Fates Edge: Unbroken

Decency

Littlebridge was and still is a small town.

My story begins in the sixth grade, when I met my one and only best friend. She was an amazing person..fierce, loving, and headstrong. It was only years later that I understood why, but by that time, it was far too late to salvage our relationship. By then, she had slipped from my grasp- along with the rest of the world.

 "Johnson, I would like to see you after class." Mrs. Marilmoore, my ninth grade English teacher was currently staring me down from the front of my desk. The paper returned to me, lying face up on my desk, reflected her sour, disappointed tone.

I let my shoulders sink slightly, slumping just a tad. "Yes, ma'am." And at her slightly raised eyebrow, I cringed a bit harder. "Mrs. Marilmoore.." I forget I'm not in Maryland anymore. Ya'll doesn't seem to be very high-praised here, either.

She huffs lightly and delivers the next paper to the next unprepared student, and so on until all fourteen essays were returned to their rightful owners. The rest of the class, as usual, drug on. Time slowed even further in respect for my newly-fueled anxiety about the after class pep talk that was now scheduled. Probably the typical 'concerned' speech I had gotten from at least one teacher each semester.

I should probably introduce myself, at this point. My name is Johnson Perry Fletcher. Fletcher, I prefer, but that never makes it onto any records. I hate the name Johnson- so many ways to be misused.. so many nightmares to follow.

I am the stereotypical 'emo' teenager at your school- except my hair is shorter, kept clean at a natural boy's haircut length. It is also a plain, brown brown color that I've wanted to strip for ages now. Otherwise? I have my share of battle scars- or wounds, at this point, I should say. My sets of all sorts of bracelets, and my matching necklace that I wear every single day. A long, silver chain with a splayed dragon on it- one that has no meaning that I can remember now, only that I simply always wore it. Dark t-shirts, jeans, hiking boots, and hoodies made up the remainder of my wardrobe. I'm sure you can understand how this would draw some concern from warm-hearted people. And hatred from the cold.

The bell rang and I was yanked out of my typical doodling. Not having forgotten about the meeting, I took my time packing my things as the rest of the class herded out in a puddle of gossip and giggles.

Finally, I stood up, slinging my backpack over my shoulder and moving to the desk at the back corner of the room. Sure enough, it was the standard 'If you ever need anything, shoot me an email or stop by and I'll be right here for you.' At this point, somebody should write a script for them. But I suppose we have our own script... the silence, the isolation. The bad grades, lack of interest. The attitude, and even the get up.

Even then there was no peace for us- you know of who I speak. It was always extreme- concerned or bullies- never any middle ground. Rarely any grey friends. I was lucky though, because I had Miss London Grace. The cheerleader captain, and my best friend. My only friend, throughout all of my Hells. This.. this Guardian Angel stood in the doorway to the classroom now, to pick me up before the next block and visit. When she gave me her usual curiously concerned look, turning away with me, I just shook my head and threaded my other arm through the other strap of my bag. "Just the typical, is all. Nothing new, I promise you."

Even then, she was only mostly convinced things were okay.

And even then, I think, we both knew they never would be.

*artwork by me*