2 Steven Learns How to Socialize

"Okay class, now that the attendance is done, let's play a game." Ms. Happi happily proclaimed. "Why don't you all try to get to learn each other a bit better? I promise it'll be fun."

A guy raised his hand.

"Yes, um...?" Ms. Happi quickly glanced down at her attendance book. "Oh, Charles."

"Do you do this every year?" Charles asked before wrinkling his brows. "And did you just forget my name?"

"Not every year," She said nervously laughing, "but it's not every year you get to be a homeroom teacher. That's how you create the best bonds with your students. And I fully expect by the end of the year, all of us will be great friends." Her eyes shined with a million stars and dreams.

"B-But..." Charles interjected.

"No buts, Charles. Anyways, I want you all to try to learn more about each other. Treat this as a free period. Perhaps, you guys will even make some friends." Ms. Happi squealed. "I'll be on the sidelines in case anyone wants to talk to me. Please... talk to me. I get so lonely" She wept, pulling out a handkerchief and started blowing her nose.

Steven raised his hand.

"Is this mandatory?" Steven asked.

"Well, I mean you could sleep if you want to." Ms. Happi mused with her hand on her chin.

"Really?" he asked brightly.

"Of course! You COULD sleep in my class, but since everyone needs friends in life and social skills are important, I would rather you not. Oh, and I'll count this activity as part of your participation grade. If you truly want to sleep, it's not like I would be able to stop you." Ms. Happi smiled deviously... er... happily.

Steven gave up the prospect of sleeping for the period.

"Yada yada yada. And on your mark... get set... go!" Ms. Happi shouted. "Come on, stand up! Vamonos!"

Everyone stood up. Some of them started talking to their friends.

"Uh..." Steven stood up, looking around the room. 'I guess I'll just stand here. That'll work. Totally. That's how people socialize, right?'

A few minutes later...

'Someone talk to me, please?' He sighed and looked around. Two boys nearby were talking.

"Hey," he shouted to them.

"Hey. You're Steven, right?" One of the guys asked.

"Uh..." Steven replied.

"I'm Lucus, and this is Snakey Boy."

"My name's not Snakey Boy! It's S-Sinclair, damn it!", He groaned. "I told you not to introduce me to new people like that."

"Why not? Snakey's a cool name."

"Blonde people." scoffed Sinclair.

"Hey, what's that supposed to mean?" Lucus pouted.

"Nothing," He innocently replied, but he couldn't hide the venomous smirk that was slowly revealed on his face.

Lucus laughed and said, "Awwww."

"I'll stop if you stop introducing me to other people as Snakey." He muttered.

"Mmm... okay."

"Sinclair." The green haired boy greeted Steven. "This doofus is my friend."

"Oh okay."

"Hey, new school, new people. But because our parents knew each other, we've known each other since kindergarten. And that's how we became good fr- well actually, sometimes he makes me doubt if we're really friends." He glared at Lukas.

Lukas shrugged.

"Hey, I guess it's cool." Sinclair looked back at Steven, and explained, "At least I know someone here."

"That's cool, I'm gonna try to talk to some other people. Nice meeting you guys."

"Nice meeting ya too," Lucus said.

"Bye," Sinclair said.

In the corner of his eye, he saw Ms. Happi giving him a smile, and a thumbs up. Steven looked at her. Stared. And then gave her the 'you're definitely not gonna be my favorite teacher,' look. It was super effective. Ms. Happi fainted.

'I guess I can socialize if I try. Still, people are scary.' He looked around and saw someone walking up to him.

"Hey, Steven." A guy remarked sheepishly. Yawning, he asked, "Can I ask you something?"

"No," Steven answered. He turned around and walked into the wall.

"Ouch." Steven flinched, wiping his forehead.

"Are you okay?" The guy asked, a tad bit worried.

"No," Steven answered. "I cannot answer any questions right now. I currently have a headache from bumping into the wall."

"Okay, nevermind." the guy said.