(Performed songs: Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton Mentioned songs: La Cucaracha, What Hurts the Most by Rascal Flatts)
"... that is almost everyone, I see. So, we are talking about the topic of normalcy. I know this has been a hard week for everyone, especially for some of you. Just know we're here for you," Mark smiled kindly across to Jared and Rex.
The room was packed but at the same time empty. Jared was stewing silently, not really paying attention to what was happening. Rex was fidgeting nervously. The room was strangely quiet apart from quiet ticks of the clock, Mark speaking and the hum of the air conditioning in the room.
Rachel's seat was empty. Falcon's seat was empty. Violet's seat was empty.
"Normalcy?" Rex asked.
"Normalcy," Mark said. "It is hard leading burdened lives but believe me when I say that we are strong- we can live like other people..."
"What is other people?" Jared snapped. "Go around belittling others? Becoming selfish and- and ignorant? You have no idea what is considered normalcy these days."
"There are good normal people out there, Jared," Mark countered.
"Why can't there just be good people?" Jared asked. "Why set the difference between normal and not normal? Is it wrong to be not normal, to be us?"
"Jared."
"People's entire lives are built around this illusion of normalcy. I call bullshit, because that is only denial. Living in a fantasy that you can be accepted bu others and not be discriminated against just because you behave or function or think differently."
"Jared."
"Seriously!"
"Jared," Rex spoke up now, shutting Jared up effectively.
"Normalcy for us in this society is ending up with a gun to your back just by being yourself. And if you ruin someone else's day, well, tough luck. You die. You all die. We will never be normal ever again."
"Stop," Elly said. "You're upset, I know. But can you listen, Jared?"
"Listen?! We will never be normal, you hear me? You and I, everyone in this room will die alone because we are pitiful, malfunctioning humans who cannot contribute to society because we're fucked up in the head!" Jared yelled.
"THAT'S ENOUGH!" Mark yelled, silencing everyone in the room.
Marco awkwardly turned away, Elly looked down. Linda looked guilty. Rex was pleading with Jared not to overreact and do something he would regret.
"We have barely started, Jared. Please, calm yourself," Mark said.
"He has every right not to be calm, sir. Especially after what happened," Marco stated.
"Still, lashing out at the group is a big no-no. Jared, you should know better than that," Mark scolded.
"Adults should know better than to harm their children. Partners should know better than to mistreat their significant others and their families. So why don't they know better?" Jared sneered, storming out of the room entirely, kicking over his chair in the process.
Rex watched him go sadly, fidgeting with his sleeves. "... he's still upset."
"I don't blame him..." Elly muttered, "... they say only he had the ability to stop what happened. But he didn't."
"It's not his fault." Rex looked at Elly. "He didn't know better. It's not like he had a giant crystal ball to predict the future. No one can do that."
YOU ARE READING
Memory Lane
Teen Fiction"The truth hurts, memories definitely hurt but we all still try to hold onto them. Maybe one day it'll be okay. It's not okay now, but we will get through this. We will get through all of this, like we've done before." Meet the strange cast of a wac...
