New Blood

Resignation

BLUE

It was only my second day at school. I had spent the night at Jake’s parent’s house. He and I had spent the night eating ice cream and watching horror movies. I had fallen asleep on his shoulder, and woke up in his bed, only to find him on the couch in his room.

The house was huge! It had ten bedrooms, each with their own baths, three offices, kitchen, music studio, game room, living room, patio, pool, full basement, and a huge art studio in the attic.

Jake had explained that he lived there with his parents and immediate family, as well as a few friends. I was amazed. He also explained that they had the family physician look at my arm- she was a licensed doctor, and they had everything they needed less than a mile away. When I asked if Jake was rich, he had just laughed and said ‘We look out for our own, that’s all.’

At first I had thought that Jake was creepy, but I got to know him last night, and he didn’t seem that bad. In fact, we got on really well and I knew we were going to be good friends.

His mom drove us to the top of my street, where I had thanked them both and gone into the orphanage, my secret safe for at least another day. Everyone thought Rex was my older brother, who I lived with. It was a white lie at best. I didn’t want everyone to know that I live in an orphanage.

I walked in to see Rex curled up in a ball on his bed, staring at the door.

“What, where you raised by wolves? You are such a typical boy.”

Rex scoffed and rolled his eyes. “I grew up with you, so pretty damn close.” He muttered.

“What was that?” I asked, mock glaring at him. He grinned. I slid out of my dirty shirt and into a new one, struggling a bit with my cast. I stared at my jeans forlornly.

“Need some help?” Rex asked. I blushed and nodded.

Rex helped me get out of my old clothes and into new ones. There wasn’t anything romantic or sexual about it- he was practically my older brother, and besides, he was gay. I was comfortable around him, even when he was helping me get undressed and re dressed.

On my way to school, I had time to think while I walked.

‘And illusion, it’s all just smoke and mirrors…’

Jake and Alex were hiding something big. I was sure of that.

‘I’d rather be alone, than put you on the throne…’

But it wasn’t just them. Jake stabbed Alex in the middle of school, and no one did anything about it. I figured it was just one of those things- don’t ask, don’t tell. Jake had made me promise not to tell anyone ‘at home’ what had transpired.

‘And illusion, It’s all just smoke and mirrors.’