twenty

rotxo

Waking up with a smile on his face was not an unusual thing for Rotxo. He always seeked the positive in every situation, and that was something he hoped would never change. He loved the feeling of waking up from a good nights rest, especially on fridays. He's lived with his Nonna the past three years since his parents passed. He never feels the need tell anyone about the loss of his parents unless they ask. He just doesn't want to bring up times he knows he will never forget.

This particular morning Rotxo was in a very chippy mood. Last night him and Kiri spent four hours on facetime just talking about any and everything. She had expressed to him that she was having a hard day and just really needed someone to talk to. Rotxo greatly accepted this offer, and the conversations just varied around many differentiating categories. He found himself to become very fond of the girl and get flustered by her words very easily. She had a habit of complimenting his eyes a lot, which Rotxo absolutely adored. He'd always thought his eyes were his worst feature, besides his height, but not anymore. Eventually Rotxo hung up the phone at around 11pm when the girl could be heard softly snoring on the other end of the call.

So this morning, he was in a very good mood. He started off his day taking his meds, brushing his teeth, doing his hair, then getting dressed. Then he would spend about ten minutes posing in the mirror, just because. After his mirror photoshoot he walks to the kitchen to make breakfast for him and his Nonna. They lived in a one story house to make it easier for his Nonna to get around. He makes her apple cinnamon oatmeal, her absolute favorite, and himself a bowl of lucky charms, his absolute favorite. He set her bowl in the microwave and his on the table. Rotxo had a very bad sweet tooth almost all the time, and his Nonna has lectured him on it too many times for him to count.

After finishing his breakfast, Rotxo made his way back to his room to feed his lizard, Elvis. His Nonna had gotten Elvis for him a few weeks after his parents passing. She thought he would be a good emotional support animal for Rotxo. At first, Rotxo was unsure of the lizard and if it really was the best fit for him, but now him and Elvis are best friends.

Rotxo let the small pet linger on his shoulder while he finished up some homework he never got to the night before. He chewed the back of his pencil in concentration as the math homework laying in front of him remained blank. He eventually gave up and decided to finish getting ready for school. He set Elvis back in his enclosure and went to his Nonna's room the get her up. Before waking her though, he set out her medication on her bathroom sink, along with a room temperature water bottle. His Nonna has been doing really well health wise, besides her small episodes of forgetfulness, but the doctors just said it comes with old age. Deep down, Rotxo always feared that one day, when he woke her up, she would forget him too.

Rotxo gently shook his Nonna's shoulder with a firm grip. "Nonna. Nonna it's time to wake up," he made sure to keep his voice at a whisper in order to not startle her. Nonna rubbed her eyes and slowly blinked them open. "Rotxo, my sweet boy. How are you doing this morning bug?" Rotxo helped Nonna sit up as she let out a small yawn. "I'm doing really good thank you for asking! How did you sleep Nonna?" "I slept well, very well thank you," Rotxo gave her a smile and nod in response. "I have to go to school really soon, but I want to make sure you take your meds and eat breakfast first," Nonna hummed as Rotxo helped her stand from the bed. She walked over to her bathroom, cupped the pills in her hand, and downed them all in one gulped followed by a sip of water. "Good job Nonna!" Rotxo exclaimed clapping his hands. He always wanted her to know how proud he was of her, even for the little things. Especially after everything shes done for him, he feels like he owes her.

They made their way to the kitchen where Nonna's bowl of oatmeal rested in the microwave. She took a seat at the table while Rotxo carefully set the bowl in front of her. She said grace before digging in. Rotxo loved seeing his Nonna so happy of such little things. "This is delicious RoRo, thank you!" She smiled as she swallowed down the thick oats. "Of course Nonna. I have to go to school now, but i'll see you after okay?" Nonna nodded as she continued eating her oatmeal. Rotxo grabbed his backpack and gave her a quick kiss on the forehead before heading out for his car.

When he pulled up to the school, Rotxo parked his car and got out to meet his friends in their usual morning spot. The first people he saw were Ao'nung and Tsireya. "Hey guys!" he waved rapidly as he skipped his way to approaching them. "Sup bro," Ao'nung dapped him up as Tsireya gave him a wave. "Hows Nonna?" Tsireya asked, hoping to fire up a conversation. "She's been really good actually," the girl nodded as she fixed up Rotxo shirt that was uncomfortably tucked in his jeans. "Great! I love Nonna she's the best,"

While mid-conversation with Ao'nung, Rotxo feels a tap on his shoulder. He turns around to see Kiri, arms wide open inviting him in for a hug. Rotxo greatly accepts as he wraps his arms around her waist, and she wraps hers around his neck. "Hey mama!" "Good morning Rotxo," Kiri manages a smile. "Your hair looks pretty today," Rotxo's eyes widen at the compliment, when he quickly composes himself. He clears his throat a little before scratching the back of his head, embarrassed by his sudden awkwardness. "Yeah I used a new product this morning,"  Kiri laughs before interlocking arms with the shorter boy. "Come with me. I have to go to the library to get a loner chrome book since Lo'ak spilled orange juice on mine this morning," Kiri shot a quick disapproving glance at her younger brother before she began walking in the direction of the school's library. Rotxo got slightly dragged but soon began walking at the same pace.

"So what do you like to do?" Kiri started up the conversation. "Huh?" "I mean, I was going through my own shit last night so we only talked about me. Now it's your turn. What do you like to do?" Rotxo hesitated for a moment not sure how to respond. He knew what he liked, he was just shocked that a girl was asking him about it. "Oh well, I like basketball. But I only play for fun since people might think I'm too short for a real team," Rotxo's voice got quieter as he spoke, pure embarrassment developing in his chest. He hated telling people how much his height affected the things he did. Especially Kiri. "Fuck them. If you wanna play, you should play. I mean Lo'ak is really good at basketball, maybe he can help you," Rotxo's eyes lit up at the mention of Lo'ak's name. Rotxo is definitely Lo'ak's biggest fan. "Really? He would do that?" "Absolutely. He loves you," Kiri laughed at Rotxo's expression. His excitement over such a little thing was appalling.

Soon, the pair arrived at the school's library. Rotxo held the door for Kiri before entering in himself. Kiri walked up to the librarian and informed her of her current computer troubles. Rotxo stood off to the side rocking back and forth while looking around awkwardly. He didn't want to stare. "Okay, we can go now," Kiri rested a hand on the boy's shoulder before walking in the direction of the library door. Just as she was about to push it open Rotxo stood in front of her. "What are you doing? That's my job," He quickly opened the door, stepping aside to let Kiri through. Rotxo stepped out after her and gave her a huge grin. Kiri rolled her eyes playfully before interlocking pinkies with him, both walking to class.

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