The Key

Chapter 4

~4~

Ellie

The rest of the day has flown by with no incident. Alex was in almost all my classes, but I’ll get over it.

Last period of my day is gym. If I can manage this, I will be alright.

The format for this side of the school was he huge gym in the center with the locker rooms on either side.

I walk down the hall, my first issue: the locker rooms aren’t labeled.

“You seem lost?” A tall blonde girl asks.

“Yea, which locker room is which?” I ask.

“The one right in front of you is the girl’s.” She smiles.

“Thanks!”

I pull open the door and walk face first into a half naked boy. He is a little taller than I, and he has short red hair. He has very nice green eyes and cute freckles.

My face feels like it’s on fire.

“Um, hi?” the boy says confused.

“Why are you here?!” I gulp my fear back as I realize.

“This is the guy’s locker room.” He bites his bottom lip.

My eyes get wide and he throws his hands up, “I’m sorry! I’m just trying not to laugh! I’m a freshman, and I almost did the same thing. Just um…leave?”

I don’t respond. I just proceed to leaving the hot room.

***

I decide not to change for gym. My motivation got sucked from me.

The boy from the locker room enters the gym. I can’t help but blush.

“Hey!” he calls.

Oh god. He is coming towards me. What the hell am I supposed to do now?!

He walks up and stands next to me. He leans against the wall and slides to the floor. He pats the ground next to him and stares up at me. I smile awkwardly and fall next to him. He proceeds to grab my hand and look me in the eye, “You’re all good. Don’t worry, I’m the only one who knows. Chill bro.”

I smile, “Thanks, I appreciate it. I’m Ellie.”

“Victor. I feel like I know you?” he asks.

“I’ve been in the district since third grade. So, we have probably had classes together. I just tend to be anti-social. I only talk to my sister and my friend Matt who goes to the middle school.”

“Matt who?” he asks.

“Matt Damon.” I smile.

“Funny, but really.” he laughs.

“Matt Jameson.”

“Isn’t he best friends with Alex?” he looks concerned.

“Alex…?”

He just sticks his chin out, so I turn the direction he pointed. His green eyes caught my grey ones. Shit.

“I had no idea they even knew each other. I’ve known Matt for years.” I say, my eyes are still locked with Alex’s.

He changes the topic, “Who’s your sister?”

“Amber McCracken.” 

“I have no clue who that is!” he laughs.

I wink and put my finger to my lips, “Shhh, you’re lucky.”

We start laughing and he looks at me, “What’s your number?”

I pull a pen out of my bottomless bag and write my number on his hand.

“Call me maybe?” I sing.

“Not if you sing that to me.” he laughs.

“Good deal. So which teacher is yours?” I ask.

“Irwin, you?”

“Same!”

“Sweet, let’s find him.”

We both stand and find the teacher. We reach him and check in.

“Oh baby, nine for nine girl!” I hear Alex yell.

“Ignore him.” Vincent suggests.

“No, I really want to break his face.” I whisper as I try to turn and hit Alex.

Vincent grabs my forearm and his expression goes sour, “Please calm down. He honestly isn’t worth it. Don’t stoop to his level.”

I pull my arm from his grasp and approach Alex.

“What is your issue?” I ask.

He looks me up and down, “Nothing baby, you’re just so irresistible. If I teach you how to walk and be polite, could you do me a few favors?”

I shiver, “You’re the most repulsive person I’ve ever met. NO!”

“Unf” he bites his bottom lip and grabs my arm.

I can sense he is playing around. I try to stay calm. I close my eyes and relax my body.

I can feel something tug on me and force itself in front of me. I open my eyes to see Vincent staring down Alex.

“Learn how to show respect. She’s a girl. You don’t get to treat her like you own her.” he says sternly.

“Yes sir.” Alex snorts and begins to laugh.

Vincent is vibrating. From what, I’m not sure, but it can’t be good.

I pull him away from Alex and take him to the side.

“What’s-” I start as I look down, I see his fist clenched so tight, his whole hand was red and his whole body was shaking with fury, “-wrong?”

“I hate when guys do that. Never and I mean never let a guy get away with that. If he gives you a problem, please just tell me.” he commands.

“Ok.” I blink.

***

After dinner I run upstairs and jump on my bed. I sit up and my phone starts to vibrate and sing.

I answer, “Hello?”

“Hey, it’s Vincent. I want to apologize for how angry and weird I got today. I just hate seeing that shit.” 

“I know, I don’t blame you. Thank you. I barely know you, yet you defended me. I appreciate that.”

“Any time. I’m not sure why, but the moment we bumped into each other, I could tell we were meant to be good friends.”

I freeze. Meant to be? Could this guy have gotten a metaphysical shock from contact? Does he have powers?

I think for a second, then ask, “What’s your view on metaphysics?”

“On what?” he asks, confusion in his voice.

“Nevermind.” I laugh.

Guess not.

“You’re an odd one Ellie. I’ll give you that.” he chuckles.

“You haven’t seen anything yet.”

I hear the doorbell ring. I immediately hear my mom answer the door.

I brace myself.

“Matt’s here!” mom yells to me.

“Ok!” I yell back.

“Got to go?” Vincent asks.

“Yes, but I will see you tomorrow!” 

“Goodnight!” he says.

“Night.”

We hang up. How can a human feel a non-physical connection?