First day of school
“Now when you get to this school be on your best behavior, especially you Lo’ak.” Jake said as he pulled into the school parking lot. “Yes, sir.” The children agreed. “Neteyam, watch over your younger siblings, you know how mean other kids can get.” Jake whispered to his oldest. “Yes sir.” Neteyam nodded, unbuckling. “Have fun, I love you.” Jake smiled as his teens climbed out the car. “I love you!” Tuk called out as well.
The school is huge, much bigger than their last one. “I’m going to cry.” Kiri sighed at the size of their high school.”C'mon, Kiri Kat, it can’t be that bad and if you have any problems, I can help you.” Neteyam comforted, wrapping an arm over his siblings’ shoulders. “Sullys stick together.” Neteyam smiled. “Sullys stick together.” Lo’ak nodded. “Sully stick together.” Kiri huffed, rolling her eyes.
“Now let's get inside before the bell rings.” Neteyam said withdrawing his arms from his siblings. As they stepped in, Lo’ak decided to become a comedian. “You know the crying thing you just said sounds exactly like something Uncle Norm would say. Like father like daughter, I guess.” Lo’ak snickered. “Lo’ak, when we get home I will mutilate and mangle your body so badly that they will have to use your dental records to identify your body.” Kiri hissed keeping her voice down.
“Quit.” Neteyam mumbled, knocking his younger siblings in their heads. “He started it.” Kiri rolled her eyes. “Grow up, Kiri you’re supposed to be the more mature one.” Lo’ak argued. “Grow up? That’s rich coming from you, Penis face.” Kiri retorted. “Enough, no more. Done. Quit.” Neteyam sighed.
“Sullys!” Tsireya's voice called out as she approached them with Rotxo beside her. “Good morning, Tsireya, Rotxo.” Neteyam greeted politely. “Good morning! Oh is this your sister?” Tsireya asked as she and Rotxo directed their attention toward the ginger teen. “Yes, this is Kiri.” Neteyam said and Kiri waved. “She’s the one who was yelling at Spider and Tuk yesterday,” Lo’ak added with a smirk.
Kiri scoffed and crossed her arms. “Nice to meet you, Kiri. I’m Tsireya and this is my friend, Rotxo we live a house down from ours.” Tsireya smiled. “Nice to meet you, too.” Kiri mumbled, holding her backpack straps tighter. “Well, we shouldn’t delay the tour any longer, so we should start it.” Rotxo cut in and Tsireya nodded.
“It might take a while to memorize the layout, so Ao’nung drew a map. He drew it for me last year, but nothing has changed, so it will work fine.” Tsireya said as she pulled a paper out of her pocket. She held out the paper and Neteyam took a picture, sending it to the teen Sully group chat. Then the tour began.
After the tour, Neteyam went on to his second period. He walked into an almost full classroom, there was only one open seat. Which was beside Ao’nung. Neteyam was a bit reluctant to sit down, but he sucked it up and sat down.
Neteyam had no desire to speak with the other and based on the way that Ao’nung was staring at him, it didn’t seem like he wanted to talk either. But he ended up doing it.
“Where’s your dad from?” Ao’nung asked. “What do you mean?” Neteyam counted as he placed his pencil case on the desk. “Where is he from? Like nationality or whatever.” Ao’nung replied, keeping his eyes steady on Neteyam.
“Oh, he’s from Texas.” Neteyam shrugged. “And your mom is African.” Ao’nung hummed like he was placing pieces together. “Yes, she’s Northern Kenyan.” Neteyam sighed, cracking his neck. “And the white ginger and white blonde boy, who are they?” Ao’nung surveyed.
“The ginger is Kiri and the blonde and Spider. They’re my siblings.” Neteyam explained, his tone beginning to get defensive. But Ao’nung didn’t add any more to the conversation he just nodded and stared. Thankfully a distraction came when Neteyam’s phone buzzed.
Weirdos (plus Neteyam)
Kiri: Reya invited us to eat at her lunch table. She said it will just be her and Rotxo.
Lo’ak: I’ll be there :)
Spider: SIMP
Lo’ak: Shut up monkey boy
The rest of Neteyam’s periods passed with no more problems, so he happily made his way to the lunchroom. It was easy to spot his siblings at the round table, their little group stuck out.
“Hey.” Neteyam greeted as he sat down beside Kiri. “Hey, Nete.” Kiri hummed as she took a bite out of her carrot. Tsireya and Lo’ak seemed perfectly content with whatever conversation they were in, so Neteyam left them be. “Where’s Rotxo?” Neteyam questioned his sister.
“He said he has something he had to take care of, but that he’ll be back soon.” Kiri answered. “Ah okay.” Neteyam nodded, taking out his own lunch now. “Apparently, he’s co-captain of the swim team and Ao’nung is the captain. He said Ao’nung wants you to join their team.” Kiri explained, still crunching on her carrots.
“When pigs fly.” Neteyam huffed as he opened his tupperware of leftover Sukuma Wiki from last night’s dinner. “What did he do something already?” Kiri questioned, raising a brow. “No, he just..I don’t like the way he stares at me or the way his face scrunched when I told him that you and Spider are my siblings.” Neteyam explained with a sigh.
“Rotxo said he’s like that at first until he warms up to you and becomes sweet.” Kiri said, taking a sip from her water bottle. “You’re really intent on listening to whatever that boy says, aren’t you?” Neteyam mused with a smile.”We have most of our periods together and he’s the only one who talks to me.” Kiri mumbled. Neteyam frowned as placed an arm on Kiri’s shoulders to side hug her.
“I’m sure you’ll make more friends, Kiri Kat, it’s only the first day.” Neteyam said. Kiri just sighed. “You’re a smart and kind and extravagant girl, Kiri. Anyone who doesn’t want to be your friend is missing out, alright?” Neteyam comforted and his sister nodded.
“Hey sorry for the wait!” Rotxo announced as he threw his backpack onto the table. “It’s fine, we’ve just been eating.” Kiri stated as her brother retracted his arm. “Cool.” Rotxo nodded. Then Ao’nung took a seat in between Rotxo and Neteyam making the tension rise.
“You swim, Braids?” Ao’nung mused. “Yes, but I have no interest in joining the swim team. I’m going to sign up for track.” Neteyam explained quickly. Ao’nung’s smile dropped and he rolled his eyes before turning his attention somewhere else. “You swim, Brightskin?” He asked directing his question to Lo’ak.
“I do..” Lo’ak nodded suspiciously eyeing the other. “Then you should join my swim team. Tryouts are at six, show up if you have the balls.” Ao’nung said, getting up and walking away before anyone could protest.
“I don’t think you should go, Lo’ak.” Neteyam frowned, turning to his brother. “I probably won’t, I think I’m going to play soccer.” Lo’ak shrugged, turning back to continue talking to Tsireya, who seemed very apologetic for her brother’s actions.
Lunch when fine after that, so life went on.
Then more chaos ensued.