6. Bohdi

Chapter six

Bohdi

R ubbing my hands over my face, I attempt to erase the tiredness and dark circles, which of course don't work. I frequently have nightmares, but this one felt vivid and involves someone I know. It's even worse because it's my student.

Even though I attempt to gather my composure as students come in, the lingering sickness persists. It's particularly bad today, worse than usual.

I keep my eyes fixed on the door, anxiously waiting for each student to pass through. I know who I'm subconsciously waiting for. I only need to see him to see he's not evil. Not like the monster who took my best friend from me. Having a tough home life doesn't mean he's equal to others in that situation.

Five minutes later, the students talk quietly among themselves while waiting for me to begin the class. I get fidgety that Brayden isn't here; I scan the area he was sitting in last, in case I missed him, and I see a few of his friends from before, one being Kal, who he seemed pretty close with. But Kal has an empty seat next to him, which I assume was for Brayden. When I glance back at Kal, he's watching me, and it's then I realize I recognize him from somewhere, but I can't pinpoint where.

Weird.

The sound of the classroom door opening catches my attention, making me think it's Brayden, but it turns out to be someone else. I haven't seen this boy before. With each stomp of his chunky black boots, the chains on his black jeans create a jingling sound that fills the classroom. He approaches and stands in front of me. A black slipknot sweater engulfs him completely. His green eyes stand out from the black hard edges of the eyeliner that surrounds them. The lip piercing shifts while his lips create a firm, straight line. I clear my throat.

In a barely audible voice, he states, "I'm new." Ah, this is Daxton. I saw something on my emails the other day explaining someone new would be joining today.

"Daxton Rivers?" I question. He gives me a sharp nod.

"I'm Mr. Stiles," I announce, quickly retrieving a syllabus and forcing a smile, trying to hide the chaos in my mind. "OK, you only missed one class. Please review the syllabus and remain after the class. I'll bring you up to speed with whatever you require." He gives me a quick once-over, nods subtly, and finds a seat at the far left, keeping his distance from everyone.

OK then.

I cast my eyes once more on the spot where Brayden sat yesterday, but there's no sign of him. Although, I can't help but notice Trayton, intensely brooding, while staring at Daxton. His anger is clear and palpable. I sense the need to monitor closely whatever that is.

As I face the class to begin today's lesson, my mind continues to reel, consumed by thoughts of Brayden's whereabouts. I assign a research task for the class to complete on their laptops and slump down at my desk. As I survey the students, my attention is drawn to Kal, who hastily glances away from me and focuses on his paper as if he hadn't been staring at me moments ago. His tense shoulders give away his discomfort after I caught him staring at me. I squint my eyes staring at his head, which is cast down, concentrating on his work, and decide to get up and take a walk up to speak to him. When I approach, Trayton remains fixated on me without saying a word. Trayton and I exchange nods, his eyes briefly shifting to Kal and then back to me.

"Kal," I utter, causing Kal's head to tilt up as he directs his attention toward me.

Clearing his throat, he says "Sir," and then resumes working with his head down. There's something about this kid and his inability to make eye contact with me I can't understand.

"Where is Brayden today?" I question whoever wants to give me an answer out of either of them.

Kal inhales deeply and mutters under his breath, "Not sure."

Trayton's eyes flicker down to the front again at the new kid and then back to me. I shoot him a skeptical glance, raising my eyebrow. While crouching down, I catch Kal giving me a side-eye and Trayton maintaining his usual blank expression.

"Look, I know he's your friend and I get it, and I don't want to have to tell Denny that Brayden didn't show up today. Are you going to tell me where he is?" Inhaling deeply, Kal's shoulders sink down as he keeps his focus on the paper, idly toying with the pen in his hand. However, Trayton clenches his fists, and stares down at the newcomer. "Does Daxton know where he is?" I question, causing heads to turn in our direction. I arch my eyebrow at Trayton.

"Sir, he's probably not feeling well. I'm sure he will be in bright and early Monday morning," Kal says through clenched teeth, clearly irritated at my questioning.

"Can I go to the toilet?"Trayton bites out. I signal my approval with a nod, and he proceeds to walk past me, maintaining a constant death glare with the new kid. As Trayton reaches the front, he lifts his head, and they lock eyes. The situation seems tense, and it's clear that something has happened. Is this kid a friend of Brayden's? I'm assuming he was at some point.

Fucking students.

"You know I'm going to have to tell Denny," I sigh out to Kal, but Kal shrugs

"You do what's necessary. It's your job after all," he remarks indifferently, and continues working. I exhale in frustration and make my way back to the front, sinking into my chair.

I miss my office job already.

When class comes to an end, I signal Daxton to stay seated so I can go over the syllabus with him. He doesn't appear best pleased by the exaggerated sigh he makes as he slouches down in his chair, but after today I truly couldn't give a fuck. I knew my students were going to test me, but fuck. They're a bunch of nineteen-year-olds and some of them act as if they're fourteen-year-olds. Too much drama for my liking.

"How did you find today?" I try to keep my tone calm as if what happened earlier with Trayton didn't happen. Daxton shrugs, his leg bouncing up and down frantically.

"It was OK," he mumbles, his eyes darting everywhere except toward me. Before I can continue, he interrupts. "I glanced at the syllabus. I got it, I think. If I have questions, I'll let you know." He stands, picking up his bag.

"Wait." I place my hands in my pockets, trying to come across casually, not wanting to put pressure on him to answer me. He glances over his shoulder at me. "What was all that earlier? I won't stand for any kind of bullying in—"

"It's cool, sir. There's no trouble." He interjects with a tight-lipped smile. "See you tomorrow." He turns and heads for the door and all I can do is watch him leave, knowing for a fact there is trouble. I saw the way Trayton stared at him. It was pure hatred, indicating this isn't something minor either.