Gantz: Rebirth

Chapter 1: Orientation

It's the first day of college at Temple University in Philadelphia. I'm majoring in computer graphics, but my first class of the day is English. I'm a few minutes early, so I spend some time sketching some random superheroes in my art book. I'm soon interrupted by the professor who introduces herself as Ms. Wheeler, and insists that we all get to know each other, instructing us to state our name and what we like to do for fun. She's fucking hot. Better looking than any teacher I've previously had. She starts at the front of the class, giving me some time to think of my answer, since I'm seated toward the back.

"Becky Sizemore, and for fun I like to go to the beach and surf," one girl says.

Becky seems like a bit of an uppity bitch. Cheerleader snob type. I'm a bit of a loner. I don't socialize often with others. If I'm not brushing up on my computer graphic skills, I'm playing video games or drawing. As I listen to some of the other hobbies around the class like traveling, skiing, camping, and playing sports, I become a bit more insecure with my projected answer.

"Yo, I'm Steven Perelli. I write music and sing for my indie rock band," says a boy with long black hair.

Look at this fucking guy. The world picks on me, but not the guy with long hair, twenty-something piercings, and thinks he's a rockstar. Give me a fucking break. This is more nerve-wracking than I thought it'd be. At this point I wish it would speed up and get to me, so we can get it over with. If I wanted to know what all these people do with their lives I'd add them on Facebook.

"I'm Donnie Ayers, and I enjoy running," another boy says.

Holy shit, Donnie Ayers? I knew a Donnie Ayers back in 6th grade, he was my best friend. We were always the smallest people in class, and the targets of some of the bullies. We relied on each other to get through the bullying and the school year. I never knew what happened to him, he just wasn't there when 7th grade started.

I give Donnie a closer look and realize it's definitely him. He isn't small by any means anymore though. He's gotta be at least 6'5", which is about 9 inches bigger than myself. He also has a large scar going across his left cheek, under his eye. He's thin with a shaggy haircut. I wonder if he remembers me?

"Hey, it's your turn young man," Ms. Wheeler informs me, snapping her fingers.

"Uh yeah, sorry. I'm Cole Everett and I like to draw and play video games," I announce to the class.

Donnie turns to me and I notice the look of recognition on his face. He certainly remembers me now. I want to catch up with him, but now is probably not the most appropriate time. It'll have to wait until class is over.

Since it's just the first day there isn't any real classwork to do. We're told to write a one page essay on what we expect to get out of college. She informs us that it will not be officially graded, and used just to find out what level we're all on. What a bunch of bullshit. I'd rather draw in my art book than write an essay that's not going to be graded. But I force out a horribly written essay for the super fine professor anyway. I wrote about coming from a poor family, and wanting to accomplish my dream, and blah blah blah. The typical shit people write on those kinds of papers.

Finally the bell rings and I gather my things to leave. I have 45 minutes between now and my next class. I could use a drink and maybe something to snack on while I wait.

"Hey Cole, It's me Donnie. Man it's been years, how have you been?" He asks me.

"It's been good, I guess. You got really tall, I almost didn't recognize you," I tell him.

"Yeah, I really sprouted up in highschool. What are you up to? I have time before my next class if you want to catch up," he offers.

"Yeah sure, I was just going to go to the store. I need a soda and something to eat," I explain to Donnie.