" Hmm," Solum didn't respond as he reached for on apple. Melissa wasn't his mother and so he wouldn't call her mom. Solum thought and he didn't even call Cary father, so why would he call Melissa mother?
Solum wasn't sure, but probably because of the long drive or just being far away he felt lighter. He started walking around looking at the fluffy green trees and the tall grass. He didn't want to go to far as he didn't want to get lost. Each house he passed people were unpacking while having conversations of their own.
Soon he reached a large opened spaced surrounded with low vine fences. The trees blocked out the sunlight only the unruly rays were poking in. Even though most of the light was blocked out it was still very bright and warm.
There were stone walkways, swings and other rides for children and further down there were stone tables and chairs that were shaped very stylishly.
It had been quite some time since he appreciated the sun. He kept walking with his head up the view of the light reflecting on the tree's green leaves were enchanting.
" One," Solum counted in his mind giving his brain a side quest while he focused on the tree leaves above.
" Hey!"
" Two,"
" Hey!"
" Three,"
The next moment Solum tripped over something hard and he landed heavily into the grass. He winced loudly as he moved to help himself up.
" I tried to warn you," a masculine voice said, the next thing Solum felt as someone place a hand on his arm pulling him up.
Solum stood to his feet and was meet with the face of a boy seemingly around his age. Solum didn't speak.
" Hey, are you ok?" The boy asked waving his hand in front of Solum's face to check his vision.
" I'm fine. Thank you," Solum answered stepping back.
"Oh, ok"
Solum looked at the boy before him, he had fluffy blonde hair some place seemingly brighter that some. And he had bright beautiful blue eyes. No he had a bright blue eye. Solum stepped closer without noticing. And the other eye was amber in colour.
" Wow, wow," the boy started stepping back holding both hands up at chest level.
Solum finally noticed his own actions and immediately stepped back.
" I'm sorry. It's just your eyes -" Solum started with a pause.
" Weird I know," the boy answered not bothering to let the boy before him finish. If someone thought an aspect of themselve was weird they would be hiding it, but this boy was having it on display, yet called it weird.
" No, that's not it, It's beautiful," Solum answered with ease. He could tell when was the last time he had actually spoke to someone freely.
" Oh. Hmm. The name's Jeon by the way," the boy said putting a hand forward.
" My name is Solum,"
" You were bullied weren't you," the boy stated bluntly not even bothering to ask. Solum was stunned taken aback. Jeon didn't need to see his reaction to know, he easily knew.
With sundden movements Jeon flicked Sulom's forehead and chuckled. Solum hissed before covering the spot.
" Why did you hit me?" Solum asked looking at Jeon who was still smiling.
" Nothing, you just looked funny," Jeon answered still smiling.
Solum's felt his entire body and soul at ease for some reason, for the first time he didn't mind being hit by someone. And he liked Jeon's smile it looked so kind and honest. Solum gave a half seen smile.
" Well I should head home," Jeon said lightly tapping Solum's shoulder with a punch before running off.
Solum watched as the boy jogged off. For the first time he thought he may have a friend. Solum exhaled knowing he had to return home now and suddenly there wwre weights on his shoulders. He walked back home with steps that didn't show hurry.
" Tchh, where have you been?" Ami asked seeing Solum.
" Out," Solum responded flatly and kept walking.
The weekend sped pass and now it was time for school. Solum woke up early dressing himself into his new uniform, a long black pants, white long sleeve button up shirt and a blue tie with green stripes. When he walked downstairs Melissa was already there in a dress, as of late she had taken a liking to wearing waist hugged dresses and curly hair.
Solum had no interest in her so this information was useless to him. He said good morning and took up an banana and nothing more.
" Aren't you going to eat?" Melissa asked sweetly, but she should know by know that Solum wasn't interested in eating from her.
" No," Solum answered dipping his head down before leaving.
Melissa came down stairs during that moment. She was dressed in her uniform, but the skirt she wore was much too short. She wore the same shirt as Solum and was in high knee socks.
" Morning mom," Ami greeted bending over the counter to kiss her mom on the cheek. Solum simply left not wanting to see them. He didn't see any sign of his father so maybe he was out.
Ami took up an apple, she too didn't sit for breakfast.
" Aren't you going to eat?"
" No mom, gotta watch the waist," Ami answered with a little laugh before biting into her apple.
Solum stood under the tree that was only a few steps away from their gate. Ami saw Solum and walked over to him get some shade, Solum stepped away creating distance. Both were quiet.
" Well new school, stay out of my way Solum," Ami warned, but Solum didn't even look at her. Before anything else could be said the bus arrived. Ami walked into the bus confidently taking herbseat at the front.
Solum wasn't someone who liked attention so he started heading to the back ignoring the face of everyone. He counted the heads of everyone he saw. He had tried stopping this counting behavior of his, but he couldn't get rid of it completely.
He was half way down the bus when he was suddenly pulled down.
" Hey Solum," a familiar voice greeted as Solum landed clumsily.