Running into you

" I am so sorry", I quickly apologize. Bowing my head as I kept apologizing.

I didn't realize how close we were or that his hand covered mine in a close grip. I slowly glance up at him, just seeing how tall he is. He pushed me back but didn't release me until I was able to stand alone.

" You won't go easily next time", he uttered, his voice laced with irritation. Maybe I am irritating him, I sniffed and nod my head. Silently watching him leave, Kaden stopped, turning his head slightly.

" Behave like a man not a crybaby", he said before walking away.

My eyes widen in shock, stunned at his word. 

I am trying to be a man as well. letting out my tears, I knelt on the field and cried. I didn't know how long I cried until Emily screamed my name.

..........

I leaned against the gate and inhaled a deep breath, letting it out as a whistle. Another day gone and I am finally at home, I peeped through the window, feeling the cold breeze on the back of my neck. I saw my father's car in the garage, he came home early today.

Taking a deep breath one more time, I walked inside. My mother was in the kitchen and my father was in his study. I can't imagine how happy I am to find my dad in his study room. I rushed into the kitchen, hugging my mother from behind.

" Sebb!", My mother giggled. She dropped the knife she was using and embraced me.

" How was school today?", She smiled knowing how my day went.

" Fine", I grunted. My mother is unaware of my bullying case, all she knew was that I hated school, Probably if given the opportunity, I will drop out.

" Sebb?", She placed her hand on my face, rubbing it tenderly. " I don't know what you are going through but I can understand if you tell me. I am your mother, you are my son", she said with so much sympathy. 

I wasn't expecting her to say that, I was taken back by her reply but I chose to ignore it. It is my battle not hers.

" I am fine mum", I mumbled. At least this year is becoming better than others. Her eyes lifted up from the floor and she looked at me, I force out a smile and walked pass her towards my room . If I stay with her any longer, I will end up telling her everything. I don't like making my mother worried, I am not her only child so why bother about only me.

I shut the door quietly, dropping my bag on my desk. I sighed, my mind kept drifting to Kaden.

Why did he look at me like that? Maybe it is out of pity.

I sat on my bed scrolling through my phone when a notification pop in. It was a message from Emily. How did she get my number?

I cautiously opened the message.

' Hi sebb, this is Emily'

I typed on my phone, replying to her message.

' okay '

Another message from her entered, I sighed  . Typing is stressful now that I have someone to chat with.

' About the group project, we are to check the notice board tomorrow. Our names are posted under the group we belong to. I hope for us to be in the same group '

I rubbed my face, tomorrow is another big day.

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

" Where have you been?", Emily asked me as she waited for me by my locker.

" Well.......", I adjusted my backpack.

" Come on, let us go check our names", she dragged me along, running to check our names.

Great! We are in different group.

Emily pouted, she dramatically sighed and wiped her eyes. " I wish we were in the same group."

" Me too", I replied. I checked the group my name fall under. Helping lost animals find home is no big deal but on seeing the people in my group, I almost collapse in shock.

Kaden Cartwright, Johnson Mason and I. Three in each group, I gape, staring at the bill board.

" Find your partners and start working on your project", Mr Benson, the sport teacher hollered as he passed.

" You are lucky to be in the same group as Kaden", Emily smiled, nudging my shoulder before leaving.

Indeed lucky.

I should start looking for my partner.

" You and I are in the same group", Mason whispered as he stood behind me. I slowly turned around and saw him smiling down at me but the difference was that his smile was sad.

I didn't know what came over him or what they did to make him hate me. Mason was never like this, we were very close, closer than John.

" Yeah", I said quietly, walking out on him. I should find the rest of the group since I am the group leader. A coward as a group leader, Mr Wilson must be joking choosing me as a leader.

..........

The cafeteria was bustling students all finding a place to sit and rushing to the lunch line.

I sighed, twirling my pasta around with my fork. " Emily?", I whispered. " Do you think Mr Wilson will let me switch partners?", I asked the question that has been bothering me since.

When she was silent, I stopped what I was doing to look at her.

Emily shrugged, " probably not, he already chose a partner and he won't change that."

" Or .......", She smiled at me. " Is it because of Kaden? You don't want to be in the same team as Kaden?"

 I blinked rapidly. " It is not like that."

Emily wiggled her brows as she chomped on her apple. 

" Good luck, you will need it."

We continue to eat our lunch as I thought of what to say to Kaden.

' hello Kaden. It is I Sebastian, your group partner '

I shook my head, what of this?

' hello dude, I am Sebastian, your group partner' 

I cringed inwardly, covering my plate and shoving it into my backpack. It is time.

" Do you know where Kaden is, I need to find him?", I summoned my courage to ask Emily.