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. )276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcbafhiuFl
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9kBBDM0qL
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.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjSmLLzUPz
"Fran, get your bag and wait on the couch until we're all ready."
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDsmjrYMvar
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.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8AfaSxP3TZ
I heard a jumble of steps and in a hurry Juy and Dace stepped out of the bathroom all ready to go.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡupfe7yrA4b
"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.”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡclNCo22kuk
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.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFuktiznTF1
"How long till we get there Jith?" I asked.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4oqfqGyQs
"It depends on the road, try and get some rest ok?" She replied.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCo4tl8xRXC
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.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1CGoEdOR7U
"Are we going there?" I tiredly said to Jith.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0jXYsDoeA
"Yea we are, try and sleep Fran, it will go by faster that way."
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ201Eccwx9a
"ok"
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJ0WI6JZpe
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.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwIhh80euyc
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.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5mSa3WQDiH
"Documents and reason for coming here?" said the bearded guard.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHysAmscdbf
Jith answered "My kids are coming for training." Jith hands them some documents. He said nothing, only examining the papers.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxnbXIqBxW
"Why don't you train them on your side?"
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7k4TJCWHa
"I have permission and like the facilities over here more."
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCLvU714zJi
The guard scoffs and clears their throat.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK0O6SBF8bC
"State your name and date of birth?"
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡErVzEiOTps
"Jith, my date of birth is 02-16-5214 Aydiz Scale.”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKRfNaLiF0
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?”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBHb9zrtz5C
“I was born in Eden, but I applied and was made a citizen here.”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDAj262f08
“Alright, we need to question them all.” the bearded guard turned to the other.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRSF367wH4
The bald guard finally spoke up. “HELLO! WAKE UP NOW!”, while snapping his fingers and knocking on the car's roof.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPW5Z2i5D9
My eyes widened as I sat up straight in the seat, Dace jumped up half asleep and scared. Juy slowly opened their eyes.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1ObK64iHt
“Ok now!” said the bald guard. “Which one of you is Juy?”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8yTOVjcLmc
“That's me.” she said.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzWHhVCijjo
“What’s your age, DOB and do you know where you were born?”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYWF3HmzHe
“Im 15, i was born on 11-12-5249 and I was born in Aydiz”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukmtg7zReY
“And you live in Cim?”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzEXrGDdUE
“yep.”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15NHaTqF28
“Is Jith your parent guardian?”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wYuZgOytZ
“Umm, yea?”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0o9IiIi2t
“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.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmr5XdA9yMy
I was worried but tried to speak up. “yes, I'm fran here.”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡychrRmeKe4
“WHAT WAS THAT?” The guard was looking right at me.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9IFZqLDAht
Half turning in my direction Jith calmly said “Fran speak up baby.”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdqyac8AgNJ
“YES I'm Fran sir.”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSsM9KNz5e4
“Ok there you are.” the bald guard smiled. “Your age, Dob and place of birth.”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRGjEttSJx
“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.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQyW4Lgrk6
“OK AND NOW WE HAVE DACE!”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefeShZBXU8
Dace was a heavy sleeper and was drifting off to sleep, the guard was inpatient.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7orkFId63f
“HELLO, DO YOU SPEAK ENGLISH? IS DACE REALLY YOUR NAME? HEYY Zole!”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡELte1duQh3
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.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbaraICGtu3
Dace’s eyes opened and he looked sleepy to the guard. “Oh, yes Im Dace.”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ394pqIxW5Q
“Alright there we go Zole! “You speak english right?”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOGQu96pKG
Dace was clearly disheartened, “Yes, sir.”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmucmt6vpq5
“Ok then, what's your age, Dob and place of birth?”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZiSUU0UngI
“Im 9 years old. My birthday is 03-29-5255, I was born in Aydiz.”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9Ld5D34Go
"Ok very well." The bearded man returned Jith the documents. "Head to the Right just up ahead for inspection."
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81WkllCbw5
"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.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRanYfQVGh
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.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHqor1EIAd
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.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshx7e9lytn
“Hey, what time is it?”. I asked Jith
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2LF1z5NG76
“It's 9:32 and we're very late for your classes, we can be there in about 15 minutes.”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2GSQ8WSPh
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.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7B2rAtga4
“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.”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevDgDMWpiW
“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.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdbAug5KhE
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.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4RdVPkGOJ
“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.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHX8cHilTna
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”.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NxRvqxlj3
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.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7i0Ksp964
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmE3LjdvqB
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjEI5bTTE9
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.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4iZWAbhbyU
“Did you get any homework… cause I know I did.” Dace said sadly. We all laughed, even Juy.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7WDaEAbgvR
“It was cool”, I said “People seem nice and I just did tests today.”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8HcnloZhcI
“Did anyone say anything to you about being late?”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdrGhinesOQ
“No, nothing like that. I just walked into 2nd class like whatever.”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZHbTXNt2N
“Ok cause Dace got in trouble but I talked it out with the dean.”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3lLX5bQKLl
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.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGuJqFfC1r8
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.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7eg4ZKvhf5
“Bye Fran, be good and do your work ok?”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZoijg0C4vF
“Yea I know, bye guys.” I waved to them
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbq538eKzdA
“Bye.” Dace and Juy repeated.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe5m4XMP5tT
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.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Plz3Z6gPE
“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!”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56PZHLoErg
“Woah, Really?” Kids turned their heads scanning for an unfamiliar face, ending up looking at me. “It was you?” “Wow, that's cool.”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh48FKNWgNg
“Are you Fran?” a student in front of me turned.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUsSmgBlWa
“Um-um yea.” I couldn't talk to people at all!
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLIQAodGel
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.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4CHEkPPyUd
“Ouuu, Bradley was outdone.” “Bradly was finally beat!” “Yo, Brad new kid beat you”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9dSw7OS3XY
Someone seated in the front row sat very still, but finally turned to me.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTAEPa2Rs3
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.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSvK9sXcpD
“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.”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfi0KmaYAqv
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.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCe3kNBvXed
Maybe it doesn't matter what I am? People respect smart people. I thought.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMv9CUKrkN
The bell rang and the desk turned off, the kids got up and chatted as they left the class.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3zNBBgGLY
“Bye Fran see ya.” some students told me on the way out. I said nothing and put on a faint smile.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Lm1mcyO0j
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?
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5sKGqF95qi
The other kids pulled the door, it was locked for sure.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ZISxUrZ3z
“Have seen the teacher? A student turned to me.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SnIFR6Thn
“Oh nah I haven't seen them.” I said.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4GGf4S4iN1
“Yo, you look new to dis class right? Wait, did you barely move here?”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BllAsbO1U
I was shocked by this person, talking so casually with me, they had a deep accented voice and seemed friendly.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnrQncgi1hs
“Yea I’m from up north, past the city.” I wanted to be respected so I lied to him.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmC66iBdsSR
“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.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjaBo8q40jQ
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.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpoDiDcBUb
“Wait what’s your name?” I said.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbxO5zoFGB
He had a big dumb smile on his face talking with a small laugh.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0WlPm6AZ4
“Yea, my parents saw it on some cartoon and liked how it sounded so that my name.”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqz5jxodQE
“Really?” I was wondering if he was messing with me.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGSEJsXOico
G.L turned to a student behind him and asked.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1bXweVkAsZ
“Hey bro, tell dem my name is really G.L”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTRjxajsvB
The kid looked around G.L towards me.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcuGUsB9JK2
“Yea, he got the weirdest name based on a car from The Lab’s show”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgN36NMqTf
G.L darted his head back to me.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz16kwrGqSp
“See that's really my name even dis guy said it.”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSY2pPhXXrn
I squinted a little.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSOyRhfmaG
“Ok fine, I’m Fran btw.”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQmZnfhYtr7
“Nice” he said.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJdt17FtGD
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.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJReGDjkub
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.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUJZxFdw3O
“Yo Fran, Whats up.” He cheerfully said, taking a seat next to me.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAviPWr2X6U
“Sup” I said, sipping milk with one hand.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxSLUK5qyv
He sat quietly and began eating his lunch. I was finishing mine and he asked me.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjf6kTKhB8
“Fran, how is it past the city? Why would you move here?”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAc4AfY3w5r
I was stunned, I swallowed my last bite.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwkTWMUfk8
“I-I have family here and we wanted to be closer by. And honesty past north isn't all that.”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWs8gFv1NBg
G.L was intrigued he put his food down and gave me his full attention.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡASdbLdZmcq
“Yea, I heard that before.” G.L said, “I’m from the giant water planet “Laagatagines””.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUvI5mYgoj
“Woah, really!” I said. It sounded so foreign to me that I was curious.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxgDSnD19K
“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!”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZhk4n0pNZ
“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.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqfD1dyo04
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.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdNdwBCyDe
“O? What class you got next?” G.L asked.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnt5cP8n3Nz
“I have “marching” next, what is that?”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhyN2nneov
“Ohh really? We might have the same teacher!”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkPTwRVAoE9
“Oh hopefully we do.” I checked my schedule, while we walked towards the lockers.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbX52DtG7SH
“I have Mr.Nez for Marching.”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdsd0Jxwqcn
“Yoo, be my partner dude.”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDiiDFqWCz
“Ok sure.”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRukNY9QBuD
We approached the class, G.L got to his locker and I showed the teacher I was new.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tbgCHzJb6
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.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4Mvxt6owG
“Fran huh?…Ok I will give you your lock tomorrow but do you have the uniform for this class?”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbD7FwGLd1X
My heart sank, my eyes widened with panic.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ247zajsqk
“Ohh, umm I-I didn’t know there was a uniform for this class…”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdGCmJGQoc
I was disappointed with myself but slightly mad that Jith hadn't told me about it.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQMteP8d9m
“It’s fine Fran, let me see your “Mark””.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TmUO1NNj4
I felt uneasy at that request but I raised my arm up. Showing him it’s blue color.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZWLDJlN9Z
“Ok I can give you a stand-in uniform, until you can afford the “Blue” uniform.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8ne7ZJ5Qo
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.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPbMes078L
“Leave it in my office after class. Go before you make yourself tardy.”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8h6HG7hyY
“Ok, Thank you teacher.”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8fjdD8Aag
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.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCF6RjtPSA
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.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3J9trh00b
“Hi.” I said, turning to him.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUX0AEDmrh9
He seemed surprised by me noticing him, he looked up wanting to make eye contact with me.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUpVs2bZIJh
“H-h-he-helo”. He said turning red in the face.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMiDd1CFi20
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?”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPxbuwTi92
He had a crooked smile and rocked slowly in place.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYYBHa6oOd7
“M-m-m-m-my am-na-name is h-Hugo.”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjwB6qdDPx
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.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFCBn5tabv
“How do you like this facility?” I asked him.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMuYG1IqYO
“I-I-It’s n–nice.” He said become less red in the face, rocking a little slower.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsrx2F2jUVQ
I smiled, “Yea it’s nice here, I think the students here are nicer than most.”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYc1v5OXxw
Hugo smiled again.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDZ6lxYJg3
I spoke up, “So where ar-”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6OEwwmikDV
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.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGcW0PIFJ7
“Hugo” I said, “the teacher might be on his way, Let’s stand up”.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLavK8WlQK
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.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhbP0E0A98
“Kids can’t afford uniforms, that's sad.” A voice behind me said.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQey1sLJkm
Me and Hugo stuck out like disgusting sore thumbs. I wanted to disappear.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHyaMRtMvZ
“Attention!” Mr.Nez said.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtafvVzdqJF
G.L’s number was the last spot in the back.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpGfZL49ds0
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.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgxeVExXbl
“Ok everyone stand! Mr.Nez yelled.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHK0w13kYHJ
Quickly everyone stood up, I stumbled up and lastly a panicked Hugo stood up.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJb7xV2qTM
“It’s mile day, you got an hour and 8 Laps for an A+. Ready? GO!”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKQQNyavyH
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.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9NnuCTYd4
“Hey, let them pass go with the crowd near the end.”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9pA46T5Ek
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.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJ5MBcxp2g
“KEEP RUNNING FRAN, THAT’S STRIKE ONE!” Mr.Nez’s sunglasses meet my eyes from across the field.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMU92pPoXK
“Dam, I’m really sorry Hugo.”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJWS6ufoxZ
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!
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVRc1yB291
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.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGlr4gE8U2
“EVERYONE TIME'S UP GET BACK AND LOCKER ROOMS!”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNiGhZREGI
Immediately every single person ran out the field.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNu06NHaFXE
“I only did 7 laps before the hour was up…”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqQz0cwv5S
“Failure…” I was frustrated with myself, my all was not enough, I was defeated? My vision was hazy, I could barely stand but..
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBNWO3dgwu
With the last of my energy I sprinted towards the lockers across the massive field.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSQPZkl5NT
“Damn IT! RUN!”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMYUayqJBy
The heat engulfed me, it went dark. I collapsed.
….
…..
……
……..
……..
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWCfa50NHA
“Hey!” I heard distantly, “Yo! Fran!”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEBNwN3XEA
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.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOp9gVBhUEK
“Man, your hardcore Fran. That was pretty cool of you, strong will.”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHbF7qw9GA
“Hey now give them the water and take the left shoulder, I’ll get the right.”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmPAazuTDl
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.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7WgwIMafo
“Are you ok Fran? Should I take you to the hospital?”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SDk7Rz0d8
My eyes widened.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jR5T8K9B7
“No sir, I feel way better now, may I go change?”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBIhfFFcjFo
He scratched his neck, “Sure Kid, class is wrapped up anyways.”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡklk1G6OPoN
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.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjnmbUxh6xr
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!
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2HomVg5Px
I agonized towards the car, Jith saw me and let me in.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQIOh63xlq
I slumped in the back seat, letting out a deep sigh.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5ViHKpQ0s
“Let me guess, exercise?” Jith remarked.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTFfJedkgN
“yeaa ,Marching class actually.”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwGob6qQu3
“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.”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHYXJ9ypnla
“Yea…”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKlIo64R4SP
I fell asleep, but then I remembered something.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxmPE8UGr0
“God Damn, I have homework later….”
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9OyQUyc81Z
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.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGdxlGsnN9
(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)
ns 15.158.61.23da2
