Author's Note - I typically just read what other people have written, but this one story in particular is sticking with me, and is inspiring me to write my own stories. Western Skies was a big inspiration for this chapter. If it seems really similar to chapter 1 of that story, that is the reason. I promise it'll get much more interesting and unique in Chapter 2.
Northern Lights, Chapter 1
I felt a wet thud in the small of my back, followed by a swift chill and a lot of choice swear words. It was late August in my new school, a boarding all-male highschool in central Alaska. The school year was only about ten days in, and I was struggling to adapt. The first snow was falling, which meant there were snow ball fights popping up all over the place.
"Damn it, Craig, you know I hate it when you do that!" I shouted at him, after my swearing had subsided.
Craig was the school joker, in a school of about 750 students. He had a talent for practical jokes, and he and I had become good friends. I was a senior student, but this was my first year at the school; My dad was an oil contractor, who was forced to move out here for work. I was from Florida, and this new environment was not to my liking.
"Well, ya know you can throw one back occasionally Adam. Maybe then you wouldn't be such a good target." Craig smirked back.
With that, I did as he requested, and threw one at him. He nimbly dodged, but I was satisfied.
I continued on my way. I was about six-three in height, heavily built, making me perfect for football. Despite the school being moderately sized, I easily made the cut. I knew I would ultimately be rather popular for that alone, but it still took time.
I meandered my way through the snow duff, towards team practice. On my way, I encountered a couple other team players going the same direction. I didn't really notice them; I was stuck in my own head, thinking about the year to come.
"Hey Adam." One of them said.
I looked up, expecting it to be Luke or Sam who made the comment.
"Hey Wyatt." I said, in obvious surprise.
Wyatt was the quarterback, and easily one of the most popular kids in school - and most powerful. This school had a reputation for being the most prestigious highschool in the state, and most of the kids who went there had some connection to the politics of the state. Wyatt happened to be the son of the Governor.
"If you want, John, Sam, Luke, and I are having a get together over at my dorm room. Want to come?" Wyatt said, smiling enthusiastically.
"Sure," I said. "I'd love to!"
"Great, see you at 7 tonight. We'll have food."
And with that, they walked past me, and I went on to practice.
Football practice drills are already hard enough on their own, but add snow, slipperiness, and being cold to the picture, and it's downright miserable. By the end of it, my body ached, and I hurried back to my dorm.
When I arrived, I stripped and took a hot, steamy shower. Whenever you're cold, tired, and filled with aches, pains, and bruises, hot showers make everything feel better. One thirty minute shower later, and it was almost 5 in the evening. It was already starting to get dark outside. I settled in, and started work on my mountain of homework.
About an hour and a half later, I had finished Calculus and AP English, and decided to start getting ready for the get together. I tossed on some warm clothes, and walked out the door a quarter to 7.
