“Thank you for the meal, Random. Work was really tiring and I needed something to eat. I felt light headed on the way over here.”

 

Cocoa had just gotten off of work not too long ago and stopped by her house before coming over here with some homework.

We both were sitting on the couch, full from the chicken strips and fries we ate. The smell still wavered through the room though, but we both knew if we ate anything else we’d be sick. When she initially came over, we tried going through most of what she had to do before dinner, but didn’t get very far.

 

“No problem; it’s always nice to have company over instead of eating alone.”

 

Tipsy, who was sitting next to me, flung her tail my way after the comment.

 

“Okay, not really alone, but it’s nice to have other company.” She just flung her tail at me again and ran off to the other room, obviously annoyed.

 

She was tankful I was able to help her with some of the more repetitive things, like explaining the functionality and basic uses of the engine. I’ve also helped her with some job related task of dealing with costumers and keeping up with multiple things. Although the customer part was hard, teaching her to deal with multiple things was easy; I’ve done that most of my life. We finally finished around 10 pm and took a wild guess that we were about 87% done with everything. We both laughed at the comment.

By this point I remember the girl I’d seen at the junkyard and decided to ask Cocoa about her.

 

“Hey Cocoa,” I start. She turns to me. “I saw a girl at the junkyard today that sort of had dark blue hair and what looked like pink streaks. Do you know anyone around town that looks like that?”

 

Thanks to Cocoa’s friendly and bubbly personality, she knew just about anybody in town. Most through a casual “hello” on the street or a full blown “drop everything I’m doing and help them.” She was about the, if not the, friendliest girl in town.

 

After pondering the thought for a few minutes, she replied with, “Nope, can’t say I know anyone like that. What was she doing there?”

 

“Same thing I was; gathering wires.”

 

“Do you think she invents things like you do? Or maybe she was just there as a favor to someone.”

 

I didn’t think of it like that. Usually when someone goes to the junkyard they’re looking for spare car or computer parts, but that’s mostly males. Even some wires could help in the long run. Maybe Cocoa was right. If another inventor was around, I’d know about it. Anyway, you could ask anyone; what I created was number one.

 

Cocoa and I tossed around a few more suggestions as to whom she was, ranging from location to age to hobbies. We even considered any schools near here that she would be attending. Yet no matter how much we racked our brains, we couldn’t come to any conclusions.

It was getting late by this point and Cocoa had to head home. After she hauled all her homework back into her backpack, I hugged her goodbye, tell her I’d see her tomorrow, and went straight to bed.

 

The following morning after I got up and slipped into my cargo pants and lime green tank top, I headed for Cocoa’s house. I rarely go over there, as she’s told me time and time again that’s it’s always a bad time, and now I know why. Her family expects her to run something she wants no part of, and I’m about the only one who doesn’t, in essence, “use” her.

Thankfully there aren’t a lot that take advantage of her willingness to help, but there are some here and there. I try to keep us as far away from them as possible. I also tend to get used, but to a lesser extent.

 

I arrive outside her home at a perfect time; the front door swinging open as she steps out. I tell her good morning and can tell by the look of suprise that she was didn't epect to see me, a questioning look on stamped across her face.

After we greet each other, we made tracks for school.

 

On the way she tells me that after she got home she found her parents arguing in the kitchen again. She tells me she’s used to it, but I can see the color on her face change when she brings it up. I try to cheer her up by telling her about my projects, but to no avail.

 

“How about we get some hot chocolate before heading to school? There’s plenty of time before classes start. My treat,” I wink. That seemed to cheer her up a little.

 

It was a rather quiet walk on the way over. She was still moping and I couldn’t think of anything that could really take her mind off of her parents. The first real noise to break the silence was the ringing of the bell on the entrance to the shop. The owner noticed us walk in and greeted Cocoa immediately, handing out two medium hot chocolates in the process.

 

“Uh, thanks.” I barely get out, shocked by his generosity. "How much do-“ I was quickly cut off and caught off guard when he said “On the house”.

 

“Are you sure?” I ask him, baffled.

 

“Positive. Everyone’s a real fan of Cocoa around here. I keep getting comments on how well she handles all the orders from customers and co-workers alike. I may have to hire you on one day, if you’re interested.” He threw in a wink.

 

Cocoa started to slowly return to her old self after hearing the praise he’d given her. After thanking him we left and continued on our way to school, hot chocolate now in hand.

 

Upon reaching the school, we see hundreds of students walking around outside. Some were hurrying inside while others lingered outside chatting about this and that. Some hung by the stairs while others preferred the bike racks and benches.Others enjoyed being on the grass under the trees while others sat on the fountain, holding two swans adjacent to each other and spraying water, in the center of the sidewalk.

You could easily tell the different personalities and interest just by looking around. The jocks hung around the bike racks, usually with a woman in tow. The “nerds” – a word I despise using to describe us – are all around the benches, their portable laptops in cases against their waist and palm computers in their hand. Cheerleaders sat laughing around the fountain, most likely gossiping.

 

Those in computer science were on their phones or exchanging information. Artists were admiring the scenery. Nature lovers were under the trees. It was strange seeing everyone so broken into groups, but it was no surprise with how they decided to do our final high school year. Getting in with a group early would mean having an easier time on any assignment.

 

“Hi Cocoa, hi Random.”

 

A familiar voice catches our attention and we turn to notice Jasmine and Avery both waving our way. Out of courtesy, we both waved back and smiled before heading inside. I wasn’t too fond of Avery, and Jasmine and I were just completely incompatible.

 

Once inside we headed for our lockers, carefully pushing through the wave of people. Classes didn’t start for several more minutes, so the hallways were packed. Chatting, laughing, shoving, and pushing. It was like trying to fight your way through a concert.

 

Soon we finally reach my locker and breathe a sigh of relieve. “Made it in one piece.”

 

“Guess this is where we part. I’ll see you at lunch.” And with a wave Cocoa was gone.

 

After pulling out some materials, I headed toward Mrs. Natsume’s classroom. On the way there however, I ran into her.

 

“Morning, Mrs. Natsume.” She seemed to be in a hurry.

 

“Good morning, Random. How is that assignment I gave you going?”

 

“It’s coming along rather well. I just gathered some materials at the junkyard yesterday.”

 

“Good, good. I’m looking forward to it.”

 

Without another word she took off. As curious as I was I didn’t let it bother me and continued to class.

 

When I got to the classroom everyone had already been seated. Thankfully my spot on the side was open, and I was able to take my seat and wait for Mrs. Natsume to return. But as time went on, she never did.

Tick, tick, tick. 5 minutes. 10 minutes. 15 minutes. Time passed by like the sands in an hour glass and yet Mrs. Natsume was still not back yet. It was very unusual for her to be late and not say a word to anyone. Come to think of it, she did look kind of flustered in the hallway. No one else seemed to care though as they began talking amongst themselves, so I used this to quietly slip out ofthe classroom and into the hall.

 

You couldn’t even tell this was the same hall 15 minutes ago. It was completely deserted with not a soul to be found. I swear I could say any word and it would reverberate all along the hallways. It was a scary feeling, despite having gone here for 3 years. It was that and having no idea where Mrs. Natsume was really made me uneasy.

 

For a few minutes I wandered up and down what seemed like endless hallways. With the lack of students in them they appeared to be much bigger and much longer than I remember. My heart was racing a little do to the unknown factor of what was going on with Mrs. Natsume, but I didn’t let it stop me. Usually in the end my curiosity gets the better of me, and that becomes truer the more I go on.

 

After a while I begin hearing voices from an adjacent door about 10 lockers down from me. It led to the principal’s office. Crawling closer to the door I notice the sound of Mrs. Natsume voice and my curiosity rose.

 

“I will try to get to the bottom of this.”

 

“Bottom of what?” I whisper, keeping my voice from being heard.

 

“Good. If it’s not you or Random, find out who it is. Weather patterns like this can only be caused by someone or something.”

 

“I understand. I have my guesses, but nothing is certain.”

 

The principal crossed his arms.

 

“Well when you do find something, inform me at once. Now return to class, you’re late as is.” He waved her off.

 

“Yes, sir.”

With a quick wave she began heading for the door.

 

My heart began racing again. Within seconds Mrs. Natsume would spot me and think I’ve overheard the whole conversation. What do they both know about the weather? What guesses could she have? What were they both up to? Her footsteps drew closer and I had to put my questions aside.
 

I decided the best thing I could do was try to make a dash back to the classroom, hoping to be unseen and unheard.