After class, I stood on an empty field, waiting for Kaden. The clock went slowly as I remained on my spot, every seconds increasing my anxiety and fear battling inside me.

" He should be here by now", I whispered. Kaden said he was going to be here so he will come, I said to my inner mind, trying to convince myself that he will be here.

Kicking a small pebble of stone, I noticed someone behind me so I swiftly turned around hoping it was Kaden but I shook my head in disappointment.

" Hello", Mason greeted to which I grunted in response. I wasn't in the mood for him even though he is in my team. I sighed, maybe Kaden won't be here.

" I spoke with Aunt May and she agreed to us working with her", his voice brought me back to him. 

I surrender trying to avoid Mason, I sat beside him removing my backpack. 

" Okay ", I nodded.

Kaden's POV

" Fucking hell", Adrien screamed as he threw his textbook at the wall behind me, narrowly missing my head. I rolled my eyes and smirk when his textbook tore.

" Good job", I drawled, giving him a thumbs up which he returned with his middle finger.

" I can't get pass the equation", he pouted staring at his torn calculus textbook.

" I can help you with that, if you want", Brody said as he concentrated on his phone. He briefly glance at Adrien and I caught the smile on his lips.

I don't have any idea about the kind of interaction Adrien and Brody have but sometimes I feel there is more to their story than what meets the eyes but it is none of my damn business.

I took a large gulp from the can drink I stole from Tobias, placing my leg on the couch. Adrien sat beside me, clasping his hand in mine.

 That drew Brody's attention from his game.

Cliche.

I smirked and turned , giving Adrien my full attention. 

" Aren't you going to do something about that guy?", He asked.

I frowned, " which guy?"

" The blonde dude, your project partner", he answered. " I am glad Brody is on my group and I will save planet earth with him by my side", he screamed, standing on the couch with his hands in the air earning laughter from Tobias.

" Nice choice", Tobias mumbled. He pushed my leg off the couch and flop on it. I rolled my eyes before straightening into a sitting position.

I checked my watch and noticed the time has past for my meeting with neb. I stood up and emptying the empty can in the bin.

" Where are you going?", Adrien asked.

" To see neb", I picked my phone from the table, ready to step out.

" For the project?"

I clicked my tongue. " It is obvious, isn't it?", I replied in a sarcastic way.

Why would I see him if not for the project.

" His name is Sebb not neb", Brody hollered as I step out of the classroom.

Whatever.