The school day started like any other. I walked through the hallways, my headphones in, blocking out the usual morning chatter. As I approached my locker, I noticed a crowd gathering near the announcement board.9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2NhZzZkc3
Curiosity piqued, I joined the throng of students. Archie, my classmate who always (and I mean ALWAYS) seemed to be around, was already there, his eyes wide with excitement.
"What's going on?" I asked, nudging him lightly.
"They're about to announce something big," he replied, barely able to contain his enthusiasm. "It’s about Dr. Aurelia Oxide’s latest project."
My heart skipped a beat. The mention of Aurelia always made me uneasy, especially after everything I had learned about her.
The school captain, stood at the front with a printed sheet of paper. She cleared her throat, drawing everyone's attention.
"Attention, everyone," she began. "We have an important announcement to share. Dr. Aurelia Oxide has released a press statement regarding the first step of her ongoing project."
The room fell silent, every ear straining to catch the captain's words.
"Dr. Oxide’s plan involves groundbreaking research on mitigating the effects of radioactivity in humans," she read aloud. "She has already initiated phase one, which includes setting up a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to studying and providing treatment for affected individuals. This project aims to revolutionize our understanding and approach to dealing with radioactive contamination."
Whispers erupted among the students, the gravity of the news sinking in. I felt a chill run down my spine. Aurelia’s work had always been shrouded in mystery, and now it seemed she was taking bold steps that could change everything.
Archie turned to me, his eyes wide. "This is huge, Aura. Do you think it’s connected to the books she published?"
I shrugged. "Maybe. We’ll see how it unfolds."
As the excitement died down and students started dispersing, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this was just the beginning of something much bigger. The school's irritating siren no teacher listens to rang. The bell and I both knew something was starting.
It marked the start of geography class (why is it mandatory??), which I did not personally care about - it's for the grades, and after all, it's 10th grade - which basically determines the rest of your life.
And this is the year that Aurelia decides to publicize her work?! Gee, thanks a lot, Mom.
My eyes lingered on the soccer ball tucked beneath somebody's elbow, but I don't remember whose. It could be any of the athlete kids, who constantly argue about whether it's called soccer or football.
"Aura, you okay?" came Archie's voice, snapping me back into reality. "What's going on? You seem disconnected all the time nowadays."
"What do you mean? I'm fine."
"Come with me, I want to talk to you." he said, but before I could protest, I realized that he had more to say. "I don't care if we're a few minutes late to geography."
I rolled my eyes. Extroverts... always wanting to yap their lungs right out.
He would do the same, torturing me worse than the teacher and his topographical maps* with his senseless talking all through class.
I followed Archie out into the hallway, feeling a mix of irritation and curiosity. He led me to a quiet corner, away from the bustling students rushing to their next classes.
"Aura," he began, his voice softer now, "you’ve seemed disconnected for a while now. Even before your dad passed away. I just want to make sure you're okay."
I looked away, the hallway's fluorescent lights casting sharp shadows. "I'm fine, Archie. Just... 10th grade catching up to me."
He frowned, concern etched on his face. "It's more than that. You've been distant, and I can't help but worry. Do you have something against me? Did I do something wrong?"
I sighed, feeling a pang of guilt. Archie had always been there, maybe a bit too much, but his intentions were good. "No, it's not you. It's just... everything. School, my dad's death, and now Aurelia's project. It’s overwhelming."
He nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I get it. Life's been throwing a lot at you. But you don't have to go through it alone, you know."
I gave him a small nod. He knows it's a good sign, I hope. "Thanks, Archie. I know you mean well."
He reached out, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. "Take your time. And if you ever need to talk or vent, I'm just a text away."
We stood there for a moment, the weight of unspoken words hanging between us. The geography bell rang again, a reminder that life moves on even when everything seems frozen.
"Let's get to class," I said, breaking the silence.
Archie nodded, his usual enthusiasm dimmed but still present. "Yeah, let's go. Time and tides waits for no one."
"Tide - singular."
"No, tides. Since that's the chapter we're doing now."
"Haha, very funny." I say flatly. "You know, if whatever career you're gonna be doing doesn't work out, go for stand-up comedy."
As we walked back to class, I realized that having Archie around wasn't the worst thing. He was always there, and maybe that wasn't so bad. I still prefer my own space hands down, but his presence was... tolerable. I can probably live with that.9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvZ5Bn1RDf
