School of Rock One Shots

almost, but not quite

this one shot was requested by @124057kog (go check out their one-shots book! it's good!) This idea is very specific, but unfortunately very sad. But I hope you guys enjoy regardless! {WARNING this one is long-ish}

Third Person POV
eighth grade
*****************

Zack walked into class and avoided eye contact. He couldn't let the band know his secret. His parents beat him.

He didn't get an A, black eye.

Forgot to do his chores, bruised shin.

Came home even a second late, broken fingers.

Everyday it was something new, but he never told anyone.

Zack strapped his guitar on.

"Alright, Zack, what song are we playing today?" Mr. Finn asked him.

Zack glared and shook his head.

"What's up with you today?" Freddy asked.

"Yeah, c'mon man, lighten up." Tomika said, slapping Zack's back.

Zack winced.

"Zack are you ok?" Summer asked.

Tears rimmed his eyes. He took his guitar off and threw it onto the ground. "I'm not ok, my parents beat me. For no reason, I just-" He lifted up his sleeve to reveal bruises and cuts.

"Oh. My. Gosh." Summer said.

"What a loser!" Lawrence howled.

"What?" Zack asked, confused.

"I can't believe your parents have to beat you Zack! What could you possible do. You're so lame." Tomika laughed.

"You know what, how bout we add to his torment?" Freddy asked, wide-eyed.

"Woah woah woah." Mr. Finn said, "You guys can't beat him up in front of me. I'll get arrested. But it looks like my coffee cup is empty. I'm going to go fill it, and use the bathroom, and meet with Ms. Mullins." Mr. Finn grinned maliciously. He strutted out of the classroom and gave a comedic wave good-bye before shutting the door. Zack turned around to see all the students surrounding him.

"Uh oh."

***

The torture didn't stop. It went on for days,

and days,

and days.

It went on and on. At home and at school.

Until one day when it got really bad.

Zack walked up to Tomika.

"Um, Tomika, I just wanted to tell you that I have a huge crush on you, and I have... for a while."

"Zack, I-" Tomika started.

She was cut off.

"What did you just say to her?" Freddy, Tomika's new boyfriend raged.

"Freddy, I didn't- I would have never- I-" Freddy punched Zack in the middle of the hallway. Nobody cared as Zack was literally torn to bits. They just stood there an videotaped.

After Freddy was done, Zack stood and walked home- barely. He couldn't take it anymore.

He decided to do something.

***

A group of policemen stormed into the classroom.

"Hands where I can see them." The tall cop at the front demanded. Mr. Finn put his hands up, the class stared in bewilderment. "All of you!" The policeman said more sternly.

The rest of the class put their hands up. The police began to handcuff the students one by one.

"What did we do?" Mr. Finn asked.

"Child abuse." The cop said. "We have permission from all of your parents to arrest you. They are quite ashamed."

"How did you?"

"We got a call from a boy by the name of Zack Mooneyham. He said he was severely bullied and abused everyday. We just arrested his parents, but when we got there we thought he was dead, He's in the hospital right now, in critical condition. Stabbed himself. I hope you're proud of yourself."

***

The maid swept and vacuumed around in Zack's room. It was the first time someone had gone in there since his attempt at suicide. She vacuumed and cried until she found a note on his desk. It was written on yellow lined paper. On the front it read:

To whom it may concern

The maid put her hand over her mouth and sobbed as she opened the letter.

Dear whomever,

I know you should never take your own life, but I just couldn't live anymore. I'm surprised at by the way that I'm being treated, I haven't died already. But no one wanted me here. It's best that I go. I hope the world is a better place without me. Please, give all my stuff to charity and don't ever let them release my parents from prison. That's all I'm asking.

Thanks for caring enough to read this,

Zack Mooneyham.

The class looked up at the officers.

What had they done?