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(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. )338Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiWueITyo6F
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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.
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"Fran, get your bag and wait on the couch until we're all ready."
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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.
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I heard a jumble of steps and in a hurry Juy and Dace stepped out of the bathroom all ready to go.
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"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.”
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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.
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"How long till we get there Jith?" I asked.
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"It depends on the road, try and get some rest ok?" She replied.
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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.
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"Are we going there?" I tiredly said to Jith.
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"Yea we are, try and sleep Fran, it will go by faster that way."
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"ok"
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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.
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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.
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"Documents and reason for coming here?" said the bearded guard.
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Jith answered "My kids are coming for training." Jith hands them some documents. He said nothing, only examining the papers.
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"Why don't you train them on your side?"
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"I have permission and like the facilities over here more."
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The guard scoffs and clears their throat.
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"State your name and date of birth?"
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"Jith, my date of birth is 02-16-5214 Aydiz Scale.”
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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?”
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“I was born in Eden, but I applied and was made a citizen here.”
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“Alright, we need to question them all.” the bearded guard turned to the other.
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The bald guard finally spoke up. “HELLO! WAKE UP NOW!”, while snapping his fingers and knocking on the car's roof.
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My eyes widened as I sat up straight in the seat, Dace jumped up half asleep and scared. Juy slowly opened their eyes.
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“Ok now!” said the bald guard. “Which one of you is Juy?”
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“That's me.” she said.
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“What’s your age, DOB and do you know where you were born?”
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“Im 15, i was born on 11-12-5249 and I was born in Aydiz”
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“And you live in Cim?”
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“yep.”
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“Is Jith your parent guardian?”
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“Umm, yea?”
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“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.
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I was worried but tried to speak up. “yes, I'm fran here.”
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“WHAT WAS THAT?” The guard was looking right at me.
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Half turning in my direction Jith calmly said “Fran speak up baby.”
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“YES I'm Fran sir.”
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“Ok there you are.” the bald guard smiled. “Your age, Dob and place of birth.”
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“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.
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“OK AND NOW WE HAVE DACE!”
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Dace was a heavy sleeper and was drifting off to sleep, the guard was inpatient.
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“HELLO, DO YOU SPEAK ENGLISH? IS DACE REALLY YOUR NAME? HEYY Zole!”
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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.
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Dace’s eyes opened and he looked sleepy to the guard. “Oh, yes Im Dace.”
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“Alright there we go Zole! “You speak english right?”
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Dace was clearly disheartened, “Yes, sir.”
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“Ok then, what's your age, Dob and place of birth?”
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“Im 9 years old. My birthday is 03-29-5255, I was born in Aydiz.”
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"Ok very well." The bearded man returned Jith the documents. "Head to the Right just up ahead for inspection."
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"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.
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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.
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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.
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“Hey, what time is it?”. I asked Jith
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“It's 9:32 and we're very late for your classes, we can be there in about 15 minutes.”
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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.
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“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.”
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“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.
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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.
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“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.
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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”.
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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.
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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.
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“Did you get any homework… cause I know I did.” Dace said sadly. We all laughed, even Juy.
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“It was cool”, I said “People seem nice and I just did tests today.”
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“Did anyone say anything to you about being late?”
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“No, nothing like that. I just walked into 2nd class like whatever.”
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“Ok cause Dace got in trouble but I talked it out with the dean.”
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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.
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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.
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“Bye Fran, be good and do your work ok?”
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“Yea I know, bye guys.” I waved to them
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“Bye.” Dace and Juy repeated.
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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.
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“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!”
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“Woah, Really?” Kids turned their heads scanning for an unfamiliar face, ending up looking at me. “It was you?” “Wow, that's cool.”
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“Are you Fran?” a student in front of me turned.
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“Um-um yea.” I couldn't talk to people at all!
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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.
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“Ouuu, Bradley was outdone.” “Bradly was finally beat!” “Yo, Brad new kid beat you”
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Someone seated in the front row sat very still, but finally turned to me.
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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.
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“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.”
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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.
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Maybe it doesn't matter what I am? People respect smart people. I thought.
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The bell rang and the desk turned off, the kids got up and chatted as they left the class.
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“Bye Fran see ya.” some students told me on the way out. I said nothing and put on a faint smile.
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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?
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The other kids pulled the door, it was locked for sure.
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“Have seen the teacher? A student turned to me.
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“Oh nah I haven't seen them.” I said.
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“Yo, you look new to dis class right? Wait, did you barely move here?”
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I was shocked by this person, talking so casually with me, they had a deep accented voice and seemed friendly.
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“Yea I’m from up north, past the city.” I wanted to be respected so I lied to him.
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“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.
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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.
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“Wait what’s your name?” I said.
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He had a big dumb smile on his face talking with a small laugh.
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“Yea, my parents saw it on some cartoon and liked how it sounded so that my name.”
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“Really?” I was wondering if he was messing with me.
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G.L turned to a student behind him and asked.
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“Hey bro, tell dem my name is really G.L”
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The kid looked around G.L towards me.
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“Yea, he got the weirdest name based on a car from The Lab’s show”
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G.L darted his head back to me.
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“See that's really my name even dis guy said it.”
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I squinted a little.
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“Ok fine, I’m Fran btw.”
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“Nice” he said.
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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.
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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.
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“Yo Fran, Whats up.” He cheerfully said, taking a seat next to me.
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“Sup” I said, sipping milk with one hand.
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He sat quietly and began eating his lunch. I was finishing mine and he asked me.
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“Fran, how is it past the city? Why would you move here?”
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I was stunned, I swallowed my last bite.
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“I-I have family here and we wanted to be closer by. And honesty past north isn't all that.”
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G.L was intrigued he put his food down and gave me his full attention.
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“Yea, I heard that before.” G.L said, “I’m from the giant water planet “Laagatagines””.
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“Woah, really!” I said. It sounded so foreign to me that I was curious.
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“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!”
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“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.
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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.
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“O? What class you got next?” G.L asked.
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“I have “marching” next, what is that?”
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“Ohh really? We might have the same teacher!”
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“Oh hopefully we do.” I checked my schedule, while we walked towards the lockers.
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“I have Mr.Nez for Marching.”
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“Yoo, be my partner dude.”
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“Ok sure.”
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We approached the class, G.L got to his locker and I showed the teacher I was new.
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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.
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“Fran huh?…Ok I will give you your lock tomorrow but do you have the uniform for this class?”
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My heart sank, my eyes widened with panic.
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“Ohh, umm I-I didn’t know there was a uniform for this class…”
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I was disappointed with myself but slightly mad that Jith hadn't told me about it.
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“It’s fine Fran, let me see your “Mark””.
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I felt uneasy at that request but I raised my arm up. Showing him it’s blue color.
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“Ok I can give you a stand-in uniform, until you can afford the “Blue” uniform.
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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.
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“Leave it in my office after class. Go before you make yourself tardy.”
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“Ok, Thank you teacher.”
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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.
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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.
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“Hi.” I said, turning to him.
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He seemed surprised by me noticing him, he looked up wanting to make eye contact with me.
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“H-h-he-helo”. He said turning red in the face.
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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?”
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He had a crooked smile and rocked slowly in place.
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“M-m-m-m-my am-na-name is h-Hugo.”
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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.
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“How do you like this facility?” I asked him.
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“I-I-It’s n–nice.” He said become less red in the face, rocking a little slower.
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I smiled, “Yea it’s nice here, I think the students here are nicer than most.”
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Hugo smiled again.
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I spoke up, “So where ar-”
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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.
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“Hugo” I said, “the teacher might be on his way, Let’s stand up”.
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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.
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“Kids can’t afford uniforms, that's sad.” A voice behind me said.
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Me and Hugo stuck out like disgusting sore thumbs. I wanted to disappear.
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“Attention!” Mr.Nez said.
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G.L’s number was the last spot in the back.
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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.
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“Ok everyone stand! Mr.Nez yelled.
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Quickly everyone stood up, I stumbled up and lastly a panicked Hugo stood up.
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“It’s mile day, you got an hour and 8 Laps for an A+. Ready? GO!”
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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.
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“Hey, let them pass go with the crowd near the end.”
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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.
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“KEEP RUNNING FRAN, THAT’S STRIKE ONE!” Mr.Nez’s sunglasses meet my eyes from across the field.
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“Dam, I’m really sorry Hugo.”
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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!
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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.
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“EVERYONE TIME'S UP GET BACK AND LOCKER ROOMS!”
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Immediately every single person ran out the field.
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“I only did 7 laps before the hour was up…”
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“Failure…” I was frustrated with myself, my all was not enough, I was defeated? My vision was hazy, I could barely stand but..
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With the last of my energy I sprinted towards the lockers across the massive field.
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“Damn IT! RUN!”
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The heat engulfed me, it went dark. I collapsed.
….
…..
……
……..
……..
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“Hey!” I heard distantly, “Yo! Fran!”
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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.
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“Man, your hardcore Fran. That was pretty cool of you, strong will.”
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“Hey now give them the water and take the left shoulder, I’ll get the right.”
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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.
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“Are you ok Fran? Should I take you to the hospital?”
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My eyes widened.
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“No sir, I feel way better now, may I go change?”
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He scratched his neck, “Sure Kid, class is wrapped up anyways.”
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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.
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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!
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I agonized towards the car, Jith saw me and let me in.
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I slumped in the back seat, letting out a deep sigh.
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“Let me guess, exercise?” Jith remarked.
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“yeaa ,Marching class actually.”
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“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.”
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“Yea…”
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I fell asleep, but then I remembered something.
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“God Damn, I have homework later….”
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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.
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(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)
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