Surviving my Scholarship

Pink Bunny

              "Sweetie, try your fork for that," Mrs. Galloway encouraged. I glanced up from my salad and saw the worry in everyone's eyes. I glanced back down at the food and then at my messy hands and frowned. Have I really lost it? Using my hands seemed so normal.

               I wiped my hands on my napkin before picking up the fork and trying to pierce the delicate leaves. Stupid things keep ripping on me. As my frustration built, the salad started looking more like chopped spices than my appetizer. With a loud groan, I threw my fork into the bowl and ran my fingers through my hair. I didn't dare glance up at the Galloway's again. Would they still have those expressions on their face?  

                 After my explosion, words were locked away tightly in a safe somewhere and its security left the dining room filled with discomfort and silence. It was the longest dinner ever and as soon as Mrs. Galloway finished her last berry, I jumped up and practically ran for the stairwell. I needed to plan my escape while I still had the sanity to do so.

                  The front door opening was unexpected and stopped my progress up the stairs. Jon walked forward with someone whose back was to me. His hair was pulled back so tightly, it would make the rings of Jupiter jealous. He wore the latest style on this planet which sadly includes a blushworthy expression of crotchless pants. His bare behind caused me to turn away and crush a preteen giggle that wanted to burst through my rosy lips. It is the only blessing about being locked up for being crazy in this house. I avoided the manhoods awaiting me outside of this house.

               "Ah, Doctor Langsworth," Mr. Galloway called as he walked up the hallway with large confident strides ignoring the fact the man was just hanging out in front of him. "Perry, I want to introduce you to Doctor Langsworth." He gestured to me with a wave of his hand and I glanced at Pierce behind him.

                   His lips had become a thin line which made me weary of the visitor. I slowly stepped down the stairs as I stared at Pierce for support. He looked as if he was about to fight with his father. By the time I had reached the small group of men, I was visibly shaking. When I reached Mr. Galloway he slid his arm around my waist and pulled me closer to the man.

                 "Hello, Perry," the man turned around with a malicious sneer on his face and I pushed against Mr. Galloway's support. It was Ducky. The man in front of me was that boy that had been killing for that scholarship and then threatening everyone at the podium. Do they not see him? Do they forget that easily? Mr. Galloway's arm held strong and I stared up at him in confusion. What is going on?

                 "Ducky," I questioned before moving away from Mr. Galloway and towards open space and my freedom.

                 "Excuse me," Ducky asked looking at me in confusion. "Ducky? What is Ducky?"

              "What is this, Ducky? Why are you going by Langsworth now? Aren't you in school or something," I accused backing up slightly more. I noticed Jon infringing on my space now. He wore that expression everyone else wears when around me now. "I am not crazy," I screamed out before covering my mouth with my hand. It was shaking against my lips.

                 "Ms. Perry," Ducky moved forward with his hands up like I was dangerous. "My name is Doctor Langsworth...."

                 "No, you are Ducky. You applied for that scholarship and you killed Cole," I squeaked out as I felt a pair of hands securely brace my shoulders. "I am not crazy! Can't you see it?" I turned to Jon who only patted my shoulder and shushed me. "It's Ducky!" I looked around for Pierce only to see him slip away into the Theater Room.