The next morning, I unlocked the three deadbolts on my door, and sneaked downstairs. I could hear Dad snoring from his room, and if that didn't wake him I don't know what could. Still, I walked around on my tip toes and ate breakfast super quick. I was out of the house over an hour earlier than I usually leave. Since school didn't start for about an hour and a half, I decided to just walk around. The air was cool and crisp, and I saw my breath as I exhaled. There was cold dew on the grass and the birds began to sing quietly. It was a perfect spring morning.

I ended up at the park, the one Aubrey and I used to hang out at all the time when we were younger. We used to see who could swing the highest on the swings; or who could slide down the slides the fastest. We went there almost every time we'd hang out, because it was the perfect place to do so.

I sat on the swing, "my" swing, and let the wind push me. It was still a little chilly, and I zipped up my red and black hoodie. I stared absentmindedly at the woodchips and kicked them out of their place.

"Hey, I know you," a voice said. I looked up, startled, and saw it was that boy from lunch. He stood a few feet away from me and smiled.

"Umm... Hi," I said, unenthusiastically. "...What're you doing here," I asked, not bothering to try and sound polite. He pointed his thumb over his shoulder.

"I live over there." I furrowed my eyebrows.

"Are you new to the school? I've never seen you around," I said. This time, he frowned.

"Nooo...? I've lived here since I was ten, and I think I went to your middle school too. I remember seeing you, I just didn't know who you were." My face turned pink. Not since yesterday had I ever noticed this guy, and now he tells me we went to middle school together. I felt like such a jerk. I tried to think of those days, but nothing of him came to mind.

"Sorry," I apologized. "I don't..." He smiled.

"That's ok," he laughed. "I didn't even know your name 'till yesterday." I gulped. I'd already forgotten his name. Didn't it start with an N? Niko or Nick? Hopefully I wouldn't have to address him by his name anytime soon until I remembered.

"So what're you doing here?" he asked. My attention turned back to the conversation.

"Oh, uhm... I don't know. I just like to come here."

"So early?"

"I guess... what're you doing here so early?" I countered.

"My mom's boyfriend is over... They make me sick," he said, making a disgusted face.

"Oh," I said. He nodded.

"I feel bad for my little siblings. They're not allowed to leave the house this early," he said sympathetically. "I at least, am allowed to go out on my own." I smiled.

"How many siblings do you have?" I asked.

"Five," he sighed, but a smile soon followed. "Four sisters, one brother." I smiled.

"That's cool."

"Do you have any siblings?" he asked. I shook my head.

"My mom said I was supposed to be a twin, but she died a little while after she was born." The boy's smiled faded.

"Oh. I'm sorry." I shrugged. "Well, I know it doesn't help any, but... I'm glad you're here at least," he smiled. I furrowed my eyebrows but smiled back. This guy barely knew me. Why was he telling me that he's "glad I'm here"?

"Umm... thanks," I told him. He took out his cellphone and glanced at it.

"Well, we should probably start heading off to school," he said. I nodded and stood up. Then it clicked. Micah! That's his name! I smiled to myself. As we were walking, we passed my house. I cringed when I could hear Dad yelling at Mom from inside. I wanted desperately to run in there and rip her out of that house.

"Whoa," Micah said as we passed. "I feel sorry for whoever he's yelling at." I looked down and nodded.

We got to school just in time. Micah stayed by me, which I was thankful for; because then no one would laugh at me for being "a loner." And too, he was good company. He was really funny and sweet and nice. He was like a big teddy bear; you couldn't help but like him. The first bell rang, and all the students flooded into the high school. I stopped at my locker, and Micah stopped with me.

"So, will I see you at lunch?" he asked. I smiled.

"Sure," I said. His smiled grew larger.

"Great," he said. He turned away and left.

*******************************************
Sorry this chapter's so boring :P please comment and tell me what you think. :)