And the Stars up Above - Chapter 8

April 8th, 1986
Billie Joe

Billie Joe was sitting by his and Mike’s usual table, alone. Mike wasn’t there yet, and Billie was starting to get worried; where was he? The teacher had started to check who was there and who wasn’t, and he was almost were Mike’s name was. Billie was fidgeting and couldn’t get his eyes of the door.
“Mr. Pritchard?” the teacher asked, and Billie’s heart missed a beat.
“Mr. Pritchard?” the teacher said again, this time a bit louder.
“Mr. Armstrong, where’s Pritchard?” the teacher asked Billie Joe.
“He’s not here.” Billie Joe said, not taking his eyes of the door.
“Yes, well I can see that. But where is he then?” The teacher seemed to be taking for granted that Billie Joe always knew exactly where Mike were; this annoyed Billie. Not that he blamed him though; most people did take this for granted.
“You know, I don’t know sir, I’m sorry.” Billie Joe said, forgetting to be impolite. Being rude wouldn’t be as much fun without Mike anyways. The teacher muttered something and continued calling out names. Billie Joe felt his heart sink. Mike wasn’t going to come.

During that class Billie didn’t do anything but scribbling down various lines of things that could become songs, if he wanted them to. He didn’t want them to. He didn’t want to write songs if Mike wasn’t there to read them. Afterwards he slowly walked towards the school canteen, wondering whether or not to go there. When he finally got there he stood outside, staring at the doors, trying to figure out what to do. All the sudden somebody pushed him.
“Get out of the way moron!” a guy Billie didn’t know said and walked past him. Billie then realised that he was standing right in front of the doors, blocking the way for others. He quickly made his way into the canteen. He got his food which looked grosser than ever and walked around the entire room, scanning it. He did not see anybody that could possibly be Mike. He knew that Mike wasn’t there but he walked another lap around the room anyway; still no Mike. He sat down by their usual table, slamming down his plate. Not much food was left on the plate after that but Billie didn’t give a damn.
Billie Joe ate his lunch alone.