School of Secrets

~ Two ~

~ Lucas ~ 

"Lucas this is your first warning, and the school term hasn't even begun yet!" Mrs H drowned on. Frankly, I didn't really care for what she had to say. I hated it here. Well, I didn't hate being able to perform and do what I love, I just hated the teachers and the students. The only person I could rely on was my roommate Cameron, but even then, he could be a pain.

"Young man are you even listening to me?" Mrs H snapped her fingers in front of my face, and I rolled my eyes.

"No." I smirked.

She growled, "Just because you're my nephew it does not give you the right to misbehave and do as you please. You should be grateful that I have given you a scholarship to study here to help your parents out!"

"Whatever," I mumbled.

"So, would you care to explain to me why you were caught by Mrs Walker this morning trying to break into the kitchen." She tried to contain her anger, but I knew she was ready to let it all out.

I shrugged, "no reason, just bored." I knew my responses were firing her up even more. I also knew that she'd never kick me out, she wouldn't do that to family.

"Lucas, I just don't know why you're acting like this, is it because of- "

"Shut your mouth!" I snapped, cutting her off.

She sighed; she knew not to go down this path. "Look, are you still attending your therapy sessions, because I think they would really help." She said softly.

Again, I just rolled my eyes and glanced at the clock, when was I gonna get out of here. As if on cue Mrs H looked at the clock too, "Goodness is that the time, I should have our new student waiting outside, now I'm not finished with you, I want you to wait outside, this won't take long." She said sternly.

I stood up and stormed to the door, flinging it open with force, resulting in it slamming against the wall, I smirked at the dent that had formed countless times from me doing that.

As I was leaving, I was stopped by someone blocking me.

I looked down to see a girl I'd never seen before; she must be the new girl. She was cute, that was for sure, but I really couldn't care less about her, she's probably some preppy, popular wannabe, I mean just look at that hat.

I cleared my throat, signalling for her to move and she quickly stepped aside.

I walked around and slumped into the seat.

***

I was so tempted to just get up and leave. What more was she going to say to me, she sounds like a broken record. The main doors creaked open and Mia walked in. She rolled her eyes at the sight of me and I smirked.

"What have you done now?" She stopped about a metre away from me with her arms placed on her hips.

"Nothing that concerns you. What are you doing here more like? Surprised you're not with your boyfriend." I said.

"I'm the new girls roommate."

I raised an eyebrow, "She's eye candy. How long do you think she'll last?"

Mia's face became serious, "You listen to me Jones, you stay away from her."

I couldn't help but laugh, "or what?"

"You know what. Now get out of here before you regret it." Mia has always been quite fierce, she's not afraid to say it how it is. I admired her for that. And that is why I chose to get up and walk away. Besides I didn't want to deal with Mrs H again, it was way too early for that.

I pulled out my lighter and cigs and went out the back entrance to the basketball court, man I really did hate this place.

***

I found myself wandering over to the dance studio. It was always dead at this time of day, especially on a Sunday. I knew I would have the place to myself. 

I was right, as I pushed open the door, ease soon washed over me. No one knew I was a dancer. Most people just thought I was here to do Music. My parents had put me through intense dance training when I was younger. 

I hated it at the time, being the only boy. I used to get bullied for it at school. As I got older, I realised how much it actually helped me. It was far better than therapy with a shrink. In a way, this was my therapy.

I pulled off my sweatshirt, so I was left in just my joggers and no shirt. I hooked up my phone to the Bluetooth speakers and selected a song. 'The Way I Am,' By Charlie Puth. 

I walked up to the mirrors and placed my hands on them, leaning and staring at my reflection. 

Memories of first year flooded my thoughts. We were only 15 when it happened. We were so young and stupid.

I blamed our parents. We all had been brought up with snobby parents, we had to be perfect. No room for flaws. That's what we all had in common. It destroyed our self-esteems and so we took to drinking and smoking.

It was our escape. 

I started to let the music take over my body and I pushed off the mirrors.

We were so dumb to think our actions wouldn't have consequences. Boy, were we wrong. Everything had consequences.

It was mad how one little game of truth and dare could ruin everything and leave scars on all of us in different ways.

***

I had somehow managed to have the whole studio up until dinner. I quickly shut out the lights and put my hoody on. I decided to shower after I had grabbed food. I'd probably just eat it in my room anyway. 

I couldn't be arsed dealing with a loud canteen.

I exited the building and checked to see there was no teachers around. I dug into my pocket of my hoody and pulled out my cigs and lighter. Another coping mechanism. 

I know I should have learned my lesson, but I guess this is nothing compared to what I used to do.

After finishing my cig, I wandered into the canteen. I walked carelessly over to where the food was being served. The elderly dinner lady smiled at me.

"Hello Lucas, what can I get for you."

"Hi Mable, I'll have a portion of lasagne to go please," I winked at her and she blushed. Bless her. She and I knew you weren't supposed to take food out of the canteen, but she had always had a soft spot for me.

She nodded and gestured she'd be two minutes. 

I leant against the counter and took in the canteen. I noticed the new girl was with Mia and her friends. She seemed a bit out of place, a bit nervous. I guess she wasn't used to boarding school life.

I noticed she was smiling but something told me it was fake. Her eyes looked sad, like she had a secret that she didn't want anyone to know. 

I guess we did have something in common.

***

Edited: 21/08/21