Skater Boy [thepencilprize14]

ii

So despite a heck of a lot going on, I managed to write out a second chapter just in time for the next round of The Pencil Prize. First things first, I want to thank all of the judges so much for letting me get past auditions - I was ecstatic, and it certainly brightened my not so great month!

I'm sorry that this isn't fantastic. I really wish it was, because then I could fly through the rounds of the competition, but it's the best that I could do. It's not particularly active either, but it felt like a necessary chapter!

See if you can spot the character (who is in a very different setting to where you might expect him to be!) from MyHeartsMistake's amazing story, Take Me As I Am!

I think that's all! I hope you enjoy it

~ Lacey

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Lucas Wren was not a very large boy. It was perhaps one of the main reasons that sparked his bullying - and from there, of course, sparked the incident.

While other boys his age spent a lot of their time outside, uselessly kicking about a ball and screeching at each other in tones that Lucas didn't even own, he could be found behind closed doors, a circuit of sorts prised between his trembling hands as he laced the components together.

His mother had always praised his intelligence - "he's gifted," she'd insisted as his year three teacher had suggested that he should spend more time with his peers than with his "dangerous elements".

And that, too, had been how he'd met Chester - Chester preferred the quiet and still of the manmade walls. He liked the paper and ink printed in books; the way that you could delve into another world completely free of consequence.

And Chester Calthorpe wasn't clever or quick with machines - not like Lucas was - but Lucas had helped him all the same, teaching him patiently to solder a moisture tester and celebrating in his success.

Chester smiled. That had always been one of the things he'd liked about Lucas - how he was quick when others were in need.

"He'll be here in a minute," the guard told Chester roughly.

Chess nodded. "Okay," he said - but the man had already turned his back on him.

Chester swallowed. Even after two years he hadn't got used to the idea that Lucas was in juvenile prison. He wasn't sure if he'd ever get used to it.

"Chess!"

Chester turned just in time to see the smile that lit up Lucas' face, almost as bright as his orange jumpsuit. His hands were tied loosely in front of him, pressure marks indented just beneath. He tried to break away from the beefy marshall gripping his shoulder - but he was unsuccessful in his quest, instead walking impatiently to the seat across from Chester and waving enthusiastically.

"Lucas." Chester's voice was quiet - unsure, even. He was suddenly overcome with emotions: guilt, mainly. It had been too long since he'd visited his friend - he should have come sooner; he should have proved that people still cared.

But he hadn't.

"How've you been, man?" Lucas' voice still bled with excitement.

Chester bit back a wince. "I'm good," he said. "Good." He looked down at his bitten fingernails for a moment, inhaling deeply. "How are you?"

Lucas chuckled, his baggy jumpsuit jiggling in the places where it hung off his frame. "I'm okay," he said softly.

His tone made Chester look up, and for the first time that day, he noticed the fading bruising patterning his skin. "Are you?" he whispered.