Jenny
The first day back at school is hell. Everyone is sad and quiet. Half the kids and a good number of teachers don’t even show up. The atmosphere just crushes you when you walk in. I want to scream at these people to just suck it up and fake a smile. When you play the part of a happy person you can become one. But these people have tear streaked faces as they walk down the hallway. I wasn’t traumatized by the shooting. Sure I was dangled from a tree but that’s how every fight with Nick seems to go. My best friend died but I guess I’m just better at coping with the pain. Perhaps I’m just used to it. I’m just glad when we finally get to leave school. I get to Le Café as fast as I can eager to leave the depressing atmosphere.
“You’re early.” B.B remarks. I would usually stay after school and horse around with my friends but it won’t be the same without Katy. I haven’t seen them since she died anyway. I realize I’m the first one here. “School is hell.” I mutter going to the girls’ room to put on my Le Café shirt. When I come of the bathroom B.B’s waiting for me. “Do you always stalk the first person who comes like this?” I ask him. “If you don’t like the atmosphere at school you should go back.” He suggests. “Where’s the logic in that?” I ask looking up at him. “Well you’re generally a happy person so if you go the school and cheer people up you can change up the mood.” He explains. I think for a moment. There’s no customers and Hunter and Krys aren’t here for me wrestle. “Why not?” I agree.
After changing out of my uniform I sprint back to the school to see who stayed after today. I walk around looking for some of the friend Katy and I shared. I also keep an eye for Drew. I don’t even know if he came today. I pass through the Vacant Hallway. I don’t see anyone and turn around to go back up the stairs when three portals pop up blocking my path. “Sugar.” I mumble taking out my purple gem. I raise it up and transform just as Nick, Joe and Matt appear. “Leave me alone.” I hiss looking around. “If anyone sees you they’ll know you’re the shooters.” I add softly. “Who cares?” Joe asks. “Today’s the day we’re finally going to take a life.” Nick insists. “You already took seven.” I mutter. They all exchange guilty glances. Nick steps toward me and pulls out his orange dagger. I back up until I feel the wall at the other end of the hallway press against my back. I try to run forward but all three of them block me. I shove my way past them but Nick just shoved me back against the wall and pins my arms against it. I try to pull away of his grasp but he’s stronger. “Lemme go!” I shout my voice cracking. I pull my arms away and as I do my arm warmers fall to the ground. Great. Now they’re staring.
Oh Jenny, why on earth would you slice up your wrists? People ask. People tease. I cut myself yes. Ironic right? “You of all people.” Nick mutters. “What? Are my problems not real enough?” I step forward. “Is my life just too great for me to be sad? Well maybe I’m not as happy as I’m always acting like. Try to see it this way: Every day walking down the hallways. People teasing, whispering . . . sometimes even running away. I can only take so much but no one listens. I stick up for everyone but I don’t even get a thank you. And whoever sticks up for me? So instead I let it roll of my back. Only is doesn’t!” Tears well up in my eyes. “And then it’s 3:00 in the morning and I’m all alone with my demons.” I’m crying now.
Nick, Joe and Matt don’t laugh like I expect them to. Matt’s eyes get all wide. Joe looks away. Not even Nick has any taunts to make. I wait for the mocking and misery but it doesn’t come. I try to smile through the tears. “What? They’re just little red marks. Don’t you still have to kill me or something?” I ask. “Maybe if things we’re different,” Matt begins softly. Nick and Joe stare at him. “I’d stand up for you Jenny.” He says smiling. I wipe away a few tears. “Yeah me too. You’d probably do the same for me.” Joe admits. “You’re not alone Jenny.” Nick says. “We’re not your friends and we probably never be able to get along but we’re all suffering. We all have our own situations.” He says wisely. The tears are finally dry. “It would be nice though,” I pause and look at the three scared and skinny boys before me. “If we could break out of the cycle of suffering. Instead of playing the ‘whose had it worse game’ we just work together. I think everyone in this world, biscuit or emo or freak, just needs a big hug.” And with that, the three suffering children teleport away.
