Chapter Text
Well, this had to be a new low Anthony thought as he sat in reception waiting for his mum to pick him up, he’d been at school for not even half an hour since the new term had started and he’d been suspended for the day. Anthony sighed, he already had to deal with the injury to his left cheek and eye he had gotten in the easter holidays before the summer but now he had to deal with this. If only Cartwright hadn't pinned the entire blame on him, he had only been telling them that picking on the younger students was a dickheadish thing to do and a fight had broken out, of course Cartwright being popular and well liked everyone had agreed that it was Anthony's fault when it hadn’t.
He was pulled from his thoughts by a boy he’d never seen before walked into reception holding a map of the school. Anthony watched as he approached the desk and asked where room 23 was, that was the same room Anthony was supposed to be in for english. The lady at the desk explained to the boy where it was though he seemed to look more confused.
Anthony piped up “I could show you where it is if you’d like.” The lady at reception didn't look too thrilled. “You are supposed to be waiting here Anthony, I’m sure your mother will be here shortly.” The boy looked over at him, he looked like he was slightly shorter than Anthony and Anthony swore he had a slight grey tint to his dark brown hair that had been combed neatly, Anthony decided to ignore the way his heart had skipped a beat as the boy looked over at him.
“I know miss but It wont take too long and I promise I'll be right back afterwards.” Anthony pleaded the reception lady sighed “Alright then Anthony but if you aren’t back in 10 minutes I’m getting a head of year and you’ll be in more trouble.” Anthony nodded “I’ll make sure I'm back in 10 minutes” The reception lady nodded, turning back to her computer screen, and the two boys began to walk.
“It's not too far, just near the science block” The boy nodded “ Thank you for showing me, I’m James, I gathered your name is Anthony.” James stuck his hand out for Anthony to shake, Anthony took it “Nice to meet you James and yep, I’m Anthony. Don’t believe everything you hear about me here, there's a lot of rumours around.” James raised an eyebrow “ I see, so if you don't mind me asking why are you in reception unless of course it's none of my business.”
“I got into a bit of a fight, I didn’t mean to of course. Ah, I need to warn you about Cartwright, he's one of the popular boys here, they either like you or dislike you. It depends on if you're considered to be different from the norm. He was the one I had gotten into a fight with, he had been picking on the younger students, I told him to quit it then he shoved me and it all kicked off, though like usual he avoided all the blame.” Anthony explained
James looks offended on Anthonys part “well that's jolly rotten, can you tell someone?” Anthony shook his head “he's got the teachers wrapped around his finger, he's head boy and well liked by everyone with any sort of say. It wouldn’t matter if I had anything they wouldn’t believe me. I just gotta hope he doesn’t try to get me in any serious trouble.”
James looked concerned “Heavens, that doesn't sound good, well I appreciate the warning.” They approached room 23, Anthony turned to James “ well here it is, i’d best be off but it was great speaking to you, we’re in the same english class so hopefully we’re in the same class for other things, if im back tomorrow i'll probably see you then.” Anthony waved as he began to walk off before leaving. James smiled “I hope so too, thank you for showing me the way and I hope you aren't in too much trouble.” James walked into the classroom, Anthony made his way back to reception just before the 10 minute mark. It wasn’t long until his mother came to collect him, not looking too impressed.