The History of an Evil CEO

Chapter I American life I think... Part 2

Finally, the first day of high school arrived. My stomach twisted with nerves, but I masked it with a casual stride and a forced smile. The crowded hallways, the distant clamor of lockers slamming shut, and the murmur of conversations made the world feel overwhelming. But as the days passed, I settled in, meeting people who would change my life forever.  

Among them were two who would become my best friends and partners in adventure: **Xavier Uthman** and **Matthew Wayson**. Xavier, always in the middle of our trio, was from Florida with Cuban roots; his sharp wit and endless optimism often saved us from dull moments. On my right was Matthew, the calm, collected Alaskan who had an encyclopedic knowledge of the wild and a quiet sense of humor. The three of us quickly formed a tight bond, excelling in arts, science experiments, and anything else that allowed our creativity to flourish.  

Our shared passion for music led us to form a band we proudly (and ironically) named **The Rocket-Launchers**. We recorded three demo tapes, and though our gigs were mostly in run-down bars or school events, we felt like rock stars. Our most memorable track was *"Sleeping In A Bloom"*, a strange, gritty piece with raw lyrics that I scribbled down in a fit of youthful angst:  

*"Don't go with him, you are alone...*  

*Sell the children for food, no one has any other..."*  

Looking back, I have no idea what was going through my mind when I wrote those lyrics. Maybe I was channeling some kind of frustration or discontent with the world. It sounded like something a wild-eyed poet with messy hair and round glasses would say. If I offended someone with that song—well, sorry about that!  

But what made those days even better was **Natalia**. She came to our rehearsals and "concerts," always encouraging us. Together, we crafted toys to sell, including a plush we called **Love Dog**. Our little gang of six—Xavier's girlfriend included—spent weekends at the drive-in theater, the library, or just roaming around town, soaking in the thrill of being young and free.  

Of course, not everything was perfect. I also encountered people I wish I hadn't. There was one group in particular, a band of arrogant misfits who thought they were above everyone else. Their ringleader was **Ceciton E. Charles**, a guy whose smug grin was as infuriating as his condescending remarks. I avoided them whenever I could; my gut told me that getting too close to people like them would only end badly. After all, my father's fate was a stark reminder of the dangers of associating with the wrong crowd.  

But even with these shadows lurking, I held onto hope. I believed things would get better. What I didn't realize was just how wrong I was...    

Despite the challenges, I threw myself into my work and responsibilities. I saved every penny from my job at **McDonald's**, determined to buy an electric guitar—a luxury that felt just out of reach. Balancing school, work, and my dream of making music wasn't easy, but I pushed forward. Archery became another outlet for me. I wasn't just good at it—I excelled, winning several competitions and earning prize money. Each victory felt like a small triumph, proof that hard work paid off.  

Of course, life wouldn't be complete without a little chaos. One afternoon, Xavier and I were prepping for the school science fair. We'd placed fourth the previous year and were determined to win this time. Desperation led us to experiment with random chemicals, mixing things neither of us could identify. We ended up with a foul-smelling brown liquid that looked like it belonged in a toxic waste dump. Just as we were marveling at our questionable creation, my cousin burst into the room, startling me. The flask slipped from my hands, and the sludge splattered all over my head. For weeks, I sported a bald patch that was the butt of every joke. Ha! Looking back, I can't help but laugh.  

But that messy accident brought unexpected joy. My cousins and I bonded over the absurdity of it all, and soon, we were exploring new places together, turning disasters into adventures.  

Looking back, this period of my life was a whirlwind of ambition, friendships, and mistakes. We were young and full of the belief that we could conquer anything. It's a beautiful yet naïve way to see the world, but maybe that's the essence of youth—the desire to change things, to make an impact, to defy the status quo.  

As I write this, I know this story is still in its early chapters. The road ahead is long, filled with unknown challenges and opportunities. But for now, I'll savor these memories—the laughter, the music, the triumphs, and the failures. Because even when life was messy or difficult, it wa