Life is Rough

First Day of Blackwell Academy

The weekend was over, all my things were packed in my backpack and I was walking to Blackwell Academy. I was able to get into music. My preferred genre was alternative rock. Think bands like Three Days Grace, Breaking Benjamin, that kind of stuff. Of course, I would've preferred to take a ride, but everyone else was always too busy for me. Chloe was too busy getting money for getting high, Joyce was already at work and David was doing literally anything else. Honestly, I wondered if any of them even remembered me. 

It took fifteen minutes for me to reach the Academy and I took in the sights. There were multiple buildings and a lot of open space. Students were sat all around the campus either chatting with friends. I took a deep breath before stepping onto the campus grounds. Thankfully, I was given a map of the Academy which should've helped me out a little. I take a look at the map and found the male dorms. Following the map's directions, I reach the dorms and enter. I walk down the halls and search for my room, wondering which one it is. 

I take a look at my dorm keys and see a tag with a number on it. 38. I walk upstairs to the third floor and find my room. I unlock the door and enter the room, seeing that it was pretty standard. It was a small room with a single bed, a desk, a sofa and a table. I nod in approval of the room. 

Y/n: This'll do nicely. 

I put my backpack down on the bed and begin unpacking my stuff. I place my guitar down next to my bed, put my notebook down on my desk and I hang my spare clothes in the wardrobe. After finishing setting my room up, I walk exit my room and lock the door. Since my first day is blank in terms of lessons, I figured I should get to walk around the place, get to know the lay of the land personally instead of relying on a map. Leaving the dorm building, I take a look at the map and see if there's anywhere I shouldn't go. Obviously the girls' dorms weren't a place I could go so I'd avoid that. Aside from that, the campus didn't seem that big. 

I put the map away and head into the main building. Upon entering the halls, I see a bunch of notices up on the boards, labelling the disappearance of Rachel Amber. A low sigh leaves my lips as I look at the papers. I actually knew Rachel, a little bit. Chloe and her were... an item. Despite the "good natured student", she was a piece of shit when I was younger. Whenever she'd come over to visit Chloe and instead find me, she'd bully me. Often burnt me with cigarettes. I couldn't care less where Rachel was. Good riddance. 

I step away from the notice board and roam the halls of the academy, having a good look around at the classrooms. As soon as I reached a corner, I felt someone walk into me, making us both fall. I grunt slightly and stand up. 

Y/n: Hey, you okay? Sorry about that. 

I lower a hand to the person in front. It was a girl with short brown hair and blue eyes. Oddly enough, she seemed familiar... She takes my hand and I help her up. 

???: It's okay. It's my fault. I wasn't looking where I was going. I'm also in a rush, so I've gotta go. Sorry. 

Y/n: It's okay. I'll see you around...

???: Max. Max Caulfield. 

My eyes widen as I recognise her. She was back in Arcadia Bay?! 

Y/n: Max?! Is that really you?

Max: Uh... Yeah...? Hold on. Do I know you? 

Y/n: Uhh... Sort of. I'm... Chloe's younger brother. 

Her eyes widened in shock. 

Max: Oh my god. Y/n! W-Wow. You look... different. N-Not in a bad way! I-I mean... Y... You look great! Just... A big jump from how I last saw you. 

Y/n: Yeah. A lot can change in a few years. 

Max: Um... How's Chloe? 

Y/n: She's... well, to summarise her in one word, a delinquent. She gets up to all sorts of crap now. Drugs, mostly. 

Max: Whoa... You're super cereal, aren't you? 

Y/n: You still talk like that? 

Max: It's a habit. 

I nod. 

Y/n: Right, well... I'll let you get to wherever you need to go. I was just exploring the Academy. 

Max: Right, yeah. I'll... see you around. Hey, how about we catch up later? 

I shrug. 

Y/n: Sure. I'll meet up with you at the front of the Academy. 

Max: Yeah. It's a date. I-I mean, not literally or anything. I just mean-

Y/n: I know. I know. I'll see you later. 

I walk away from her and continue exploring the Academy grounds. Though as I wander the Academy, my thoughts circle around Max. When did she come back to Arcadia Bay? Did Chloe know she was back? And what was with Max being all nervous around me? I get it, I look different, but she just seemed... off. 

I end my little private tour at the car park, only to see a girl getting harassed by some other students. I click my neck and approach the students. 

Y/n: Mind leaving that girl alone? 

The bullies all turn to me and start jeering at me, circling me and spouting a bunch of empty insults. As soon as one of them shoved me, I grabbed them by the neck and slammed their head down on a car, making their nose bleed from the impact. I then turn to the other bullies and nod in the direction of the exit. Their eyes were wide from the sudden retaliation and they took their chance to run while I gave it to them. Sighing, I turn to the girl. 

Y/n: Are you okay? 

Girl: I... I think so... Nobody's ever stepped in like that for me... Thank you. 

Y/n: Don't mention it. How long has this been going on? 

Girl: A long time... Nearly all the time I've been to public school. 

My expressions softens. 

Y/n: Sorry to hear that. I know what that's like. Just... Just know that I've got your back. 

Girl: T-Thank you... What's your name? 

Y/n: Y/n Price. And you are? 

Girl: Kate Marsh. It's nice to meet you. 

I smile lightly and nod. 

Y/n: Likewise. You gonna be okay? 

Kate: Yeah. Again, thank you. You've already done more for me than anyone else. 

I nod and walk away from her, letting her relax. But hearing that last sentence made me feel rageful against this Academy. I thought Blackwell wouldn't allow this kind of shit, but here we are... And the fact that David is in charge of security here and does nothing to help Kate... 

I shake my head and return to my dorm room. Sitting down on my bed, I pick up my guitar and begin to play. Well... I say play, more like mess around a little with it. I liked to experiment. 

For my first day being here, I had a bad feeling about the rest of my time here...