East Bridge High

prologue. shipped off

•••

JOSHUA Antonio Lauder III remembers the first time he punched someone, it was short but long-lived—for him at least.

The adrenaline boiling inside his blood with each second that passed by, and the release of it all once his fist met the side of a cheek that truly deserved it. Joshua was so proud of his first punch, it was powerful and executed well to the point where he broke the poor guy's jaw—it wasn't his intention to badly harm the guy, he just wanted to hit him where it hurts, breaking his jaw was just an added benefit. The pleasure that Joshua got as he saw the smirk instantly disappear off the guy's face was indescribable, he loved giving people what they deserved—especially if it meant his fist had to come into contact with one's face.

As quick as the sweet victory had come, a bitter consequence came even quicker. Before Joshua could count his amount of luxury cars, he was being shipped off to boarding school for a year. Mommy and Daddy Dearest couldn't handle another aggressive little rich boy, it was bad for the Lauder's already impending reputation and with their two misfit sons, it was bound to become worse.

Maybe an act of aggression was a long time coming for Joshua. Even from the one time in 3rd grade where a little boy poured chocolate milk atop Joshua's mop of black hair, he only retaliated by stating the boy was a 'butt sniffer' and left it simply at that. Joshua refused to follow in the actions of his mischievous brother, Malachai—his name alone set a precedent for his actions. He wanted to be an angel within his parent's eyes, and he could clearly see how disappointed they'd be by having to meet with the principle at least once a week, to discuss Malachai's actions. So Joshua, starting from 5th grade, promised himself to be the stellar child his parents desired. He wanted to be the child they originally wanted, and not the devil they were unfortunately given.

But for Joshua, living for his parents wasn't enough. He'd try to fit the mold set for him, proving to his parents constantly that he wasn't Malachai. Joshua wanted his parents to feel as if he was better than him, as if there would be a reward for being the better Lauder. Who could go the longest without being in the principle's office? Or who could go a day without a lecture from daddy Lauder? It slowly became a competition between the two brothers, on who could win over their parent's affection. Joshua realized nothing he could do could satisfy them, his goal of living for them still managed for disappointments and lectures.

At times, Joshua wished he was like his brother—anger issues aside—he wanted to be more like him. Malachai didn't care, most likely due to the fact that his parent's money could cover up any thoughtless thing he's ever done, but he wasn't living for anyone else. He didn't care about being a disappointment or living up to his father's expectations, because once he was 18, he was taking his trust fund and leaving for good. Joshua always remembers Malchai talking to him about leaving the country, changing his name, and not contacting anyone he knew in his past life. Though, those talks would occur every time Malachai got grounded for some ludicrous thing he'd done, so his threat was never taken seriously. However, upon getting shipped to a boarding school all the way in England, Joshua saw the likeness of that happening—because he was starting to think of doing it too.

All because of one punch, Joshua thought. He tried to explain to his parent's that it was self-defense and how the guy was threatening his 'manlihood', but they wouldn't hear it. They heard what they wanted and disregarded the rest. Joshua found the whole situation amusing because he'd done worse, like 'accidentally' get alcohol poisoning, or be high as a kite at his dad's business meeting. He didn't get caught which is probably why he wasn't shipped off to boarding school then, but one punch was the breaking point.

"I think you're both being a little unreasonable. Boarding school? In England? There are more pompous asses there than the amount of zero's in my bank account." Joshua said condescendingly. He thought there would be some leeway of making them rethink this, he was the somewhat 'better' son in their eyes.

Joshua's mom removed the Dior earrings from her ears, before turning to face her son whom she eventually was about to place in a cardboard box and simply mail him off without remorse. "The one we found has superb disciplinary techniques. And it's only one year in order to prevent you from throwing punches anywhere else. Instead of putting effort into arguing with me on this, go pack your bags. The decision is final." Her tone was demanding. Joshua didn't bother to plead his case any further, once his parent's mind was set on something, it was a done deal.

Obeying his mother's demands, Joshua slugged himself up the glossy marble staircase and tried to pack. He didn't know what one does pack when they're forcefully being shipped off to boarding school—maybe because it doesn't happen to many. He figured, since it was England, there'd be uniform, so he packed some clothing, underwear, and any other necessities into his Louis Vuitton suitcase.

Joshua wondered as to why it was even necessary, he was merely a sophomore at East Bridge High and boarding school seemed pointless and a waste of money—although it would barely make a dent in his parent's wallet—there was barley any logic behind it. Joshua wished Malachai could also suffer alongside him, but knowing his brother he'd somehow plan a grand escape and leave Joshua to fend for himself among the posh British guys.

As terrible as this was, Joshua had to prepare himself for a year away from everything. On the bright side, he may pick up an English accent and somehow seem even more of a rich douche than before.