“the trip” – started by d3x
He stares through the window with an expressionless gaze, head resting amongst preying hands. Not focusing on the birds in the tree. Not focusing on the storm starting to brew. Not focusing on the building traffic. Definitely not focusing on the teacher standing in front of the class. “Mr. Reynolds. Unless the answer to the question is outside of that window, I strongly suggest you divert your attention to the book in front of you. Now, you were going to give the class the answer….”
“I……I was?”
“No, but seeing as you obviously know it, you may as well let the rest of the class know.”
Frantically scanning the page with his eyes, Zak tries to find the last question he remembers was read out. “Ummm…”
“Question 56a Mr Reynolds. Page 187. And please stand up when you answer.”
Embarrassingly Zak turns the page, then another and then another. His finger traces a line down the left hand side of the encyclopaedia sized book, stopping midway at Question 56a. He reads the question in his head once, twice, three times. Bewildered, he swallows his fear then looks up at the teacher. Purposely at half speed he pushes away from the desk and the chair makes a distinctive yet indescribable sound. He stands up in a manner befitting of a World War I veteran with his body tense in preparation of the public abuse.
WOOOOP WOOOOP WOOOOP! “This is a fire alarm drill. Please proceed to the designated rally points immediately. This is just a drill” WOOOOP WOOOOP WOOOOP!
The classroom is filled with the sound of celebratory chatter and books slamming shut as a random student yells out “can we take our bags this time? We only have 15 minutes left.”
WOOOOP WOOOOP WOOOOP! “This is a fire alarm drill. Please proceed to the designated rally points immediately. This is just a drill” WOOOOP WOOOOP WOOOOP!
“Yes alright, hurry up then.”
Zak’s the quickest to pack up and he makes his way to the door though trying to avoid confrontation he slows down to exit as part of a group. With his head down he runs an unneeded hand through his black hair, hiding, but eye contact is only needed to provoke the response. “We’ll continue this next term Mr Reynolds” He nods, momentarily pausing and slowing the freight train exit.
“Move Zak, let’s go” He gets shoved along and the freight train continues at full speed.
“Everyone to the main basketball courts people, make sure you read the rest of the book and the first 3 chapters of the second one. Expect a test on your first day back and have a good break!” A collective groan echos through the room as the shuffling class employs forced smiles as they pass the teacher.
The basketball courts are a sea of students. “Hey, what time at your place Zak? 8 yeah?” A tall, dark skinned, bald headed, skinny student by the name of Dirk bellows.
Zak, in his own musical world, stops and hangs his headphones around his neck. He turns around in the direction of the voice and puts on his black NY Yankee cap at the same time. “Yeah, is Courts coming too?”
“Yup, and I think she’s bringing Fi with her.” Dirk replies as he catches up with Zak.
“Great…” Zak says annoyingly. “Tash’ll be there too. Just what I need.” Now sounding more sad than annoyed. They both start to walk.
“Shit dude, that was almost a year ago…” Dirk says as he lofts a lanky arm around the neck of his much shorter and stockier best friend. “….you gotta let it go.”
“Get stuffed” Zak replies, slapping the arm off.
The pair walks through the streets, throwing glances at the upper class houses they’ve seen a thousand times over. Both giving extended looks to exotic European machinery, simultaneous nodding in approval. Parked SUVs halve the road as possies of plastic mums form to show off their latest surgeries while waiting for their pretentious children to emerge. Men in expensive suits wait impatiently, pacing the nature strip grass. One hand in the pocket, the other hand with a cigarette. Constantly stealing looks at said plastics mums while sucking in their stomachs. Welcome to the suburb in your city that everyone wants to live in, but can’t afford. And it’s home time.
“Dude, we have one term left, and that’s it. I dunno why you’re like this. If shit goes you’re way, you’ll be studying on the other side of the country, and besides, I think she’s gonna travel so she’ll be non-existent anyway!” Dirk explains.
“Don’t even go there Dirk, we’ve friggen done this to death!” Zak protests as he slightly quickens his pace to get away from Dirk, while at the same time mounting his headphones.
“What, so tonight’s off? Because of her?” Dirk stops.
“No.” Zak insists. “Tonight’s on because of her!” Zak, some paces ahead, turns around and walks back towards Dirk.
“She originally told me about this place and she was meant to be the first person I take there. So tonight, is because of her. I just wish she wasn’t coming….” Zak explains while fooling around with his iPhone trying to find the right song. “Anyway, just be at my place by 8. Bring whoever, I don’t give a shit now, just don’t be late.”
The two side slap fives followed by a pounding of fists. A mutual head nod indicates the end of this exchange and Zak turns around to continue his journey while Dirk crosses the street to find his own way home.
The skies are pitch black. The stars are hidden and the moon plays peak-a-boo with low lethargic, dense dark clouds. The rain has been falling for hours, and comes and goes at random making everything around look clean and shiny as if brand new. There is no wind.
The car’s dashboard reads 5 degrees Celsius and 8:09pm. A moment ago, the group all met for first time in a scene reminiscent of the Breakfast Club. Everyone was weary of everyone. They are now in the car and Zak’s quick glance and adjustment of the rear-view mirror results in a mental roll call. “Dirk and Courtney. Fiona……” An uneasy look to the front passenger with a fake smirk and a hand squeezing a thigh are all executed at once. “Natasha” Class complete.
Through a fogged up windscreen, wipers on intermittent, the dark shiny road lays ahead. Zak moves the manual shifter side to side then selects first gear. With the engine building revs, the clutch is released and the car moves off uneventfully, the occupants dead silent.
Courtney, sitting in the middle, straddles forward and breaking the silence asks Zak loud enough for everyone else to hear. “So, where we going again?”