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I never thought I would have to go this far for success, but I guess life just doesn’t work out that way. Life is full of surprises, and I guess I have a ‘surprise me’ face.
The island is so beautiful when we arrived, though it's hard to enjoy through my seasickness.
I look around at my traveling companions, most of whom are by themselves. They look friendly, particularly the guy with nice-looking dimples.
Walking up to his seat, I say, "Hola amigo! How is the journey treating you?"
The guy looks up and smiles, "Pretty well, how 'bout you?"
"Ay, not so well, but what can you do? Do you come from Australia?" I reply, taking the seat next to him.
"Yep! Used to work at the Sydney Opera House. What brings you here?" He says, leaning back and putting an arm around the back of his chair.
"I got swept up in life, y'know," I shrug, "My skills seemed more worthwhile here, and when the offer came, I took it." I smile a little. It was surprising to receive an invitation out of the blue, even more so when it was real.
"I know what you mean," the guy chuckles, looking slightly reminiscent. "The name's Graham, how 'bout you?" he asks, holding out a hand.
"Call me Antonio, amigo," I say back, taking his hand.
"Looks like we're about to dock," Graham says, standing up, "Let's check out our new home, shall we?"
We step off the boat with the others. There's a decently sized group around us, all filling towards the large, grey building some ways from the beach. I take my time to notice the soil types, lots of gravel, sand, and some volcanic rock. This was most likely part of a larger island system that was created around the same time, based on the geographical features. There is a warm atmosphere, palm trees, and an ocean wind. This is probably some place tropical, all things considered.
Orientation was slow. Coach Brunt was an interesting person, and the security steps seemed harsh. I'm going to miss listening to music while cooking.
The real memory was the girl that Coach Brunch called out. Her name was Black Sheep, I believe. She seemed like a nice person, and I'm looking forward to working with her.
Walking towards our dorm room, I see 4 other people, and Graham is one of them.
"Hola!" I call out, continuing to walk with them. "I'm called Antonio, what are your names?" I ask, looking over the small group.
"I'm Graham," Graham says.
"Jean-Paul," says a handsome man with earrings.
"Sheena," says a blond woman with a smirk.
The last kid doesn't speak but does wave hello.
When we walk into the dorm room Black Sheep is there, and we repeat the introductions.
I choose the bed next to Jean-Paul’s, watching as a scuffle already breaks out between Black Sheep and Sheena. I pay it no mind, instead sitting down on the bed to test it out.
It’s not too bad, nothing that I can’t get used to.
—
The classes at V.I.L.E are so interesting; I especially like Mr. Maelstrom’s class. The intricacies of planning an operation, scouting tunnels, and figuring out the electrical systems are all so fascinating. I can’t say that I enjoy Mr. Shadowsan’s class. My poor mole didn’t deserve to be crushed…
Walking into the dorm room I see Graham and Black Sheep talking together. These two seem to be getting close to each other lately. Que lindo.
“Hola amigos, how are you doing?” I say as I approach the conversation.
“G’day mate, just havin a chat,” Graham says, nudging Black Sheep.
“Oh-yeah, chatting. How are you doing…Antonio? Right?” She says a little awkwardly.
“Yes! Nice to see you Black Sheep. I liked your method to win in Coach Brunt’s class today, you were very quick on your feet,” I say. It’s the truth, after all. I was a little sad to see Jean-Paul lose, especially with his climbing ability, but Black Sheep is quick with her thinking.
“Aw, thanks Antonio,” she says, then elbows Graham in the ribs while continuing. “This guy never compliments me.”
“What are you talking about?” Graham laughs, “I compliment you all the time! Didn’t I say you aren’t as short as a pipsqueak anymore?”
“That’s not the same thing and you know it,” Black Sheep retorts.
They continue on like that for a minute or two before we hear the door being opened.
It’s Jean-Paul.
“Hola!” I say, walking over, “I wanted to say that you did excellent in Coach Brunt’s class today. You played to your strengths,” I grin after I finish. For some reason talking to Jean-Paul makes me more nervous than when I talk to others.
“Oh, thank you. I’m upset I lost, but I will get her next time,” He smiles sheepishly. I take that as a sign of him warming up to me a little.
“Sí! Though, I think everyone loses to Black Sheep at some point. She could pickpocket a feather off a bird.” I laugh, following Jean-Paul to our beds to sit down.
“That is true,” He replies, glancing over at the two still chatting, “That does make me feel better, thank you.” He smiles at me.
“Of course, I speak the truth.” I laugh back. It’s nice to get to know this man. He seemed distant, but it seems like that isn’t the case.
—
“Antonio! How have you been?” Jean-Paul says as he catches up to me.
“I’ve been good, are you going to lunch?” I ask, falling into step beside him.
“I am, would you like to go with me?” He asks, as he turns toward the cafeteria.
“I would! What do you think they’re serving today?” I ask, grabbing a tray from where they are stacked and getting in line.
“I think it’s tacos,” Jean-Paul says, looking over the crowd to see what’s being served.
“Nice!” I exclaim, “I’ve always loved tacos.”
“Oh, is it because they’re Spanish?” Jean-Paul questions.
“No no, they are actually Mexican, but that’s a common mistake because both Indigenous people and Spanish people speak Spanish.” I chuckle.
“So why do you like tacos? Is it just the taste,” Jean-Paul asks, receiving his portion and waiting for me before moving to find an open table.
We find one and sit down across from each other as I reply, “No, not entirely. My mom was Mexican, and so she would make tacos and other Mexican dishes before she passed away.”
Jean-Paul’s face falls a bit. “I’m sorry to hear that, my friend, and I am sorry for bringing it up.”
“It’s okay, really. She passed away when I was very young, so it has been a long time,” I try to reassure him.
“Still, I did not mean to bring up sad memories,” He apologized again.
“Thank you for saying that, but it’s really alright.” I say again, picking up a taco to start eating.
We lapse into silence for a few seconds.
“Well, how about your father?” Jean-Paul asks a few minutes later.
“My father?” I ask, setting down my taco. This will mean that I’ll never be able to pick it up again, but oh well.
“My father is a good man. He taught me everything I know,” I say, looking him in the eyes.
“He must’ve been a good man then, because you are amazing, Antonio.” He says, leaning his elbows on the table.
I can feel my heart rate pick up slightly at his expression.
I cough lightly then continue, “My father worked as an electrician, and before a plumber. He knew everything about how those systems worked, taught them to me in hopes of getting me into the business, but life had me go elsewhere.” I laugh a little.
“I mean, I’m glad I came, because I got to meet you, and all our friends.”
“Yes, I’m glad to have met you,” Jean-Paul says, smiling.
—
“Black Sheep! I was hoping I could find you here,” I say, hurrying into the library where Black Sheep is studying alone.
“Antonio, what’s up?” She says as she closes her books and focuses on me.
“I…I may need some advice,” I say, taking a seat across from her. This is so embarrassing, I can’t look her in the eyes.
“Sure, how can I help?” She replies, leaning forward slightly.
“It’s…about Jean-Paul,” I start to say, and she nods for me to continue.
“Do…Do you think that…it’s weird for a guy to find another guy…attractive?” I ask, my voice getting quieter with each word.
“No, I don’t think so. After all, I think girls are cute. Guys too.” She says, sitting back and crossing her arms over her chest.
Her response surprises me somewhat, it’s nothing like what my Papa would say.
“I didn’t think something like that was okay.” I say, feeling a little more confident in myself.
“Of course it is!” She exclaims, then immediately gets shushed by the librarian. “Being in love, or having a crush, is normal,” She continues in a quieter voice, “It just means that you love different people than others.” She gives a small smile.
“On another note, can we agree that Graham’s dimples are so cute.”
I laugh at that and enthusiastically say, “Sí, amiga, indeed.”
And we continue to talk like that for a couple of hours. It’s nice to know I wasn’t alone in this.