So I'm John Lawrence's son

West Valley High School was abuzz during lunchtime. The cafeteria was filled with students chatting, laughing, and sharing stories. At a table in the corner, Eli and Demetri sat, discussing a new game they had discovered. Demetri, who had recently stopped wearing glasses, seemed more confident, but still maintained his sarcastic and ironic manner.

"Man, you have to check out this game," Eli said excitedly. "It's like an RPG, but with amazing graphics."

"Okay, okay," Demetri replied, rolling his eyes. "But if it's boring, you owe me lunch."

It was at that moment that Miguel Diaz approached the table, holding a tray of food. He seemed a little nervous, but decided to join the two.

— Can I sit here? — Miguel asked, with a shy smile.

Eli and Demetri looked at each other and then at Miguel.

"Sure, man," Eli said, gesturing to the empty chair. "Have a seat."

Miguel sat down and began to eat, while Eli and Demetri continued their conversation. He didn't say much, but he seemed happy to have found a place to fit in.

— So, you're new here? — Demetri asked, looking at Miguel.

"More or less," Miguel replied with a half smile. "I moved in a few weeks ago, but I'm still getting used to it."

"Welcome to the club," Eli said, laughing. "We're the nerd kings here. If you need help with anything, just ask."

Miguel smiled, feeling more at ease. He didn't know it yet, but that table in the corner of the cafeteria would be the beginning of a great friendship.

Meanwhile, on the school terrace, Jack and Tory were sitting on the ground, leaning against the wall. The gentle wind ruffled Tory's hair, and the sun shone on Jack's face. They were talking, as they always did, but this time the conversation was deeper.

"So, how's your mom?" Jack asked, looking at Tory.

She hesitated for a moment, as if considering how much to share. Tory wasn't the type to open up easily, but Jack was different. He had a way of making her feel safe.

"She's… better," Tory finally replied with a sigh. "But it's still hard, you know? Taking care of her and my little brother, trying to keep everything together… sometimes I feel like I'm sinking."

Jack nodded, understanding perfectly. He knew what it was like to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders.

"I understand," he said softly. "But you're strong, Tory. Stronger than most people I know."

She looked at him, with a half smile.

"You only say that because you don't know many people," she joked, trying to lighten the mood.

Jack laughed, but his gaze was serious.

"I know you well enough to know you're different," he said, his tone sincere.

Tory was silent for a moment, feeling a pang of gratitude. She wasn't used to receiving praise, especially from someone like Jack.

"And you?" she finally asked, changing the subject. "You haven't told me much about your life yet. I don't think it's fair for me to be the only one talking about myself."

Jack hesitated, staring off into the distance. He wasn't the type to share his secrets easily, but Tory was different. She had opened up to him, and he felt he had to reciprocate.

"My life isn't that interesting," he began with a half-smile. "I grew up on the streets, learned to fend for myself. My mother… well, she wasn't around. And my father…" He paused, as if considering how much he should share.

"Your father?" Tory asked, looking curious.

Jack took a deep breath, feeling the weight of that revelation.

"I don't know much about him," he admitted. "But I recently found out he might be around. And that… that scares me a little."

Tory looked at him, with a mixture of surprise and understanding.

"Why does that scare you?" she asked, her tone soft.

— Because I don't know what to expect — Jack replied, with a sigh. — What if he doesn't want to meet me? What if he's a disappointment? I don't know if I'm ready for that.

Tory was silent for a moment, considering Jack's words. Then she placed her hand on his shoulder in a gesture of support.

"You're stronger than you think, Jack," she said, her tone firm. "And no matter what happens, you'll always have yourself. And… you have friends. Like me."

Jack looked at her, feeling a pang of gratitude. He wasn't used to having someone he could trust, but Tory was becoming more and more important to him.

"Thank you, Tory," he said with a half smile. "That means a lot to me."

She smiled, feeling an even stronger connection with him. They were silent for a moment, just enjoying each other's company.

"So," Tory finally said, her tone playful, "when are you going to tell me the rest of your story?"

Jack laughed, feeling the mood lighten.

— When you tell me more about yours — he replied, with a smile.

Tory laughed, and for a moment, everything seemed perfect. They knew their lives were complicated, but in that moment, on the school rooftop, they had each other. And that was enough.