Chapter 3: Token Game

The lines are rushing. It is already roll "010."

There are a total of 40 people in the line, and I am near the door now. 

I can see a box containing the desk numbers. We have to pick up the token number from the box and sit at the desk we are assigned to. 

I can see that 2 out of the 4 window desks are taken. The seats are designed to carry two people. There are gaps in between each desk, just the usual desks I guess. 

"Roll 016"

Chelsea goes in. I can see her being nervous. Since we do not know whom we are sitting next to, it's all based on luck. Imagine sitting next to some crappy person for the rest of the year for that class. Yeah, not fun. 

Just like every other thing in the world goes with a tag, I call it the 'token game.'

Nearly like a gamble. 

Chelsea picks up the token from the box, I can see it. It says "017."

She gets the third last desk from the last row. The class has 20 desks to fit in 40 students. As I said each desk can take in 2 people, and there are 4 window desks. Imagine it like a 4x5 table system.

At least there is no one at the desk 017. So well now it is up to faith if I get to sit with her. It's either I get the window seat or sit with Chelsea. I do not know anyone apart from her anyway. I never did an awesome job at socializing, it just seems fake to me most of the time. 

People who shit-talk behind each other, fake their attitudes in front of the same person. 

The girl group in front gets the middle desks. 

"020"

I get inside the room. 

There are two empty window desks. It's in the 3rd and 4th row. And Chelsea's desk is still empty waiting for a partner. I pick up the token, I do not know what I am wishing for. 

"016"

I get the window and sit in the last row. Sighs. "Well you get some and you lose some," I think.

Now I have to just wait for a partner, hoping it's not some crappy person I have to tolerate for the rest of the year. 

I wish to sit with Elara. She seems kind and brave. 

Elara takes up the token, "011."

SHE IS SITTING IN FRONT OF ME! NOO! -

I want to sit with her. Shit. 

I do not know much about the rest of the guys and girls in the room. Girls are easier to talk to and become friends with, I have never really had guy friends to begin with. 

I just pray for any kind of girl who is easy to talk to or become friends with. 

"016"

A deep cold male voice says that. It's the same voice you get when you speak in the morning after you wake up. But it's afternoon now. 

I look up, and faith has played a trick on me. Carlen will be sitting beside me. Sighs.

I hope for a good year. No, I do not hope, I pray. 

He walks towards me and sits with me. The entire class looks at my desk… no at our desk? I think it's how grammar works… we are sharing the same desk. 

"You do not seem happy that I will be sitting with you," he whispers to me as he takes the sit. I'm pretty sure even Elara could not hear that since each desk is separate by at least a "two-arm distance."

"You are right," I reply without looking at him. 

The rest of the classes are now arranged. In front of me is Elara and Aurelius. Lucifer gets the seat with Chelsea. 

As I said a desk can have two people. Well to make things better or worse, we cannot pick which side to sit on either. 

My token's back-side says "A" meaning I get to sit at the left side near the window. And Chalsea's one says B so she is sitting at the right. We cannot come in contact with each other unless making it known to Carlen and Lucifer. 

Damn right, I think I am just going to become the quiet kid this year.