"Listen, I've got a proposition for you," Azure's firm voice flew across the soft wind of the graveyard, "something mutually beneficial."
Elliot stepped back slightly, "I doubt that."
Azure stepped closer and the street light flickered; he the...
Between, the cold night shower washes over a city, bringing to life countless stories of beginnings and endings, hope and despair — hate and love.
These connections link us, help us, recognize us, through life's tribulations.
Yet they chain us to beliefs, expectation, and commitment.
As the rain cascades the earth, wailing winds whip around a small bridge, below, a hollow sound rings out into night.
"Is someone there?" a figure turns.
And the river beneath responds, flowing with sobs, peace, and the laughter of two boys.
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Wednesday, September 23, 2020
"That's so gay."
"I know right."
They laughed.
Can they be quiet? Elliot thought as he scribbled down notes about "how important first impressions are."
He despised school.
Learning wasn't that bad, call him nerdy but he thought it was relatively interesting.
What was bad were the assignments, annoying teachers, and mostly the fact he was stuck in a building full of hormonal boys.
He knew he was also a hormonal boy but at least he wasn't that annoying about it.
"Look at this," a boy with braces whispered.
"DAMN! She's hot. How'd you convince her to send you that?" a glasses-wearing boy whisper-shouted back.
"I have my ways."
"I would love to fuck her."
"She wouldn't let you get within ten feet of her."
"That doesn't mean I can't try," the two snickered. "Too bad though," the boy with glasses sighed, "if they're hot they all end up sleeping with Azure."
"But Azure isn't here today," the braced boy's voice spilled with optimism.
Elliot rolled his eyes and began to tune them out.
It was currently study hall but his English teacher, Mrs. Till, was out to help the other classes, meaning his classmates were left free rein to be idiots.
Barely regaining focus, he tried to finish his notes when the boys behind him abruptly pushed his seat in, causing a few gremlin cackles to erupt.
"Why do you always have your head in a book?" a boy, he believed was named Tom, asked.
Before Elliot could reply, another one chimed in, "He has to."
He continued his work, the teasing here was mere child's play.
Bored by Elliot's disinterest, Tom changed focus.
"Anyway, Jimmy, my guy," Tom slung his arm over a clearly uncomfortable boy. "Your dad needs to take my dad's offer."
"I'm trying to convince them," Jimmy responded with an awkward laugh.
"Just tell them how good an acquisition would be for their business." Tom looked Jimmy in the eyes, "It would be terrible if they lost the majority shares."
Elliot had always felt bad for Jimmy since he was the designated punching bag "friend."
He had also forgot to note that this school wasn't filled with just hormonal boys but absurdly wealthy — wtf how are you so rich — rich boys from families that practically ran the country.
He knew it was pointless but he'd always felt a little resentment.
...Whatever.
Fortunately, Mrs. Till returned and the class settled down.
Unfortunately, she came with devastating news.
"Alright class," she put her hands on her desk, "today we'll begin Central Haven's merit project."
She was promptly met with groans from the students.
"Yeah, yeah, since I'm sure most of you already know about the project, I'll only give a rough overview."
She continued, "Alright, the project will be divided into three parts: a presentation, an artistic recreation, and a thesis. The subject will be a contemporary societal issue.
"Remember to include discussion of change and continuity with a reasonable line of thought that includes a thorough analysis of the historical roots and future consequences. You will need at least five primary sources as evidence; if you require further clarification, please refer to the outline and rubric or come to me."
He sighed. Not horrible, I guess.
"And this year the project will be done with partners."
