DJim's Log

//Wednesday 6:13 PM

The Third Chapter

- Chapter 3 The Photograph -

A few weeks later…

“Johnny’s great! I mean I sure learnt a lot from him. Imagine, for 3 weeks, I could already be a professional photographer. You should have seen the photograph he submitted. It was so beautiful. You’ll see it tomorrow.” Justin said. She has been babbling about Johnny for the past month that bored Austin to death. Austin was still wondering how they could be friends with Johnny so fast, compared to him struggling to form a friendship with Johnny. Sara seemed contented with Johnny too. Austin had always overheard her conversation with Vivian and their conversation was nothing but Johnny. Johnny this, Johnny that. Even Cory was contented with him. For the past month, he had been acting differently and once in a while mentioned Johnny’s name. It seemed that everyone was taking about Johnny, nothing else, as if he was a celebrity or something.

I’m shocked. He came to this school last month and then just in one month, he made everyone like him. He made friends with my classmates. My friends. Everyone except me. But still I couldn’t blame them for being friends. They have their rights. Austin thought.

“Are you jealous, Jeff?” Justine asked teasingly at Jeff who looked annoyed since the girls kept talking about Johnny.

“Hey, cheer up! He’s just my “teacher”. I mean, you know, just for the competition.” Justine assured him. Jeff started to smile. He was sitting next to Sara.

“He’s from your school, right Austin? You know him, right?” Melanie asked.

“Yeah.” Austin answered lazily. He was bored. Damn! He could go away from the conversation group if he wanted to but he didn’t. He was already stuck, Calvin and Kevin were already standing behind him, then sitting beside him was Shannon, then Jennie and Kelly behind her, then next to her were the usual Jeff and Justine, then the rest were standing. They simply formed a circle like in “the round table” – having a meeting of some sort. They were talking while waiting for the bell to go before their first class.

“I can’t wait for tomorrow.” Justine said. Melanie smiled at her, as usual rising an eyebrow, she tried to look annoyed. Everyone can’t help but smiled. “What should I wear tomorrow.. there’d be so many people.” she continued. Everyone just managed to smile, having no idea what to say.

Sure! She can’t wait to meet Johnny! Probably all of them can’t wait! Especially Sara! I dunno what’s so special about him apart from being an amateur photographer and popular. He’s not even that handsome. What does he has that I don’t? Well, emm… of course I can’t wait for tomorrow too. I’m looking forward for it. I wished he come. Well, of course he’ll come. He’s participating in the competition after all. I really want to be at least be friends with him like the rest of them. Everybody seemed to be friends with him, why can’t I right? Wonder what made me wanted to be friends with him in the first place anyway. My friends were friends with him and maybe that’s why. Well anyway, I’ve made up my mind. I’m gonna make sure I’m gonna talk to him, be friendly with him, sit with him. Hey, it’s been a long time since I’ve made new friends. Wait! I’d be embarrassed if I do that. Everybody’s gonna see it. I mean it’s gonna be embarrassing if everyone knew about it. I’ll find a way. Austin thought.

“Err, you seemed to be excited, Justine.” Kevin said.

“Of course!” Justine replied hastily, still in her excited tone.

“I dunno what she’s so excited about.” Melanie said.

“Yeah. Hey, I know…” Tori said. Eyes were concentrated at her now.

“What?” Justine snapped.

“You’re excited because your station is next to Johnny’s right?” What? Johnny again?? Sheesh! Austin thought.

“Okay okay… You’re right.” Justine approved. Everyone laughed. Austin just managed to smile, hiding the fact that he was very annoyed.

“I can’t wait to go to the amusement park.” Shannon said changing the subject.

“Me too!” Jenny said.

“Me three!” Vivian said.

“Oh yeah! You guys sure will be having fun tomorrow! What about me? I’d be stuck at the gallery. I wished I could come too.” Justine said.

“Ha! What a pity.” Cory said.

“Hey, look at the bright side! You’re stuck with “him”.” Sara said. Jeff looked jealous. Justine and the others just smiled widely. They knew Sara said that just to tease poor little Jeff.

“Okay, nevermind… I still have Sara with me.” Jeff said. What?? He’s crazy! No way… Austin thought. He looked annoyed. Fortunately, nobody noticed it.

“No!” Sara snapped. Everyone laughed. Austin faked his. His laugh was fake. It was a disappointment laugh. He didn’t actually believe that Jeff really said that.

The bell rang and everyone started to move back to their seats, getting ready for the teacher to come. Austin finally smiled to himself, hoping everything would work out as smoothly as planned.

The next day…

Everyone was already on the bus and everyone was excited. They were so excited, not just because they were on a school trip to another town but they could also stop by at the famous amusement park situated there. Although most of them had already had a lot of trips there but it seemed the excitement grew more when they were with their friends than when they were with their families. It was not that often that these kind of trips are organized.

Austin sat next to Calvin, couple of seats from the back. Kevin was in front of them and Cory and Mikey were behind them. Cory had begun to be Mikey’s shadow these days. Sara and the others were at the back seats, along with the seniors. Some senior students were also scattered at the front. They were obviously the quiet ones. Justine wasn’t joining them on the bus. She used her own transport to go to the gallery. So was Johnny. He drove to the gallery with his cousin.

“Why didn’t you tell me he’s not joining us?” Austin asked Mikey in a disappointed tone. Austin was upset because Mikey didn’t tell him in advance.

“Err… sorry? But it’s one way for you to emm… nevermind. What’s wrong with you? Just because of that, you’re mad? Hey, enjoy yourself.” Mikey said, then he continued when he noticed Austin was really disappointed - “Okay okay… I’m really sorry.” Cory also looked sorry. But Austin thought he was just teasing. “We knew you were really expecting him to join us. Don’t worry too much about it. Hey, even though he’s not joining us, at least you’ll gonna see him afterwards, you know.”

“That’s easy for you to say. You’re his classmate. You see him everyday. It’s not so often these “things” happen.” Austin said sarcastically. He then faced to the front, and he could hear Mikey and Cory were laughing behind him. That’s so annoying. Austin thought.

Austin had already told him that he really wanted to be friends with Johnny and this was the golden chance he had. He was looking forward for it. Austin didn’t want to feel desperate by asking Mikey to introduce him to Johnny. He wanted to do it himself like he used to do in his former school.

Hey, look at the bright side. At least Sara’s here. Austin thought. Then he turned to the back of the bus, checking on Sara. The condition at the back was quite noisy. It was like chaos. Sara was talking with Tori at the second last seats. In front of them was Melanie, she was turning back to Sara and Tori, chatting to them. Fortunately Jeff wasn’t sitting near Sara, Tori or Melanie. Je was relieved to see that Jeff was sitting at the back of the bus along with the other senior boys. Franky was one of them. He was the only senior Austin knew in the crowd. When he saw Cory and Mikey, Mikey smiled at him as if teasing him. He and Cory were listening to some music using Mikey’s MP3 player. Austin frowned.

The noise was getting louder, girls chatting, laughing, giggling, singing and all sorts of ‘noise’. Most of which was made by the Lena sisters, Emma and Maya. Austin didn’t expect the seniors to behave like that. Childish! Austin thought. He then turned to the front and he was surprised when he saw Kevin looking at him. Calvin who was beside him was apparently busy listening to his music.

“Hey Austin… what’s wrong?” Kevin asked.

“What?” Austin asked back. He didn’t smile.

“What’s up? You seemed to be gloomy and a bit upset. Why?” It was true that Austin been down ever since they got into the bus.

“Nothing.” Austin said. He was not in the mood to talk about it. He felt bored.

“Come on. I bet there’s something going on. What’s bugging you?”

Austin didn’t answer him. What’s your problem Kev? Can’t you just leave me alone for a minute? Austin thought. Kevin didn’t say another word after that.

I just wished Johnny was here! Austin thought. Austin tried to enjoy the rest of the journey because Calvin had brought his stereo along and as always, it played a lot of good songs. Of course, they were his personal favorites but somehow, most of them like his music selection. Then the Lena sisters requested him to play the songs from Paramore. Everyone loved it. Seemed that the whole bius were Paramore fans. Austin laughed occasionally. The Lena sisters’ behaviors that made him laughed. They were hilariously funny and crazy people. They also had a great sense of humor. They chatted and laughed with Maya and Emma, sometimes teasing other people. A very good combinations. The bus was never quiet. There was always something to laugh at. As there were only about thirty passsengers, so it was easy to tease other people. And that cheered Austin a little but. To him, it was an entertainment. At least he got over Johnny already. He almost forgot about Johnny’s absence over the excitement.

Then, finally they arrived at the photography gallery. The building looked like a museum as it was quite old. Everyone was excited when they got off from the bus, especially the Lena sisters. They even mentioned Johnny’s name which upset Austin in some way.

Then the whole group went into the gallery, in separate ways. All of them were in groups. The Lena sisters and the others in one group, Austin and his four friends in another, Sara and the others in one group, including Jeff of course. At first Austin didn’t feel anything when Jeff was in Sara’s group until they walked side by side holding hands. Austin tried to concentrate on the photographs exhibited but he kept staring at both of them. He was afraid Sara might realised him staring at her so he proposed to his friends to go to another section, and they agreed. They saw a lot of photographs but the image of Sara holding Jeff’s hand was still in Austin’s head.

Then, they met Justine. Justine looked so happy. She seemed to be in a happy spirit. She was with her cousin. Her cousin was also cute like her. It must be hereditary. The beauty runs in the family. Austin thought.

“Hi guys. Where’s the others? I’ve been waiting for you. Hmm… anyway, my station’s over there. Come, I’ll show you.” Justine said as she pointed over to her photography display.

“Oh okay.” Cory said. Everyone smiled as she led them to her station.

“So, what do you think?” Justine asked.

“Hmm… that’s nice.” Cory remarked.

“Very nice.” Mikey said.

“It’s great, Justine.” Austin said.

“Good job.” Kevin said. Justine had two photographs on her station. Each was enlarged. One was a photograph of an old chinese man and the other was a photograph of a cute baby. The photographs were excellent. They were like telling everybody about the generation gap.

“You used your favourite topic, eh Justine? Austin asked.

“Of course! It’s a very interesting topic, you know. I think people should be able to relate to it.” Justine said. Generation Gap was her favorite topic. There was at one time, she wrote an essay about it to the local paper and she received a check from the company. They liked her material because of the way she composed it in detail. “Somehow, I hope I can get a prize for this. Just like the essay that I wrote that time. I’ve been working so hard to produce these photographs.”

“Good luck!” Austin wished.

“When’s the prize giving?” Cory asked.

“This afternoon, unfortunately. By that time, you guys would be enjoying yourselves at the amusement park.”

“Well, good luck then.” Mikey wished. So did Cory, Calvin and Kevin.

“Anyways, thanks to…” Justine said as she pointed to her left with her thumb.

“… Johnny. He’s the one who taught me how to take these photos. I owe him one.” Oh! Johnny. I almost forgot all about him. Austin thought. “By the way, wait till you see his photograph. It’s so beautiful. And he only submitted one entry.”

“Yeah, I know. He told me.” Mikey said. I wonder where he is. Austin thought when he didn’t see Johnny anywhere.

“Hey, gotta go guys. Wanna find the others. Enjoy yourselves. See ya later!” Justine said, as she hurried off with her cousin. The five boys smiled. Cool stuffs. Austin thought as they moved along the exhibition until they arrived at Johnny’s station.

No! Austin cried in his heart. No way… Austin thought once he saw Johnny’s entry. It really shocked him. It was a photograph of Cher. So that’s why Justine said it was beautiful. I wonder what she meant by that, the photograph or Cher. Austin thought. Somehow, that made him pretty jealous. It’s true then. They must be a couple, boyfriend and girlfriend. God, how could I’ve been so blind? he thought. He then shifted his sight to a photograph to the right.

“Austin…” Mikey called.

“Uh oh…” Calvin said. He always says that whenever there’s something bad happens.

“What’s wrong?” Kevin asked when he saw Austin shifted his sight.

“Don’t ask.” Austin answered sternly. He paused before continuing - “I guess you know the answer. Can we go now? It’s no use for me to stay here if ‘everything’ is trying to hurt my feelings. I thought I could get rid of my glum but it seems to me that it’s just gonna get worse.” He can’t believe he said that and surely he didn’t mean it. He was just upset. Everyone turned quiet.

“Hey, if you wanna go, go. That’s your problem. One thing for sure, I’m not moving. I quite like it. It’s nice.” Cory remarked.

What? Since when did he like photography? he doesn’t know what I’m feeling right now. It’s so frustrating to see the photograph was of the girl who I admired and it was taken by Johnny who happens to be my idol. But Cory’s right. I couldn’t just them to leave just because I feel disgusted. Austin thought.

“Cory!” Kevin called, making a stern face. “Sorry, Austin… don’t worry about it. I’m sure it’s nothing. This is just a picture that he took and Cher’s just his model. That’s all. Why do you have to be angry?” Austin didn’t say anything.

“Yeah.” Mikey assured. “It’s nothing. Johnny doesn’t have a girlfriend.” I wished I could believe you Mikey. Austin thought.

“Oh really… well, what do you really know? Isn’t it pretty obvious? I mean they always meet at the cafeteria and now this! How would you feel?” Austin asked. “And by the way, you’re his ‘best friend’. You should have told me he took her photograph.”

“Well, excuse me. Even though we’re ‘close friends’, that doesn’t mean I know every intimate detail about him. And for your information, how am I suppose to know that he took her photo? I swear I didn’t know all this.” Mikey defended himself.

“But you said you know about it when you talked to Justine before… how do you explain that?” Austin snapped. Fortunately he still remembered what Mikey said to Justine.

“Oppss…” Mikey said. Austin just raised an eyebrow in annoyance.

“Sorry okay… it’s your fault in the first place. If you really liked her and so scared of someone would ‘take’ her away, why didn’t you just ‘take’ her before anyone could? And now when you know Cher is probably ‘taken’, you tried to blame it on others.” Cory pointed out. Calvin, Kevin and Mikey gave Cory a stern look.

What’s wrong with Cory today? I thought he would understand. He’s acting strange. Austin thought. The five of them didn’t say a word. Somehow Austin agreed on what Cory said. He spoke the truth. It was actually Austin’s fault now that Cory had pointed it out. He should have made a move on her but now it was too late.

Then moments later, Johnny arrived and approached Mikey. He looked exhausted. “Hey Mike! So what d’you think?” he said as he patted Mikey’s shoulder. I wished he did that to me. Austin thought.

“Someone’s jealous of it.” Mikey remarked. Austin knew he was referring to him.

“Really?” Johnny asked. Mikey nodded and smiled sarcastically.

“Anyway, this photo is quite interesting. But don’t you think it’s kinda… ‘modelistic’?

“I know what you mean.” Johnny said. “Hey, it’s allowed in the regulation. And I’m in the Green category. It’s a free theme. Mine’s ‘Purity’. Isn’t she just wonderful?”

Yeah right. Austin thought. Mikey and Johnny talked, leaving Austin alone. Cory was beside Mikey listening to the conversation while Calvin and Kevin were looking at the other photographs. Austin felt awkward hanging around them. It was like everyone was doing their own thing. So he went to admire photos by others. It was the only way he can forget what happened. He can’t face Johnny after he saw that photograph.

Why can’t I just linger around them? It’s a golden opportunity, you know. But then… nevermind. I’d be miserable just being around them. Austin thought.

Whenever Austin looked at Johnny, at the same time Johnny was also looking at him which gave Austin the creeps. He looked upset whenever Austin looked at him as if he did something wrong. I just wished he was on the bus. Austin thought.

Then later, Mikey and the others approached Austin who was intrigued with one of the photographs he saw.

“Just forget about that Cher thing. Hey, you looked ugly with that gloomy face.” Kevin said.

Who said it was about that! I’m over it already. I think I don’t like her anymore. I wished you guys could understand that. Austin thought.

“Hey, Austin. It’s not what you think. Cher is actually his…” Mikey tried to say.

“His girlfriend, right?” Austin cut in.

“Just forget about it, Mikey. I’m fed up by his jealousy. He obviously doesn’t want to know.” Cory said.

“Fine. I don’t want to know.” Austin said.

“Austin, just listen…” Mikey pleaded.

“No, I rather not know.” Austin said.

“Okay, suit yourself.” Mikey gave up, shaking his head.

“Guys, can we just drop this? Come on, what are we standing here for anyway?” Kevin stated.

So the five of them started to move to one part of the gallery, the Art Section. Then, Austin turned back to take another glimpse of Johnny but when he saw Johnny, he wasn’t alone. Justine was talking with him. Sara, Tori and Melanie were there too. Including Jeff. He was holding Justine’s hands now. The five of them seemed very friendly with Johnny. I really envy that guy. Wonder how come Sara’s able to get along better with Johnny, who just came a month ago, than me, her own classmate who came in from the beginning of the semester? What does he have that I don’t? Austin thought.

After spending about two hours in the gallery, all of the students went back to the bus. Like earlier, noise were coming from everywhere. Especially from the four girls. Some of them were complaining because of the heat. No wonder you guys are feeling hot, you’re making so much noise and moving all over the place. Austin thought, smiling to himself. Somehow by now, the incident that happened about two hours ago was forgotten. Nobody dared to bring it up ever since they left the gallery. They were simply acting as if nothing happened.

When the bus started moving, the condition in the bus was quiet for awhile until the younger Lena sister broke the silence.

“Why is everyone suddenly so quiet? Make some noise!” That made everyone laughed and once again, there was the noise pollution. Austin looked at Calvin who was beside him. He was smiling because of something. Probably because of that Lena girl.

“To the playground, here we go!” someone shouted. It sounded like the other Lena sister.

“Hey! Mr. Bus driver!"” Maya called. “Can you drive faster than this? I’m starving.” she shouted.

“Okay. Just be cool, Miss!” The bus driver said in his typical Indian accent. He was probably in his early thirties and fortunately he was a good sport.

“Ooo… Maya! He just called you ‘Miss’! That’s what I called a gentleman. Hi Miss Maya!” Emma teased. Everyone laughed, Including the driver.

“I’ll try to drive a bit faster. But as you know, we’re in a speed limit zone for buses. As soon as we passed this zone, I’ll speed right up. Okay?” the bus driver said.

“What a cool driver. Keep it up!” the Lena sister shouted.

“Thanks.” the bus driver answered as he waved his hand, smiling.

“Hey Calvin! Turn on the stereo. We want some music! Emma requested.

“Okay okay. Patience.” Calvin then played songs from Paramore and some of the girls at the back started to sang along.

“I’ll play something special afterwards, from MJ.” Calvin said. Austin just nodded. That was just because he can barely hear what Calvin said. Even though Calvin was right beside him, it seemed like a whisper to him.

Austin occasionally looked back. Watching over Sara and unfortunately she was sitting at the back seat beside Jeff. That upsetted Austin. He then just stayed quiet listening to the music played until they finally arrived at the playground.

- Chapter 3 End -

. . . Look here for the rest of the damn post . . .

//Sunday 2:44 PM

The 2nd Chapter

- Chapter 2 The Chance -

“What are you laughing at!?” Jennie asked, smiling, when she noticed Austin was staring at her as he laughed. Austin didn’t reply but instead laughed even more. He couldn’t stop laughing because for some reason, there was always this urge to laugh whenever he looked at Jennie.

Jennie looked annoyed. Her best friends, Kelly, Phoebe and Shannon, were standing by the door beside her. They couldn’t helped but smile at Austin as they shook their heads. They had been best friends since their freshman years and they seemed to be inseparable. The four of them liked to be together all the time, having girl-to-girl talks. Shannon was the most attractive one in the group, because she had the dimples. She always made Austin smile because she always thought that she was a model. Heck, to Austin, she did had the potential to be one because she had the height. She was even a couple of inches taller than Austin! And Austin always teased the way she laughed. There was something different about it. A laugh that Austin never heard before. It was unique.

Kelly, on the other hand, was the moody type. Although she was not that pretty like Shannon, but Austin thought she was attractive, in a way. Maybe because she appealed to him. He liked her ways. Especially the way she talked. She was kinda cool. The same goes for Jennie and Phoebe. They were always laughing with her friends, especially with Austin for no particular reasons.

“Okay, okay… Sorry Jen!” Austin apologized, declining his laughter. Jennie laughed. Her friends beside her couldn’t resist but to laugh together.

“What?” Austin asked. He was sitting in the teacher’s chair. From there he could see the view of the whole class. He could see his three close friends, Kevin, Cory and Calvin, talking at one side of the classroom. They looked content.

“Nothing!” Jennie answered. She laughed again and then Austin joined her. Vivian who was observing Austin and Jennie’s strange behavior approached them.

“Why are you laughing?” She asked. She looked confused. Austin and Jennie laughed even harder. “Sheesh, you guys. You don’t even know why you’re laughing!”

“Well he started it!” Jennie confessed in between her laughter.

“Hey Vi! It’s just one way of exercising, you know. A TV show said that a hundred laughs is the same as 10 minutes of exercise. Well, I’d say it’s cool. I can exercise without even breaking a sweat.” Austin explained.

“So, could you explain how do you count your laughter?” Vivian asked. Austin hesitated and frowned, thinking what to answer her then.

"Well, who cares about counting. You just have to laugh a lot for at least ten minutes. Then it’s a hundred laughs!” Austin answered. That was the only logical answer he could give because he didn’t know how to count laughter. The TV show apparently didn’t tell him how to count it.

“Very funny. The only person I know who could laugh that long and more is you!” Vivian said.

“Why, thank you for noticing Vi!” Austin said. He laughed even more now. His face was all red. It was true though. Austin liked to laugh a lot. Breaking Cory’s record. Cory used to hold the longest laughing record for a year. At least, until Austin came and broke it.

Vivian couldn’t resist the lame joke, so she laughed along with Jennie and Austin. Their classmates around them just smiled and shook their heads. Vivian was also Austin’s classmate who could easily laugh. Austin always admired her because she was the brains of the class. They also had a lot of things in common, such as they were both bookworms and like entertainment so much.

Moments later, Justine, Melanie, Tori and Sara – the Fantastic Four, Austin called, stepped into the class.

“Hi guys!” they said. Jennie, Austin and Vivian slowed down their laughter when the four came. Their faces were red from laughing a lot, with Austin being the reddest among all three of them. Maybe it was because of his fair complexion. Same goes for Vivian. The four girls who just came stopped by the teacher’s table, surprised to see their red faces.

“What happened to your faces?” Justine asked, shaking her head. Laughter from the other side of the class could be heard. Definitely Cory’s.

“They were laughing.” Shannon answered.

“What were you laughing about anyway?” Justine questioned them again.

And again Shannon answered, “Absolutely nothing.”

Justine and the three girls just looked surprised, shaking their heads.

“You guys, I don’t know what happened to you. Laughing without any reason…” Justine said. “But I appreciate having you guys as my classmates because it would be boring without laughter in around here.” She began to smile. The other three girls didn’t seemed like they had anything to say so they just smiled. The four of them then began to return to their own seats.

“Hi Sara!” Austin said when she passed the teacher’s table.

“Hi!” Sara said. Austin didn’t know why he likes to say something to Sara. Maybe he likes her. Maybe more than that.

But he wasn’t sure if the feeling inside of him was true. Could he be having a crush on her? But what about Cher? Yeah, maybe it was true. He may have a crush on Sara too. He just didn’t realized it earlier. Austin hadn’t got the slightest idea why he have a crush on Sara. Most of the girls in his class are cute. Especially Justine. She was the cutest of all the nine girls in the class. And yet, he likes Sara.

Sara had a fair complexion on her face and whenever she blushed, her face would instantly turn pink. She was so cute. Although she was quiet when compared to the other girls but she was still out going. Austin liked that kind of girls. Melanie and Tory… well, they were just like Justine. Austin wasn’t really keen to ‘mess’ with them, the two of them were the serious kind, especially Melanie. Sara was the right one.

In the mean time of trying to get Cher to notice him, he had also tried to approach Sara. And unfortunately, everytime he tried to do that, there would always be some ‘obstructions’. Like every time he tried to talk to her, Jeff, another classmate would interfere. It was like Sara was his girlfriend, as if he owned her and won’t allow her to talk to any guys. Especially Austin.

Austin had a hunch that Jeff might knew Austin had a crush on her. That made Austin wondered whether Sara was really his girlfriend. Once, Austin asked Kelly for the truth, and fortunately, his assumptions weren’t true. But he still didn’t believe it because by the looks of their ‘relationship', they looked so friendly.

But Jeff had a girlfriend already. Justine! Everyone knows that. Why would he want another one? Austin wondered.

He never like Jeff ever since he came to the school. He hated his attitude, the playboy type, as if he owned every cute girl he can get his hands on, without giving any chance to any guys.

How many more does he wants? He already had Justine. She’s cute. Isn’t that enough?

Few minutes later, the bell rang and Mr. Peters, their homeroom and English teacher soon entered the classroom. Everyone was already ready in their seats. Mr. Peters was an Englishman with a great sense of humour. He was hilariously funny, telling every wacky stories and jokes he know to the whole class. To his favorite class. He was the one responsible in making Austin felt like he belonged in that school. Austin felt like he owed him.

Mr. Peters came to the class just to take their attendance and informed them there would be a photography exhibition in another town, fifty miles from their town. He wanted to them earlier since his class with them wasn’t till the end of the day.

“I am hereby informing you lads and lassies, that there would be a photography and art exhibition and competition next month." He said in a typical English accent. “The school would like to bring you there. A senior class would be coming as well since one of them is participating. He’s an amateur photographer.” The class instantly turned noisy. Every started to talk about it.

“Any questions?” Mr. Peters asked, ignoring the noise.

“Sir, can I participate in the photography competition since you said one of the seniors is participating as well?” Justine asked. Everyone stared at her. “What?” She asked – “Well I’m good in photography, you know!”

Everyone laughed. Even Mr. Peters.

“Of course, my dear! You most certainly can. That’s the reason why I’m telling you this.” Mr. Peters answered. Justine’s face brightened. After ten minutes of discussion, Mr. Peter went out of the class. The class was as usual noisy with laughter. Shannon even proposed herself for being Justine’s model. Everyone laughed even more.

“I wonder who could it be…” Justin asked.

“Who?” Melanie asked back.

“You know, the senior that’s participating!”

“Oh yeah…”

“I bet he’s a handsome guy. It would be great.”

Jeff looked annoyed. And Justine noticed that - “Okay… sorry! I was just kidding. Come on!” she apologized. “I don’t care who it is. But I bet he’s as handsome as you.”

Austin just managed to smile at the both of them.

Jeff? Handsome?? She’s got to be kidding! Wonder what she sees in Jeff…

It wasn’t an insult. It was the truth. Sure, Jeff was tall and fit but that is as far as it goes. There’s nothing special about him. But above all, Austin didn’t have the right to judge on people he hadn’t known very well yet though.

Maybe he was special to her. Who knows…

And at that moment, he was glad that humans can have thoughts, because he can say anything he wanted without the fear of being heard.

. . . . . . . . . .

As usual, like everyday, the five of them, Austin, Cory, Mikey, Calvin and Kevin, sat at their ‘official meeting table’ in the cafeteria. The place wasn’t as crowded as usual though.

“Guess what?” We’ll be having a trip next month for an exhibition.” Cory told Mikey, thinking it was the latest news. Everyone tried to make a straight face. Mikey looked slightly unamused and then said -

“I know. I know everything about it already. We’re going as well, unfortunately…” He gave a stern look at Cory,

“Wow, that’s great.” Cory said excitedly.

“Johnny’s participating in the competition.” Mikey informed. Austin stayed quiet.

Johnny? Yeah! That’s awesome. I should have known that it’s going to be him. This is a big chance for me to…

“Really?” Cory asked. It was like Cory and Mikey were the only ones who were there talking. The both of them kept on talking, same with Kevin and Calvin while Austin was looking around the cafeteria to ,by any chance, catch a glimpse of Cher like always. Or even Sara. Or maybe Johnny…

Then, he say the two girls he admired, Cher and Sara. With Justine, Tori and Melanie of course. They seemed to know each other and Austin just realised something.

Yes, of course! Melanie and Cher were cousins.

Then moments later, Johnny approached them and… hugged Cher.

What the…?

Austin couldn’t believe what he just saw. Johnny hugged Cher… But it could mean anything. They could be relatives, close friends or… maybe lovers!? That could be possible. Then Austin saw he shook Sara’s hand first. Then Justine’s, Tori’s and finally Melanie’s. They were smiling. They looked really friendly. They were laughing.

No, it couldn’t be. No, it means nothing. I’m not jealous. No, it’s normal. That’s okay…

Austin tried to reassure himself.

- Chapter End -

Okay so that’s the second chapter of the story The Lost Boy. Hope you enjoyed it. The next chapter will be up soon. Till next time then.

P/S sorry for the confusing content. Bear in mind that i was still in primary six when I first wrote this story. Which made me… 11 years old? Yup. I was still a kid so be kind please. I’m just rewriting the story I wrote a long time ago.

Don’t like it, then don’t read it. Have a nice day, you guys. XP

. . . Look here for the rest of the damn post . . .