Layers (A boyxboy tale)

A home

The first thing Zack DeWitt saw when he opened his eyes was a bland grey ceiling. Groaning to himself, he pulled himself off of his too-comfortable bed. Not bothering to get changed into fresh clothes, he stumbled into the hallway. After a moment of unpleasant dizziness, he walked into the bathroom, closing and locking the door behind him. He focused on the mirror. Cold blue eyes greeted him, barely visible beneath a mess of curly black hair. Pale skin marred by the harshness of a teen life. An angular nose and full lips. Zack sighed. Even though he didn't care about fashion, it irritated him that he didn't look how he wanted to look. He focused on brushing his teeth, a task that he'd been neglecting for a while.

Once he'd finished his morning routine, Zack walked back to his room. He took a moment to observe. One wall sported a set of shelves that struggled beneath the weight of educational books, a necessity due the fact that Zack had left his previous school 3 years ago. Instead of continuing the usual education, he'd started online classes. And although he'd never been one for literature, an hour a day of reading seemed like a better alternative to sitting in a crowded, noisy classroom. A desktop PC and desk sat in the corner, the source of most of Zack's entertainment. His games were organized in a wooden cupboard next to the small bed.

A few steps in, Zack turned and closed the door. A TV hung one the wall by the door, consoles atop a simple table. He walked towards the bed, picking up the TV remote on the way. He sat down on the corner of the bed and searched for the PlayStation controller somewhere hidden by the blanket.

"Zack! Breakfast!"

He retracted his hand from underneath the blanket. His mother was someone not to be left waiting. Being a single mother, she'd developed a stern attitude that demanded respect.

Zack pulled on a pair of baggy jeans and a t-shirt before strolling out of his bedroom and walking down the stairs. He didn't even glance at any of the photographs on the walls. Those smiles meant nothing to him.

The scent of toast caught his attention, urging him onwards. Confusion hit him. Why was his mother calling him for breakfast? Surely, she'd remembered that Zack had always made his own? She had news for him. That was the only explanation. Maybe money was low and she wanted to tell him to be more conservative. He was still wondering about it when he walked into the kitchen.

"Zack, I've got some news for you".

His mother's upbeat tone made him perk up his ears.

"What is it?"

"Well, you know how I've been looking for a good school for you..."

Oh no, Zack thought.

"I've found one! It's perfect, small classes, up-to-date technology, the works."

His mother's words gave Zack a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. Nothing good could come out of this. With a bit of effort, Zack kept the nervousness from affecting his voice.

"When?"

"Tomorrow."