Metal Rose

Chapter 1

A soft knock lands on the door. A voice calls from the other side.

"Mercedes, are you ready for your first day of school?"

Mercedes sighs as her mother stands behind the closed door. She turns and takes a look at herself in the mirror before smiling. Opening her bedroom door her mom smiles and then sighs.

"Starting the new day off strong?"

Mercedes laughs shaking her head.

"If you mean my entire look, then yes. All black. I am aware I was bullied at the old school, and I'm only coming to this one due to your job change. I won't change who I am. They have to get used to it. So, I might as well start day one. My Emperor shirt is cool for one. My Doc Martins are a little beat up but still in good condition. Two, who knows? Maybe I will find people like me."

Her mother smiles and nods her head. She speaks sincerely.

"I admire your optimism. I love the way you stay true to who you are. It's very inspiring. I'm sure you will find some kids just like you."

Her mother pulls up in front of the school and stops. She smiles brightly and nods.

"Have a great first day. You can walk home this afternoon, right? I'll be late at work."

Mercedes nods with a smile grabbing the door handle.

"Of course I can. Thanks, Mom. See you later."

Mercedes opens the door and steps out of the car. Her mom exclaims as she goes to walk away.

"Hey, I love you!"

Mercedes turns back to the car and has the biggest smile.

"I love you too, mom."

Turning around, she heads towards the building not paying attention to all the kids staring at her.

Hunter sits on a ledge, rolling his eyes as her friends in a couple walk up with big smiles.

"Hunter, you're early, man!"

He turns to Kevin and Emily, sighing. Shaking his head, he speaks.

"Are you two going to be so lovey-dovey this year? You already did that all summer."

Hunter notices Emily's eyes dart somewhere behind them. She gasps.

"Oh my god... Who is that?!"

Kevin's eyes go wide, and Hunter is even more confused. He turns around and immediately freezes. His eyes immediately land on Mercedes with her long, curly, ginger hair. Her outfit stood out to him as well. His stomach had a weird feeling that confused him. Emily keeps her bright smile.

"She must be a new student. She's so pretty!"

Kevin nods and says, " She looks cool. She's wearing an Emporer shirt."

Hunter immediately scoffs and rolls his eyes. He turns around, disappointed in his friends.

"Please. She's a fucking poser from a mile away."

Both Kevin and Emily are confused. Hunter tilts his head, annoyed.

"Guys, come on. She's the new kid at a new school. She wants desperately to be different, so badly that she just picked the most shocking aesthetic. You can tell."

Emily laughs sarcastically and shakes her head.

"So, we're back to being misogynistic Hunter that hates women."

Kevin tries to hide his laugh. Hunter looks offended.

"Okay, I do not hate women. Just posers."

Kevin shakes his head and shrugs his shoulders.