Part 2:

“Joseph?” 

“Yeah?”

“You’ve been really quiet this whole walk back. Is something going on? Is it that darn meteor again?” Sam suddenly asks.

“Hmm, perhaps.” I reply vaguely.

Though, Sam doesn’t take my answer lightly.

“Joseph, listen. You have got my full support on the whole meteor research thing, but, you can’t just let this idea take over your whole life, dude. What if Geek is right and this whole thing just goes nowhere? What will you do then?”

“So you’re taking Geek’s side too, Sam?”

“That- That’s not what I’m saying! It’s just that it’s not too late to change your topic, you know! If you get an F from Ms. Bregum because of this decision of yours, it’s because you aren’t listening to us!”

“And if I get an F from Ms. Bregum, it’s not going to affect you, is it?” I say.

“Joseph…”

“If my research comes crashing down, then it’s my problem, Sam. You have nothing to worry about.”

“Damnit… I tend to forget how tenacious you are, Joseph…” He says.

Tenacious… Tenacity… it’s the one word Sam always describes me with. It’s not my snarkiness or cynicality that strikes him, it’s my will to keep going despite all odds. This is why he remained my friend for so many years, he must’ve really hated it once he found out about it. 

“Still, you can’t keep playing Lone Wolf all the time!” He says again.

“I’m not playing Lone Wolf, Sam. It’s overrated and boring, and besides, I’ll call you if I need anything.”

Before I can get a step away from him, he grabs my shoulder and turns me around.

“In that case, I might as well give you a suggestion.” He says. 

“Oh yeah? What is it?”

“Since one of the meteors was reported off the coast of Long Island, haven’t you tried going there to observe anything yourself. It definitely beats articles and news outlets to me. And plus, it’s not far from here, a short taxi ride from Brooklyn to there wouldn’t be a hassle, I’m sure.”

His suggestion which I anticipated to be something mindless or already done appeared to be not half bad and unattempted. It’s around an hour long ride away from here, but I could cut the taxi fee in half if I walk the rest of the way… yeah… that might work. 

The only thing I need to sort out is what time I’d be willing to set out upon. I mean- we are at the edge of New York after all so I guess it wouldn’t matter what time I’ll be going out. It is the City That Never Sleeps at the end of the day.

“Well…? How is it?” Sam asks as I am standing there idle, thinking about the idea.

“It’s not half bad, I have to admit. I’ll have to think about it, thanks Sam.” 

“Yeah, sure. I’ll have to head off now. In the meantime, try not to get too obsessed with the idea, alright? See ya!”

“A bit late for that…” I mutter.

Sam and I begin to part ways as he crosses the intersection whilst I continue my way on the sidewalk. 

Now I’m all alone. A bit of time to myself is never bad of course but it only allows me to dig myself deeper inside my mind again. It’s not only the meteors that I’m curious about now but it’s those V-Units too. I’m going to have to research more about them. 

I open the gate door towards my apartment block and make my way towards my building. The apartment blocks here are rather small and definitely old, the oldest block here is filled with wear and tear from the interior and exterior, and though I’ve never been in it myself, I bet the elevator there doesn’t work either. That whole building must look like a murder scene to outsiders, although I can’t really say much since I live in the second oldest block around the area. Oh well, at least we’re somewhat well-maintained.

I enter my block and take no notice of the elevator as I only ever use the stairs, I only live on the seventh floor after all so it isn’t a bother to me anyway. Now done with the flight of stairs, I whip out my keys and slowly approach the door of my apartment, hoping the door doesn’t open itself again today… Damn doors… 

I fit the key inside the lock and open the door, happy that it didn’t open towards my face again… despite the door opening inwards…

Alas, I am now back inside my humble abode, away from all the loudmouths and craziness from the outside. Finally, I can continue my work in peace. From the entrance, I stand within the hallway that leads to the multiple rooms in the apartment: To the left is the bathroom, the right sitting room and at the end of the hallway is the kitchen which then diverts to both my Mom’s room and mine.

Speaking of my mom, she comes through the kitchen to welcome me home. She’s in her usual pink apron and mittens cooking up something as usual.

“Oh! Welcome home, Honey! You’re earlier than usual.” She says.

“Earlier? Gee… I wasn’t aware that I speedwalked my way back home. Was I that eager?” 

“Hmm…? Maybe you’re eager for your mom’s cooking!” 

“Yeah, maybe that.”

I try to keep my snark and sarcasm away from mom most of the time. After all, she doesn’t deserve it. I may be bold but I’m not an ass.

“So? How was school today?” she asks as I plop my duffle bag down onto the couch in the sitting room.

“Well… As good as can be expected, I suppose.” I reply.

“Oh come on, Honey! Stop being so vague with your mom! At least fill me in with that Science thing you’ve wrapped your head around all week.”

“About that- I- kind of… umm…”

“Is something burning?” Mom suddenly cuts me off.

“What?”

Mom flips a 180 and catches sight of the cooking pot cloaking itself under a black smoke. As usual, Mom begins to panic.

“AHH! Honey, get inside your room, it’s too dangerous!” she blurts out.

“Relax, Mom. I can help out if you-”

“No! Go!”

I sigh, “Overprotective as always.”