Spencer Ried's Story

Spencer was on his second semester at Flagler, but was still one to be completely interested in joining the Orientation procedures. He liked looking at all the new little fishies that would be joining the school.

"Yeah mom, I'll call you later and tell you all about my first day back," he promised through his cell phone as he dropped his last pillow on his bunk bed. The other side of the room was so far empty, but he was willing to bet he'd have a roommate by the end of the day.

"I know, I'm glad to be back, but I miss you..."

He smiled, proud of himself with his room, and rubbed his palm against the pealing corner of a band poster before walking towards the door and kicking up his skateboard from it's spot.

"Love you too."

He slapped his cell shut--yes, it was an old school flip phone--and shoved it in his back pocket before sliding out into the hall. They had decent sized hallways in the old building, but people were already beginning to fill it, trying to find their room. Spencer didn't care.

He dropped his skateboard to the ground, jumped on, and zoomed down the building, leaning this way and that to avoid hitting people.

A large smile was on the thin boys face the moment he made it down to the gym. So many new people to meet and talk too. He wasn't really interested in the clubs, he was already singed up to the ones he wanted, but he liked to see everyone.

So, upbeat as always, Spencer made his way around the groups of people slowly on his board, smiling at everyone he saw. Nodding at the few he knew and throwing a highfive here and there.

Shay stared blankly at Harlow for a split second, than burst out laughing in relief at his explanation. "Dude, I'm totally fine with it," she assured him, smiling. "I've just never met a guy more feminine than myself, you feel me? But yeah...yay for wieners, I agree." She couldn't help but laugh again, recalling the way he had said it.

Shay high-fived a passing student on a skateboard, he looked on top of the world. "Get it, boy!" she hollered, encouraging him to liven this orientation up a bit. It was getting real boring real fast, and her coffee was about gone. Plus, she was getting hungry. It was about time for a meal.

"Hey Harlow, are you hungry?" Shay asked her new roomie. "You wanna grab a bite somewhere?"

Spencer was having a really good time. There were a vast majority of people gathered in one place. The jocks of course--cheerleaders, football players, gymnasts. Never really his type of people to hang out with, but still deserving of a smile. A few goths here and there. Lot's of geeks and nerds, he liked them though, they were nice. A few thugish looking people, not that he was one to judge. Lot's of skaters, punks, emo's...

He didn't mind. Skater kids represent and all that.

He popped his skateboard up with his foot and slid it under his arm for safe keeping as he picked up a breakfast burrito and an energy drink at the food table. He smiled at a girl there with pretty brunette hair, nodded in her direction, then went to walk outside.

He had a drawstring backpack full of possibly every flyer inside the gym that had been on a table or handed out. Even though he was sure there was nothing new he'd be into for the semester, he still felt like gathering it all up.

With a smile on his face, Spencer plopped down onto one of the benches, putting his skateboard under his feet, and happily ate his burrito as he nodded and waved to new people.

He loved Florida. He was glad to be back.