JR SWAT 1: The Basics

Chapter 12: Unexpected

Davenport High School...

The rush towards the lunchroom was immense! By that time of the day, students are starving! Even with alternative lunch hours, the demand for a hearty meal is monumental. Besides the high request for meals, many students ask for double servings, since many of them can't count on a hot meal until the following day. Sometimes it gets so complicated that the school has to fix last minute snacks for students to take on the go with whatever leftovers they can find!

"Marv, where's Rubio?" Chen called excitedly.

Marv was making his way down the long line, about to reach the front to get a tray. The metal gray trays were being placed at the end of the counter, with the matching cutlery. The menu wasn't appetizing, but students were starving, including the tall senior. Chen was still sweaty as he approached Marv from the side, making sure not to cause any commotion between the crowd.

"I 'ont know." Marv said grabbing the tray, shrugging his shoulders. "I saw him on his phone when we left Study Hall, but... I'm starving, so I came right down. My homies picked me up." he said gesturing to the two big dudes in front of him.

"Ok. I'll talk to you after school." Chen said

Marv nodded and Chen was gone. He scooted and squeezed through the crowd, looking for his friend. He was so excited!

"Rubio!" he called, finally getting a glimpse of the boy, who was coming downstairs.

Chen froze as he noticed Rubio didn't lift his gaze to him. The young Latino was shaking his head, leaning against the wall. He immediately went to him and waved his hand in front of his face.

"Earth to Rubio. Hello?" he called.

"Leave me alone!" he said annoyed.

"What's wrong?" Chen said frowning.

Rubio didn't answer, he just shrugged his shoulders and shook his head. When Chen was finally able to get a good look at his face, he was shocked to see his friend's death glare.

"What happened Rubio? You were good this morning!"

"You remember Spider?" Rubio asked, stepping away from the wall and beginning his descent down the stairs.

"Spider Webb? The kid with the drones?" Chen asked, following him closely.

"Yeah! He got the admin to approve the class to learn how to fly drones. His grandfather was suppose to give it."

"Yeah, so?"

"I was in the list to take it. I was so excited. The only thing interesting thing in this f*cking school! ¡Que j*dienda!" ("Sh*t!) he said angrily.

They made it outside, were many of the kids were enjoying the outdoors playing, eating and chatting. A sea of teenagers were gathered in small groups all around the inner patio of the school.

"Yeah. I know. You told me you made the list of the first 20."

"Yeah, yeah!" he added.

"So? What happened?"Chen asked confused.

"The school doctor just called me that supuestamente (supposedly)" he said gesturing quoting something, folding two fingers inwards, "the class full and they changed me."

"Aw, man! Don't tell me that!"

"Yeah...now I gotta take Family Dynamics and Responsible Parenthood. ¿Pa que car*jo?" (For what f*cking reason?) he said angrily throwing his backpack on the floor and slumping down on a bench.

Chen sat next to him, not sure what to say.

"C'mon, man. It'll be ok."

"Y pa colmo,(to make matters worse) ma texted she leaving tonight for Washington!" he complained.