Five Hundred Miles

0.1: The new boy.

Chapter 0.1 The New Boy.

[They will only care when you are gone. ~Marilyn Monroe]

-2002 Santa fe, New Mexico-

This morning, Miss Collins bakes us some pastries, with a cherry at the very top of every dish to improve the taste as well as the look of the food. I don't really understand why, actually. It's just food, and I don't take a big deal about it.

She tells us to share the desserts, because it will not be enough for every one. We don't usually get treats from Fraulein, so it must be a very special day today.

We take our lines in order, waiting for our turns to receive our part of the meal. I am at the last of the line, as usual. The others are always ahead of me, they do not care. I know that my portion of cake will always end up in their spoons.

I am just going to suck it up and deal with it. I don't have a life at all. People often say that we don't deserve one.

Look at those kids, do not get near them! They have no parents!

I am already used to people's taunts and I don't really make a big deal about it. Why should I when they are correct?

"Maple Johnson, what are you waiting for?" a voice brings me back to reality as I finally recover form my wicked daydream.

It's my turn, or is it? Some of the children are grinning at me like I'm an idiot, most probably because I am. Suck it up.

I hurry to the front of the line, and bow my head in apology. "I'm so sorry, Fraulein Collins, I got a bit carried away."

Miss Collins nods at me and a smile creeps up her face. She passes me a bowl of mushroom soup and a chocolate flavored cupcake. I manage a smile at her because she is kind.

"Now Maple, find a seat with your friends and share your food." she says. I lower my head as my eyes search for a nice spot. Meaning, a spot without anybody to disturb me and play pranks at me.

Besides, just for the record, I do not have friends.

I wobble to a spot where I make sure it's vacant, probably because of the scorching sun without shades. I settled myself down and start scooping up the soup hungrily.

Yes, I have to finish it before they get a chance to snatch the bowl away from me.

Mushroom soup...ah...the taste is divine.

My soup is done by a minute, and now it is cupcake time! After a bite, Amy and Victoria rise from their seats and head at my direction. I shake my head when I tremble from a sudden shudder of fear.

I know what is going to happen next.

For a second, I thought that they are going to grab my food away, but instead they snicker as they walk pass me.

I turn slightly to peep at them under my arms, finding the both of then glaring at me intently. They are both sneering at me.

Whatever it is, just leave my food alone thank you. Taking another quick bite on my muffin, I'm starting to regret draining the soup first. I kind of need that water.

Miss Collins claps her hands together, drawing our attentions. I notice that she has changed into a white and flowering dress. Though it looks plain, the dress suits her perfectly. Miss Collins looks just like an angel. At least the angel I have in mind.

"Children," she says cheerfully. "Listen here now. Today, we have a special guest coming, and he is about to live with you. He has been through a rough life, so please be nice to him and make him feel like he's at home, understand?"