Take Your Tears, Put 'Em On Ice

~ F-O-U-R-T-E-E-N ~

~Thursday; 5th of December 2019~

~ P-A-T-R-I-C-K ~

Pete led me to my aunt's room after most of the students cleared out of the hallways. Before he walked away though, he pressed a kiss to his hand and then pretended to wipe something off of my cheek. I blushed and tried not to smile as I watched him walk back down the hall.

I slipped into the classroom just as the bell rang. After closing the door, I turned around and froze. Twenty pairs of eyes stared at me ranging from curious to irritation. I quietly made my way to the front of the room where I saw Aunt Jenn wave me over. I could still feel everyone's eyes on me, and it was more than just unsettling.

"Ah, Patrick you made it!" Aunt Jenn said with a more... American accent as she stood up and hugged me. It was like she was hiding her roots, and was doing a damn good job of it. I awkwardly hugged her back but quickly pulled away. She clamped a hand onto my shoulder and turned me to face the class.

"Students, this is my nephew, Patrick." She greeted. I received a few waves and quiet greetings, a couple nods and small smiles.

"Hallo," I dipped my head, face immediately going red when I heavily dropped into my home accent.

"Patrick, I need your help with the afternoon classes, so for now go head and sit in an empty desk." Aunt Jenn said. I nodded and quickly went to an empty desk in the far corner.

As Aunt Jenn began the lesson, I took the time to study the classroom and the students around me. This was my first time in a public school during the working hours, and I wanted to know as much about it as I could. I never really knew why I was home schooled, nor did I think about asking. I never did complain about it either.

"Pssst!"

My thoughts paused at the whispered hiss from beside me. I slowly turn and look to be met with a pair of warm brown eyes. I don't think I've met this guy before, but he seems to know me.

"I'm Tyler," he smiles a little. "I'm on the hockey team. Just wanted to see... are you the same Patrick that Pete talks about?"

"Pete talks about me...?" I tilt my head, my cheeks dusting pink. He nods and his smile widens.

"Often. You've practically become his best friend. But don't tell Brendon tha-"

"Tyler!" Both of our faces snap to the front of the room. Aunt Jenn looked at both of us with some disappointment. "Do I need to move one of you already? Patrick, I can have you up front if necessary."

I lightly shook my head. "Sorry Aun- Mrs. Burch..." I turned away from Tyler. The room went quiet as people began to work, the only sound being an occasional sigh and the constant scratch of pencil on paper.

I began bouncing my leg as bordem over came me. I looked around the room some more. It wasn't all that exciting, though I do remember being here in early August helping Aunt Jenn hang up those cheesily quoted posters. There was a bulletin board covered in a light green paper, with the words Shine Bright Like a Star on top in a shade of purple. Below were students' works with A+ written in each top corner. Below the board was a two shelved book shelf, about the same length. It held dictionaries and encyclopedias. On top were several trays marked late work, yesterday's work, and today's work. I don't like having late work, it makes me feel unaccomplished.