Frozen Mate (boyxboy)

Chapter 2

There's a strange and unnerving sensation in waking up in a new bed, to a new room. A feeling that isn't easily lost. It's been a whole week and the whole circumstance still feels unreal, as if I could wake any moment to my cramped bedroom in LA. If only life was that simple, I'd have less cause to complain, wouldn't I?

It dawns on me that Monday morning means my first day of school, but I push that thought to a dark crevice in the back of my mind and get dressed for the day mechanically, humming the lyrics to a song in my head to deter any dangerous thoughts from setting me off this early. Like the mere possibility of running into a certain someone. I decide to only wear a hoodie and snow jacket, omitting the mittens and scarf so I don't stick out like a sore thumb at the new school. Of course, I've acknowledged that it's an inevitability to draw attention as a new student in a small town, but the less I put myself out there, the better.

My mother purchased a plethora of school supplies over the weekend, most of which I probably won't even have use for. I slowly fill my backpack, stalling time, while routinely glancing at the alarm clock on my bedside table, anticipating the moment when I'm called down to leave. My fingers begin to twitch with anxiety, my mind begins to run through all the possibilities of the day.

"Jack, breakfast! Hurry!" My mother's voice trails up the stairwell.

I jog down the steps, backpack slung lazily over my shoulder, with an indifferent expression, a poor attempt in hiding any misgivings I have towards the move. My father is seated at the head of the breakfast table, absorbed in the newspaper, flanked by my sister eating a bowl of cereal, without a care in the world. I wish I was going to Elementary school today, where making friends is as simple as liking the same boy band.

"Eggs are almost done," My mom calls over her shoulder, her eyes never leave the stove. "Did the Bakery call yet?"

"Not yet." I had considered that after the debacle my employment wasn't desired in that establishment, especially with the owner's son's blatant dislike towards me.

My dad's ears perk up, the newspaper resigning to his lap. I don't look much like my dad. He has thin blond hair and a tall body form. People always say my mom and I are spitting images of one another, a slight blow to my masculinity. We have the same lean build and small stature, as well as similar chestnut hair, mine cut short and hers falling on her shoulders in thick rings.

"What's this about a call?" My dad asks, suddenly intrigued.

"Jack applied for a job at the Bakery on Maple," My mother chimes in eagerly. I have to restrain myself from rolling my eyes. My parents don't appreciate disrespect. "You know the one by those fancy new apartments."

My dad grins widely. "That's awesome, champ! You'll be employee of the month before you know it."

"I don't think I'll get it, though," I tell him honestly. His smile dissolves into a frown.

"Why do you say that?"

"The Baker's son didn't seem to like me," I sigh, feeling agitated that it bothers me more than it should. I never sought-after anyone's approval before. Why now? Why him?

"Liar!"

All of us glance over at my sister's sudden outburst, even my mother who almost knocks over the tray of bacon onto the floor. "The boy liked Jack. He was looking at him like he was the pastry," Caroline says, giggling. I feel my face heat up.

"Shut up," I hiss through my teeth.

"Jack! Language!" My mother scolds, wiping the bacon grease on her apron. "Maybe your sister's right. You're a charming boy, why wouldn't you draw in any suitors? I don't see any reason, all the girls talked about how cute you were."