x
(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. )378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3qVPipq9U
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡERzTT9UTm1
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.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqHIZzsA5S
"Fran, get your bag and wait on the couch until we're all ready."
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡujpJ3qVMj4
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.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtOwLv6DL8
I heard a jumble of steps and in a hurry Juy and Dace stepped out of the bathroom all ready to go.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmiy6j7fcyJ
"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.”
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5MdvtNdS5
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.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTc5rbHMd06
"How long till we get there Jith?" I asked.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGE4WgCqdvv
"It depends on the road, try and get some rest ok?" She replied.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsL537yHyPj
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.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAGFb4rMeH
"Are we going there?" I tiredly said to Jith.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7NzQ4t22RR
"Yea we are, try and sleep Fran, it will go by faster that way."
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhZmzlo1xH
"ok"
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt015yLj40q
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.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkghAXUPuAo
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.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy0c93vgWpp
"Documents and reason for coming here?" said the bearded guard.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1f3Z5rdgu5
Jith answered "My kids are coming for training." Jith hands them some documents. He said nothing, only examining the papers.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPyCtfvlm8t
"Why don't you train them on your side?"
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KSwjqM9hX
"I have permission and like the facilities over here more."
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5bCxQEDFi
The guard scoffs and clears their throat.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkrIImph7mi
"State your name and date of birth?"
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUopDOVcREZ
"Jith, my date of birth is 02-16-5214 Aydiz Scale.”
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWbYtLLBa0D
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?”
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhWnSon53p
“I was born in Eden, but I applied and was made a citizen here.”
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLtogbQzpi
“Alright, we need to question them all.” the bearded guard turned to the other.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGv9t7px7Y6
The bald guard finally spoke up. “HELLO! WAKE UP NOW!”, while snapping his fingers and knocking on the car's roof.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgVPYDuC1h
My eyes widened as I sat up straight in the seat, Dace jumped up half asleep and scared. Juy slowly opened their eyes.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFDpGBx0Ml
“Ok now!” said the bald guard. “Which one of you is Juy?”
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwCdx2Edhm
“That's me.” she said.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0u4JngjSsD
“What’s your age, DOB and do you know where you were born?”
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6kKACzIFIm
“Im 15, i was born on 11-12-5249 and I was born in Aydiz”
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiR21y1FcbK
“And you live in Cim?”
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPhnA0eIdw
“yep.”
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTTlu9ZUkUV
“Is Jith your parent guardian?”
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72msyQnVN9
“Umm, yea?”
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtp27TcyHDf
“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.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzW7KAudkt
I was worried but tried to speak up. “yes, I'm fran here.”
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBoWD4Xtpf
“WHAT WAS THAT?” The guard was looking right at me.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBthhAEuy1S
Half turning in my direction Jith calmly said “Fran speak up baby.”
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtK63ojazbF
“YES I'm Fran sir.”
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Rzx7cFzN2
“Ok there you are.” the bald guard smiled. “Your age, Dob and place of birth.”
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuoSbEtDQfm
“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.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt758hrRD7N
“OK AND NOW WE HAVE DACE!”
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVFbavJQBe
Dace was a heavy sleeper and was drifting off to sleep, the guard was inpatient.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYWd1P1V0T
“HELLO, DO YOU SPEAK ENGLISH? IS DACE REALLY YOUR NAME? HEYY Zole!”
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXJXCz5sNs
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.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡafSzByMk25
Dace’s eyes opened and he looked sleepy to the guard. “Oh, yes Im Dace.”
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Z7eNGJbXu
“Alright there we go Zole! “You speak english right?”
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6oVvJCWY5q
Dace was clearly disheartened, “Yes, sir.”
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvXL2t14n59
“Ok then, what's your age, Dob and place of birth?”
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiEJNJ9pIKS
“Im 9 years old. My birthday is 03-29-5255, I was born in Aydiz.”
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGrfYMuOPDj
"Ok very well." The bearded man returned Jith the documents. "Head to the Right just up ahead for inspection."
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tIZvDeLtL
"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.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡokTWBF3OZq
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.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDhD35vKJpm
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.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsmroWrVjRU
“Hey, what time is it?”. I asked Jith
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Mx1QHmLYN
“It's 9:32 and we're very late for your classes, we can be there in about 15 minutes.”
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVuK9LMnMgX
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.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdeo9ZQFRh
“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.”
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡee5ChlGmyJ
“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.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQH8L74fPQP
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.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwoiXa7F40
“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.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcs8KpeP3xU
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”.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpN0zxS8oG
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.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvwD4j3vHf
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7XgFvbeXa
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmEO9Lbi37P
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.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3devUdpfn
“Did you get any homework… cause I know I did.” Dace said sadly. We all laughed, even Juy.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZU4Q5tLxx
“It was cool”, I said “People seem nice and I just did tests today.”
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlAPQ707ZtO
“Did anyone say anything to you about being late?”
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtD6FqW9ptl
“No, nothing like that. I just walked into 2nd class like whatever.”
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡveeMgBTZP7
“Ok cause Dace got in trouble but I talked it out with the dean.”
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGgqM9NwKji
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.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwfNzQd65l
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.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuv06wKWgJP
“Bye Fran, be good and do your work ok?”
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjUCvD41MF
“Yea I know, bye guys.” I waved to them
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFf93tDJi1Z
“Bye.” Dace and Juy repeated.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiy6XZXqkR2
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.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhzdQgleQQG
“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!”
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYIxSmRt1C4
“Woah, Really?” Kids turned their heads scanning for an unfamiliar face, ending up looking at me. “It was you?” “Wow, that's cool.”
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9CPWjjSFiW
“Are you Fran?” a student in front of me turned.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3CoBbPWaVO
“Um-um yea.” I couldn't talk to people at all!
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtZ6C9Plx8
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.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATgLdwuaMo
“Ouuu, Bradley was outdone.” “Bradly was finally beat!” “Yo, Brad new kid beat you”
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRypBEYK1HL
Someone seated in the front row sat very still, but finally turned to me.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7vn5jMcLyr
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.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmB5HCPiiD
“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.”
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkdSWQT3nUs
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.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqmhtjfiIY
Maybe it doesn't matter what I am? People respect smart people. I thought.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xwEcSqdEH
The bell rang and the desk turned off, the kids got up and chatted as they left the class.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JKOWPOAwR
“Bye Fran see ya.” some students told me on the way out. I said nothing and put on a faint smile.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgAO4Eh5kn1
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?
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ZJRrarqXz
The other kids pulled the door, it was locked for sure.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡul5D9b3JvR
“Have seen the teacher? A student turned to me.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjAeb0HBWXm
“Oh nah I haven't seen them.” I said.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoOgw7RvJic
“Yo, you look new to dis class right? Wait, did you barely move here?”
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7uX3TdLUEH
I was shocked by this person, talking so casually with me, they had a deep accented voice and seemed friendly.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlB47S0ADZ
“Yea I’m from up north, past the city.” I wanted to be respected so I lied to him.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqIMcgU3P54
“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.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18Fcsstmuk
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.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GVWYBmIMM
“Wait what’s your name?” I said.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jQdbHQwAB
He had a big dumb smile on his face talking with a small laugh.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlIlu3DIUW0
“Yea, my parents saw it on some cartoon and liked how it sounded so that my name.”
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTlwNkDnREN
“Really?” I was wondering if he was messing with me.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsannMySFpg
G.L turned to a student behind him and asked.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHVDbgdkqj
“Hey bro, tell dem my name is really G.L”
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfJdirLwOU
The kid looked around G.L towards me.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrsvIatLUav
“Yea, he got the weirdest name based on a car from The Lab’s show”
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfiki0OPDs
G.L darted his head back to me.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMZTInlgiP
“See that's really my name even dis guy said it.”
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNvyzJwfPOw
I squinted a little.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArmfkIOiUl
“Ok fine, I’m Fran btw.”
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuU4m3Hy8rv
“Nice” he said.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSrNLCltJu
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.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNld4roJSPj
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.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJpd57Vfyq
“Yo Fran, Whats up.” He cheerfully said, taking a seat next to me.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bBPi5n1Ux
“Sup” I said, sipping milk with one hand.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNNbodo7DC
He sat quietly and began eating his lunch. I was finishing mine and he asked me.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnfTa2WeNcb
“Fran, how is it past the city? Why would you move here?”
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl0x6n4GWa8
I was stunned, I swallowed my last bite.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmieooJ9llZ
“I-I have family here and we wanted to be closer by. And honesty past north isn't all that.”
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzGYXxAf4M0
G.L was intrigued he put his food down and gave me his full attention.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWymjCl6iAG
“Yea, I heard that before.” G.L said, “I’m from the giant water planet “Laagatagines””.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kHhXuIpvC
“Woah, really!” I said. It sounded so foreign to me that I was curious.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSNb8dZRfP
“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!”
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWA5s3bagcj
“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.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSZ9efU6kf
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.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXuqwcQjhl
“O? What class you got next?” G.L asked.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xUU3EMBSq
“I have “marching” next, what is that?”
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXRG8Kdcz6a
“Ohh really? We might have the same teacher!”
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVuE9ChVay6
“Oh hopefully we do.” I checked my schedule, while we walked towards the lockers.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDKQorivUO
“I have Mr.Nez for Marching.”
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4sPDEjAFF5
“Yoo, be my partner dude.”
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvynMui7IS4
“Ok sure.”
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuyeHuknxaQ
We approached the class, G.L got to his locker and I showed the teacher I was new.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMk7uGuIAC
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.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uenSmtOZX
“Fran huh?…Ok I will give you your lock tomorrow but do you have the uniform for this class?”
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Iy8jj7Gmu
My heart sank, my eyes widened with panic.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDpjT1RRgO
“Ohh, umm I-I didn’t know there was a uniform for this class…”
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHIaSFzkz7X
I was disappointed with myself but slightly mad that Jith hadn't told me about it.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡszt04zqB1b
“It’s fine Fran, let me see your “Mark””.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9gq6blI1y
I felt uneasy at that request but I raised my arm up. Showing him it’s blue color.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2Iq9iUN2a
“Ok I can give you a stand-in uniform, until you can afford the “Blue” uniform.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwDaKvOU4b
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.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVU3Zmg6Zn
“Leave it in my office after class. Go before you make yourself tardy.”
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbr7OKnwsD3
“Ok, Thank you teacher.”
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJqjNe2VeX
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.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuO8NQWeJJ8
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.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU86Kfl2TMo
“Hi.” I said, turning to him.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFpA6y800Vx
He seemed surprised by me noticing him, he looked up wanting to make eye contact with me.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTdJkuCzdbB
“H-h-he-helo”. He said turning red in the face.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkUEwzX1HD
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?”
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZBETOhXvB
He had a crooked smile and rocked slowly in place.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfdnfXlEeZ1
“M-m-m-m-my am-na-name is h-Hugo.”
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ojlMbPAHJ
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.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb07aYiWOn8
“How do you like this facility?” I asked him.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdcgtTRL6t4
“I-I-It’s n–nice.” He said become less red in the face, rocking a little slower.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMZaPjMpyb
I smiled, “Yea it’s nice here, I think the students here are nicer than most.”
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3mf9L3qNR
Hugo smiled again.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZ56P7CxRk
I spoke up, “So where ar-”
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDOv8q3GTJ
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.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvLt5nw6xm
“Hugo” I said, “the teacher might be on his way, Let’s stand up”.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRx0WPuKxGN
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.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2djFUBzCp
“Kids can’t afford uniforms, that's sad.” A voice behind me said.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPH8JbTAz7B
Me and Hugo stuck out like disgusting sore thumbs. I wanted to disappear.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs4kUyPbt9l
“Attention!” Mr.Nez said.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXOGo46OYj
G.L’s number was the last spot in the back.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡph05bDFSTL
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.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6F4Nnddbxs
“Ok everyone stand! Mr.Nez yelled.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdUQyH9RK1
Quickly everyone stood up, I stumbled up and lastly a panicked Hugo stood up.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzethWZ7nA
“It’s mile day, you got an hour and 8 Laps for an A+. Ready? GO!”
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHZlqsm7YV
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.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJzHepqmMU
“Hey, let them pass go with the crowd near the end.”
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDcqhzTBi7
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.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfaoPJgc0y
“KEEP RUNNING FRAN, THAT’S STRIKE ONE!” Mr.Nez’s sunglasses meet my eyes from across the field.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM4y1NuBR3D
“Dam, I’m really sorry Hugo.”
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehb7YSu0sP
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!
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2aE7iSh9iV
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.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWceIin4dlx
“EVERYONE TIME'S UP GET BACK AND LOCKER ROOMS!”
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoK52Tn9BjU
Immediately every single person ran out the field.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgkt7HXd2c
“I only did 7 laps before the hour was up…”
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjQj0YVFxO
“Failure…” I was frustrated with myself, my all was not enough, I was defeated? My vision was hazy, I could barely stand but..
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3YnYtAUEMu
With the last of my energy I sprinted towards the lockers across the massive field.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUcWQDWlFC
“Damn IT! RUN!”
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqf6sDB1pn
The heat engulfed me, it went dark. I collapsed.
….
…..
……
……..
……..
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaItD0cOdSf
“Hey!” I heard distantly, “Yo! Fran!”
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHLC3ZoM3I
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.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeb8hcC3Uwx
“Man, your hardcore Fran. That was pretty cool of you, strong will.”
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8iKHgiDbyf
“Hey now give them the water and take the left shoulder, I’ll get the right.”
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8AyzZC8zqJ
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.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQEHo8LrczO
“Are you ok Fran? Should I take you to the hospital?”
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzGkZKQeaDO
My eyes widened.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡen6HwPzPaj
“No sir, I feel way better now, may I go change?”
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUSIIAbQyD
He scratched his neck, “Sure Kid, class is wrapped up anyways.”
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyULJJbLCxz
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.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtiUzkvG82
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!
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgGtB9Nsmz
I agonized towards the car, Jith saw me and let me in.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFnIq2xuXS
I slumped in the back seat, letting out a deep sigh.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdO91NXmU9N
“Let me guess, exercise?” Jith remarked.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUkiDAxmkH
“yeaa ,Marching class actually.”
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwK2n6e8YPk
“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.”
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBceybo192s
“Yea…”
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9G1XEcdyZd
I fell asleep, but then I remembered something.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKl6QFNq23z
“God Damn, I have homework later….”
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEAyNJXX6Dg
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.
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqHy8muuTB
(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)
ns3.21.166.125da2
