Call Me Six

20: 'Face-plant' -Tris

TRIS-

It's strangely empowering, to know that everything is going your way; to be hated for all the right reasons; to know that they can't see through the mask.

Humans. Our behaviour is incredibly easy to influence. Although many believe that we have been gifted with free will, the large majority of our species merely follow the norm and act as one whole instead of individuals.

Fascinating, really... Herds of information fueled teenagers flock to gather and share their thoughts - their thoughts on me. But these aren't really their thoughts, though, right? These are the propaganda infused gossip of a high-school. They couldn't possibly be that brain-dead, as to forget that they are able to form their own opinions - could they?

It seems to be the same word that's latching itself to everyone's throat: slut.

The bell goes.

Just as fast as it started, the harmonious mutterings have ceased. 

~

"Miss Prior," Mr. Radley - a fairly young teacher with dark curly hair that I often see at Harvey's -  greets as I walk in late.

"Sorry - were you talking to me? I thought my name had been officially changed to slut."

"Miss Prior, I happen to think that Beatrice is a lovely name and that derogatory term should never replace it. I should be issuing you with a detention right now but luckily you haven't missed much so your tardiness is pardoned, but I will not tolerate that language in my classroom. Take a seat," he says whilst trying to hide a slight smirk behind his hand as he scratches at the thick stubble of his beard and continues to write a whole load of nonsense about rivers on the board.

"Will do, Mr. R."

Geography is so pointless... We sit and copy from a textbook for half the lesson and watch a documentary on migration for the other half. Although, today we had a small quiz that was obviously copied off the internet because the multiple choice answers were printed upside-down at the bottom of the page.

I could feel myself falling asleep. My head was bobbing as my eyes grew heavy until I actually face-planted into the table - much to the amusement of everyone surrounding me.

"Miss Prior," Radley choked out as he tried to hide his own laughter.

"Sorry, won't happen again." I plastered on a smile and reminded myself to water down his usual order of bourbon at Harvey's later tonight.

Once again, that dreaded school bell rang and everyone packed in a frenzy before charging out the class.

"Miss Prior, you can remain seated." 

I slumped back down in the old plastic chair and shoved my bag back under. "In my defence, Mr. Radley, that documentary was the dullest thing ever," I said and pulled my hair up into a messy bun because a strand kept falling in my eyes.

~

The music was blaring, the drinks were flowing and everything was per usual... apart from one thing: my regular - Radley - wasn't here.

It was nearing final call when he finally showed. "Bourbon." His order was blunt as usual.

"Coming right up, Mr. Radley."

A scoff escaped him before I handed over the drink. "Who'd have thought that my student would be my bartender... You realise how illegal this is, right? You're not even eighteen yet, Tris." He took a long sip and continued to sit chuckling to himself.

"You're right, Mr Radley, but who else would know to put frozen blackberries in your bourbon instead of ice?"