Life after Death

Chapter Twelve

FLASHBACK (When Chamblee met Dalton)...

It's a little known fact that Allendale Christian Academy has high standards for their high-school students, especially when they are part of the creme de la creme.

And when it comes to my family, those standards are still the same but as twice as demanding as I was soon set for my grand debut for my freshman year. "Allendale Christian Academy is a school that has the same values that our family thrives on," my father said as the family limousine pulled up the the main entrance gate. "Even though you bring very little to the table, son, you must still remember that you're to keep the family name un-tarnished. Our family lineage thrives through this institution and it'll be up to you to make sure that everything remains that way."

"Yes, sir," I replied, stifling a yawn from my recent flight from Scotland after spending the summer at a stoic institution that kept me away from Mrs. Sammons and the maids. "I don't intend to let you or Mom down."

"Then we're agreed," Dad commented as the driver opened the door for me. "You're to come straight home and get started on all the homework assignments that the teachers will give you on the first day to make sure you know what's important."

I nodded twice as I got out of the limo and grabbed my backpack, fighting the nervousness that raced through my nerves from the other well-dressed students that gawked at me. After watching the limo pull away, I turned towards the entrance and took a deep breath before making my way inside."

"That's Jeffery Chamblee's third-born kid," one of the seniors whispered. "He's so...quiet."

"Won't last a single week here at Allendale," one of the jocks sneered. "But as long as he remembers his place, he'll be fine."

I ignored the whispers before being greeted by the principal- a red-headed woman who looked as if she could be a model long enough. "Mr. Chamblee, I want to be the first to privately welcome you to our prestigious school," she chirped as she led me along. "Your parents have told me and the other staff members all about you and we'll make sure that you stay on the right track. As long as you're willing to give us all of you and be a proper student, you'll never go wrong."

"Of course," I replied. "With my sisters attending here before me, I know that I have big shoes to fill," I replied.

"Ah, but yours will be of the academic kind as you'll have no time for any school functions other than the required activities. Your parents expect nothing but the best for your four years here. And I intend to make sure that you don't fall out of touch or step out of line."

Unfortunately for me, I believed her words.

******************

As expected, I was already bogged down with plenty of homework assignments and short papers to work on for the first four classes as teachers made sure that I would use the free period to get everything started in time. And as I finally got my lunch tray and picked out my fare, I knew that the social ladder here was not going to be in my favor. So far, I had made zero friends here and I was basically facing four years of being a teacher's guinea pig.

Settling for an empty table near the ones saved for some of the faculty members, I began to make my way through my meal.

"Hey, anyone sitting here?"

I looked up to see a well-built young man who was around my age. But while I was willow-thin with little muscle mass, he was already starting to show that he was indeed fighting to be a part of the jocks. "Uh, no," I replied, giving him a confused look. "But why would you sit with me when you can sit with the jocks?"

The dark-haired young man smiled widely. "Why would I do that when I could sit with someone who needs a friend?" he asked as he took a seat across from me. "Besides, I'm not really a jock even though I'm joining the swim team."

"Why?"

He shrugged. "The football and basketball teams are overrated while baseball's too early. The aquatic teams are year-round, and I basically swam since sixth grade. And like I said, you look like you need a friend anyway."

I blinked once. "Are you sure you wouldn't rather sit with the jocks?" I asked, pointing to the table where the athletes were wearing varsity jackets while their female friends were preening and primping around them. "They're more your type. Besides, my parents designated me to being a bookworm to get good grades."

"I'm positive. And besides, you have that aura that's a bit of a mystery," the young man replied as he extended his hand for a handshake. "I'm Chance. Chance Dalton, freshman."

Might as well make nice while I can, I thought as I shook his hand. "Hezekiah. Hezekiah Chamblee, freshman."

And just like that, a semblance of a friendship was born. Let's hope it will last.

Cumulative word-count so far: 12,775 words.

And just like that, the two freshmen are now making friends. But something tells me that there'll be haters who will keep them apart. More flashbacks to come as we see how things developed for our boys on Earth. But coming up next, it's back to the Nexus as our lovers revel in the afterglow of lovemaking.

Dedication: FranklinBarnes.

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