Chapter 1
High school, just another sorry excuse for something in my life I don’t need. Just walking down these halls gives me the chills. I watch as smaller kids get their backpacks yanked off their backs, I can see the exhaustion in everyone’s eyes, the mental and emotional distress it puts on people. Why here? Why now? Why in the hell am I here. Oh, I just now remember my aunt’s tiring voice: “Because I went to school, and it doesn’t make you any better than you think you are.”
I feel a tap on my left shoulder. “You know skipping class on the first day isn’t exactly what we expected of you.”
I could feel the depression from a mile away. And the voice cracks from afar. People say your first day of school is supposed to be the best day of your life. Well to me it just all feels the same. School is just another way for people to get depressed and more anxious for the next day.
“You witch!!” I heard a very familiar voice from behind me. It was Drake, that scum bag- I thought I left him behind at my old school. He was just another hassle that I really didn’t need. I mean it’s my first day of school why did HE of all people have to be here.
“You know Maddie I don’t really like being ignored. Especially by someone who I love.” I could tell he was being sarcastic. Everyone at our old school always thought it would be a great idea for us to get together. Of course I had no involvement in this, but of course, as men always think, no means yes.
I regretted seeing his face so I turned to walk away. He grabbed my arm aggressively and wouldn't let go. I know he could tell that I was struggling. It was obvious in the way that I was looking into his eyes. God I hate the way he always does this.
“Your not leaving me, not now, not EVER.” I could tell that he was getting quite aggressive with me. I returned the remark with a roll of my eyes.
All of a sudden a figure shoved Drake off of me into the lockers and started beating him up into a pulp. I had no idea what was happening, and why it was. So I just simply turned, flipped my hair, and walked away to my next class. I always seem to question why people never explain things to me, maybe it’s because I’m too oblivious to know? No. It can’t be that.
I walked into my Pre-Cal class with a grim look on my face. I just knew that Mr. Wiseman was probably going to give us some homework. I always pay attention in class, but for some reason today I was just ignoring everyone. Honestly, sometimes I just feel that maybe people wouldn’t even notice if I was even here anymore. I put my headphones in to lessen all of the distractions around me.
5 minutes later I felt a tap on my shoulder. A boy was staring at me. Why? I have no idea. He had a smirk on his face, then he smiled showing his pearly white teeth. They were probably bleached anyway. So why did I have to care that he was smiling at me. I mean it’s high school, everyone does.
“Okay class please don’t forget that Friday is the football game, and tickets will be sold at lunch for $10.” Damnit I forgot that Friday was the football game. It’s the Roses against the Flames. The two most competitive gangs I have ever seen. My school has involvement with the Rose gang. I don’t want to even be affiliated with any of these gangs because it will just change me for the worst.
I hear the bell ring and I walk to the cafeteria. I was instantly surrounded by girls with their tight skirts up way too high, and their shirts so revealing that you could see through them. Most of the guys were all staring at me. I wonder why. I simply just roll my eyes at all of them and they continued smirking and staring at me.
Two popular girls run up to my table. I was sitting by myself with my headphones in just minding my own business.
“Well, if it isn’t miss smarty pants. I heard all the guys from the Rose gang have been staring at you all day.” I could tell that this girl was getting sarcastic with me, she had on a 99 cent lip gloss that was obviously not a real brand. She needed a serious makeover, and fast. I really didn’t want to sit there and have to listen to these girls go on and on about how every single guy was staring at me.
I simply finished my lunch quietly, whilst ignoring them, and walked away without even saying a word. I couldn’t stand their voices for even another second, it was like nails on a chalkboard. Like what even in the hell were these girls trying to do? Seduce me? I think not. I am highly sophisticated, in what I am capable of doing.
One of my best friends from a while back told me she would be at school today but I hadn’t seen her yet. So, I simply picked up my book and read a few pages. I heard a girl from across the room yell out my name. It was her. She had changed her hair from blonde, to red. It suited her well.
“Madison! It’s so good to see you!” She hugged me tightly and rubbed my back slightly. Her words were so soft and comforting, I could tell she really cared for me. I mean she is my best friend, who wouldn’t want to care for someone like me.
“Sarah! It’s so good to see you too!” I could feel tears forming in my eyes, but I held them back because I wanted to be strong for her. She had recently lost her dad in a car accident, and I didn’t want to make her have to comfort me after she had already been grieving. I was hugging her so tightly, it had been a while since I had seen her.
“So are you going to the football game Mads?” She asked me in a happy tone. I had never seen her this happy before, something really good must have happened while she was away from me.
“No.” I replied. “I don’t think I am going to go to the game, it just seems like the gangs are going to punch each other whenever they get the chance.” I made it seem like I was not wanting to go, but in reality I just wanted to see what one game was like. And then, if I didn’t like it, I would leave.
“But I already got us tickets.” She frowned and looked at me. I didn’t want to make her feel bad so I went ahead and said yes to going to the game. Although, I already know what the outcome will be with these gangs and I don’t want to see another fight yet again break loose.
I wanted to tell Sarah all about my first day as a junior in high school but I didn’t want to seem like a bother. Sometimes, I get like that and I feel that if I spill all my feelings out to someone that they won’t understand me, or that I am being too much of a burden for them.
“Yes, I’ll be at the game on Friday sarah. I will drive there and meet up with you at the front gate and we can find seats together.” I saw the excitement in her face, I had never seen her this excited for something in her entire life. But, there’s a first for everything right?
“Alright Mads! I will see you then!” Sarah smiled at me and then hugged me one last time. It was even tighter than ever before. I could tell she didn’t want to leave me, we had been apart for so long. My aunt doesn’t approve of her lifestyle, and the choices she has made in her past but really I don’t give a shit.
“Sounds like a plan Sarah!” I smiled back at her and waved goodbye as I saw her tired aching feet get farther and farther away from me. Sometimes o wish me and sarah could be together forever, but my aunt does not approve of what she does. So, I rarely see her unless we are both at school every day.
I heard the bell ring and it was finally time to leave school for the day. I was dreading going home to my aunt, she was probably going to ask about all the friends I had made in one day. Well the answer is plain and simple, none. I have no reason to be affiliated with this “Rose” gang or whatever they do in their spare time.
