When the Rain Comes

Chapter 1

"You know I'd do anything for you to just be happy, right?"

"Yeah yeah," I sighed, "Anyways, I'm hanging up dad, school tomorrow and stuff."

"Alright, have a great first day and remember I'll be getting there tomorrow evening so don't do anything crazy."

"Sure, night." I hung up the phone and trudged over to my temporary bed, flopping down on the air mattress. Moving back to my hometown was not an easy feat, especially after some recent family matters. I had only been here a few days and I was already going back to school, during the middle of the second quarter. I strain to get out of bed and stumble into the bathroom, getting ready for bed. It was already 10 pm and I would need all the strength I can have for tomorrow. I started brushing my teeth. I didn't want to see any of the people I had known just three years ago. I left so abruptly that I know most of them will be angry. They'll all be angry and douche bags and not even consider my reason for moving back hom- there's blood. I open my mouth and my gum are red and bleeding from how hard I was brushing.

"Ugh.." I gurgle with salt water before rinsing out my mouth and yawning. I didn't think much of the bleeding gums, it happened a lot. The leftover grief I have and would continue to have made me space out, sometimes causing pain to myself or others. But, I guess I just didn't really care.

At this point in time, all I can hear is a terrible air mattress calling out my name over and over again. I quickly walk over, laying back down and praying that I actually get some sleep tonight.

The next morning goes by smoothly. Clothes on, backpack on, shoes on, fake smile on. At least school was in walking distance which was a plus. I quietly make my way to the elevator, going to the lobby floor of the apartments. An old woman waves at me and I give a small wave back, pulling at the corners of my mouth ever so slightly.

"Jesus christ it is freezing," I shove my hands in my pockets as I walk down the street. I forgot how cold it got here during the winter. My breath is seen clearly in the cold air, hands escaping pockets to throw up my hood. Today would be a long day.

"Oh my god! Nathan is that you??" A girl in my first period class asked as I walked in. I was just hoping to get there early and talk to my teacher and just get all that over with before school actually started.

"Yeah," I sighed, "Hey Emma." Her smile is gigantic and she rushes over to hug me, continuing to hug me even after I say its fine.

"How have you been? No one has heard from you in three years!"

"I've been fine I guess."

"Why did you move back? Wasn't Los Angeles working out fine for you?"

"Dad missed it here so we came back, said it was easier to do business too." I half lied. I didn't want to really talk about what happened with my mom.

"Question, why didn't we hear from you in three years?" She crossed her arms and gave a little pouty lip.

"Dunno...just got caught up in some stuff." I shrugged.

"Ohhhh sure Nathan," Emma rolled her eyes at me, "We can talk about it when you're ready too. I'm sure that Cain will be happy to see you. Did you avoid him for three years too?"

"Can we not talk abo-" I was cut off as the bell began to ring.

"Let's talk about that later, like hmmm...this weekend! You can come over this weekend and we can talk about everything you did in Los Angeles. It can even be a date." She winks and takes her seat in the class. I awkwardly walk up to the front of the classroom, watching the different students flood in. I recognized some of them like Matthew and Sandra. My focus shifts to the clock on the wall. I was nervous, I hadn't been in a class room in two months after all. The bell finally rings after 5 minutes of painful waiting and the class goes silent as Mr. Hemmingsworth stands up from his desk.

"Good morning class."

"Morning Mr. Hemmingsworth," some replied and others didn't. It was pretty early so I didn't blame them.

"We have a new student joining our class today. His name is Nathan Harvey. Nathan," Mr. H turns to look at me, "Could you tell us some things about yourself?"

"I've lived here before and I'm moving back from Los Angeles. I don't like sports or parties. I'm kinda just a stay home and play videogames kinda guy. That's it." I sighed and shrugged, talk about not wanting to be here.

"Thank you Nathan, now you can sit by...hmm..Hunter." A boy with red hair raised his hand and waved at me a little and I walked over, taking the seat next to him. He smiled at me and I gave a half assed smile back, looking to the front of the classroom. I could already tell that today was going to be a painful day. I was seriously hoping Cain wasn't in any of my classes. From what I remember, he was a nice guy with blond hair and deep brown eyes, but he might get pissed at me. I'm pretty sure he actually is pissed at me even though i haven't run into him yet. I up and left and didn't give him a word for three years. I'd be pissed if I was him too. But we were best friends so maybe he'll give me a second chance. I...need that second chance.

Mr. Hemmingsworth started to go into his lesson, talking about different molecular element combinations. I felt like I was nodding off. Chemistry for first period is so boring. I just wanted to sleep, sleep off this terrible feeling I already had.

"Nathan! Come on the bell just rang! You need to get to second period!" Emma was angrily shaking me awake.

"Alright, alright I'm going I'm going...." I repeated groggily and got up, gathering my stuff and exiting the classroom with Emma.

"What class ya got next?"

"Uhhh math with Mr. Boron."

"Ohhh pfft that's easy. Algebra 2 with him is literally a breeze. You'll barely have homework. Hey, let me see your schedule?"

"Why?" I handed it over to her little grippy hands.

"Wanted to see if you had any classes with Cain. I've got to text him about this, he's gonna be so happy you're back." I felt like I was quietly panicking in my own body. My palms got sweaty and I took deep breaths, trying to make this panic go away.

"Do I have any classes?"

"Yep! You've got both 5th and 6th period with us! Totally texting Cain about this. Well, this is my class, see ya in 5th period!" Emma entered room 303 and I continued down the hallway to 316.

All of my classes were going perfectly until I got to 5th period. Everything was perfectly fine. I walked into the classroom, backpack in tow. I remember every detail clearly.

The class was English, room 904, with Ms. Finley.

It was exactly 12 pm.

The air smelled like vanilla because of a stupid air freshener.

It was the moment that I ran a hand back through my short black hair when it happened.

"Hey!! Nathan come sit by us! There's an open seat!!" Emma exclaimed and waved at me. When I looked over there he was. There was Cain. My old best friend. His eyes met mine and filled with rage.