Hurt | Jackunzel (remade)

prologue

I'm sorry this prologue is so long but it's so important! I really hope you enjoy!

Jack wondered out of sleepiness to the sound of his alarm. With a blurred thought, he realized it was Monday. This realization tired him more.

He sat up and silenced the alarm. He rubbed his eyes and sighed.

He doesn't want to go to school. Things have been different these past few weeks. So much has changed and he doesn't know why.

But today is a new day. Maybe even, a better day.

After a long dragged out yawn and a stretch, he slipped out of bed and gathered his clothes for the day. He bathed himself and washed his hair thoroughly before brushing his teeth.

Today will be better, hopefully. It should be.

But then he remembered. He almost forgot. Up against his window stood his proud piece of artwork that he has been working on for almost a month. It's probably the most advanced painting he created, definitely the most effort he's ever put into any painting. He finished painting the final touches before he went to sleep. It had been drying all night.

Now it's ready.

He's looking forward to standing proudly in front of his canvas, hearing nice things about his art and tips on how to improve. He nearly smiled, he's so excited. And all his friends get to see his–

His smile faded away. His friends... are they still his friends? Jack didn't know. He wants to invite them all tonight, they would be so happy for him.

But they haven't talked to him in weeks.

Jack shook his head, he shooed the negative thought away.

Today will be better. It will.

He put the canvas in his canvas bag, then grabbed his book bag.

Jack carefully opened his door, as to not disturb his step father. His step father, Pitch, is very hard on Jack for making noise. It was like walking on eggshells in this house, especially in the morning. He didn't want his day ruined by Pitch's mean antics. Today is supposed to be better.

Finally, he made it downstairs without waking up Pitch. He sighed once more. He didn't want to go to school.

With his canvas in hand, he walked to school.

• • •

"Hi! Do you know which building the art gallery is in?" Jack asked a few students he saw walking past him.

They looked at him confused for a moment, like they couldn't figure out why he approached them. They ignored him and continued talking amongst themselves, leaving Jack to stand there, awkwardly wondering if they heard him.

They clearly did.

"Thanks anyways..." Jack muttered to himself.

Someone's cranky today. he thought.

He looked around rushed, trying to find anyone else who could help him. Preferably, someone in a better mood.

"Um, hi!" he spoke with a friendly smile, walking up to a group of students. He knew one of the students, Peter. Peter was cool with Jack. Peter would always want to hang out with Jack after school.

"Do you guys know where that new art gallery is? I have no idea what building it's supposed to be in." He laughed.

The group looked at him Jack suspicion. His smile weakened, he wondered if he'd just said something wrong.

"Why don't you just leave us alone?" Peter spoke with sudden anger.

This genuinely shocked Jack.

"Sorry?"