Pandemonium | joker fanfiction

Chapter 1

     I file into the subway car, pushing through the group of people boarding in hopes of claiming a seat. As soon as I step foot inside, the awful combination of body odor and cigarettes bombard my senses. I wrinkle my nose in disgust. I've always hated riding the subway and usually avoid it at all costs. However, thanks to the fact I woke up an hour late and this is the fastest way to Gotham High, right now I have no other choice.

I spot a seat next to a not-so-friendly looking business woman and sigh with relief. This is going to be bad enough without having to be a standee. I plop down beside the woman without a word and nervously glance at my watch. The subway always has me on edge, especially with Gotham's notorious crime rate. Who knows what kind of a person you could be sitting next to in a city like this. I wipe my sweaty palms on my worn Levi jeans and dig through my school bag, cursing. Did I forget to pack it?

     Finally, my hand meets the cool surface of my mother's old walkman. Soon, nirvana is blasting in my ears. The chords of the guitar reflect the electric signals passing through my brain while the drums play in time with my heart. The ride is almost bearable.

~~~

     I stare up at the massive building that is Gotham High. In two weeks time, I will be out of here for good. My heart starts to pound just imagining crossing that stage, diploma in hand. Freedom is just a few exams away.

Students litter the steps leading up to the enormous school. Some have their textbooks strewn out in front of them, most likely cramming in some last minute study time, while others snap selfies with their friends. Despite their differences, each group has one thing in common: no one leaves their social clique. I glance over to the 'popular' crowd or as most people know them, the privileged kids. Money really does equal power. My eyes linger on Elizabeth Wayne, the famous Bruce Wayne's beloved daughter. My lip curls in disgust. It must be nice to live everyday in a dream just because your daddy practically owns the city. How nice would it be to not have to worry about whether you'll be on the street next month. To not have to watch as your mother pretends she isn't hungry just so you can get a full meal. To not have your father work so much overtime you barely know him anymore.

I was her friend once upon a time. In fact, I used to be one of them. However, I never really fit. I tried so hard to be like them, to pretend I lived in a luxury penthouse and wasn't picking up shifts at the gas station at the young age of fourteen.

Inevitably, one day they found out why I never invited them over to my place or attended their families' lavish events. Upon learning this, they cast me out like an animal. They told me it was because I lied to them, but I knew better. The real reason was they couldn't stand to be seen with me. Forget any good memories we had together, I quickly became nothing more than scum off the streets, an inconvenience in their perfect lives, a wad of gum they had to scrape from their designer shoes.

     To my dismay, Elizabeth catches me looking. A devious smile lights up her annoyingly perfect features.

"Well look who it is," she jeers and the group turns to me. I internally slap myself in the face for being stupid enough to get their attention. Swallowing my pride, I duck my head and begin to quickly climb the stairs.

"Cmon Mara, where you going?" one of the jocks named Chris calls after me. My pace quickens, and I hear laughter from behind me.

"Yeah, run away you little bi-".

     The large school door slams behind me, cutting her off. I all but run to my locker just in case they decide to follow me.