Here We Are (Maxpres) | ✔️

Prologue

   The teen stared at his red converses as he walked. He started counting the cracks on the pavement, until it slowly changed from concrete to red brick. He glanced up, reading the gold words against the white building.

   "Chestnut Bay High, eh?" He snickered as he approached the door. "Another hellhole I'll be stuck at for ten months."

   Adjusting his denim book bag, he pushed the door open. Watching the utter chaos before him for a moment, he sighed and walked in.

   He dodged the juniors and seniors easily, due to his shortness. He glared at anyone who met his eyes. After what seemed like forever, he finally found his locker.

   "Oh my god... Max?"

   The boy turned towards the voice, eyes widening in surprise. "Neil?"

   Another teen, a lot taller than Max, walked up to him. "It's been... It's been forever!"

   Max rolled his eyes. "I only stopped going to camp like, two years ago?" He looked up at the other. "Damn, you've grown."

   Neil chuckled at this. "Yeah, sprouted like a weed... Anyway, hurry up. Nikki will be thrilled to see you."

   "Nikki's here too?" Max asked, slamming his locker. He just nodded. "And Harrison, and Nerris, and-"

   "God, is everyone from Camp Campbell here?" Max muttered, following Neil. The taller boy looked over his shoulder. "Not everyone..."

   Max caught up to his friend as he started explaining some things. "Nurf's been sent off to a boarding school, Dolf and Space Kid are still at the middle school, and- Nikki! Look who's here!"

   Max easily recognized the girl's turquoise hair before she even turned around. Once she saw him, her eyes lit up. "Max!" In seconds, she was squeezing the life out if him.

   "Nik... Can't... Breathe..." He struggled with the words. He gasped loudly once she let go. Nikki laughed at this, taking a step back. "When did you get here?"

   "I moved here about a month ago," Max replied. "I didn't expect almost every one of the fuckers from camp to be here, though."

   "There's the Max I remember!" Neil joked. Max smirked at the comment. "Anyway, who else from camp is here?"

   Nikki peered over his shoulder. "Turn around," she said plainly. "That should answer your question."

   Max turned around, catching auburn hair turning the corner. Realization dawned on him.

   "Shit. Hold on, I'll get him!" Neil murmured, heading after the other teen. Max shook his head, watching him run off. "Oh no..."

   "Oh yes," Nikki purred, coming to stand next to him. He felt his stomach fill with dread at the sound of the teen's voice.

   "Neil, what the hell? Release me this instant!" Max watched as Neil dragged the other boy by his Elizabethan ruffle. The newcomer glared at his captor before his eyes landed on Max. The shorter boy held his breath, watching the other's amber eyes widen.

   "...Max?"

   "Preston," Max mumbled, regaining his composure. The drama loving teen smirked at him.

   "So we meet again."