Chapter 3: The Spark of New Comrades
"For the first time, someone talked to me so normally and made me feel like I too can have friends. James is a very cool guy. I hope he doesn't turn out like the other ones." were the thoughts of Aidan.
"Aidan! you have a friend waiting for you downstairs. Come quickly." shouted Aidan's mother Mrs. Grace Hawthorne.
"A friend?????????" Aidan questioned himself.
He came downstairs with all his things ready for school. He looked shocked at James waiting for him while sitting on the aesthetic gray sofa.
After an eternity later............
"Will you close your mouth, or else mosquitoes will go inside.", James tried to bring Aidan back to earth.
"How do you even know the address of my home." enquired Aidan
"Don't tell me....! You don't remember?" James questioned.
"What?"
"I thought you were dumb, and here you are proving me correct."
"What do you want to say, James? Will you please make it clear.", complained Aidan.
"You were the one who told me, dumbo.", answered James
"What? When?", questioned Aidan
"When we were coming out of the school gate."
Aidan thought for a while, and then he remembered everything, that he was the one who told James his home's address. He could not remember because, while he was telling this thing to James, he saw Drake and his gang piercing him with their looks.
"Yeah I remember now"
"Thank god" was what came out of James's mouth.
"Aidan have your breakfast and James my boy, you too join and have some", said Grace.
"Oh thank you so much, Aunty. I would love to."
After having breakfast both of them started to go to school.
"Hey Aidan, how about we skip school today and explore the town? You can show me around since I'm new here." Asked James
"James, we just met yesterday. It was your first day at school, and you want to skip classes already? I don't know if that's such a good idea..."
"Come on, Aidan! Life's too short to spend it all cooped up in school. Let's make some memories together."
"But what if we get caught? I don't want to get into trouble."
"Don't worry about that. We'll be careful, I promise. Plus, what's life without a little adventure?"
"I don't know..."
"Trust me, Aidan. We'll have a blast. Think of it as a mini adventure before we have to go back to the routine."
"Well... okay, but just for today."
"That's the spirit! Now, let's go explore!", screamed James.
"Look at this place, Aidan! It's so different from where I used to live. What's that building over there?", questioned James.
"Oh, that's the town library. It's a great place to hang out and read.", answered Aidan.
"Awesome! Let's check it out. I love reading." James was excited.
"The library was so big Aidan. I would love to come on weekends. Would you like to join?"
"Yeah sure"
They started to go to the next place.
"And over there is the park. It's a peaceful spot to relax and enjoy nature."
"Let's go sit on that bench over there and take it all in. This town is beautiful"
"I'm glad you're enjoying it, James. It's nice to see someone appreciate the little things."
"Shall we go and play some games?" asked James.
"Yeah, sure." Answered Aidan.
At the arcade, Aidan surprised James with his hidden talents in gaming. His focus and skill were remarkable, and James couldn't help but be impressed. "Wow, Aidan, I had no idea you were this good!" James exclaimed, patting him on the back.
"I am not that good." Aidan was feeling shy.
"You are. Don't deny my friend"
Encouraged by James's praise, Aidan felt a newfound sense of confidence. After a few hours of gaming, they decided to grab lunch at a nearby restaurant.
As they entered the restaurant, Aidan's heart sank when he spotted Drake and his gang sitting at a nearby table. Fear clenched his stomach as he remembered their past encounters. Sensing Aidan's unease, James put a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
Drake and his companions noticed Aidan and James immediately. With a sneer, Drake approached their table, ready to pick on Aidan once again. "Well, well, look who we have here," Drake taunted, glaring at Aidan. "Back for more humiliation, are we?"
Before Drake could escalate the situation, James stood up, facing him with steely determination. "We're just here to enjoy our lunch," James said firmly, blocking Drake's path. "Leave us alone."
Drake's expression darkened, his eyes narrowing in anger. "You better watch your back, James," he warned, his voice dripping with malice. "I'll make sure you regret interfering with our business."
Unfazed by Drake's threats, James met his gaze with a defiant smirk. "Bring it on, Drake. I'm not afraid of you," he replied, his voice laced with confidence. "And I'll always protect my friend, no matter what."
With that, James turned on his heel, taking Aidan by the arm and leading him out of the restaurant. Aidan couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude towards his newfound friend. Despite his fears, James had stood up for him, proving that true friendship knows no bounds.
Aidan felt a sense of relief wash over him. With James by his side, he knew he could face whatever challenges lay ahead. As they continued on their journey, Aidan couldn't help but feel grateful for the unexpected friendship that had blossomed between them.
As they walked away from the restaurant, James noticed the lingering fear in Aidan's eyes. He gently placed a hand on Aidan's shoulder and asked, "Aidan, why do you fear Drake so much? It's not healthy to let someone like him have power over you."
Aidan hesitated, unsure of how to articulate his feelings. "Drake... he's always been a bully, James. He's made my life miserable for so long. I've never been able to stand up to him."
James nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "I get it, Aidan. But you don't have to face him alone. I'll be right there beside you, every step of the way. We can't let bullies like Drake dictate our lives."
Aidan looked up at James, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. "You really mean that, James? You'll stand up for me?"
"Of course, Aidan. But more importantly, I want to see you stand up for yourself. You're stronger than you think, buddy. It's time to break out of that shell of a soft boy and become confident in who you are."
Aidan took a deep breath, feeling a surge of determination coursing through him. "You're right, James. I can't let fear control me anymore. With you by my side, I know I can find the strength to overcome anything."
James smiled, proud of his friend's newfound resolve. "That's the spirit, Aidan. Now let's show Drake what you're made of."
Like this, they roamed in the city, ate what they wanted, and enjoyed till the sunset.
"Aidan, this has been the best day ever. Thanks for showing me around and being such a great friend."
"No problem, James. I had a lot of fun too. Maybe skipping school wasn't such a bad idea after all."
"See? I told you we'd have a blast. Here's to many more adventures together!"
"Cheers to that, James. Cheers to that," said Aidan
"Okay, give me your number"
"yeah, here you go"
Aidan's thoughts swirled as he made his way home, replaying the events of the day in his mind. He couldn't shake the feeling of gratitude towards James for being such a supportive friend. For the first time in a long while, Aidan felt a glimmer of hope that maybe things could be different now.
Lost in his thoughts, Aidan suddenly felt his phone buzz in his pocket. With a flicker of excitement, he pulled it out, hoping to see a message from James. But to his surprise, it was from an unknown number.
Unknown Number: Hi there.
Aidan: Hello.
Unknown Number: I hope I'm not disturbing you. It's just... I couldn't stop thinking about reaching out.
Aidan: No, not at all. But it's late. Who is this?
Unknown Number: Oh, sorry. It's just... I'm someone from school.
Aidan: Oh, okay. Thanks for letting me know. But why are you texting me now?
Unknown Number: I just wanted to say hi, I guess. See how you're doing.
Aidan: It's fine. I appreciate it. But I still don't know who you are.
Unknown Number: It's okay if you don't know me. I just wanted to talk.
Aidan: Alright, fair enough. But it's late. Shouldn't you be asleep?
Unknown Number: I couldn't sleep.
Aidan: Oh, I see. Well, thanks for reaching out.
Unknown Number: Yeah, no problem. So, how's your night been?
Aidan: It's been quiet. How about you?
Unknown Number: Same here. Just thought talking to you might be nice.
Aidan: I hope it does. But I'm still curious who you are.
Unknown Number: I understand. Sorry if I'm being mysterious.
Aidan: It's fine. But can you please tell me who you are?
Unknown Number: Not just yet. I think it's more fun this way.
Aidan: Alright, if you say so.
Unknown Number: So, maybe we can talk more sometime?
Aidan: Um, maybe. I'm not sure.
Unknown Number: That's okay. No pressure. I just thought I'd say hi.
Aidan: Okay. Thanks for reaching out.
Unknown Number: No problem. Well, I'll let you go. Have a good night, Aidan.
Aidan: Good night.
"Who was this now? I think someone is trying to play with me. Whatever, I will go to sleep."
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone