Broken Runaways

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

Jeffrey

 

I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath. I opened the doors to my hell-like school. I grabbed onto the sleeves of my sweatshirt, sure not to let the sleeve fall down. I wasn’t ready to be judged for the physical representation of my pain. The knowledge of it to the people around me was inevitable. As I approached my locker, I noticed Jessica getting her books down from hers. Jessica and I were friends. Not super close, but we talked to each other from time to time. She was like an acquaintance to me. Though she interested me. Jessica was always loud, confident and funny- tough and defensive too. I remember in middle school, seeing her green eyes so full of life, joy, happiness. I didn’t see that anymore.

 

She always appeared happier than her eyes showed. I found it quite intriguing. Jessica didn’t have many friends, except for her friend Maria.

 

Jessica waved at me after she grabbed her binders from her locker. I returned her wave with a small smile and went ahead to get my books as well.

 

Closing my locker and walking down the hall, I hear and see people whispering my name. Vague blurs of other words creating and loud, yet silent hallway.

 

Ever since Ruby told people why I was in the hospital, everyone looked at me differently. My best friend, Ruby, doesn’t talk to be anymore, as she thinks I’m crazy. All my other close friends turned against me too.

 

At least I wasn’t pitied. I overviewed as the crazy emo guy. Not that it mattered much. People could be calling me worse I suppose. It still hurt though. Having everyone you trusted and were close to turn against you. Listening to people talk about me to their friends, as if I couldn’t hear them.

 

I stepped into my first period class, which was History. Everyone was already sat down at the separate tables with friends. I looked around for an empty seat, only to find the only small table in the back corner. Nobody was sat in either of the seats, which was a relief. I didn’t want to deal with the shit of being right next to someone whilst they discussed my personal issues.

 

Mr. Sanders started talking nonsense while I spaced off, not paying attention to a word he said. “I need to make a phone call, if you’d stay seated, that would be great.” Mr. Sanders said leaving the classroom.

 

“Jeff.” I heard my name. “Jeffrey.” Someone continued to whisper. I looked up to see an asshole kid sliding a plastic ruler across his forearm. I rolled my eyes and looked away.

 

“Seriously, John? You honestly think that’s funny?” I heard Jessica say. I glanced up, wanting to see the expression on John’s face.

 

“Yeah, I do.” He said crossing his arms against his chest.

 

“That is nothing to joke about. Even a low life such as you should be able to tell the difference between humor and being a dick. I suppose your stupidity most overpower some of your abilities. Maybe that’s why you're such a heartless bastard.” Everyone in the class oohed, watching as John sat there speechless.

 

“I bet you only say that because your an emo just like him.” John spoke up. “Are you, Jessica?”

 

“It’s not any of your concern nor will it ever be. I just think that assholes should know how much of an asshole they are. Jeffrey did nothing to you or me. So stop with your imbecilic jokes and learn when to properly shut the fuck up."

“Continuing on our lesson...” Right as Mr. Sanders walked in, everyone fell silent, and I began to space out again.

****

After school, I started walking home. Right when I turned the corner onto my street, I saw Jessica and Maria walking not far ahead.

"Jessica! Jessica, wait up!" I shouted. Once I caught up to Jessica, I vagley heard Maria telling Jessica to meet her back at her house. Maria walked away, and eventually into a house.

"Thank you." I told her.

"For...?" She questioned.

"For defending me in History. It meant a lot." I said honestly. Even though it probably wouldn't prevent anyone from joking about that in front of me again, it still meant a lot that Jessica cared enough to defend me.

"Seriously, it's no problem. Like I said, some people need to hear it from others about how horrid they are. No matter who it's for. That... is absolutely nothing to joke about." Jessica said. I noticed her grabbing the end of her blue long sleeved sweater, pulling it closer to her arm. I didn't say anything though. I did that a lot. Noticed things yet said nothing. It made me even more curious about Jessica and all of her personal thoughts.

"Still. It really meant a lot." I smiled at her. "Almost everyone is such an asshole at school. It's nice to know that I'm not completely turned against."

"I'm not one to judge, Jeffrey." Jessica said, looking to her feet. "I'll talk to you later Jeff. I should get going. Glad to have you back." She smiled. I pulled her into a hug, wrapping my arms underneath hers, snuggling my head closer into Jessica's neck.

Jessica and I might not be close, but I really needed someone like her to still have faith in me, unlike I did.

I had been so close to giving up, without Dallas, my older brother, walking into my bathroom at the right moment, I wouldn't here right now. Smiling like an idiot while hugging someone who I hoped to become close to.

xxFiona