Strong

Chapter 1

“Ryan, I’m not going to ask you again, wake up, you’re going to be late for school!” I heard my mother shout downstairs. She has a slight British accent after moving to Cheshire, England. My father, mother and I lived in New York before moving down here, but we didn’t come here because we wanted to. When I was in 9th grade I was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, it started with a lump in my arm and intense pain, luckily the doctors were able to reduce the swelling. They couldn’t keep the swelling down so they recommended getting treatment in the UK. Cheshire to be exact. 

                After hearing the news I instantly thought about the possibility of it spreading and my possible death.  A few months later I was diagnosed with depression, and was put on medication. My mother took it a lot better than I did and so did my father, but I knew it killed them to see me suffer while they’re healthy. I remember thinking about how useless everything I’ve done in my life was. If I were to die everything I’ve accomplished, said, it would have been for nothing. 

                I’m currently 17 years old and in the 12th grade. I live in an apartment down the street from my school, Wilmslow High School. I have managed to make one friend in the 4 years i’ve been here. Her name is Sophia Fallon. I’m about 5’2 and I have short black hair because of chemo. 

                Its Tuesday, a school day, I got out of bed and made my way towards the bathroom. I controlled my hair as much as possible from sticking up and walked into the living room to see my dad watching the news and drinking coffee. Before he was able to sip his coffee I took it from his hands and kissed him on the cheek, and walked towards the kitchen. “Thanks dad,” I called before seeing my mom. I heard him shout back sarcastically “No problem kiddo.” 

                “Morning sweetheart,” my mom kissed my temple and turned back to making pancakes. “Mornin’, I hope you’re going to add some chocolate chips,” I smile and grab a mug to replace the coffee I stole. “Never made pancakes without them,” she laughed and grabbed some plates. “Go tell your father it’s time for breakfast, you need to eat quickly, you have an hour until school starts.” I nod and turn towards the door to the kitchen, “Hey daddy-o, I got you some more coffee,” he had a grin from ear to ear when he heard his old nickname I gave him when I was 6. “Thanks Champ,” he said after grabbing his coffee.

                When my parents found out they were going to have a kid, my dad wanted a boy. But instead he got me, he took me to do all of the things he wanted to do with his son. He took me to try outs for every sport but I only really liked softball. I hit a home run in the play offs when I was 9 and won the game. That’s how I got my nickname Champ.

                I laughed and hugged him from the side. “Oh also breakfast is ready,” he shot up from his recliner and ran to the dining room. “Hey no fair,” I yelled trying to catch up. I got to him last second to see him piling pancakes on his plate. “Really? There’s one left,” I sigh is frustration, “Sorry darling, you snooze you lose,” he laughs with his mouth full. “Real mature,” I say as a cut my pancake. My mom leans over to me and tells me that she’ll make me my favorite tomorrow, waffles. I nod enthusiastically and my dad frowns.  “Whatever you just told her I want in,” he says while pointing his fork at us. “It was an A and B conversation,” my mom says taking some pancakes from him and putting it on my plate. “Thanks mom,” I laugh and start eating. “Hey no fair you’re picking favorites,” he exclaims and drinks some of his coffee. “You snooze you lose,” I laugh and finish off my breakfast. My mom grabs my plate before I can and tells me to go get ready. 

                I finish tying up my boots and grab my backpack. I grab my keys off of the hook by the door and call out my goodbyes. I grab my coat and rush out to my car. I finally unlock the car door after getting soaked in the rain. I put the key in the ignition and crank up the heat.  I turned the radio up and drove towards Sophia’s house to take her to school. 

                I pull up to Sophia’s house and honk to get her attention. I see her blonde hair run towards the passenger side and open the door. “Just perfect, do you understand how hard I work on my hair,” she complains with a thick British accent. “I can tell Sophie,” I sarcastically reply before pulling out of the driveway and down the road towards our school. “No seriously it takes at least 30 minutes to get it to be this perfect,” she says while trying to flatten her hair. “You’re acting prissy againnn,” I sing.  “Let me have this moment” she snaps trying to dry her hair with the vents. I laugh and turn the radio station. “Oh my god I love this song!” she yells and turns it up. 

                I pull into the school parking lot and turn off the engine. I grab my bag and hop out. I start walking towards the front entrance and I hear Sophia trying to catch up. “Wait wait love, hold up,” I stop and she fixes her heels and pulls down her shirt. “It’s school not a fashion show, you should trying wearing some regular shoes,” I gesture towards her feet. “I like to look my best,” she says while grabbing my arm.  We walk into the front entrance to hear cat calls from the boys directed towards Sophia. “You draw a lot of attention,” I say as she smiles at a guy. 

                I ditch Sophia and head towards homeroom. The professor isn’t there yet so I take out my phone after sitting down. I turn on my music and plug in my headphones. Drunk from Ed Sheeran plays and I close my eyes. I try to drown out everything except for the music.  The professor walks in and I turn off my music. He starts the class and takes role. 

                I walk out of the classroom and towards my locker to meet up with Sophia. My head slams into a set of lockers and I instantly grab my head trying to dull the pain. I hear a cackle and turn to hear Katie laughing at me with her army of skanks. Her army entails a short girl named Sydney, and a tall girl named Nicki. Nicki pushes me so I fall to the floor and staring at Sydney’s boots. Sydney kicks me in the ribs and I roll over on my back. I hear someone shouting before I pass out.