Corren's Fight

Chapter One - Insomnia

This is dedicated to TryingPlanZ for the beautiful book covers she made me! Give her stories a read too, she's an awesome writer! :) Forgive me for the typos :( I wanted to post this a bit a early because you guys have been so great! You deserve it!

 Spring

Bop

Bop

Bop!

The blue racquetball bounced off the wall and into my hand. I threw it again, focusing on the steady rhythm I had created. My parents found the constant beat of the ball annoying, but it was better than falling into nightmares. Anything was better than nightmares. I threw the ball again with more force this time. The door at the top of the stairs opened and my dad came down into the basement. He found me slumped on the couch in front of the TV.

"Son, it's three a.m."

I threw the ball again. "So?"

"Have you taken your meds?"

I didn't answer.

"You need to sleep. You need those pills."

Bop!

"I can't Dad. They make it worse."

My dad sighed. He was frustrated, but didn't look like he had enough energy to do anything. "At least go to bed."

"I'm not tired."

That was a lie. My eyes were starting to sting from the lack of sleep. I had been fully awake for three days straight. Insomnia was taking its toll. I couldn't sleep, even if I wanted to- and I didn't. If I lost consciousness, I'd see his face begging me to save him.

I threw the ball.

My dad caught it in midair. Without another word he climbed back up the stairs. I let my waiting hand drop to the arm of the couch. The television was bright, but it wasn't enough to keep me awake. I started to drift. Then I was dragged into prison of fear.

* * *

I woke up in a panic. My arms flung out and gripped my surroundings. I soon realized I was awake and let my body go limp. I panted heavily and wiped the coat of cold sweat off my forehead. My drowsy eyes traveled the walls until they landed on a clock. It was six a.m.

I cursed and jumped up from the couch. I felt a harsh cramp in my neck but ignored it as I sprinted up the stairs. I was going to be late for school. I changed into new clothes and went into the bathroom. I swooshed around some mouth wash in my mouth then spat it out into the sink. With my mouth burning from intense mint I walked into my room. I grabbed my backpack off the floor and hurried back down the stairs. My car keys laid on the kitchen counter when I made it down. I snatched them up as I went by and pulled my jacket from the coat rack before leaving the house.

My school was about a ten minute drive. By the time I made it there class had already started. Since I arrived late security had to escort me to class. "Tardy Sweep" they called it. My first block stared at me like I had committed a murder. They weren't too far off. I took my seat while the teacher continued her lecture. In the meantime I zoned out, wishing I could be anywhere but here.

When the block had ended I proceeded to my next class. This took a short walk across the chaotic campus. I hated how crowded the school was when everyone was changing classes. I wanted to finally graduate and get as far away from home as possible. I just had to get through this year and the next.

"Yo, Lockwood!"

Shit.

I kept walking as though I hadn't heard the voice.

They appeared next to me now. Grayson, Quinton, and Archer. Grayson was one of the rich kids. He always had to be the center of attention, and he always wanted to pick a fight with me. Quinton and Archer only trailed him for the perks of being friends of someone who had money. Quinton was somewhat a pot-head. You could always find him getting stoned in the bathrooms. Grayson kept Quinton around because he was useful when Grayson wanted to get high. Archer was middle class, but he had the looks that had girls falling for him almost as much as they did for Grayson. They were friends because they were both womanizers- and they were good at what they did. Their friendship was mostly a treaty to reduce competition.

"How's the family, Bro?" Grayson asked, feigning concern.

"Fine." I answered.

"You sure? We've been hearing all kinds of crazy things." Quinton countered.

"Careful, Quinn," Grayson smirked,"He might snap and go suicidal like his broth-"

I sent a sucker punch straight to Grayson's jaw.

Grayson was forced a step back from the impact. He moved his jaw, testing if it was broken. I noticed slight blood in his mouth. "Now you're going to get it, Lockwood."

We lunged for each other.

Grayson threw a punch to my face. I dodged it by leaning back then forced a blow to his stomach. Quinton wrapped an arm around my neck and tried to pull me back. I flung him over me, sending him to the ground on his back. I sent a kick to Quinton's body before Archer snapped out of it and punched me in the face. That was all the two of them needed. Archer and Quinton tugged my arms behind my back and locked them behind me in iron grips. Grayson was in front me giving me a murderous glare. I jerked from Archer and Quinton, but Grayson knocked me back into place with a punch. He drew back his fist and sent another one that landed on my jaw, throwing my head to side. The third punch landed on my cheekbone, barely missing my eye. That's when five security guards rushed towards us.

Archer and Quinton dropped me and tried to make a run for it. Quinton was tackled down by one guard while two others cornered Archer. One security guard wrenched me up from the ground. I groaned. I looked up to find Grayson being locked in handcuffs. I smirked until I realized the metal binds were being put on me too. I sighed and settled for spitting blood in front of Grayson's feet. He grimaced.

Security towed us away, shouting about how this would go on our permanent record. I didn't care. But what I did care about was what would happen when the counselor interrogated me. There was no telling what she would find hidden behind my eyes. I had been numb for a while now.

I wanted it to stay that way.