Darksun - Volume 1: Neco'ma

Chapter 7: 5 Years Ago...

James A. Garfield Senior High School –

It was like any other day at James A. Garfield Senior High, one of the most prestigious secondary schools in the Eastside district. The students were still across the school, trying to make most of their free time before the start of class was called. Everyone from the elite football players practicing their drills on the oval, to the popular girls strutting through the hallways like it was their own personal catwalk, had their place. The growing geniuses referred to as geeks were prepping their projects for their first class, meanwhile the social outcasts rejecting conformity were lurking by their lockers. And then there were the regular students who just want the day to move faster. 

 The first bell had rung for the students to attend their homerooms for roll-call. In room twenty-eight, English teacher Amelia Duval began the roll-call while everyone was in their respective cliques and year groups. Mrs. Duval called out their names alphabetically until she reached one name in particular. 

 'Eduardo Castillo? Has anyone seen Eduardo Castillo this morning?' asked Mrs. Duval. Most of the students in the room were either gossiping, didn't care, or as Mrs. Duval observed from the seniors, snickering when Eddie's name came into discussion. 

 'Is there something funny you want to share with the rest of us Mr. Miller?' asked Mrs. Duval. The one surnamed Miller was none other than star football quarterback, Chad Miller.

 'Not really Miss, except we know that poor Castillo is probably still catching his breath in the hallway right now!' said Chad as he and several others burst into laughter at Eddie's expense. 

Just as the school doors closed behind him, a chubby kid passed through the hallway to reach room twenty-eight. The door opened to the kid, who had curly brown hair, and green eyes. With a hunched posture, he tried to hide his flustered face and his anxiety at suddenly being the centre of the class' attention. It was then that he spoke, out of breath, 'I'm sorry that I'm late Mrs. Duval, I missed my bus again.' 

 'That's alright Eddie, I know it wasn't your fault, just go and take your seat,' said Mrs. Duval. 

Even as he took his seat, Eddie was still picked on by the seniors; he knew how to block them out by putting on headphones and listening to his iPod. 

 Mrs. Duval continued to read out the names on her list, which included Regina 'Gina' Geatani, one the current popular girls in the senior year. She was one of the manipulative ones of the known bullies to freshmen like Eddie. Chad Miller was also a known bully and one of the top footballers in his team. 

 Then the teacher worked her way down the list, 'Jake O'Neil?' 

 To which an eighteen-year-old boy wearing the football team varsity jacket raised his hand, 'here Mrs. Duval.' 

 After checking his name off the list, she then remembered something important, 'oh I almost forgot Jake, you have been requested to meet the guidance counsellor as soon as homeroom is finished. I've let your first period class know that you'll be late.'

 'Ugh okay Mrs. Duval,' answered Jake. 

 A few minutes later, Jake headed straight for the guidance counsellor's office. As he entered the office, he was greeted by Counsellor Brian Greenberg. 

 'Good morning Jake, please take a seat,' said Mr. Greenberg. 

 'May I ask why I was called in Sir?' Jake asked politely.

 'I've been reviewing your previous SAT results and from the look of things it doesn't look good for your academic record. With regret, I'm afraid to say that you might not be eligible for that football scholarship for Harvard University,' Mr. Greenberg replied.