‡† The Unseen †‡

21 † The Return †

Tyler recoiled. "Sheesh. Why are you so grumpy today?"

But that wasn't the point. The thing is, Max was always grumpy. Always moody, but still, he got along with them, even though he barely spoke sometimes. Just that, a few times, Max would let his good side show and.. everyone just.. decided to stick to their heads that was Max's real side. Which was not. Max was so full of rage all the time, it wasn't even funny.

But that was besides the point. The point was, Max was so angry, because of Raven.

He honestly didn't know what he did, but he knew  Max had it out for him. Glaring at him throughout break. At a time, when Raven just decided to lean down and rest his chin on his elbows to just rest his eyes, Max had grunted out, "Why do you look so tired?"

Because I am tired.

But Raven was surprised. No one could actually see it on his face. Except Devon. Maybe Kaya. Maybe Tyler. But the rest weren't so close. Max was literally on the other end of the table.

The haunted recognizes their own, I guess?

Raven forced himself to stop acting so philosophical, and ended up answering his question by saying, "Do I?"

The glare became even more intense.

At some point, even Tyler asked, "Why do you look contemplative?"

"Contemplative?"

"That look Devon gets when he's about to draw something. Are you planning something?"

Everyone stared at him. He tried to answer well, he really tried, but all that came out was, "I do look like that, don't I?"

Isaac flipped. "Okay, what's wrong with you? You keep answering our questions with questions!"

Raven realized that's exactly what he was doing. He let out a low laugh. "I guess I am, aren't I?"

The group let out a sound of exasperation. Then laughed along with him.

But it really wasn't his fault. He'd learned to speak that way when girls kept asking him personal questions back in the garage he worked. It was better to answer with questions so he won't really have to think about it when he was busy servicing their cars.

What a—

Devon nudged him, and Raven blinked.

His surroundings came to him once again.

Right. We're in PE, awaiting an announcement that doesn't interest me. I really shouldn't be daydreaming and reminiscing right now.

Coach Delaney blew his whistle, silencing the noise of the students. Beside him stood the other coaches, a few teachers, and—most noticeably—the principal, Mr. Grainger.

"Listen up," Grainger began, his voice calm but commanding. "We’ve got exciting news.”

That got everyone’s attention. Raven arched a brow.

Oh? More exciting than the author of Evenfall visiting? Or A.M Snead?

Why that instantly came to mind as exciting to him, he had no idea.

I think I'm starting to think like a settled down thirty year old bachelor.

“There’s going to be a friendly match between our soccer team and a school in Rio de Janeiro. Yes, Rio. Brazil.”

A wave of excitement rippled through the crowd. Some guys fist-bumped. A few girls gasped.

Okay.. that's cool.

You should be more excited, Rav. Be a teenager.

Oh shut up, other me. Are scouts going to be the—

“Scouts are going to be there. And it’s a one-week trip, so prepare well,” Coach Delaney added. “Soccer team is going, obviously. Basketball and track teams are invited as part of inter-school exposure and support.”

Scouts? Okay, now I'm pumped up.

Soccer scouts meant scholarship. Scholarship meant.. well, we all know what that means.

“The cheer team’s going too,” Coach Mandy chimed in. “We want school spirit represented.”

“Other students may attend,” Mr. Grainger continued, “but you’ll need to cover your own expenses. Forms and payment details will be handed out at the end of this meeting. Departure is in three weeks.”

Devon nudged Raven. “Rio,” he whispered with a grin. “You excited?"

Raven shrugged, even though a grin betrayed him and broke out. "It's going to rock, isn't it?"

Devon shot him a wry look. "Okay, enough with the rhetorical questioning, sheesh." Still, his lips twitched.

Raven smiled. Kaya was right.

We're getting cheesy.

But, still.. Brazil.

Maybe this trip would change more than just scenery.

_______________

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See ya soon! Can't wait for the trip...

~Anon.