Damaged Goods

Chapter 3

"Mr. James? Come on in."

Marcus looked up and saw a South Asian man, presumably the principal of his new school, standing opposite him. It was his first day at his new school - McKinley High - and although he had only been there for 15 minutes, he already wanted to leave. People chatting with their friends in the hallways, couples making out against lockers, cheerful voices coming from all over... it was all so nauseating. These 'friends', these 'relationships' that were supposed to last forever... they would all implode within a year of graduating, he knew it. It was human nature. Someone would inevitably let the other person down, abandon or betray them in some way, and like the snap of fingers, that would be it.

Following the man into his office, Marcus learned that his name was Figgins and he was indeed the principal of the high school. He spoke so passionately welcoming Marcus into the school, but it was wasted on the teenager as he probably hadn't even heard half of what Figgins had said. Fiddling with the zipper of his black bomber jacket, Marcus tuned out for most of the conversation. He honestly didn't care in the least about what sports McKinley offered, or what clubs he'd be able to join. 8:30 to 3 he would be here, and he wouldn't stay a second longer. A high school graduation was what he wanted out of this place, all he wanted out of this place, and he was going to do what was necessary to achieve that. Nothing more. Nothing less.

"Alright, let's have you sign some final registration forms really quickly and then I'll give you a tour of the school."

That snapped Marcus back to reality. He signed the last few of his forms, officially becoming a McKinley High School student, before being led out of the room by Figgins. Outside in the corridor, he was met by an extremely well-dressed teenager who was looking at him expectantly.

"Mr. James, this is Kurt Hummel." Figgins introduced him. "Kurt is a model student here in McKinley. Straight As. Member of the McKinley Glee Club. He'll be showing you around the school and taking you to your classes today."

With that, Figgins retreated back into his office, leaving the two teenagers standing face to face with one another. It was ironically funny: the two were opposites in every conceivable way. Marcus was tall; Kurt was short. Marcus was burly; Kurt was skinny. Marcus' hair was dishevelled, while not a strand of Kurt's was out of place. Marcus had clearly thrown on the closest items of clothing on the floor to him, while Kurt's attire was meticulously planned, ironed and selected. Everything about Marcus screamed jock or athlete; while Kurt screamed fashion.

The two stood opposite each other in silence for a few moments, neither really knowing what to say. It was awkward, to say the least.

"So... I'm Kurt." Kurt eventually started the conversation, sticking out a hand. Marcus shook it.

"Marcus." He grunted in reply.

"Well it's nice to meet you, Marcus. And welcome to McKinley. It's an... amazing high school." Kurt said. Marcus raised an eyebrow.

"Is it?" He asked, disbelief seeping into his voice. Kurt chuckled.

"It... can be. If you surround yourself with the right people." He replied. Marcus glance downwards.

"Not gonna happen." He mumbled quietly to himself, but Kurt heard him and nodded thoughtfully. So he was a more quiet jock, Kurt thought to himself. Not unlike some of the football players they had in Glee, he remembered.

Kurt then began to take him around the school. He started with the football and soccer field, and then he showed him the ice hockey rink, basketball court and gym.

"I figured you'd want to see these places." Kurt remarked as they walked through all of McKinley's athletic facilities. "You look like you play a few sports."