Hidden In Plain Sight » Places

         

Quite honestly he hadn’t thought about his past ever since he arrived at New Haven. What was the point of dwelling on the past when the future looked just as bleak? Nehemiah sighed with an unamused expression as he watched the TV in front of him blare on about destruction and chaos. Was there anything else the news could report on besides the negative? He was going to be late for school that much was apparent as the time clicked away without him making a single move to get ready. Finally a knock jarred Nehemiah from his thoughts and he glared at the door.

“Yes?” he responded.

“You’re going to be late for school Miho,” a female voice as gentle as the voice of an angel came from beyond the door. “Besides, it’s the beginning of a new year at the Academy.”

“Don’t remind me,” Nehemiah retorted as he pushed up in the bed into a sitting position. “The thought alone is why I’m still in bed.”

“Nehemiah Namikawa, get out of that bed this instant!” his mother warned as she knocked one last time, “you have fifteen minutes.”

Nehemiah could hear her footsteps as she made her way down the corridor and into the kitchen. As much as he loathed going to school, he knew his uncle would want him to better his education and go to college. This pathway was simple to accomplish, but it’s easier said than done. If it isn’t one thing with the teachers at the Academy, it’s another with the various cliques and awful excuses for human beings that attend the school. His friends had all dispersed after past events. Some went to America, some went to the UK and some just moved to different parts of Asia too far to remain in contact. Even online communication wasn’t enough to keep them all together. One by one they dropped off the radar until only a select few remained. Nehemiah sometimes wondered if it was worth the hassle to make new friends. It irritated him that there were so many missed opportunities, but he wasn’t even sure if he was ready for more relationships to form. Sliding into the shower, he let the warm liquid ease his troubled mind, and when the bathroom was filled with steam, he made his exit. Towel dried and ready to go, he partook of the chore known as getting dressed. One by one he pulled on a piece to his outfit, and when he was done with that, he began to accessorize. A necklace around his neck, a bracelet to add attention to his perfectly manicured hands, it was all meant to show that he was a guy just like any other guy but his facial features betrayed what he was going for.

The ride to the Academy was a peaceful one. Nehemiah sat on the monorail with his head tilted back and his eyes closed. He was blissfully aware of his surroundings but he didn’t care in the slightest. The bell dinged signaling that his stop was next. Gazing out of a nearby window his mind began to delve into the world of divination. It was scary when his mind decided to wander into the future of others around him. This time it was no different. He sensed death, darkness; it all came rushing at once. The stench was unbelievable and as the monorail rolled up to his stop, Nehemiah scrambled to get off before puking on the lovely marble that supported his feet. On lookers seemed worried for him, one even managing to touch his shoulder and ask if he was alright.

“I’m fine,” he replied panting slightly. He would be fine. It wasn’t the first time this had happened. He was afraid to tell anyone. He didn’t know what this was, or how to control it, or if it was controllable. He didn’t have time to worry about it though as the clock was ticking and he’d be late soon if he didn’t arrive at the Academy.

Putting himself back together, he hurried off towards the Academy. Passing familiar faces, he smiled and waved and as he neared the famed steps of the Academy, he couldn’t help but wonder what this year would hold.

“Hi Neho,” a familiar voice rang out as Nehemiah turned just in time to be tackled with a hug by a overly exuberant young girl. Nehemiah laughed softly before pulling the girl off of him realizing her to be one of his friends that moved away.

“Mia, what are you doing here?” Nehemiah asked in surprise.

“Well you see my dad moved back while my mom stayed in California, so I had a choice to make and it wasn’t easy. Dad was called back on assignment,” Mia replied still with a unnerving grin on her face.

“Guess that means you’re back for a while huh?” Nehemiah replied as the conversation began. The two talked for a while, walking down the hall and entering the Academy. The conversation lasted the entire walk until Nehemiah had to go to class.

“Catch you later Mia,” Nehemiah said giving her a friendly kiss on the cheek before entering the classroom and finding his table.