Chapter 4: Music Man

 The first week of school was a blur of new faces, confusing schedules, and a constant, low-level anxiety that buzzed in Alex's ears like a persistent mosquito. Everywhere he looked, it seemed, there was Jayden. Leaning against lockers between classes, laughing with his friends in the cafeteria, his golden-blond hair catching the sunlight as he walked across the courtyard.

Jayden and Alex 

Alex tried to avoid him, ducking into empty classrooms, taking roundabout routes to his locker, his heart pounding every time he caught a glimpse of that familiar figure. He couldn't shake the memory of that summer afternoon, the warmth of the sun on his skin, the scent of chlorine from the pool, the sudden rush of... No. He couldn't think about it. Not here, not now.

"Dude, you okay? You look like you've seen a ghost." Finn's voice startled Alex from his thoughts. He was sitting in the back of the library, supposedly working on a history assignment, but his mind was a million miles away.

"Yeah, I'm good," Alex mumbled, trying to appear nonchalant. He shoved his earbuds in, cranking up the volume on his phone, hoping to drown out the world, the memories, the incessant thrumming of his anxiety.

"Hey, I'm putting together a team for the Fall Skate Showdown. You in?" Finn asked, leaning closer, oblivious to Alex's obvious distress.

"Skate Showdown?" Alex frowned, trying to focus.

"Yeah, man, it's gonna be epic! Best tricks, biggest air, mad respect for the winner. You and me, we could totally dominate." Finn's enthusiasm was infectious, but Alex wasn't in the mood for competition. Not today.

"Maybe another time, Finn," he said, turning back to his textbook, hoping Finn would take the hint.

"Suit yourself, dude. But don't say I didn't warn you — this year's gonna be legendary." With a final grin, Finn sauntered off, leaving Alex to his restless thoughts.

The only place Alex truly felt at peace was in the basement of his house, surrounded by the comforting presence of instruments and the familiar scent of old vinyl. Hellen had converted the basement into a music studio, a haven for her own musical pursuits and a space where Alex could escape the world.

He picked up his guitar, his fingers finding the familiar chords of a song he'd been working on. The melody poured out of him, a mix of melancholy and hope, a language that spoke what his words couldn't express. He lost himself in the music, the anxieties fading, replaced by a sense of calm and control.

A soft knock on the door startled him. "Hey, Alex, mind if I come down?" It was June's voice, tentative but kind.

"Sure, come on in," Alex said, placing his guitar on the stand. He was surprised to see June. They hadn't talked much since school started, both caught in their own anxieties and awkward encounters.

"I, uh, heard you playing," June said, a shy smile on her face. She had a camera slung over her shoulder and a notebook tucked under her arm. "It sounded really good."

"Thanks," Alex mumbled, his cheeks flushing. He wasn't used to compliments, especially not about his music.

"You're really talented," June added, her gaze lingering on the guitar.

Alex shrugged, uncomfortable with the praise. "It's just something I do." He picked up a drumstick and tossed it to June. "Want to jam?"

June grinned, her eyes lighting up. "Sure, why not?"

June and Alex jamming together

They spent the rest of the afternoon lost in the music, the rhythm of the drums blending with the haunting melody of the guitar. For a little while, the weight of unspoken words and unresolved feelings lifted, replaced by the shared language of music, a language that spoke of connection, understanding, and a glimmer of hope.