The Outcasts

Reading & AP English

After break, I had my AP math, science, and history classes where the standard first day things continued to ensue; the usual rules, seating arrangements, introductions, et cetera, and then we were allowed to talk, or in my case, read.

After leaving the history classroom, I glanced at my schedule and smiled to myself, noticing I had AP English next, followed by reading.

I hurried to the classroom and took my seat in the back corner as everyone else was entering and choosing seats by their friends. As I was getting settled, Andy came and sat down beside me and whispered, "Hey, Leah," as the bell rang. I waved in response.

"Alright, class," the teacher began, a slight British accent lingering in his voice, "My name is Mr. Smith, and I will be teaching you lot to speak and write properly. Now, I hope we get along, but please note that I cannot and will not abide any back-talking, obnoxious gum chewing, and most of all, laziness. If you think for one second that this class is a joke or a time for you to goof off, you are sadly mistaken. That being said, I am allowing you all to choose your own seats and partners, so please, do not choose someone who will be a distraction, and don't make me regret my decision, for I will not hesitate to separate you. For the remaining forty minutes of class, you may either read, write, or talk quietly with your partner." With that, Mr. Smith walked back to his desk and sat down.

Once he had finished speaking, I pulled a notebook from my messenger bag which contained various fan fictions, poems, and songs I've written. I was continuing a story I'd started over the summer when Andy asked, "Whatcha writing?"

Slightly annoyed I'd been interrupted, I replied, "I am writing a series of words accompanied by proper grammar and punctuation to form coherent thoughts on the subject of the longest running science fiction show which originally aired in 1963, Doctor Who."

"So, a Doctor Who fanfic, then?" Andy asked.

"Yeah, and could I let you in on a little secret?" I asked, and he nodded. "You're the only student who has bothered to talk to me, with the exception of a few others who were making horrendous seal impressions and mocking me 'emo-ness'. Would it be completely absurd of me to assume I've made a friend on my first day here?"

Andy mocked shock and said, "I wasn't aware we weren't friends, princess. I mean, the outcasts have to stick together."

"You're an outcast? Seriously? You seem like one of the 'cool' kids."

"Nah. I might've been, but I don't waste my time trying to be cool because I'm not cool."

I smiled and said, "the outcasts stick up for each other. Society's so stupid, y'know? The wrong people are 'socially acceptable'. The people who deserve the spotlight are often overlooked, and those in the spotlight let it rush to their heads. The influences and idols for teenagers highlight the wrong ideals, and over time, manners and courtesy are lost."

"Dang; that was deep, but I completely agree. People, especially teenagers, should choose their role models more carefully."

I looked up momentarily to brush my bangs out of my eyes and noticed Mr. Smith standing at our table.

"May I help you, sir?" I asked politely.

"I was just listening to the conversation between yourself and Mr. Biersack."

"Oh. Did I do or say anything wrong, Mr. Smith?" I asked cautiously.

"No, no. Not at all. Quite the opposite, in fact; I'm just surprised that two young people can have such a mature and opinionated conversation whereas your peers' conversations are vapid and soulless and they're bullying and throwing spitwads."

"My parents raised me to think for myself, sir, and if I'd bowed to society's standards, I'd be doing myself a disservice as well as disappointing them," Andy replied coolly.

I nodded and said, "I'm the oldest kid in my family, and I have to be a good example otherwise who knows where they'd pick things up. It's better to be a good example than to be 'cool', sir."

With that, Mr. Smith walked back to his desk to do something.