(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. )756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflwh8iLhzt
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxLGNdJTKu
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.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrmk0VJi5gm
"Fran, get your bag and wait on the couch until we're all ready."
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04Y34xcGQg
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.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtCYJVqXnh
I heard a jumble of steps and in a hurry Juy and Dace stepped out of the bathroom all ready to go.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Gsoq3tqNs
"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.”
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡENwrDCKG45
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.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfG4G57Ju4S
"How long till we get there Jith?" I asked.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtFCFOPOgP
"It depends on the road, try and get some rest ok?" She replied.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiY0cikrN9f
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.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSRxAkLt3D
"Are we going there?" I tiredly said to Jith.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3evLzHqEN
"Yea we are, try and sleep Fran, it will go by faster that way."
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxmJ4g7RqB
"ok"
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoq88lNwf1C
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.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5g1vojlhMs
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.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcR1egGwZw5
"Documents and reason for coming here?" said the bearded guard.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6DAe4QskM
Jith answered "My kids are coming for training." Jith hands them some documents. He said nothing, only examining the papers.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv77QwZ0Vbc
"Why don't you train them on your side?"
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAJNOfnKRe
"I have permission and like the facilities over here more."
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQzgKs9yKm
The guard scoffs and clears their throat.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeXbcegnewb
"State your name and date of birth?"
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4FcXW6yEF4
"Jith, my date of birth is 02-16-5214 Aydiz Scale.”
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQItczDXPd
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?”
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdU3K99CL5
“I was born in Eden, but I applied and was made a citizen here.”
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJOybGrYjV
“Alright, we need to question them all.” the bearded guard turned to the other.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkJFyXBBKA
The bald guard finally spoke up. “HELLO! WAKE UP NOW!”, while snapping his fingers and knocking on the car's roof.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZxCnu4cgI
My eyes widened as I sat up straight in the seat, Dace jumped up half asleep and scared. Juy slowly opened their eyes.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡilgIRzZP8q
“Ok now!” said the bald guard. “Which one of you is Juy?”
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXyCu3GWQz3
“That's me.” she said.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFGY3qOMFM
“What’s your age, DOB and do you know where you were born?”
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNVN8TEn4f
“Im 15, i was born on 11-12-5249 and I was born in Aydiz”
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlEHEL5q62
“And you live in Cim?”
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPu9IvkHK7X
“yep.”
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡErgyYGDM4R
“Is Jith your parent guardian?”
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQsQmNOttM8
“Umm, yea?”
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgktxXtoXU
“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.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhsPGUGqyA
I was worried but tried to speak up. “yes, I'm fran here.”
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBvwElye7kG
“WHAT WAS THAT?” The guard was looking right at me.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2iRMHigUWJ
Half turning in my direction Jith calmly said “Fran speak up baby.”
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI26WNC5kPS
“YES I'm Fran sir.”
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIVfQ6Fv5V
“Ok there you are.” the bald guard smiled. “Your age, Dob and place of birth.”
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡesnMOTUSq4
“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.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqaMJ1q2YF
“OK AND NOW WE HAVE DACE!”
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWbXZvnnHt
Dace was a heavy sleeper and was drifting off to sleep, the guard was inpatient.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPeiIaD8LB1
“HELLO, DO YOU SPEAK ENGLISH? IS DACE REALLY YOUR NAME? HEYY Zole!”
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQI4bfj0PSr
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.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TFCHgE2ru
Dace’s eyes opened and he looked sleepy to the guard. “Oh, yes Im Dace.”
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQkggDHchw
“Alright there we go Zole! “You speak english right?”
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAz3jjyzxJm
Dace was clearly disheartened, “Yes, sir.”
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKC7UZONJr
“Ok then, what's your age, Dob and place of birth?”
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXTPrsUEnc
“Im 9 years old. My birthday is 03-29-5255, I was born in Aydiz.”
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5qzRYjsZr
"Ok very well." The bearded man returned Jith the documents. "Head to the Right just up ahead for inspection."
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwhD7fmGPy
"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.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMpkXULPSX
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.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6cIoWO5wS
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.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnIisJLsrub
“Hey, what time is it?”. I asked Jith
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3mLImBWFVW
“It's 9:32 and we're very late for your classes, we can be there in about 15 minutes.”
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VYW6p8pIM
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.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgtmHTqyPKs
“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.”
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zmxbKY09Y
“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.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlj7YuBtIh
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.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9ES4fUpvL
“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.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdqpRT7beOD
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”.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpjUEl6XUR
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.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ9rgT5PBoa
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzcJJVZyjr
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPsYA6JVYB
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.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSVZ9RxtUc
“Did you get any homework… cause I know I did.” Dace said sadly. We all laughed, even Juy.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjmcK06itg
“It was cool”, I said “People seem nice and I just did tests today.”
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKuMNLEwl4
“Did anyone say anything to you about being late?”
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfYVassYzR
“No, nothing like that. I just walked into 2nd class like whatever.”
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWa78EoB0Sq
“Ok cause Dace got in trouble but I talked it out with the dean.”
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvgPC2JhKnt
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.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsS4luVjg2
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.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyd5G5TF2dj
“Bye Fran, be good and do your work ok?”
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5kQlXWjR6
“Yea I know, bye guys.” I waved to them
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Kbi1g4FtP
“Bye.” Dace and Juy repeated.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbetXZUYRb
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.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhNmG1xkDx
“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!”
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVO4TN9USvT
“Woah, Really?” Kids turned their heads scanning for an unfamiliar face, ending up looking at me. “It was you?” “Wow, that's cool.”
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbynB6o37Z
“Are you Fran?” a student in front of me turned.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQfptxbEF4
“Um-um yea.” I couldn't talk to people at all!
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvr3w5piEN
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.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXIvMI05mmD
“Ouuu, Bradley was outdone.” “Bradly was finally beat!” “Yo, Brad new kid beat you”
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqOVs4fj7f
Someone seated in the front row sat very still, but finally turned to me.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPNiYVrxOG
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.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1WwTB6SZge
“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.”
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRS44fIA8TR
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.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdd0OG3GzKX
Maybe it doesn't matter what I am? People respect smart people. I thought.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt92FAPNt5I
The bell rang and the desk turned off, the kids got up and chatted as they left the class.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2gGIJnwKiU
“Bye Fran see ya.” some students told me on the way out. I said nothing and put on a faint smile.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKg4jyB3nlS
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?
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0enXakdeZ
The other kids pulled the door, it was locked for sure.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRLBZEPrjzx
“Have seen the teacher? A student turned to me.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZ2vIXHJc3
“Oh nah I haven't seen them.” I said.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9dkZfjZu3I
“Yo, you look new to dis class right? Wait, did you barely move here?”
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pbI3mi70a
I was shocked by this person, talking so casually with me, they had a deep accented voice and seemed friendly.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFWRMPfIit
“Yea I’m from up north, past the city.” I wanted to be respected so I lied to him.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhkonaqndW
“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.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJzUZgAzNg4
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.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGXO4kuqh3y
“Wait what’s your name?” I said.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWAN68g8Yx
He had a big dumb smile on his face talking with a small laugh.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXRvMwToX8
“Yea, my parents saw it on some cartoon and liked how it sounded so that my name.”
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPopmXTTp73
“Really?” I was wondering if he was messing with me.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8y1acYkgWf
G.L turned to a student behind him and asked.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzCNjA7qNGy
“Hey bro, tell dem my name is really G.L”
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5pReC7pUu
The kid looked around G.L towards me.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFptYLZkDI
“Yea, he got the weirdest name based on a car from The Lab’s show”
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFBizEz0MX
G.L darted his head back to me.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRq2dvr1WqD
“See that's really my name even dis guy said it.”
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡncOsKxTXLW
I squinted a little.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBNgqOLn9L
“Ok fine, I’m Fran btw.”
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDBfI0Uugn
“Nice” he said.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDnB35mKx2
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.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFk2cKfPS0
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.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQrlfbtZK77
“Yo Fran, Whats up.” He cheerfully said, taking a seat next to me.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWOUyvf1It
“Sup” I said, sipping milk with one hand.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpfk8agjge
He sat quietly and began eating his lunch. I was finishing mine and he asked me.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3ooyZbkBF
“Fran, how is it past the city? Why would you move here?”
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SObfptzwI
I was stunned, I swallowed my last bite.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXZcupvtxS
“I-I have family here and we wanted to be closer by. And honesty past north isn't all that.”
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGN3dsEIiE9
G.L was intrigued he put his food down and gave me his full attention.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwOLAWaDPB
“Yea, I heard that before.” G.L said, “I’m from the giant water planet “Laagatagines””.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0MFYZijBB
“Woah, really!” I said. It sounded so foreign to me that I was curious.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5E2UqmMcyz
“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!”
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPai4Cgtfu
“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.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAB9OnheXXU
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.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxV3sSwqwx
“O? What class you got next?” G.L asked.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsoJnr7i6Rv
“I have “marching” next, what is that?”
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFS3EfpXm7k
“Ohh really? We might have the same teacher!”
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MiHt8jowM
“Oh hopefully we do.” I checked my schedule, while we walked towards the lockers.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zCLgbYSMr
“I have Mr.Nez for Marching.”
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJubvIenjpG
“Yoo, be my partner dude.”
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUe2hcsSS0f
“Ok sure.”
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5mDoG8ZveL
We approached the class, G.L got to his locker and I showed the teacher I was new.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡco9OnzLNP1
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.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjnQHbyTO0
“Fran huh?…Ok I will give you your lock tomorrow but do you have the uniform for this class?”
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasqxYnjNXu
My heart sank, my eyes widened with panic.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgyeFiR1l6
“Ohh, umm I-I didn’t know there was a uniform for this class…”
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73MPKMk6oM
I was disappointed with myself but slightly mad that Jith hadn't told me about it.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNhgPWbipU
“It’s fine Fran, let me see your “Mark””.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBkm5jUe1I
I felt uneasy at that request but I raised my arm up. Showing him it’s blue color.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjH6g8Dh4q
“Ok I can give you a stand-in uniform, until you can afford the “Blue” uniform.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvkbo6EI39
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.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhc0tHdvqxA
“Leave it in my office after class. Go before you make yourself tardy.”
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDHw1XPIXYc
“Ok, Thank you teacher.”
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2SvXMp7oA
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.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKIn25kCGH
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.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGOjDIw51Z0
“Hi.” I said, turning to him.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZu9svJ9oDa
He seemed surprised by me noticing him, he looked up wanting to make eye contact with me.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Pgt4ZnGVP
“H-h-he-helo”. He said turning red in the face.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHbCkDAc7b0
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?”
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1djhgLOt7
He had a crooked smile and rocked slowly in place.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLeMBPVekdS
“M-m-m-m-my am-na-name is h-Hugo.”
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6neROrnwm
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.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYj3gOWk0wU
“How do you like this facility?” I asked him.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡunLskPycRi
“I-I-It’s n–nice.” He said become less red in the face, rocking a little slower.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZeGxdIaYoq
I smiled, “Yea it’s nice here, I think the students here are nicer than most.”
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39hxrWyThw
Hugo smiled again.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LPITX1hEC
I spoke up, “So where ar-”
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKEfhaRxCDH
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.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡktn0wYx2XW
“Hugo” I said, “the teacher might be on his way, Let’s stand up”.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZp2PlnKgw
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.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMW5emDAYr8
“Kids can’t afford uniforms, that's sad.” A voice behind me said.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjrAtrwFlG
Me and Hugo stuck out like disgusting sore thumbs. I wanted to disappear.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkPi9FVuBCZ
“Attention!” Mr.Nez said.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjkLfSXOvo
G.L’s number was the last spot in the back.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZUgFQll5O
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.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76qlIxrU2v
“Ok everyone stand! Mr.Nez yelled.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpfi5hZs1M
Quickly everyone stood up, I stumbled up and lastly a panicked Hugo stood up.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzGrc3VkiQG
“It’s mile day, you got an hour and 8 Laps for an A+. Ready? GO!”
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9dAoXiXp4
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.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBgvPJsePxF
“Hey, let them pass go with the crowd near the end.”
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZJE5bOXvC
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.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTiSOdg8M3
“KEEP RUNNING FRAN, THAT’S STRIKE ONE!” Mr.Nez’s sunglasses meet my eyes from across the field.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6rMRXZCAko
“Dam, I’m really sorry Hugo.”
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtqDGUf1nJ
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!
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylCKRbLg7B
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.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Q4LlSNkgC
“EVERYONE TIME'S UP GET BACK AND LOCKER ROOMS!”
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjI2KeyM2ZN
Immediately every single person ran out the field.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzZiT8cvQ9
“I only did 7 laps before the hour was up…”
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOuqoVl2ER0
“Failure…” I was frustrated with myself, my all was not enough, I was defeated? My vision was hazy, I could barely stand but..
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcuHswM1yCR
With the last of my energy I sprinted towards the lockers across the massive field.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeuRIEIoyNv
“Damn IT! RUN!”
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFkRcXU5q2n
The heat engulfed me, it went dark. I collapsed.
….
…..
……
……..
……..
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZu1sso6amx
“Hey!” I heard distantly, “Yo! Fran!”
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzGmKd2a4Z
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.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx99KkaQAur
“Man, your hardcore Fran. That was pretty cool of you, strong will.”
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4GGzJ70j4
“Hey now give them the water and take the left shoulder, I’ll get the right.”
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrJTHXF7Mp
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.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJhJtuuw64M
“Are you ok Fran? Should I take you to the hospital?”
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlAD9Gcz9aa
My eyes widened.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdP1tHbpcSp
“No sir, I feel way better now, may I go change?”
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QmGkPC5wX
He scratched his neck, “Sure Kid, class is wrapped up anyways.”
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTYzBp9jkG
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.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Y5xnL8eGV
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!
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKISJfjflE
I agonized towards the car, Jith saw me and let me in.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhTq3A9xXo
I slumped in the back seat, letting out a deep sigh.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbArpQKuAIA
“Let me guess, exercise?” Jith remarked.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFq8IqgFCIb
“yeaa ,Marching class actually.”
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJ79v5GlEo
“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.”
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbFo7Oqq2EU
“Yea…”
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7h3j4tWVuN
I fell asleep, but then I remembered something.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2762dVMsUf
“God Damn, I have homework later….”
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYws8hoTIkg
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.
756Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7vWWDmcoF
(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)
ns216.73.216.253da2
and then Add to home screen.