Platypus

Chapter Six

 Fenton sat down on a tram bench. He only had a morning class today. Tuesdays and Thursdays were his shifts at the Orchid Street Library. There wasn't anything for him to do there, other than dusting. He once got to put a book away. That was one wild week.

Which is why Fenton was so shocked when he saw Rafi idling next to the library's reception desk. He was twirling a pen around his fingers. The pen was neatly tucked behind his ear when Fenton nodded.

"Want to get lunch?" Rafi asked.

"I don't get a lunch break but I can take an early dinner," replied Fenton. He worked a five-hour shift that started at eleven in the morning. Normally he just grabbed a late breakfast on these days. "Don't you have your restaurant shift?"

"Head chef got promoted to an inner-city. Restaurant is closed as they are remodeling. Owner wants to tear down the outer wall and turn it into a walk-up that serves street food." Rafi sat down on the edge of the desk.

Fenton sat down behind the desk and set his bag down. As usual, no other employee was here to greet him. He was certain that whoever unlocked the place simply left as soon as the place was open, regardless of if people were here or not.

He placed his elbow on the desk and set his chin in his hand. "I thought she was your mentor. What are you gonna do when they change the menu?"

Rafi had a gleam in his eye. "Melissa is graduating next year and Chef Joan offered me a position at her restaurant. I'm gonna settle up what credits I have and join her when Melissa graduates."

Nine months from now. Fenton sighed. He felt like he was dragging his feet while Rafi was less than a year away from achieving his dreams.

"You're rather calm," muttered Rafi as he laid down on the desk. He ignored Fenton making a shooing motion at him.

"I'm happy for you," replied Fenton. "The resources are better in an inner-city. You'll be able to learn a lot faster."

A look of realization streaked across Rafi's features. He sat up with a start. "You haven't logged in to True today?"

"I only ever check it after dinner," muttered Fenton. He spent most of his time at the library studying or doodling.

Rafi's eyes went wide. "Ooooh," he whispered. His snake mark wrapped around his neck. "Sorry, Melissa is about to text. She checks in on me if her mark gets too excited." He pulled out his phone and began to frantically tap at it.

Now Fenton was feeling worried. He grabbed his phone and opened True. At first, everything seemed normal, at least until he saw what picture was on trending.

It was his face. Actually, it was a drawing of his face, and it sort of looked like him, but... Fenton quickly began to scroll through reposts and comments.

They mentioned that he had attacked a girl and she was trying to hunt him down. Reposts were crying "Justice for Lacey." People were saying they recognized him from the art department, and that he was a complete creep. None seemed surprised that he was a menace.

There were hints here and there that Lacey was trying to clean up the mess. That Fenton had tripped over her dog and she only wanted to apologize. Those were quickly twisted into "Fenton the Dog Hater" and "Justice for Zenfred."

"Whaaaaa..."

Fenton looked up at Rafi with a strained face. The color had drained from his cheeks. He didn't know what had become of his life, but he had a feeling that it was completely and utterly over.