Prototype

It Has to Work

"So, what're you going to do?"

I told Rubi that my parents were worried about my safety being at home by myself and that's why they're having me move on Monday. It's Wednesday now and the first two periods were over and Rubi and I have P.E. together so we head to lunch together. Star and Linus have been absent from the group ever since I told them. I did read that some people who have a problem with someone leaving will distance themselves so that it does not affect them as much. They even said that they'll be skipping lunch with us today. Elijah has been coming and going. He still seems upset but I'm not too sure about what. Sometimes he's open to hanging out but when I bring up Manertia's name, he's in a sour mood the entire time or doesn't want to come at all. I've just been trying to get her acclimated to the school so we've been spending a lot of time together these past two days. Besides that, I've been spending most of my time with Rubi and Lucien and it looks like it'll stay that way if the other three keep acting like this. 

"I'm not too sure. I just want things to be normal while I'm still here but I guess that's too much to ask for right now."

"You aren't going to fight this? If you don't want to move then voice that," Rubi said pumping her fist in the air. She's a real deviant person. She opposes anything that doesn't agree with her no matter the cost or situation. I admire and envy that actually. 

"I can't cause them trouble. Their worry is warranted. I need to accept this for my safety and their sanity."

We walk into the cafeteria and as I enter the line, I can find Manertia, Lucien, and Elijah sitting down. It seemed like Elijah was behaving himself for a change. I do hope that he can get along with Manertia before I leave. 

"Hmph," I heard Rubi say audibly. Probably to get my attention. 

"Something the matter, Rubi." If I know her, she wasn't one to keep her thoughts to herself for long. To my surprise, she shook her head as to leave it alone. My leaving affects everyone, but I'd like for everyone to tell me what they have to before I leave. I don't want to feel like I am leaving things half done with them.

Me and Rubi head over to the table to meet the rest of our friends. Well most of them anyway. 

"Hey, Leon. How're you holding up," Manertia asked as I took my seat.

"I'm fine. Still upset but I'm learning to accept what's happening. My parents are getting the paperwork done for my transfer soon."

"Oh, well it'll be okay. Wear a smile on your face. I heard it helps," she said giving me a warm smile. Manertia has been real supportive of this change for me. In fact, she's been the most helpful in telling me positive things and allowing me to vent to her about the situation. Everyone else, I presume, is too upset to actually have this conversation with me. I smile at her back to reassure her that I am doing fine. 

"Tch, I can't stand this," Elijah said as he took his tray and left the table to throw it away. I expected him to come back and explain himself but instead, he left the cafeteria. I look back at everyone as to ask what that was about. 

"He's the oldest and yet he acts like a child," Rubi said shocking me once more today. I just look at her confused and wait for an explanation. How was there something that I was missing here?

"He's upset about you leaving," Lucien said matter of factly. Well, yeah. Everyone is. Is this just his response to something that is out of his control?

"And you being 'fine' about it isn't helping him accept that fact either. The way he sees it, you're acting like you want to move. It doesn't even matter what's right or wrong in the situation. He's upset that you aren't," Rubi said. Not saying that I believe her intelligence to be anything less than anyone else in our group but I'd be lying if I said my jaw wasn't on the floor right now.