Legacy

ONE

Chapter One: I think putting my kidney on the line is enough.

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THE NEXT DAY

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L U C A S

Being back in my hometown didn't come with the sense of comfort that I'd expected it to. I didn't miss anything about this wretched town while on tour. Yet, I was the one to decide to come back.

I was my own downfall and as I pulled my baseball cap down further, I knew that this was the irreversible destruction that I have caused due to my insatiable habits.

My name fell longingly from strangers lips as the blinding lights flashed on me, but unlike last night the attention didn't bring me any satisfaction nor did the scene that came to play out as the back entrance to the school opened.

The Janitor of Middletown high-school stood at the door just like every other morning. It was clockwork at this point that I'd squeeze my broad shoulders in between the wall and Mr Michelson in order to get into the school building.

"Luke, what is your inspiration for your new song?"

My shoulder scrapped off the rusted metal and I winced, pulling my arm in through the small entrance. The pain wasn't anything compared to the consequences of answering their questions.

Once the door closed, the greying old man and I stood there staring at one another for a moment. A look of pity and concern swimming in his eyes as I tried to silently thank him through mine for the continuous help.

He wasn't ever told to do this nor did he have any reason to. He didn't know us, yet he still stuck out his neck for the three of us every morning so that we got into school building somewhat safely.

The trek from the bus to the back of the school was difficult enough as it is, but I knew without Mr Michelson the mob would only intensify as I would have to use the front door to the school. I shook my head at the thought, taking off the black baseball that covered my hair and most of my face.

My hair fell slightly into my view and I brushed it back out of my face, glancing at the clock to see that Xander would be here in a minute then Everest five minutes after him.

It would've been easier for us all if we just took the same school bus, but I knew that both of them would rather cut their limbs off than be caught in that tin can. I couldn't help but think of the mob that surrounded them each time they got out of their cars.

The media could never decipher what bus I was on as three yellow school buses arrived at the same time, buying me two minutes of peace, at least, to reach as close to the back of the school as I could. That's why I suggested the buses idea to them both, but got sorely rejected.

Mr Michelson glanced at me then to the opposite side of the room, twisting his neck uncomfortable to nod in the same direction.

"Yeah, sorry," I muttered, tightening my hold on the strap of my back that was slung over my right shoulder. I watched as his eyes fell on my painted nails before he shook his head softly and walked over to the door.

I stood out of the way of any wandering eyes as the door opened, leaning my weight against the wall at the far side of the room. The pleads, requests and questions were carried into the room in the air for them few moments the door was opened, until it was closed again. I felt as if they poisoned the peaceful atmosphere of the room.

Mr Michelson glanced at Xander and nodded his head before walking by me and out of the room. He didn't stay around long, only doing the one job he'd silently given himself throughout the years. I knew that after this year he'd be happy to never look at that door again.