
(Sorry this is a very rough draft, Since I wanted to get this out asap, will fix and add more, maybe split into two chapters, will add art soon. Once I have the mental health to continue I will finish. )400Please respect copyright.PENANAKUVoN1vEy6
400Please respect copyright.PENANA6PVP85sfgh
Some time had passed, the days of playing games with Dace, those fun days had gone. Jith woke me up early in the morning. It was time for school. The house was bathed in the white light from the bulbs and the purple shade that the night produced. Juy and Dace woke up before me and were already busy in the bathroom washing up.
400Please respect copyright.PENANApw8DeDXbn8
"Fran, get your bag and wait on the couch until we're all ready."
400Please respect copyright.PENANAQ3hDmPWpJo
I was extremely tired but I forced myself up. Walking out the room and into the moon lit living room. I sat on the couch with the backpack on my lap. I could see out the window beside me. The moon was still high up in the sky, some cold air filled me, waking me up a little more. I let out a tired sigh, looking around the dim living room. My body hurt but I was so sleepy that I could ignore it.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAFNwLv6Cnez
I heard a jumble of steps and in a hurry Juy and Dace stepped out of the bathroom all ready to go.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAe5RDpS05Sc
"Ey, Fran lets go” Dace whispered. Juy walked quietly behind him. She went towards the door grabbing their bags and out the front door. Jith approached from her room, "We gotta go Fran lets go.”
400Please respect copyright.PENANA0xs9ZUbIis
I followed behind the other two, Jith locked the door behind me. I was cold and confused, walking down the stairs and into the dark tunnel towards the garage. We all crammed into the small two door car, Juy sat in the passenger seat and Dace and I sat in the back seat. Jith backed out of the garage, the street was lonely bathed in a purple hue.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAjjBggEl1xv
"How long till we get there Jith?" I asked.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAv5h7DdnXxc
"It depends on the road, try and get some rest ok?" She replied.
400Please respect copyright.PENANARIcaAq8kuq
We drove under the moonlight, the stars and light purple sky lit the streets as we drove. Dace and Juy fell fast asleep. The car rumbled and the radio host softly talked. I feel in and out of sleep, each time waking up to new scenery wondering when we would arrive, the city becoming more and more alive. Slowly the sky brightened up, and we kept on driving until we exited the city and arrived at another long empty road. It was similar to where I was picked up from but was not the same. Wide desert separated us from the bright city far beyond.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAhAw6zITt5z
"Are we going there?" I tiredly said to Jith.
400Please respect copyright.PENANA1FbqUKttOE
"Yea we are, try and sleep Fran, it will go by faster that way."
400Please respect copyright.PENANAcrkzERoGQx
"ok"
400Please respect copyright.PENANACacnK5HhrZ
We drove on the straight road towards that city. I couldn't sleep, so I just looked out the window, the sky was beautiful before the sun appeared and the road got smoother as we kept driving. Finally as we neared the city its clean and bright buildings came into view. I suddenly fell asleep to the humming city limit.
400Please respect copyright.PENANA0MH0qaOqk8
In my sleep It was becoming brighter around me and we came to a stop. We pulled up to a booth with a huge wall extending from the booth's sides.
Two people wearing vests and holding guns approached us. One bald, wore shades during the sunrise, the other had a full beard and hat. The lights overhead pried my eyes open and their voices boomed as we stopped.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAX0uLnlC8B0
"Documents and reason for coming here?" said the bearded guard.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAIP6nfwSpAg
Jith answered "My kids are coming for training." Jith hands them some documents. He said nothing, only examining the papers.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAG3Gv5Gn95g
"Why don't you train them on your side?"
400Please respect copyright.PENANAgDPRIUxoal
"I have permission and like the facilities over here more."
400Please respect copyright.PENANAJS1skyrCqB
The guard scoffs and clears their throat.
400Please respect copyright.PENANA3a99tedSmE
"State your name and date of birth?"
400Please respect copyright.PENANAE1zbXdNIvq
"Jith, my date of birth is 02-16-5214 Aydiz Scale.”
400Please respect copyright.PENANA2i65RMAiaX
The cop gives the documents a mean look, holding them tightly. “You got your papers fixed up, you're not from here? Where are you from?”
400Please respect copyright.PENANAuq5YHmDipU
“I was born in Eden, but I applied and was made a citizen here.”
400Please respect copyright.PENANAsOga4piuNQ
“Alright, we need to question them all.” the bearded guard turned to the other.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAc5dF5ysnxd
The bald guard finally spoke up. “HELLO! WAKE UP NOW!”, while snapping his fingers and knocking on the car's roof.
400Please respect copyright.PENANARxpomdPBwA
My eyes widened as I sat up straight in the seat, Dace jumped up half asleep and scared. Juy slowly opened their eyes.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAubl3lzKkJN
“Ok now!” said the bald guard. “Which one of you is Juy?”
400Please respect copyright.PENANAxs8rob2ZVw
“That's me.” she said.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAVwgU82oZHa
“What’s your age, DOB and do you know where you were born?”
400Please respect copyright.PENANAMY51Wo1lWf
“Im 15, i was born on 11-12-5249 and I was born in Aydiz”
400Please respect copyright.PENANA6TdkAOceVR
“And you live in Cim?”
400Please respect copyright.PENANAq03KAFpSxh
“yep.”
400Please respect copyright.PENANAhl3RXfB2pk
“Is Jith your parent guardian?”
400Please respect copyright.PENANA2uvjvzMo20
“Umm, yea?”
400Please respect copyright.PENANAj7Srbx0z78
“OK, AND WHO ELSE DO WE HAVE HERE?.. FRAN ARE YOU HERE?” The officer put his face towards the backseat uncomfortably close behind Jiths head.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAXVQuuwqj90
I was worried but tried to speak up. “yes, I'm fran here.”
400Please respect copyright.PENANAdGJEMtxL24
“WHAT WAS THAT?” The guard was looking right at me.
400Please respect copyright.PENANApGbSMEKk36
Half turning in my direction Jith calmly said “Fran speak up baby.”
400Please respect copyright.PENANARMSCSD4ehb
“YES I'm Fran sir.”
400Please respect copyright.PENANAh5nrBTLY86
“Ok there you are.” the bald guard smiled. “Your age, Dob and place of birth.”
400Please respect copyright.PENANAUkjEg7V3mg
“Me um, im 13, I was born 07-15-5251 in Aydiz.” I naturally lied to the guards, it seemed to satisfy them and I held my breath as they checked the papers.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAcdX0jTUCzA
“OK AND NOW WE HAVE DACE!”
400Please respect copyright.PENANATB0QaqO3MD
Dace was a heavy sleeper and was drifting off to sleep, the guard was inpatient.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAsbGF2AMNyb
“HELLO, DO YOU SPEAK ENGLISH? IS DACE REALLY YOUR NAME? HEYY Zole!”
400Please respect copyright.PENANAZLFPdd8bYD
Jith and Juy looked down in silence and shame. They couldn't say anything to the guard who just humiliated their kin, in fear of harsh punishment if they did. I felt very uncomfortable.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAkDejU10grL
Dace’s eyes opened and he looked sleepy to the guard. “Oh, yes Im Dace.”
400Please respect copyright.PENANAQZU9viLLvO
“Alright there we go Zole! “You speak english right?”
400Please respect copyright.PENANAKt0XPLPAkg
Dace was clearly disheartened, “Yes, sir.”
400Please respect copyright.PENANA8je2j6gIN4
“Ok then, what's your age, Dob and place of birth?”
400Please respect copyright.PENANAAufFw7bP8J
“Im 9 years old. My birthday is 03-29-5255, I was born in Aydiz.”
400Please respect copyright.PENANAdk2ID9k05R
"Ok very well." The bearded man returned Jith the documents. "Head to the Right just up ahead for inspection."
400Please respect copyright.PENANASctG3AYBHc
"Ok, thank you." Jith said and we drove calmly ahead under a large machine, a sign beside it directing drivers to slowly proceed. A flash and laser sweeped the car, and once out from under it a guard made us park under a large white tent up ahead. We parked on a cold gray concrete floor, the guards made us wait outside our car to stand in a locked fence.
400Please respect copyright.PENANA1QSGr4b6vx
I can’t remember how long we were there for but the dogs and officers threw everything around the car and after an eternity we were told we could leave. I was now fully awake along with everyone else, we drove out of the inspection zone in complete silence.
400Please respect copyright.PENANANvxvRXY3Ma
We found ourselves on an empty and clean highway. The sun was shining and fully out, the wind was fresh and I felt alive again. That suffocating tent made me truly love the free air.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAi9yrZJPC5z
“Hey, what time is it?”. I asked Jith
400Please respect copyright.PENANAkncnU8o9Dp
“It's 9:32 and we're very late for your classes, we can be there in about 15 minutes.”
400Please respect copyright.PENANAQqHLX23oWQ
I felt the heat, the anxiety of sticking out, the people and places will be so different. We drove down the road, the surrendering area was covered in grass covered hills, distant military compounds and fuel stations. We drove closer and closer towards the bright distant city, its huge buildings and nearby beach awed me. We were so close to that city then. We turned at an exit and drove into the outskirts of the city, a small border town where the trolley and buses ran.
400Please respect copyright.PENANA0kKdAuCUxt
“Get your stuff ready Fran, we’re almost at your school.” I nervously held my backpack, Jith pulled up to the school's sidewalk, Juy got out so that I could leave the backseat. “Fran do your best ok, I need to drop Dace and Juy at their schools so just try to find your room.”
400Please respect copyright.PENANA09AbDmnJqo
“Ok, I will.” I paced towards the two large doors and pushed them open, the outdoor courtyard was empty, benches scattered around, and grass and concrete paths leading to different bungalows. I pulled out a piece of paper from my bag. Today is Odd Block so I only have Classes 1,3,5 today, my 1st class is room 202. I was scared but excited, it's a new beginning for me, I can change and be different from the old me.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAeusNQYC7al
I walked across the grass and over the concrete paths, directly to the 200’s buildings. I approached the door and I froze in front of the door, I looked around the courtyard and turned to open the door. Looking inside I saw students standing and getting their things. Then the bell rang, the kids made it for the door, paying little attention to me as I moved out the way.
400Please respect copyright.PENANA6aDcmTYNWD
“What?” Every single door opened and kids made their way towards their next class. It then hit me, “Ohh, of course, 3rd class is starting” I thought.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAwkUnTiZMUl
The kids swarmed around in a swirling mass, I found a wall to lean on while checking my schedule, “Ok, so 3nd class is room 422”.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAnkEZgq2ElA
I made my way through the crowd, dodging people was fun and I was there in no time. It was the language class, I found a seat and the class started. I was to take a test in every class to understand where I stood, so that's what happened for my first day. I tried my very best on the tests and stayed quiet all day. No one seemed to be too bothered by me. The class passed without incident.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAyjrRsEyjmm
400Please respect copyright.PENANAtpPwQ0kfA6
400Please respect copyright.PENANANJkWlFThTg
The final bell rang and Instruction was over. Jith was parked outside once school was done. Kids flooded the school and I funneled through the exit, I made my way out and looked for our little red car. I found them parked right outside I rushed towards them. Dace and Juy were already in the car waiting for me, “How was it Fran?” Jith asked.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAxWnSjRY5O1
“Did you get any homework… cause I know I did.” Dace said sadly. We all laughed, even Juy.
400Please respect copyright.PENANA8O2gHAibIi
“It was cool”, I said “People seem nice and I just did tests today.”
400Please respect copyright.PENANAD3UySWKAeT
“Did anyone say anything to you about being late?”
400Please respect copyright.PENANA4ZEDYORcEd
“No, nothing like that. I just walked into 2nd class like whatever.”
400Please respect copyright.PENANA5pWR9jE7Hf
“Ok cause Dace got in trouble but I talked it out with the dean.”
400Please respect copyright.PENANAeTf6qz7emb
Jith started on the long drive back home, It took a few hours but the weather was nice and the drive passed us by. Dace fell asleep and Juy quietly was listening to music, I just looked out the window wondering what tomorrow would be. The pain in my body was still there gnawing at me but my ideas of tomorrow pushed it back. To get back home, there was no guard inspection, just a straight drive home. We got home by sunset, and slept early for school. I slept soundly, until Jith woke me up.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAYhjE6W1mTZ
Again we woke up but now a little earlier than yesterday. I waited on the couch and out we walked to the car once ready. The cold air keeping me up, while my siblings slept. The peaceful drive was great for me, the guards woke everyone up again and sent us to inspection. It bothered me but I just followed Jiths lead and we continued to the school right on time.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAJ8pTOCeLLt
“Bye Fran, be good and do your work ok?”
400Please respect copyright.PENANA1Ir68jXxU1
“Yea I know, bye guys.” I waved to them
400Please respect copyright.PENANAkCYOdPgeNR
“Bye.” Dace and Juy repeated.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAgy1KZa3z53
All the kids scattering as the bell rang, Ok, I need to really try my best! I entered 1st class and did my test, the kids were a bit rowdy but the teacher stood their ground, and no one bothered me. Class was starting and I found my seat from yesterday. One by one the kids sat down and class began.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAA3WILEgQJX
“So Good morning everyone, I have some news for you. Our new student Fran’s test scores came back and they are the highest in the entire school!”
400Please respect copyright.PENANAmvXjvcD0Qp
“Woah, Really?” Kids turned their heads scanning for an unfamiliar face, ending up looking at me. “It was you?” “Wow, that's cool.”
400Please respect copyright.PENANADYOJ6JmFqP
“Are you Fran?” a student in front of me turned.
400Please respect copyright.PENANArT5A4Jtik8
“Um-um yea.” I couldn't talk to people at all!
400Please respect copyright.PENANAQO9OV8bB44
The teacher raised her voice, “Ok,ok attention. It's a good time to look at the data.”. The teacher projected the schools leaderboards, it showed my name on top with the second name being a few hundred points under me.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAh2d77ZTcwL
“Ouuu, Bradley was outdone.” “Bradly was finally beat!” “Yo, Brad new kid beat you”
400Please respect copyright.PENANA8snUYqLC6p
Someone seated in the front row sat very still, but finally turned to me.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAuUeTOzkTeT
He just looked at me and said something offhand to the person next to him. He waved a hand off, revealing his blue “Way” on his hand.
400Please respect copyright.PENANArH4w0bxtRg
“Alright alright let's get the lesson started” the teacher said. Just then the desk lit up, with words and questions. “Silent reading and answering the questions.”
400Please respect copyright.PENANAEkb5J3GnY4
The rest of the class was silent, I did the work and sat in wait for the class to end, looking around awkwardly but happy to see others not mean towards me.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAt4IZ1WhD7f
Maybe it doesn't matter what I am? People respect smart people. I thought.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAHQw3GLJhsF
The bell rang and the desk turned off, the kids got up and chatted as they left the class.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAFhkbtdUJlM
“Bye Fran see ya.” some students told me on the way out. I said nothing and put on a faint smile.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAPlj2VuuBml
Next was the science class. I stood in front of the door but it didn't open, I stood beside it quietly. The kids everywhere entered their class with only my class remaining in a line outside. Maybe the teachers not ready?
400Please respect copyright.PENANAG5b4dCgpI8
The other kids pulled the door, it was locked for sure.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAkIVZOhHFch
“Have seen the teacher? A student turned to me.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAFIhpIruXGy
“Oh nah I haven't seen them.” I said.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAZJxDkqTAZo
“Yo, you look new to dis class right? Wait, did you barely move here?”
400Please respect copyright.PENANAOpFUUHElHJ
I was shocked by this person, talking so casually with me, they had a deep accented voice and seemed friendly.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAQgeH8Yw5qJ
“Yea I’m from up north, past the city.” I wanted to be respected so I lied to him.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAheG0Vtnppi
“Damn that's nice dude, My name is G.L btw and I’m not actually from this planet at all.” His dark complexion displayed with a little smile on his face as his nose twitched.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAXuo5J6U4Q1
Makes sense that he’s not from around here, that accent gives it away. Wait, his name is G.L? My head tilted a little.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAr5PMOXusjX
“Wait what’s your name?” I said.
400Please respect copyright.PENANApPIsixQgsN
He had a big dumb smile on his face talking with a small laugh.
400Please respect copyright.PENANARbgnxMEQhv
“Yea, my parents saw it on some cartoon and liked how it sounded so that my name.”
400Please respect copyright.PENANAbWjBBPsf2e
“Really?” I was wondering if he was messing with me.
400Please respect copyright.PENANA72rs7nrvCb
G.L turned to a student behind him and asked.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAi1bzIpdYq5
“Hey bro, tell dem my name is really G.L”
400Please respect copyright.PENANA3D3SH8xA1C
The kid looked around G.L towards me.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAIGOSOae8kX
“Yea, he got the weirdest name based on a car from The Lab’s show”
400Please respect copyright.PENANAyfVfEdhX6x
G.L darted his head back to me.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAVL4SRuCE1s
“See that's really my name even dis guy said it.”
400Please respect copyright.PENANAPGBb5ErKBT
I squinted a little.
400Please respect copyright.PENANADpuvphIX4J
“Ok fine, I’m Fran btw.”
400Please respect copyright.PENANAKv7a8A1rlH
“Nice” he said.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAAGuQr6eCEk
Just then the door opened and a tall lanky teacher waved his hands to let us in the room. Mr.Dar was his name. He sat everyone in groups of four, I sat with G.L, my first friend. I quietly took my test and the class was over.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAlWedOAw296
The bell rang and It was now lunchtime. I stepped out of the class to go grab my lunch, I had to put it on my school balance. I sat with my pizza and milk, G.L approached from behind me.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAhXK65MCyAN
“Yo Fran, Whats up.” He cheerfully said, taking a seat next to me.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAjHnNqmplbu
“Sup” I said, sipping milk with one hand.
400Please respect copyright.PENANABFo2p5CU7k
He sat quietly and began eating his lunch. I was finishing mine and he asked me.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAjxcUC1n1ba
“Fran, how is it past the city? Why would you move here?”
400Please respect copyright.PENANARSK18SMW0v
I was stunned, I swallowed my last bite.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAm7hevhK9pc
“I-I have family here and we wanted to be closer by. And honesty past north isn't all that.”
400Please respect copyright.PENANA8NTEJgSMmz
G.L was intrigued he put his food down and gave me his full attention.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAA7axqHg1GY
“Yea, I heard that before.” G.L said, “I’m from the giant water planet “Laagatagines””.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAjoeKYCUcnK
“Woah, really!” I said. It sounded so foreign to me that I was curious.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAjkARmGnPRt
“Yea, came here when I was little, had to learn “aydinese” all by myself. I like to think I did really good, I think my accent is gone by now!”
400Please respect copyright.PENANAPNWXv6gOEY
“Wow yea you speak good..” His accent was still pretty strong but I liked his train of thought. Wait how do I even speak “aydinese”? I wondered.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAvJaNIcn9Rc
G.L talked about his aunt who houses him currently and how he grew up around here. I like G.L he's a good person. Our lunch flew by, the bell disrupted out conversation.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAEG6Flb74he
“O? What class you got next?” G.L asked.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAyO0KRBIm29
“I have “marching” next, what is that?”
400Please respect copyright.PENANAgOh9UczRp6
“Ohh really? We might have the same teacher!”
400Please respect copyright.PENANAGmLAAj1ZZM
“Oh hopefully we do.” I checked my schedule, while we walked towards the lockers.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAdH2Tdilc56
“I have Mr.Nez for Marching.”
400Please respect copyright.PENANAv77CTMHzXE
“Yoo, be my partner dude.”
400Please respect copyright.PENANAfT5Rnzq67g
“Ok sure.”
400Please respect copyright.PENANA0hN3cGRsDo
We approached the class, G.L got to his locker and I showed the teacher I was new.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAMDe4SmfgOo
Mr.Nez was a tall man with a pitched voice that he artificially deepened. He had a blue mark on the side of his neck tattooed.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAt8UxMEmbjZ
“Fran huh?…Ok I will give you your lock tomorrow but do you have the uniform for this class?”
400Please respect copyright.PENANAhYSnJglWE9
My heart sank, my eyes widened with panic.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAQt0EOgjSRF
“Ohh, umm I-I didn’t know there was a uniform for this class…”
400Please respect copyright.PENANA9zuXwli6Ff
I was disappointed with myself but slightly mad that Jith hadn't told me about it.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAzUsju13qMX
“It’s fine Fran, let me see your “Mark””.
400Please respect copyright.PENANARFh8V9Usy6
I felt uneasy at that request but I raised my arm up. Showing him it’s blue color.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAP6Aq8Dh2um
“Ok I can give you a stand-in uniform, until you can afford the “Blue” uniform.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAugtyKdj0QN
He went into the room's closet and handed me a very old and used pink uniform. It was a small pair of shorts and a tight short sleeved shirt.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAW3zSk4QIgk
“Leave it in my office after class. Go before you make yourself tardy.”
400Please respect copyright.PENANAcHORholzTh
“Ok, Thank you teacher.”
400Please respect copyright.PENANAD5b6RD7cqk
I changed in the restroom, it was hard to move freely in these shorts, I was increasingly uncomfortable. I left my bag in the office for the time being, and stepped outside. We were to stand on our number and wait for our teacher. I was out early but one other person was already out there.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAYxfgnCQDui
There was another kid, he had a blue mark on his arm but wearing the same pink uniform I had. He was sitting on the ground for some reason with his back slumped and head down. I approached the court and stood on my number, I noticed he was looking up at me.
400Please respect copyright.PENANA1wXTdggnFh
“Hi.” I said, turning to him.
400Please respect copyright.PENANANKoMNQUB44
He seemed surprised by me noticing him, he looked up wanting to make eye contact with me.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAAatNxKdbge
“H-h-he-helo”. He said turning red in the face.
400Please respect copyright.PENANADweGeDUXBc
I could tell he was struggling to look directly at me, I smiled and sat next to him.
“Oh, um yea I’m Fran, I'm new here too. What’s your name?”
400Please respect copyright.PENANAexTpsw6fLr
He had a crooked smile and rocked slowly in place.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAHvo465CEG0
“M-m-m-m-my am-na-name is h-Hugo.”
400Please respect copyright.PENANADKpRpDMXAK
Something in me made me take a seat near Hugo, even if It I wasn't on my number. I felt comfortable with him? I wanted to make sure he was alright.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAM1HBWrUpBY
“How do you like this facility?” I asked him.
400Please respect copyright.PENANA22R6P8Fuhq
“I-I-It’s n–nice.” He said become less red in the face, rocking a little slower.
400Please respect copyright.PENANA4yU2Otv9E8
I smiled, “Yea it’s nice here, I think the students here are nicer than most.”
400Please respect copyright.PENANA3Jd4VBAwSR
Hugo smiled again.
400Please respect copyright.PENANARuMEkNyBqs
I spoke up, “So where ar-”
400Please respect copyright.PENANAHmoP96izIc
Just then a group of boys proudly wearing their Blue uniforms, came from the lockers. They spoke loudly, pushing each other around. I decided it was better for us to stay quiet now.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAR5XGTYTt9w
“Hugo” I said, “the teacher might be on his way, Let’s stand up”.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAB3bJffiQ16
We stood up quietly as the students funneled onto the field, I saw G.L far behind with Mr.Nez close behind. The boys stood on their numbers throwing rocks and talking amongst themselves. I tried my best to stand still but I felt their eyes on me, in my pink uniform I was embarrassed.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAs3eZiXopA4
“Kids can’t afford uniforms, that's sad.” A voice behind me said.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAad09wcKFxP
Me and Hugo stuck out like disgusting sore thumbs. I wanted to disappear.
400Please respect copyright.PENANA7QBwkuKVTb
“Attention!” Mr.Nez said.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAnia5Ax18vf
G.L’s number was the last spot in the back.
400Please respect copyright.PENANA3osqLIUIgH
He did attendance, calling names one by one only he talked in silence. Hugo was on my number and I was on his, “It was a simple mix up” I told Mr.Nez. We swapped and he finished the roll call. The beating heat and complete humiliation was eating me up.
400Please respect copyright.PENANA2Ws5TRnPIt
“Ok everyone stand! Mr.Nez yelled.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAUVZubUg7x0
Quickly everyone stood up, I stumbled up and lastly a panicked Hugo stood up.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAhkYXbhAXY2
“It’s mile day, you got an hour and 8 Laps for an A+. Ready? GO!”
400Please respect copyright.PENANAP1PSjniJhD
All the Kids made it in a sprint towards the massive sports field, running along the sides of it. Hugo was confused, In the chaos I ran up to him.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAxInT7iu81x
“Hey, let them pass go with the crowd near the end.”
400Please respect copyright.PENANAhEHqRmXxcg
We paced slowly behind the crowd to avoid being In anyone's way. Hugo was not good with running, he fell behind and got lost in the crowd. I was caught up in the crows and so, it was a while till everyone outpaced me. Finally I saw him far behind me, head faced down and I slowed my pace to a walk. Hoping for Hugo to catch up I walked slowly, but in the distance I heard a voice yell.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAEHywj1pkZJ
“KEEP RUNNING FRAN, THAT’S STRIKE ONE!” Mr.Nez’s sunglasses meet my eyes from across the field.
400Please respect copyright.PENANA5ff6uP9nNK
“Dam, I’m really sorry Hugo.”
400Please respect copyright.PENANAwxvPEeoVjd
I turned my pace up running the lap, exhausted with Hugo always behind me. A camera scanned our faces and kept an automated tally of our laps, it made me more ashamed of this uniform. I kept going and going with an hour on the clock we needed 8 laps for a Perfect score. The heat was hell! It was hard for me to breathe, my head was light and I was dying of thirst. I put everything I had in this run, EVERYTHING!
400Please respect copyright.PENANA7mEzL4ZKKu
I have to ace this! For a better life! So Jith, Dace and Juy could live in that big city! Come On! Keep running! GO! You have to! I’m not sure how long it was but Mr,Nez finally called out.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAUBnMiCb2ND
“EVERYONE TIME'S UP GET BACK AND LOCKER ROOMS!”
400Please respect copyright.PENANAgStAUzxmaT
Immediately every single person ran out the field.
400Please respect copyright.PENANA9nIiaM2Fqg
“I only did 7 laps before the hour was up…”
400Please respect copyright.PENANAzU9Ve9tQEr
“Failure…” I was frustrated with myself, my all was not enough, I was defeated? My vision was hazy, I could barely stand but..
400Please respect copyright.PENANAsQfo0mHSg9
With the last of my energy I sprinted towards the lockers across the massive field.
400Please respect copyright.PENANA53s4EpQRqo
“Damn IT! RUN!”
400Please respect copyright.PENANAZpyT8mu6Gb
The heat engulfed me, it went dark. I collapsed.
….
…..
……
……..
……..
400Please respect copyright.PENANAyC5deTuUpa
“Hey!” I heard distantly, “Yo! Fran!”
400Please respect copyright.PENANAcC7NvovDL8
I was facing the dirt, barely conscious. I hear someone coming… It’s G.L and the teacher. They tap me and I make a grunt. Mr.Nez turns me over and sits me up, G.L opening a water bottle and bringing it to my lips.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAnnAWwoczcq
“Man, your hardcore Fran. That was pretty cool of you, strong will.”
400Please respect copyright.PENANAvFO0PAHZ28
“Hey now give them the water and take the left shoulder, I’ll get the right.”
400Please respect copyright.PENANAdAsd97dI5L
They carried me to Mr.Nez's office. By then I had regained my consciousness, only weak in the legs. Mr.Nez dismissed G.L to the locker room. I was sat on a chair, my eyes half open.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAYkl5XBVp5r
“Are you ok Fran? Should I take you to the hospital?”
400Please respect copyright.PENANAku8TnNMsN3
My eyes widened.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAnEpGpc4Fsu
“No sir, I feel way better now, may I go change?”
400Please respect copyright.PENANA6hyICkFzGC
He scratched his neck, “Sure Kid, class is wrapped up anyways.”
400Please respect copyright.PENANA2GqpbkkkGR
I shuffled to the restrooms, my body in physical pain. I changed and left the temporary uniform in the office. The bell rang as I finished and Kids rushed out of the school. I couldn't really feel my legs but I could see Jiths car down the block. I hurried.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAuLrQdDP66b
Once your there you can rest until you're home! The road is long, so you can have plenty of rest! Yes! Let’s make it quick! HURRY!
400Please respect copyright.PENANAX4IEVuWbRa
I agonized towards the car, Jith saw me and let me in.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAwb8EPUmCAa
I slumped in the back seat, letting out a deep sigh.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAQsmY0LvCns
“Let me guess, exercise?” Jith remarked.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAtR1w5UxUv9
“yeaa ,Marching class actually.”
400Please respect copyright.PENANA0pEyZ8zHVY
“Seems like you put in the work today working hard like your blue “ways” says you should. Let’s go get your siblings, then go home ok.”
400Please respect copyright.PENANAoNwcakfZ8N
“Yea…”
400Please respect copyright.PENANAMNKCt2MwvH
I fell asleep, but then I remembered something.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAf46g3rsLU0
“God Damn, I have homework later….”
400Please respect copyright.PENANAfMfKKBbXLb
I was falling in and out of sleep, the sun was setting and we drove home. I noticed Dace was growing more quiet since we started making these daily trips and Juy seems to be deeper in her world. Even though we lived and traveled daily in such a small space, we hardly knew each other anymore. We got home eventually, ate dinner and slept, repeating the cycle over until the next day.
400Please respect copyright.PENANAdCC4o17693
(Sorry this is a very rough draft, Since I wanted to get this out asap, will fix and add more, maybe split into two chapters, will add art soon)
ns18.225.235.215da2