Do you ever just see those people at bars who just take all your attention? Those girls on the street with punk-rock written all over their bodies, the guys with cigarettes between their lips and headphones across their necks.
No, I wasn't one of them.
I was the kid silently watching, hoping they'd notice me. I went to school wearing everything they did, my black hair hanging over my eyes depressingly, my hands shoved into my pockets and headphones blasting whatever sounded remotely cool. As I crept through the halls, I noticed the group of punks outside my locker. They were unmissable, large blue Mohawks, ripped denim vests, black jeans with so many belts and accessories I'm surprised it didn't slow them down. Amongst the rebellious group was (Y/n), that one person who always caught my attention. The closer I got, the more I began to notice what they were looking at. (Y/n) was holding a pile of tissues against her nostrils, obviously trying to stop a bloody nose. I slipped my headphones off, only to "overhear" what they were talking about. 'Fuckin'- I'm fine. Stop fuckin' askin' me 'f I'm a'ight.' (Y/n) slurred, a few drops of blood escaping her nose. 'Ah fuck, 'm gonna get more tissues.' She got up, pushing past her friends and towards me. ''Ey Rick. Mind comin' with me?' (Y/n) spoke to me, her eyes wandering across the single eye visible behind my hair.
'S-Sure, (Y/n)!'
As she and I wandered towards her locker, I couldn't help but ask what had happened. 'Got a fuckin' beatin' from m'dad.'
'W-Why? W-What'd you do?'
''E didn't...' (Y/n) paused for a second and cleared her throat before continuing. 'I didn't dress like he wanted me to. He told me to wear a strapless, pink dress and I put on something else. I don't like dresses, they're too obnoxious.' (Y/n) finally dropped her accent and spoke clearly, something she only did around me. I didn't even talk to (Y/n) all that often yet she seemed to consider me her friend.
'I-I don't know...I-I think you'd look really cute in a skirt or something...' I tried not to sound too rude since I was just trying to make conversation and (Y/n) seemed to understand that. She turned to look at me, blood beginning to drip into her mouth and between her teeth. 'S-Sorry, I-It was just a thought...'
'It's a nice thought. Thanks, Rick. Say...are you busy tonight?' My eyes widened at her comment and my mind instantly blurted out a confident yes. 'We were gonna go wander the streets tonight, wanna come with us? I'd like to hear more about your thoughts...'
'O-Okay! Yes! S-Sure!'
'No! You're not hanging out with those reckless drug-heads!' My mother yelled, taking my wrist into her hand before I could make it out of the door. 'I raised you to be a respectful young man! Not some emo!'
I hated that word.
'What is a respectful young man, mom? Some prat with a degree- a puppet that does what he's told or an open-minded individual who can tell when someone is trying to control him?' I ripped my wrist out of my moms grasp, watching as she gasped at my individuality.
'I've raised you so well...' My mom held her hands to her chest, showing me how proud she was.
'Thanks, mom. I'll be home by three.' I smiled back, opening the front door.
'But son, it's a school night!'
'Fuck school! Bye mom!' I snickered, jumping out into the night.
'Bye Ricky!' I shut the door behind me, taking a moment to breathe in the fresh air.
I was invited to hang out...
With (Y/n)...
My heart was beginning to melt again.
'H-Hey guys!' I called, watching as the punks of my school shot out of their spots behind our local pool and bolted towards me. The tallest one, Tyler wrapped his arm around my shoulder and greeted me energetically.
'Sweet! (Y/n) invited Rick! Love you, man! C'mon, we still waitin' for (Y/n)!'
'T-thanks but...where is (Y/n)?'
'I'm...I'm over here...' I heard (Y/n) gag from behind me. As I turned around, I noticed the limp she had and the bruises forming around her bare arms. 'S-Sorry, dad got all drunk again t'day...lets j-just g'down to the cliffs 'n' drink...'
'N-No, (Y/n), you should...g-go to a hospital...' I intruded, stepping towards (Y/n) and placing my hand on her back. I was immediately yanked away from her by Tyler.
'Rick, we don't touch (Y/n).'
'B-But she...s-she needs a doctor!'
'Yeah but...we don't touch (Y/n). C'mon, lets get going.'
