Sinister Kid

Young Blood

The sky was the fading grey-white colour of slush,promising another boring day in Amadeus High School.I was a freshman at the time,lost and completely out of my comfort zone as I paced through the crowded hallways,clutching my science books in my hands.When I had finally reached my locker only about three minutes were left before the bell rang to mark the start of the next period.I was rearranging my books and paperwork inside my locker for what seemed like the fourth time in that day when I heard a group of boys a grade older than me talking about an upcoming match.

'Yeah,I bet Darren will kick the other guy's ass!" said the tallest of them,his voice almost shaking with excitement.

"I hope so." another guy said.

"Don't be silly,Darren is a pro when it comes to boxing!There's no way he is losing." the boy that spoke before assured the rest of them.

"What time is it again?" a third boy asked.

"Um...Today,at seven.Inside the school's gym." 

I stuffed my biology notes on top of everything else and locked my locker.I moved towards my math class silently,but it wasn't necessary.The boys hadn't realised I was eavesdropping at their conversation.Darren...Darren.The name was familiar.Oh,of course.He was that popular blonde boy that seemed to spent most of his time around the gym of my neighborhood.My brother Thomas would go there 1-2 times a week and sometimes I accompanied him.Not that I needed to lose weight,I was just getting my adrenaline dose.Apparently,Darren would take part in some kind of box ing match today.Well,maybe I could come and take a look.It wasn't like I had better plans for the afternoon.

So,after I managed to survive the rest of my classes,I hurriedly returned home where I informed my mother of my plans.She let me go,of course.She wasn't strict,ever.After a few hours of doing nothing,I changed out of my morning clothes and put on a pair of ripped jeans,a black band t-shirt and sneakers.Most of the girls at my school would roll their eyes if they saw my outfit.It wasn't anything colourful or weird.Also I wasn't wearing heels or a wig and my make up was considered pretty boring in comparison to their glitter-filled faces.Most boys like that kind of look.I don't get what all the hype is about.But I guess that's why no one talks to me.Because I look average.Well,not no one.Sometimes boys from my grade would talk to me,because they weren't as stuck up as girls.But it was just a simple "Hey,how are you?" or "So,what did you do on the weekend?".

I was seething with anger as I walked down the street.If anyone ever made a comment regarding someone's religion,nationality or sexual orientation,they were being racist,ignorant and shunned and they deserved it.But when someone made a snide remark about a person's appearance,no one didn't even bother to bat an eyelid.That's how it works now.Someone says "You're fat" or something of that nature and everyone takes it to be truth.This shallowness sickened me.You're not enough for anyone,ever.

The cameras on every corner recorded my face,among everything else,so I just kept a neutral expression while I was fighting off the urge to give them the finger.I've had enough of their government that only pretended to care,enough of the media that manipulated us.Enough of their carefully veiled oppression.

Sometimes,my own thoughts scare me.Who knows,maybe the government can read minds now.Wouldn't surprise me.

My train of thought stopped abruptly as I entered the school grounds and made way towards the gym.The equipment that we usually used during P.E. was pulled away at one corner of the room to make space for the big ring that now stood in the centre.I chose to sit on one of the chairs in the far back row,just to go unnoticed.I examined the rest of the people in the room.We were about 15 people,including the referee,the two coaches and of course the two boys that would compete against each other.I immediately spotted Darren talking with his coach,nervousness etched in his face and I understood why:The other boy was about 6' ft tall,way more muscular than Darren.His whole appearance was intimidating as was his expression.They entered the ring,and the sound of the bell echoed all around the room.