Asher Mendez 

Dean McCoy stands on the stage in front of us, a projection screen casting his shadow over my entire junior class. "Good morning, Juniors." His greeting signals the start of what promises to be a waste of my time.

A collective "good morning" from my peers echoes through the auditorium. The monotony in their voices mirrors my not wanting to sit through this meeting. I look around at the few vacant seats throughout the auditorium and say a prayer for those students, knowing they'll get pulled out of class within the next few days.

"Thank you all for being here." When he starts going over respectful assembly behavior, I space out. I've heard this spiel enough times it's almost as bad as the most popular song the year my parents were born. 

In the seat next to me, Knox Edwards is barely paying attention."This is an hour we can't get back."

"You better not fall asleep. McCoy has eyes everywhere." I whisper, not wanting to get chewed out by a teacher. 

He checks his phone, probably waiting for his girlfriend from a different school to snap him. "To be fair, I wasn't planning on it."

"As you know, our school prides itself on our community service. You all are privileged to be here. Giving back is a way to acknowledge what you have been given and use it to benefit someone else," he says, checking the audience to ensure we're paying attention. "You will participate in mandatory community service at St. Gabriel's Children's Hospital starting this afternoon."

When we realize we don't have a choice, a groan fills the room. Unfazed by the fact we clearly don't want to be here, he continues his spiel. "St. Gabriel's is one of the best children's hospitals in the state. It has a reputation for its stellar technology, but its kind-hearted medical staff attracts patients from all over." 

Thanks to my mom's job as a well respected pediatric oncologist, I'm no stranger to St. Gabriel's excellent quality of care. Every time I go, whether it's joining my mom while she helps save lives or befriending the young and optimistic patients, it's like returning home. Mary, the midwife who helped bring me into this world sixteen years ago, always revels in the young man I'm becoming. 

"Each junior will be partnered with a patient. You are required to come to the tour of the hospital after school, in addition to at least four visits with your patient on your own time."

Knox elbows me in the side. "This has Asher Mendez written all over it."

"Fuck you." I consider myself a stubborn and self-sufficient person, but it's no secret I have a huge soft spot for kids. At family functions, random people hand me their babies when they want to get drunk. Almost every time, I succeed at making the child not want to leave my presence. 

"Your parents will receive an e-mail with all of the details following the conclusion of this meeting." Dean McCoy says. "If you have extenuating circumstances that will prevent you from attending the tour, please come find me so we can discuss what you can do. Also, if you have questions, don't hesitate to ask me or one of your teachers." 

The assembly sparks the many complaints my classmates have about their mandatory community service. A few of my peers drive Hellcats, Jaguars, and Teslas every day yet they can't carve out five days of their schedule to spend time with a child whose concerns are more pressing than the price tag on their parents' car. It's a reminder of the privileged bubble we live in. 

When I walk into my English class, the complaining doesn't stop. Unfortunately Knox isn't in this class with me, but there's a good population of my teammates from basketball and baseball I usually sit with. 

"Mendez, how do you feel about McCoy's presentation?" Sawyer Long asks. Sawyer and I go way back. We met when his family moved across the street from me and the rest is history. Fast forward twelve years and we're still good friends. Our moms work together at St. G's, but he doesn't have the same connection I do to the hospital's staff. 

I shrug. "It'll be fun."

Sawyer shakes his head. "Be fucking for real. This is a waste of time. McQueef is acting like we don't have lives." His comment rubs me the wrong way. Last year, I noticed him starting to turn into an entitled brat with little regard for other people. His new demeanor rubs me the wrong way, sure, but I can't afford to endanger our relationship. 

"I think you'll be ok," is all I know I can say without putting our relationship on the line. Sawyer and I both live more than comfortably, but he chooses to let his money, the girls he sleeps with, and baseball get to his head. I don't necessarily agree with his priorities, but he sets me up with the hottest girls and is an insane catcher. 

"Talking about cancer kids is boring. Are you going to the party at that hot girl from Slaton's house?" 

Although I don't feel like answering Sawyer, I do it. "Yeah, man. Knox's girlfriend goes there. That's like, where all the hot girls are, right?"

Sawyer chuckles. "Basically. You know Katelyn the senior?" As he continues talking about the girl he's seeing, I zone out. Girls throw themselves at me, but I never feel the same way about them. Same with my mom's coworkers' daughters; I'm not particularly interested in them right now. 

Sawyer tousles his dark blonde hair. "Katelyn's fine as hell." He fumbles through his phone looking for this girl's Instagram. "I'm so proud of myself, Ash."

I know our priorities are changing, but it's not as simple as telling him to shut the fuck up. He's a brat, but he treats Katelyn like a queen and always has the most absurd stories to tell from his parties. The conversation now centers around something dumb, making me wonder how much longer I have to keep the peace.

~ 

Standing in the lobby of St. Gabriel's with my class feels like bringing everyone you care about to a place you love. The smiling nurses assist parents and people come and go, little things I'm used to seeing after years of coming with my mom. 

Allison Long, Sawyer's mother and the leader of our tour, finds us. You can tell she loves to be here, contrasting her nonchalant son. Other than distinct personalities, Sawyer and his mother share the same dark blonde hair and hazel eyes. 

She finds Sawyer and gets on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek. "Hey, baby."

"Not in front of everyone, Mom." Sawyer rolls his eyes. If he blows off his own mother, imagine how he treats the girls he sleeps with. 

I give Sawyer a stern look before turning to his maternal unit. "Hi, Mrs. Long. How's your day going?"

"Asher, what a pleasure." She ruffles my hair playfully. "Your mom is kind of busy, but I'll tell her you two are here. It's good to see you."

"You too."

"I hope you get to see her while you're here." As the teacher signals that the tour is about to begin, Allison is pulled away from me to handle her responsibilities. After hearing insightful facts about the hospital and it's crucial role in patient care, we're handed hand sanitizers and encouraged to wear the face masks provided.

"No one wants to be here." Sawyer mutters as he tosses his mask into the trash. 

The tour progresses, and I find myself becoming more engrossed in the fascinating aspects of St. Gabriel's. The hospital, with its state-of-the-art facilities and dedicated staff, stands as a glimmer of hope for those battling illnesses. 

At some point, I spot my mom, Dr. Catherine Mendez, in her element—busy, focused, and compassionate. A wave of warmth washes over me as I watch her interact with patients and fellow medical professionals. I steal a moment to exchange a knowing smile with her from across the room, acknowledging the unspoken connection between us in this familiar environment.

Sawyer, on the other hand, remains uninterested, his indifference palpable. The contrast between our reactions emphasizes the different perspectives we bring to this experience. Despite Sawyer's lack of enthusiasm, I can't help but appreciate the significance of being at St. Gabriel's, a place that has been a core part of my life and in a weird way, made me who I am. 

"Do you have any questions so far?" Allison inquires. A few people have varying questions about the ages of the children and cases that have impacted her, all she happily answers. 

We're on the cancer floor as Allison explains the technology and treatments available. In addition to the obvious facilities needed, there's an arcade and other activities for patients. I don't remember exactly where these rooms are, but they're good places for patients to get a break. 

I'm chatting with Knox about his reflections so far. Knox is much better to be around than Sawyer, although he can be a doormat from time to time. He's telling me that he's actually looking forward to this service project when I run right into someone. 

"Shit, I'm so sorry." I apologize. 

A female voice answers, "It's not your fault." The girl stares at me, her cheeks pink with embarrassment. 

Even after the end of the encounter, I can't get her beautiful face out of my head. Her eyes are somewhere between grey and blue and her eyelashes are unbelievably long and thick. Several times Knox and Sawyer tried and failed to get a response out of me.

At the end of the tour, we end up gathering in the lobby. The unfamiliar girl and her family sit in the lobby. Her parents are discussing something while she hangs out with a boy about five years younger than her, but significantly taller than her.

Pretty is the understatement of the century. She's effortlessly gorgeous and anyone who believes otherwise needs professional help. She has straight black hair that reaches the middle of her back. If I had to guess she's only 5'3, but her curves in the right places make up for her height. She looks comfortable in a fitted black t-shirt that highlights her large boobs and her sweatpants hug her thick lower half.

Knox notices my staring at her. "Ash, who is that?"

"That's a good question." I say. 

Sawyer overhears and adds his unnecessary thoughts. "That's Katelyn's friend, Mendez. She's kinda chubby, but she's hot."

As much as I don't like Sawyer right now, curiosity gets the better of me. "What's her name?"

"Don't ask me, but she's always in Katelyn's posts." He replies.

"No one asked you." Knox hisses. To me, he suggests: "You should go talk to her, Ash. What if you never see her again?"

Sawyer grabs my arm without a warning and we approach the mysterious girl. "Knox, stay here. Me and Mendez are taking care of business."

Before I can get a word out, Sawyer starts the conversation. "What's up?"

"Hey..." She's understandably very confused. 

"How's your day going, beautiful?" I roll my eyes at his pathetic attempts to seduce a girl he just met. "I'm a pen, you're a highlighter. I write the future, you make it brighter." 

To my surprise, Sawyer's attempt at a pick up line makes her smile. She has this genuine smile that reaches her eyes and that adds to her beauty. 

"Do I know you?" She asks Sawyer, tucking a lock of her black hair behind her ear. 

Sawyer feigns offense. "How dare you. I'm talking to your friend Katelyn. Does she talk about how much she loves me a lot?"

She raises her eyebrows like she just had an epiphany. "Wait, you're Sawyer?"

"Yes ma'am."

"It's nice to meet you. I'm Valentina." Finally, she has a name.

"I'm Asher." I take my opportunity to talk to her. "Sorry about earlier, Valentina."

Valentina smiles at me. "Don't even worry about it. It happens."

"Tell Katelyn to FaceTime me." Sawyer chimes in, leaving Valentina and I alone. That's when I start noticing things I didn't before. A few light freckles decorate her nose and cheeks. Her lips are full and pouty and look well moisturized.

"What brings you to St. Gabriel's?" I ask.

She starts fidgeting with her gold necklace. "My brother just got diagnosed with cancer and we're figuring out where to do his treatment. We all agree this is the right place."

Hearing that made my heart break for her. "I'm sorry to hear that."

"Thanks." She nods, letting go of her necklace.

I offer her a smile. "Of course." 

Sawyer returns, this time bringing Knox with him. "Mendez, we have to leave. Say bye to your new friend," he urges, impatience evident in his tone.

"It was nice talking to you, Valentina," I say, offering a friendly smile.

"You too. Safe travels."

"Thank you. I hope I see you around."

Knox extends a hand. "Hey, I'm Knox."

Sawyer shakes his head, displaying his irritation. "Edwards, awful timing," he mutters, clearly wanting to make a swift exit.

"Knox? Like Layla Kumar's boyfriend?" Valentina asks, directing her attention to Knox.

"You know Layla?"

"Yeah. We're pretty good friends."

Sawyer folds his arms, uninterested in participating in the conversation. "Yay, we're all making friends. We're about to get left behind. Let's go."

"I'll see you around," I assure Valentina before turning to catch up with my friends, leaving the hope I'll see her again.

On the bus ride back to Mountain View Academy, Sawyer doesn't stop talking to me about Valentina even after I repeatedly shut him down. Sawyer Long isn't the type of person to take no for an answer, so he's pretty persistent. 

"She's so hot. Did you get her snap?" Sawyer asks.

I shake my head. "I didn't think about it."

"No worries. I'll just ask Katelyn." As infuriating as Sawyer is, I have to admit that if it wasn't for him, I wouldn't have had the chance to meet Valentina. I like to think life works in mysterious ways, even when it involves inconvenient and pushy friends. 

A smile plays on my lips as I think about Valentina. My friends share a look when they notice the smile on my face. 

I guess there's no reason to ditch Sawyer just yet.

~

what do you think about asher and his friends? i enjoyed writing sawyer and i believe we'll see a lot of him in this book