The Syndrome Playlist

Two stories filled to the brim with books. A large circular area with computers and tables, the one in the middle supporting a bust of a horse’s head. A glass dome letting sunlight in. Students mingling quietly, creating a pleasing hum of noise that probably won’t distract me from my homework. I have the Internet for that. God, this is a gorgeous library. Seriously, what the f is this doing in a high school?

I have no idea what I’m doing in here. I mean, I know I have study hall, but what the hell does that mean? I had one school where if you were in study hall, you went around campus picking up trash. I never studied and was never once in a hall. What the hell is that about?

Rarity doesn’t seem to know what to do either, scanning the room. That’s a bit of a comfort. If she’ll let me, I’ll just tag along with her. Sounds like a better time than just kicking the can alone.

“Rarity!”

Wow, that was not an indoor volume. Rarity and I look over to see a girl who is currently mouthing apologies to the miffed tenants of the library. Rarity perks up and makes her way through the tables towards a new face. I follow after her, figuring the worst they can do is tell me to sit somewhere else. Wait, that actually sounds like the worst they can do, second only to spit roasting me. Wikipedia definition, not Urban Dictionary.

“Rarity! I’m so glad to see you in here. I was about to lose my mind with boredom!”

The two hug while I get a better look at mystery girl. Not in a creepy way. At least, I don’t think in a creepy way.

Rarity’s friend is tall and tan. She’s wearing a kickass black leather jacket (granted, I think all black leather jackets are kickass). Her hair literally looks like it’s on fire. Orange and red stripes seem to not just curl, but zigzag their way down to her shoulders. Mystery girl turns towards me with smiling teal eyes.

“And who is this?” she asks.

Rarity looks at me and back at mystery girl. “Oh, where are my manners? Sunset Shimmer, this is Alex. He is new to Canterlot this year.”

Sunset Shimmer. Alright, I dig it. I extend my hand. “Hey, how are ya?”

She takes it and we shake. “Welcome to Canterlot, Alex! Did you transfer from Crystal Prep?”

“Mm-mm, no. I just moved into town.”

“Oh! We don’t get many kids new to town. Where did you move from?”

“Southern California.”

All I get is a blank stare.

“Los Angeles ringing a bell?” I ask, trying to get some kind of response. Even an “Oh cool” would suffice.

Nada.

Rarity leans over and whispers something in Sunset’s ear. She nods emphatically before directing at me the comment, “Oh, where they do movies and stuff! Cool!” before grinning sheepishly.

Rarity looks back at me and simply states, “Sunset Shimmer is not from around here.”

Uh, okay. That’s kinda vague. And odd. Hollywood also tends to be pretty world-renowned.

I shrug it off. “That’s alright. I can relate to being in a new place.”

Sunset breathes what seems like a sigh of relief. Rarity smiles and nods before pulling out a notebook that seems to be filled with loose leaf and a pencil.

“Don’t mind me! You two get to know each other. I’m just going to start on my new design for Alex.”

Oh, goddammit. “Rarity, seriously, no suit.”

She waves a hand at me, completely ignoring my request. Well, at this point more of a demand from me. Sunset giggles as I let out an exasperated grunt.

“She does that sometimes,” she laughs. “I have like three dresses from this semester alone.”

“Well, do you wear them to school?”

“Not really, no. Only for school dances and stuff like that.”

I turn to Rarity and put my arms up and out. “See! No formal wear at school!”

Rarity promptly ignores me, still sketching away.

I turn back to Sunset, who is struggling to hold back laughter. “You think this is pretty funny, don’t you?” I ask, keeping a straight face.

“I think so.”

We both burst into a snicker fest. Sunset is trying to keep it together. “Sh, Alex, people are studying.”

“Screw them, we’re having a good time. And it’s the first day anyways. What sicko teacher assigns homework on the first day?”

“All of my teachers. Didn’t any of yours?”

“Well, yeah, but it’s not like I’m actually going to do it.”

We have another moment as we laugh between ourselves. Rarity, gotta give her credit, is completely enthralled by her work, pencil flying and not giving a second glance to us.

As the laughter dies down, Sunset reaches into her backpack and pulls out what has to be the nicest looking journal I’ve ever seen. Bound in fine leather, two strips of gold metal on the, what is that, the spine? And with a burning sun emblem set in the center, God it’s gorgeous!

“Holy shiz, Sunset, that thing is beeeeautiful! Where on Earth did you get it?”

Sunset jumps a bit, startled by something. “Uh, heh, you wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”

“Well, at least tell me you don’t use it for algebra notes, cause that would be a waste of a freaking b-e-a-uuutiful notebook.”

“I don’t, I use it more as a, uh, I guess you could call it a journal. Why do you keep saying beautiful weird?”

I take a small breath. “It’s something I picked up from my dad, I guess. Always saying stuff oddly.”

Sunset smiles at that. There’s a moment of silence that’s hopefully comfortable for at least her. The sounds of the library bring me back down, though I wasn’t very close to the edge anyway. Pages turning, clack of the keyboards. It’s all very peaceful. I think I found my new favorite place on campus, for now.

I notice Sunset open her journal and start writing in it. So it’s me and two girls entranced by their penmanship. Great. I bet my brother would absolutely love this.

I scoot my chair back and stand up. “Hey,” I whisper. “Watch my stuff for me, will ya? I’ll be right back.”

Sunset looks up at me with a smile that is starting to grow on me and nods. I give her two thumbs off and wander off.

Plugging in my headphones, I go off to find something to read. I mean, Doctor Whooves gave me a reading assignment, but physics is not what I would call reading for pleasure.

I hit play. He gives me some sick dance beats. Who is this, Avicii? Perfect library playlist right there. I weave through the shelves, not looking for anything in particular, just something to pass the time other than sleep. Maybe they have some Stephen King. That guy’s just a bucket of laughs, which is just my style.

My mind wanders back to Sunset. She was cute. And she laughed at my jokes. I mean, most of the people here seem to enjoy my humor, which is more than I deserve, but she…

I give myself a little slap in the face. Better than carrying a spray bottle of water around. Alex, no. Get a solid circle of friends before you try and ultimately fail at trying to start a romantic relationship. Last time was a motherfu…

Oh sweet! Ready Player One! I’ve been looking for that one!