Do Over
1. Study Hard
2. Train Harder
3. Focus on getting the Scholarship
4. Don’t look at cute guys
5. Date a Girl, to keep Dad happy
6. ABSOLUTELY DON’T FALL IN LOVE!
Thorn read the list on his phone again. He had felt determined when he had composed this, but now as he sat on the Coach heading towards his new life, he wondered if he would have the strength to do it. Then he steeled himself. He had no choice!
With only one year of school left. He needed to concentrate on achieving his dream. After all with-out a dream what more did he have? A couple of bags, and a basketball.
The Coach pulled into the next stop. He sighed, and looked at his watch. Another 3 hours. Why did Willow have to live so far away? Oh well, at least it was far enough way that his Father couldn’t visit too often. The fewer times he had to see his Father, the better.
More passengers were getting on. He looked absently out the window. Letting his thoughts wander.
A guy in a bright Yellow hoodie caught his attention for a moment. He was moving towards the undercarriage storage area, with his suitcase. The Driver taking the bag from him and stowing it underneath with a thump. This guy looked around his age. Thorn wondered about him for a moment, then closed his eyes. A sleep would make the time go quicker.
Awakened by the speaker in the Coach, Thorn stretched and tried to focus. The Driver was calling his stop. He rose stumbling slightly, bumping into the person in the next row, who was also exiting.
Oh Sorry! - Thorn felt a hand on his arm steadying him.
All good! - The voice was cheerful.
Thorn looked up to see the smiling face of the guy in the Yellow hoodie. The hood of his jumper pulled up over his head, it framed his face.
Their eyes connected for the briefest time.
Thorn’s eyes rose in a flicker of interest at the green eyes, then they were trudging the aisle to the front of the bus. Exiting and lining up for their luggage.
Milo hugged his Mum, she was aways here for him. He wondered if she had been waiting long. But all she did was take his arm and lead him away to the car, with a grin. Did he ever show her how much he appreciated her? He doubted it. That was something he need to work on. Comfortably seated and on his way home, he let his mind wander. On the Coach he had been sitting across from that guy, and found himself watching him. Something about that face attracted him. And the relaxed way he was breathing as he slept. Also he couldn’t stop thinking about the way the stranger had looked at him when they arrived, that look had his heart jolting. Strange! Milo couldn’t help smiling, at the memory.
What a shame he wouldn’t have a chance to see him again.
Thorn grinned at his Sister Willow. He had to be grateful to her for taking him in. Even if it was just for one year until he started University. It was still a big deal, he had made a vow to himself to not make things difficult for her. He would help as much as possible, with housework, cooking, whatever. He would not do anything to upset her. There was no way he would go back home!
Thorn entered the Class Room, he was nervous. Felt a little ill actually. At his last school, he had known everyone. Most of his friends he had had since Primary School. But this was all strange, all new, all different. No Friends, New surrounds, New Teachers, a new Start! A chance to get his life and his dream back on track!
He shook away the memories of the last School.
He shook his head. No! He wouldn’t think about that! He had the chance to start again with-out those memories to hurt him.
The room had fallen silent, It seemed every face was turned towards him, and he felt the urge to flee. But he held strong and felt proud of himself for that.
Thorns eyes scanned the faces that surrounded him. And his heart stuttered as his eyes rested on a particular familiar face.
Milo’s eyebrow’s rose as he saw those eyes stop on him. A smile grew on his lips. This guy he had thought to never see again, was a new student? School had suddenly gotten a whole lot more interesting.
Thorn found himself, being seated next to Milo. He sat down with a frown. If this smile was going to be sent his way all through the lesson, he would be annoyed. It was best not to even look at him. Just listen to the Teacher, focus on the lesson. That was all he was here for, he just needed to keep reminding himself.
