Stitch

Stitch





He was careful to swiftly move the silver needle through the fabric of clothing, making sure the string slid through perfectly. He pulled on the string and tightened the stitch to have the tear in the jacket close up a little more. He smiled and stitched through it again and again until the tear was completely sealed. He cut the string and tied it with little effort. He's done this about a million times before.

Trevor Smith has learned the art of sewing and stitching since he was five. His mother taught him, and her mother before that. It's a family talent. So instead of fretting over a tear in his jeans or shirt or jacket, he just grabs his pocket sized kit and sews it right back up. It saves some time and especially money. Trevor's family isn't poor, it's just better for everyone and himself to do it. He loves to sew and stitch by hand. He's never felt quite fond of simple sewing machines. They're mechanized to do it. The real talent and precise touch lies in real hands. And sure it's a little time consuming to do it by hand but it's much more fun for him and it's not at all boring as sitting around and waiting for a stupid machine to finish its job.

Trevor put away his pocket sized sewing kit and walked downstairs. He walked through the living room and into the kitchen where he found his mother and father. His dad was reading a newspaper and enjoying a nice fresh cup of coffee. Trevor's mom came around the counter and set a plate of breakfast onto the table for Trevor. "Did you sleep well?" she asked in a sweet, gentle tone. Trevor nodded and sat down. As his mother turned to go to the fridge, he could see her whole side profile and he could especially see the big belly of pregnancy on her. Trevor was soon to have a baby sister and he was pretty excited about it. Sure it would be hectic around the house once the child is born but it's nothing Trevor can't handle.

"Eat up," his father spoke up, "or else you'll become nothing but skin and bones."

"Alright," Trevor agreed and started eating his breakfast. Once he was done, he quickly said good-bye to his parents and ran outside to catch the morning school bus. When the large yellow vehicle pulled up he went inside and found a seat for himself. During the ride, Trevor stared out the window and he droned out the constant noise of teenagers chattering and yelling across the bus. Even though it was against the rules for anyone to get up while the bus is moving, one boy stood up and walked over to Trevor. "Morning, Stitch. How's the old grandma hobby doing for ya?" Trevor droned him out too, but unfortunately he persisted. "Come on, Stitch. Talk to me! Cat got your tongue?" Trevor didn't acknowledge him. That is until the boy slammed his hand against the window to get his full attention. "I said, talk to me...! Or do I have to beat the words outta you?"

"I don't want to talk right now, all right Chad?" Trevor said in an annoyed tone. Chad smirked and said, "Someone having a bad day?"

"It was going just fine until you showed up," Trevor grumbled. Chad leaned in and said, "What did you say, Stitch?" Trevor didn't repeat his sentence. He knew Chad heard him, he was just wondering if he'd dare say it again. Chad snickered and backed away. "Later, sewing freak!" Other teens laughed and Trevor groaned. Sometimes the art of sewing has its downs. When he was in grade school he was the coolest kid around because of this talent. Every little kid came up to him and asked him to fix a shirt of even a stuffed animal. He'd always oblige and help them out. This lasted through most of elementary school. Once he went on to junior high, people still thought it was an awesome talent but other boys said it was for girls or that it was stupid. And once he went to high school his talent was seen less and less as amazing and more and more as just plain ridiculous. No one appreciated his skills. He couldn't just fix things, he could also make things as well. He helps make stuffed toys for the town's orphanage with his mom every now and then. But no one thinks it's interesting anymore. Sometimes Trevor wishes to go back to grade school and have that acknowledgement and praise again. But, of course, that could never happen, much less for a sixteen-year-old boy. The bus eventually arrived at the his school, Renningburg High, and everyone got down, though Trevor stayed behind. He knew if he got down along with everyone else, he'd only be shoved around. So he always waited until everyone was off and then he'd get off last. He hopped off of the bus steps and walked into his school.

...

Trevor was sitting in his Science class, taking his notes on anatomy. Someone tapped his shoulder and he turned to see a girl, with auburn hair and honey eyes and she had the most perfect completion. She was Trevor's best friend, one of the few he has. "Could I see some of your notes," she asked, "I didn't get to copy some down." He gave her a smile and said, "Sure thing, Jamey." Trevor handed her his notebook and Jamey nodded her thanks. He waited until she was finished and paid close attention to the teacher's lecture on the skin.

"It's the body's largest organ, and the only organ to protect all others, so that's why it's important to always keep it healthy. Skin can be sensitive, especially to UV rays from the Sun. Plus it's never good to damage it in any other way. It's practically similar to fabric, and easy to pierce. That'a how fragile it could be under certain circumstances. Wouldn't want any of that. Now onto the nervous system! And make sure you all are writing the notes because I won't stop for you."

Jamey finished her notes and was finally caught up with everyone else. Trevor took his notebook back and wrote down the new notes. He thought about the lecture of the human skin. Similar to fabric huh, Trevor thought to himself. He chuckled to himself and went back to writing.

Later in the day Trevor went to another class. As the teacher kept rambling on about Mathematics, Trevor was focusing on a girl's shirt. He could clearly see a small tear near the hem of the shirt. He had an urge to just fix it. He knew the girl would decline the offer but it wasn't like he was asking her to flash him. He had to control himself and his impulsive sewing urges. But that didn't stop him from staring at the small tear. It's so unnoticeable to the normal eyes but it's like a huge flashing sign to him. Not even his mother could notice such a detail and she's the one that taught him in the first place.

The sound of the teacher calling him had snapped him out of his daze. "Mr. Smith!" The teacher scolded. Trevor looked up at the man and gave him an innocent look. His teacher sighed and said, "Pay attention and stop going into dreamland. This is the fifth time this week that I've had to warn you of this. Don't make me do it again or it's a phone call to your parents!" The teacher turned back to the board and other students snickered at Trevor. He ignored it and just tried listening to the lecture. Yet every now and then, he'd glance at the small tear on the girl's shirt.

...

Trevor was fiddling with his fingers, making sewing movements even though he had no needle or string. Jamey came up to him and sat next to him on the bench he was sitting on. "Why aren't you playing with the rest of the class?" she asked. Trevor looked up at her and could see she has dressed out for gym class today. Trevor didn't dress out though. What's the point if he'll run about the school anyways? He shrugged and kept fiddling with his fingers. Jamey gave him a look and said, "Come on. The coach is going to give you a bad grade if you don't."

"He gives me a bad grade no matter what," Trevor stated and stopped messing with his fingers. "Well it doesn't hurt to get active," Jamey said in a cheery tone. Trevor merely chuckled and shook his head. "I'm fine right here."

"Party pooper," Jamey joked and ran off to go play some basketball on the court with some other girls. Trevor looked towards the coach who was too busy talking with another coach. He huffed and went back to twiddling his fingers. After a while he looked up to check on Jamey. He watched as she was trying to take away the ball from a guy who thought I'd be funny to mess with her. He could see the frustration on Jamey's face. Trevor knew he had to help out. Jamey was always one to crack under fear and anger. Trevor doesn't want her to do anything rash.

He got up from the bench and looked over just in time to see the guy grab her butt. Jamey screamed and slapped him. He only chuckled and started harassing her with dirty comments. Trevor could feel the anger boil within him and he jumped in to stop this. "Hey!" he scolded the boy. He turned to look at Trevor and Trevor recognized him. His name was Derek, a total douche in his book. Derek smirked and made a snide remark, "What do you want, Stitch? Gonna sew me a nice sweater? Hahaha!"

"Ha ha very funny," Trevor said in a dull tone, "Now let her go."

"Why should I? She wants me to be dirty with her. Right, sexy?"

"In your dreams, jerk!" Jamey screamed and struggled against his grip. "Shut it, bitch," Derek said and gripped her arm tighter. "You're nothing but a whore anyways!" Jamey was on the verge of crying. How was no one noticing this? Trevor wasn't sure. But he knew he'd have to stop it. "Don't you dare call her that!" he snapped. Derek looked at him and said, "I have the right to call her whatever I want! She's not going to do anything about it anyways. She's nothing but a weak, little bitch with no life. She should just die. But not before I have my fun with her."

Derek had started touching Jamey inappropriately and she cried and struggled. Trevor had had enough. He grew enraged at the words and actions of this pervert. He wasn't going to allow anymore of it. Without thinking, Trevor raised up his hand and balled it into a fist. He punched Derek right in the face and in that moment Trevor heard a loud crunch. He could feel the blood splatter onto his hand and the nose cartilage break under the force of his punch. Derek fell back and held his now broken nose. Trevor glared down at him and growled, "If I ever see you doing something like that again, I will beat you down and break something else in your poor excuse of a body...!" Derek didn't insult him or do a thing, he only held his nose and moaned in pain. Jamey gave Trevor a surprised look and that made him blush. He grabbed her hand and led her away. As soon as he turned around, even though no one noticed what Derek was doing before, it seemed now that the entire class noticed what Trevor had done. Some were impressed, others were giving him dirty looks. Trevor just walked and pulled Jamey along with him. They made it inside of the gym without being caught and Jamey spoke. "I can't believe you hit him! Do you not know what he could do to you the next time you guys meet?!"

"Relax," Trevor said gently, "I'll be fine."

"I've never seen you punch anybody since ever," Jamey stated quietly. She was right. Trevor has never punched anything or anyone in his entire life. He wouldn't even punch a pillow. And for someone who never punched in his life he sure was strong. It both surprised and confused Trevor. And he could still feel the anger and adrenaline coursing through him. It had felt good to punch Derek. It felt amazing. He looked at his hand and he saw the spots of Derek's blood. He clenched his fist and looked away. He had an urge. Not a sewing urge, but a different kind of urge. One that he's never gotten before. And as tempting as it was he had to resist it. He didn't know why but he could sense that it was bad.

Jamey touched his shoulder and said, "Are you okay?"

Trevor nodded and said, "I'm fine. Just a little jittery is all. Are you okay?" She nodded and smiled. "Thanks to you. I wouldn't have gotten out of the situation if you hadn't shown up and helped." She hugged him tightly and Trevor couldn't help but blush again. Jamey pulled away and said, "Let's stay in here for a while. I wouldn't want anything to happen if we go back outside." Trevor didn't complain to that. So they sat down against the wall and talked. But as calm as the conversations were he couldn't shake the adrenaline away. It lingered like a pesky fly. Trevor was annoyed by it but he felt quite pleased by this lingering feeling. It still wouldn't go away, even though he tried so hard to ignore it completely. And even when he thought it was gone, it still lingered.

...

One week has passed since the incident with Derek, and Trevor hasn't told his parents at all. He doesn't want to concern them with it. If he told them, he'd also have to tell them the fact that he's had these strange urges more frequently. Every time they come he remembers the feel of punching and the rush it gives. He can't help but smile every time and want it more and more. But he knows it's not a good thing to do. So he blocks the strange urges by stitching fabric and fixing whatever he can. The students in his school have been talking about the incident. People have been intensifying the rumours, saying that he not only broke Derek's nose but his fingers too. Some have gone too far by saying he broke Derek's spine. Trevor was strong but not that strong. It's just ridiculous.

Trevor was finishing up a stuffed a toy for his mom when his dad came into his room. "Time to head for school," he said. Trevor nodded and made one last stitch into the stuffed toy then he set it down and followed his dad out of his room. Trevor didn't really want to go to school because of all of the rumours going around. But he had to be there for Jamey. She's involved in the rumours too so he doesn't want anything to happen to her. He didn't eat breakfast this morning. He was too anxious to eat anything. So he just went straight outside and waited for the bus. It rolled up beside the curb and stopped for him. He got on and as soon as he did everyone on the bus got quiet. There were whispers here and there but it was mostly nothing but silence and stares. Trevor frowned and sat down in an empty seat. The whole ride to school everyone was silent and they didn't move and jump about. Trevor is sure the driver will thank him for quieting down the students.

They arrived at the school and Trevor waited like always. Everyone got off and he followed afterwards. He quickly walked into the school and tried to focus on getting through the day without getting too frustrated. The day dragged on after a few classes and Trevor was relieved to not have so much attention today. And people seemed to have taken it easy on Jamey as well so he was especially relieved. It was nearing lunch time so he was impatient to meet with Jamey. Once the bell rang he walked out first and ran towards the cafeteria. He saw Jamey up ahead and smiled. She waited just near the door and she waved to him. He was about to run faster when he heard someone call his name. He turned and saw a boy. He was taller than him and very muscular. Trevor has seen this boy around. His name was Jason, a stuck up guy who used to be on his previous high school's wrestling team.

"Hey there, Stitch," Jason said with a smug look. Trevor didn't say a word. Jason only chuckled at this and said, "So I heard you busted Derek's nose last week. You pack quite a punch. And I'm sure that you did it because you were defending your little girlfriend over there." He pointed at Jamey and Trevor knew she must be blushing and frowned. "Sh-She's not my girlfriend," Trevor corrected. Jason only smiled and said, "Does it matter? Anyways, I was thinking...if you can bust a guy's nose in one hit, what else can you do? I've been curious about this so I've decided to find out for myself." Trevor was about to run when Jason grabbed his shirt collar and said in his face, "Fight me, Stitch. Unless you're not man enough?"

Trevor gulped and glanced over at Jamey who was giving him a concerned look. Trevor didn't want to fully fight anyone, especially not a wrestler like Jason. But as Jason kept glaring down at him and towering over him, he couldn't help but feel intimidated. He suddenly felt the urge come back and he knew if he didn't do something now it would take over. So he slipped out of Jason's grip and stammered out an excuse. "Look I don't want to fight anybody. It was a one time thing and I don't want it to happen again."

Jason chuckled and said, "Really? You don't want to fight? Not even a little?" Trevor shook his head and Jason smirked. "So you won't even do it if I do this." Jason suddenly shoved Trevor down and he fell. He glared up at Jason and said, "I'm. Not. Going. To. Fight...!" Jason only laughed at this and came closer. He lifted up his foot and kicked Trevor in his side. Trevor yelped in pain and held the hurt spot. Jason taunted, "You're not even going to defend yourself when I do that? Come on and stand your ground, Stitch!" Jason kicked him in the same spot again, intensifying the pain. Trevor could hear Jamey screaming for Jason to stop but no one listened to her. Trevor didn't want to fight. He couldn't. It's not that he would lose, it was what kind of damage he would do. He didn't want to get in trouble, or endanger any one else, especially Jamey.

Jason kicked him over and over again, a bruise already forming at where he's hitting. Trevor held back his cries of pain. He wouldn't be weak in front of these people. But at this rate he'll be seen as nothing but a punching bag to them for the rest of his high school life. He should at least show them that that will never happen, ever.

Trevor grabbed hold of Jason's ankle as his foot was coming in for another kick. Trevor pushed it back, sending Jason stumbling back. He smirked. "Looks like someone finally made up their mind!"

"Trevor don't!" Jamey screamed. "It's not worth it!"

He didn't listen. All he was willing to do was hurt. Trevor took off his jacket, despite how much the cold stung him. Jason laughed and did the same. He got in a boxing stance and waited. Trevor just stood there, giving him a death glare. He didn't have a plan. He didn't have the strength to rely on. He didn't have any motivation whatsoever. All he had was the urge. This time he'll let it out.

Jason came in for a punch but Trevor moved out of the way and kicked him back. Jason gave him an awfully surprised look but that quickly faded once he came in to attack. He landed a punch to Trevor's shoulder and he winced at the force. He grit his teeth and raised a clenched fist. He quickly punched Jason across the jaw and he stepped back. Jason felt his jaw and opened his mouth over and over. He frowned and Trevor knew he was going to take this seriously now. Jason charged him, taking Trevor by surprise, and they both fell to the ground. Trevor gasped and tried to breathe in but it was hard for him. Jason smiled devilishly and punched Trevor in his stomach. That didn't help much and Trevor knew that he shouldn't have done this. He should've just stayed put and listened to Jamey, but it's too late now.

As Jason kept beating him over and over, taking blows across the face; on his chest, even to his throat once, Trevor was on the verge of just admitting defeat. Through the ringing in his ears he heard Jamey screaming at Jason. She ran over and tried pushing him off but Jason was too heavy. But she kept trying to stop him and with every try Jason grew more frustrated and annoyed, resulting in him shoving Jamey to the ground. She hit her elbow and winced. That's when something inside of Trevor snapped, and he was damn sure that it wasn't a bone. He suddenly got the strength to shove his hand into Jason's face and push him off.

He got on top of him and started punching his face repeatedly. He heard the same crunch of a nose breaking and he enjoyed the feel of Jason's flailing body. Finally Trevor was thrown off and Jason got up. He looked absolutely horrible. Blood dripped from his mouth and nose and he already had bruises. Trevor couldn't help but smile at the damage he had done. Jason gave him the scariest frown he could but he wasn't the least bit frightened. He grabbed Trevor's shirt collar and lifted his hand up to hit him but Trevor head budded him and smacked him across the face. He kicked Jason's shin and punched his side. Jason howled in pain and when he reached out to hit Trevor, his hand was only grabbed. As Trevor looked into Jason's eyes he saw something that no one has ever looked at him with before. It was terror. Pure, utter terror.

Trevor didn't see why he was given such a look from someone like Jason. What has he done? Trevor didn't know or, even care for that matter. All he wanted was for Jason to leave him alone. All he wanted was to send a message with one swift movement. As Trevor was in thought, Jason tried kicking him down. But at the last moment Trevor sensed this attack and, without hesitation, twisted Jason's arm. A loud pop was heard and Jason's cry of agony followed. He crumbled to the ground, holding his arm like he would with a small fragile infant. Trevor didn't say or do anything. He only stood there and watched Jason fret. After a while he finally realized what he had just done. He stumbled back and looked around to see everyone giving him horrified looks. Trevor looked at his shaking hands and shook his head. Why did he do that? What made him do such a thing? How could he?

Trevor covered his eyes and tried to regain his composure but it was hard to do so when he had the guilt of breaking someone's arm on his shoulders. All he could do was either apoligize or run off and hide away from the crowd. Trevor tried to at least say he was sorry but he stuttered too much for anyone to understand. He looked at Jamey for help but she was just as dumbfounded as everyone else. He knew he couldn't escape this one nicely. So he grabbed his jacket, and his backpack and ran off. He ran into a boys' restroom and hid in there. He wheezed and panicked and shuddered. He felt terrible and wrong and so filthy with guilt. He just wanted it all to disappear. Why couldn't he be home schooled? At least now nobody will be focused on Jamey and Trevor. Just Trevor, and only Trevor. He held himself in the corner and sulked. He wanted to go home so badly. He couldn't take the anxiety of other students coming to fight him for what he did. And what of Jason? What will he do? Trevor can already imagine a lawsuit on his head.

He stayed in the corner, every once and a while he would look up and check the door for anybody. He got up and paced around the restroom nervously. He'd glance at the mirror occasionally and each time he did he would only be reminded of what Jason had seen. Trevor understood why he looked so terrified, so weak and confused. He didn't realize that, the whole time he'd beaten up Jason so violently, he was smiling.

...

"Never in my life have I heard of you acting out so terribly!" Trevor's mother scolded him. He sat at the kitchen table, starring across from him and listening to his mother talk to him. "Trevor Lee Smith! Are you listening to me?" She asked. He nodded and she went on. "How could you fight? I can't believe you would do such a thing! Why? And that poor boy.... Do you know what you did to him?"

Trevor shook his head though clearly he knew well. She frowned and answered, "You gave him a broken nose and a broken arm! You're lucky his parents didn't press charges against you!" He didn't say a word. After he had finished feeling terrible about what he had done he didn't feel the guilt anymore. Not even now, when his own mother was scolding him for doing something so utterly wrong. But, that's not how he sees it anymore.

"I also found out that you didn't throw your first punch today. Last week you hit a boy and broke his nose too. A whole week and you didn't tell me or your father about that incident? Why?" Trevor was quiet. He didn't want them to find out like this, but he should've seen it coming as soon as he threw the first punch at Jason. "I just didn't want to stress you out," he explained, "I know you and dad have been busy with work and have been trying to get everything suited for the baby. I just didn't want to put more problems on you because I know you have enough as it is..." His mom let her anger fade and it was replaced with sympathy. She pulled up a chair and sat beside him at the table. "Sweetie," she started softly, "I understand your concern for me and your father, but keeping your problems bottled up inside isn't the best option. We want only the best for you and if we want to do that then you'll have to tell us the problems you're having. It's our jobs as parents to look out for you. So I hope that if you have another problem next time, you won't hide it from us."

Trevor nodded, agreeing to this imaginary contract. His mother gave him a faint smile and got up slowly. She huffed as soon as she stood straight and looked down at her son. "And don't think that you won't be punished for this. You're grounded for a week. Your father will discuss the restrictions with you later so until then you enjoy the little freedom you have left." She gave him a full smile and started to walk out of the kitchen when she stopped and turned back. "Trevor...promise me you won't fight again...please."

He stared at his mom for a while, not saying anything. Hesitantly he nodded and said, "I...I promise..." She gave him another approving smile and walked away. Trevor sat at the table in silence. His hands were clenched tight and he felt jittery. He took in a deep breath and got the courage to stand up and walk up to his room. He closed the door behind him and rested on his bed. He felt tired and he desperately wanted to take a nap. So he closed his eyes and relaxed. As he was falling asleep, without realizing it, his hands were moving and making sewing gestures, like they always did.

...

Two months passed since Trevor's first ever fight and he broke his promise to his mother three times. The first boy he fought, George Henderson was his name, had challenged him just like Jason had. Trevor had won the fight, leaving George with a black eye and a sprained ankle. The second boy, Ryan Sanchez, was dared by his friends to fight him. Ryan didn't think much of it but after the fight, he changed his mind. He got a busted lip and a few bruises around his rib cages. The third boy was Neville Sanders, who was someone from Trevor's rival school. He heard of the rumors and had challenged him to fight but in the end he went back with a black eye and a broken nose.

With each fight, Trevor was punished more severely than the last time. Eventually his parents went as far as to take away his sewing supplies and everything he had that accompanied to the hobby. Trevor was devastated about it but he knew he had to make this the last straw. He wouldn't fight anymore, no matter how far those strange urges pushed him. But not only did the punishments get more severe but his impulsiveness grew as well. He can't stay in one place for even a minute anymore. He can't focus without someone having to snap him back to reality. And he's been making so many twitching, sewing gestures that his parents and Jamey get worried for his health.

He holds back his impulses and the only thing that kept him from that was to sew, but he can't do that anymore. So all he can do is sit in his bedroom and wait. He doesn't know for what really. He knows he won't get his privileges again until next month so he doesn't bother to wait for that. He's waiting for something that he doesn't know about. He thinks and thinks but nothing ever comes to mind. And so he just keeps waiting.

But the two months didn't hold just more fights and punishments. The new baby was finally born. A young and healthy baby girl, just like the doctor had predicted months before. They named her Melonie and Trevor vowed to love her as soon as he laid eyes on her. She was a beautiful baby. She inherited their mom's green eyes and their dad's dark hair. She was lovely in every way and they all knew it without a doubt. Jamey was happy for him and she even got to see the little one. Jamey couldn't help but stare in sheer awe at the precious new-child. Trevor knew that he'd have to start shaping up now. So he wouldn't fight anymore, no matter who dared to challenge him for it. He was going to keep his promises for sure this time. And if he didn't then Jamey and him made a deal that if he didn't meet to his expectations she would slap him three times a day, and she wouldn't tell him when.

So now Trevor was getting ready for school in hopes that it will end quickly today. His mother had to stay in the hospital for a few days and today was when she was to be released and sent home. He was excited to see his baby sister in their home. That's all he was focused on. He finished up and went downstairs to make himself something to eat. His father had left to go to the hospital in the morning, leaving Trevor to handle his morning routine alone. He didn't mind the silence throughout the house. It calmed him. And he wanted to embrace the silence for as long as it could last until Melonie comes home. He didn't exactly know what to make so he just grabbed some slices of bread and shoved them into his mouth. Yep, he thought to himself, I'd be an awesome cook.

He ran to the front door, locked it once he shut it, and ran to the sidewalk to catch his school bus. The big vehicle stopped beside the curb and the doors swung open, waiting for him to enter. He took a step onto the bus but before he could take another he was shoved back. He fell onto the concrete and groaned. He looked up to see Chad laughing at him. "Find another ride, Stitch! This one's off limits to you and to you only! Have fun walking!" Chad walked out of view and the doors closed. Trevor quickly got up and tried prying them open but the bus was already moving again. He ran after it but he knew it was no use. He slowed down and fully stopped. Trevor kicked the ground in frustration and brushed his hair back. Without any other option of transportation, he started to walk.

He wasn't the least bit surprised to hear that he was late. Everyone laughed at him when he took his seat. Trevor was already longing to go home and relax. Through the rest of the day he was constantly picked on by random people or friends of Chad's. Trevor told Jamey to stay away from him, fear that the insults will direct to her too. She didn't want to leave him alone but he assured her that he would be fine. Right now, all he cared about was her safety. So he took the insults and taunts from students and he kept a straight face no matter what. During lunch he walked out and went into a boys' restroom. He set down his backpack and looked in the mirror. He stared into his own dark eyes and clenched his fists with each passing second. The insults of others echoed in his mind, changing the way he saw his surroundings; changing the way he thought of himself. He didn't let himself become depressed. He tried viewing through the perspectives of those who teased him. So many sights clustered together in his mind, confusing him and sending him spiraling down an imaginary abyss of his own mind. Those who he's hurt, those who he's resented, have effected him in a way he's never known. This abyss was crawling and slithering its way through his mind, covering all traces of emotion, thoughts or desires. All it left..was the violent urges he's tried so desperately to contain. Like a tiger in a cage, it raged and clawed, waiting to be set free and be the wild monster it was born to be. All of this sudden adrenaline rushed out and escaped through the movement of Trevor's hand as he punched the mirror in front of him. A loud sharp shattering sound echoed throughout the restroom and pieces of the reflective glass fell and splintered Trevor's hand. He hesitantly pulled his hand back and looked at his wounded knuckles. The only blood he's seen before on his hand was the blood of the boys he has fought. He never expected to see his very own. He examined the wound and the shards of glass. He picked them out, one by one, and watched as more blood spewed out. He was suddenly curious, and without realizing it, he licked the blood. It left a bitter, coppery taste on his tongue but it soothed him to an extent. Before he could lick off anymore, a random student walked into the restroom. The boy took a few steps in before seeing Trevor. The boy stood there cautiously and noticed the broken mirror and the blood on Trevor's hand. The boy could see a small spot of blood on Trevor's lips and he backed away slowly. Trevor only stared at him until the boy finally opened the door and ran out in a hurry. There was a pause of silence and Trevor stood there. Then he smiled and chuckled. He couldn't help but find amusement in the boy's reaction to the sight before him. Trevor kept chuckling to himself as he washed his hands of the blood. He didn't bother with the pieces of glass and before he walked away, he looked at the one last shard hanging on the wall. It showed half of his face and in the glass he could see one dark eye and half of a wild smile. And so he left the restroom, with the abyss still crawling in his mind.

...

Later in his P.E. class, Trevor was sitting down in a bench, watching students play basketball or volleyball. Jamey was up and playing again, which Trevor was glad to see. A few weeks after the incident with Derek, she was always hesitant to change out and participate in activities. But she recovered from that fear and she's back on the court again. Every now and then she would look at Trevor and wave. He always waved back and watched as she went back to playing. As he kept watch over her, he could see a small group of people walk up out of the corner of his eye. He turned and scowled. "Hello, Stitch," Chad had greeted with a tone full of mockery. Trevor only turned away to go back to watching the rest of the class. Chad chuckled and sat next to him to do the same. Trevor was annoyed by his presence being so close but he held back his urge to move away. As they both sat in silence, Chad suddenly whistled and said, "The girls are on fire today. Especially your friend. I gotta admit, she's hot. But that cute hot, ya know?" Trevor grit his teeth and ignored the comment about Jamey. Chad tried another tactic to get under Trevor's skin. "You know, at one point I had a little crush on her. But then I saw you hanging with her and I had guessed you liked her too. So I backed off."

"Where are you going with this, Chad," Trevor finally asked, annoyed. Chad chuckled along with the few of his companions who were standing instead. Chad leaned in and said straight into Trevor's ear, "What I'm trying to say is do you actually like her?" Trevor didn't answer him. Chad decided to take that as a slight yes and he added, "If you do then don't waste your time. She's a pretty girl, but you are not a pretty boy. At least not in my eyes. You don't deserve her. And she doesn't need you either. What good would a stupid, fag boyfriend like you be to her? And even if you weren't her boyfriend, you're only holding her back as a friend. That's all you'll ever be to her too. A friend. She could never love someone like you. All you're good for is knitting sweaters like some old lonely hag. But I gotta admit, you can fight. Though that won't make you look good. You're a brute and nobody wants a brute either. But you only do it because you're a weak, scared son of a bitch. So drop the act and go back to being the loser your bitch of a mother gave birth to."

Without warning, Trevor growled like a fierce animal and stood up so quickly, Chad nearly jumped out of his seat. Trevor seethed and said, "Don't you ever say something like that about my mother!"

"Is mama's boy getting offended?" Chad taunted and his friends snickered. Trevor couldn't help it. He took one quick glance at Jamey and mentally apologized to her and his mother. He punched Chad for the first time ever and he made him fall off the bench. He knelt on the ground, holding his jaw. His friends tried attacking Trevor but Chad ordered them not to. He slowly got up and gave Trevor a smug look. He wanted so desperately to rip that smile off of his face. The violent urge was rising in the pit of his stomach, and for a second he thought he was going to throw up. Chad forced a chuckle, despite his throbbing jaw, and said, "Come and hit me again, Stitch. Let me see what you can do." As intimidated as Trevor was to do so, he had to decline the offer. Chad frowned at the realization that he wasn't going to fight and so he added, "I wasn't asking you to. I telling you. Do it now!" Trevor shook his head and started walking away when Chad grabbed his arm and yanked him back. Trevor pried his grip off of his arm and growled. Chad started insulting him, trying to get him angry. Trevor had to ignore it but he was so tempted to hit him one more time, maybe twice. The urge was growing, growing and growing until it overflowed all common sense and just took over in one quick blink. He lunged out and grabbed Chad by the throat. He didn't intend on that. He squeezed and watched the emotion in Chad's eyes run wild. First he was confused, then angered and then scared. Trevor squeezed tighter and tighter until he could see Chad's cheeks blue in color. But he didn't stop. He wanted to stop. But he couldn't. Let him go, he thought, he's had enough. Let go!

But he wouldn't listen to himself and so he watched Chad choke for as long as he wanted to. He wanted to watch him suffer. After all the harrassment he's endured from him, this is fair enough pay back, right? Chad clawed at Trevor's hands, leaving red scratches but Trevor ignored the stinging sensation. He took joy in Chad's panicked state and wanted to watch him suffer so much pain. So much pain that would equal what he put Trevor through all these years. All these years of judgement and being outcasted by anyone and everyone. All he wanted was to live in peace. He wanted the pain to stop. He wanted it to die away, just like everyone who did him wrong.

A voice snapped him out of his trance and he looked over to see Jamey giving him a horrified look. Trevor looked down at Chad and saw that he was barely even twitching. He immediately let him go and he fell to the ground. Chad didn't gasp for breath. He only took in small ones. Trevor looked at Jamey and stuttered an explanation but she didn't stay long enough to hear. She ran off with a few tears in her eyes. He could just imagine her saying, You promised! Trevor was ashamed. What had he done? Why? All he wanted was to hit Chad, not choke him. Those thoughts that ran though his mind while he choked him were not his own, yet they were as original as anything else.

So he ran again. He ran away from the other students and away from Chad and his buddies. He couldn't contemplate what he had done, but he had done it. He nearly killed somebody and he had no control. He was actually fearful of himself. He couldn't bear to think about what else he could do. He was ashamed, and nothing would change that.

...

School ended, and Trevor was walking home like he usually did. As he was walking through his usual route, he saw the the path ahead was blocked with road construction. Trevor knew he would have to take another route instead. He took the only other one that was left, which happened to be longer and more time consuming. It frustrated him and so he started making small sewing gestures with his hands. His twitching had intensified over the past weeks so the rest of his body shook. This went on without any interruptions for quite a while. Half-way through the walk, though he heard multiple foot-steps behind him. Trevor became curious and turned around only to be popped in the jaw. He fell and held his face. He looked up and, to his horror, he saw Chad and a whole group of his angry looking friends.

Chad chuckled and said, "Hey, Stitch. Let's have a little chat, shall we?" He gave him a devious look and two of his friends grabbed Trevor. Another one taped his mouth so he couldn't call for help. They dragged him into another direction as some of the boys snickered and whispered to each other over who'll make the first hit. Trevor panicked at this and struggled violently out of the two boys' grips. He started running when he felt a strong pain hit his leg. He screamed behind the tape and fell. He glanced up to see that one of the six boys held an aluminum bat in his hands. Trevor sneered and tried to get up again but the same boy hit his leg again and again until Trevor couldn't feel it anymore. Trevor had tears in his eyes but he never let them fall. The same two boys who were dragging him, picked him up and they set off towards the woods.

After an hour trek that took them far enough into the woods, they stopped and the two boys shoved Trevor to the ground. They all laughed and Chad came up to rip away the tape from his face. Trevor winced and spit at him. Chad frowned and wiped the saliva away. He struck Trevor across the face and backed away. Chad spoke, "You've had enough fun, Stitch. It's time that we teach you a lesson, for what you did to those boys and for nearly killing me today! Go on ahead, guys! He won't be running."

His group obliged the order and most of them took out blunt objects from their backpacks. Two had bats; one wood and one aluminium, another had a plank of wood, one with a crowbar and another took out a gallon of bleach and some ammonia. Trevor wondered what he would do with those. That is until the two boys with bats came up and started beating him. He screamed in pain at the force of both objects. Through quick glances, he saw that all of them were smiling and laughing.

Trevor grew angered by this and got up, despite the pain in his leg and the two boys still beating him. He yelled at them, "You sadistic motherfuckers!" One bat swung and hit him across the face. Trevor heard a loud crack and a sharp ringing in his ears. He fell back and held back the urge to scream again. Chad scowled and said, "What a dirty mouth. Why don't we clean out those hateful words?"

The boy with the bleach and ammonia took this chance to come up and open the bottles. The rest of the boys held Trevor down as Chad laughed and taunted, "Open wide, Stitch!" One boy forced his mouth open and the mouth of the bottle was put in. Trevor felt the bleach flow in and burn his tongue. As he flailed, some spilled onto his face and drops burned his eyes. He tried to keep it from going down his throat but it was no use. The bottle was forced more and more, and he drank the bleach. He could feel it burn his throat and the inside of his stomach. After an agonizing three minutes of drinking and choking on the bleach, the gallon had finished and Trevor was relieved. But the boy still had the ammonia bottle. And so he forced Trevor to drink that as well, while two other boys bashed him with their objects. He took a hit to his hip from the crowbar. He got breaks from the ammonia only to be hit repeatedly in the face with bats and the plank of wood, and when they were done, he was forced to choke on the ammonia again. This went on for what seemed like an eternity.

Ammonia, beatings, ammonia, beatings. Again and again and again. Finally the ammonia was finished, most of it in Trevor's digestive system, and his face was a bloody mess. He couldn't see very well, only one ear was able to catch sound and he could taste his own blood on his tongue, which didn't mix well with the remaining bleach and ammonia. He could barely breathe or move at all. He had gashes and bruises all over his body, even some under his clothes. He prayed that the pain would stop but it never did. He felt it reverberating throughout his body, even when no one was beating him. He was slightly choking on the toxic chemicals and his blood. He didn't want to try and fight himself. The pain was too much for him and he just wanted to die already.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Chad come up and smirk. "Who's tough shit now, huh Stitch?" He cackled and borrowed the crowbar from one of his friends. He raised it up and said, "Say hello to Satan for me!" Chad gripped the crowbar tight and brought it down upon Trevor's head.

One hit. One hit was all it took. In one hit...Trevor Smith died.



Layla and Aaron Smith mourned over the absence of their son, Trevor. He hadn't come home the day when their new born child Melonie did. They called police and detectives to search for him but they found nothing. It has been five weeks since that day, and the authorities have nearly given up hope. Layla had to deal with the fact that Trevor wasn't coming, because that's what police had said. Aaron was devastated to have lost a child after he had received another. Yet he still held hope and told his dear wife to hold onto faith. If only they knew that their son was dead, lifeless, only a body but no soul. But they would never know. They would never find his body and would never ever see him again. Layla lost her passion for sewing, as it had been Trevor's and her favourite hobby. They still put on smiles for little Melonie, but they were mostly fake and forced. Deep inside, Aaron and Layla were always on the verge of breaking permanently.

Family from afar visited and said their condolences. That didn't help though. It never did. That only made them think that Trevor was dead, which sadly he was. They just didn't know it.

And as for Chad and his group of murderers, they were never caught for the crime. They didn't expect to kill Trevor, but they did and they weren't the least bit ashamed.

Jamey grew depressed without Trevor at her side. And he never would be with her ever again. She feels terrible because she had fallen in love with him. It just wasn't until now did she realize it. It was all too late. She would never confess to him. And if he had liked her back, which he had, then she would've been so thrilled. But that could never happen. It wouldn't.

Trevor was dead. Yes he was. He had no soul, no emotion, no life anymore. He laid out in the woods, dead and pale. The blood is dried up now and the bruises are marked on his skin forever. His dark eyes will never shine, his mouth would never curve into a frown or smile. And his hands would never sew or move at all ever again.

But they twitched.

Twitch, twitch, twitch.

This had been going on for days.

Twitch, twitch, twitch.

It never stopped.

Twitch, twitch, twitch.

He was finally waking up from his deathly slumber. His hands clawed at the ground and twitched rapidly without control. He got up from the bloody ground and shook. He seethed in rage and a lust for blood. He was confused as to why he was alive again but he treasured the feeling. He was given a second chance for a reason. He knew he had to take advantage of this.  And he knew just how to do it...