Her shaky hand hold the cold, tiny metal object, afraid that any small movement would make it burst. Her expression is troubled, demanding her body to just do it already, but from the gesture of her trembling body it seems that they don't agree on what to do- yet, at least.
The school bell rings, startling her, and her hand immediately pushed the object back to her pocket. The stall door slammed open and she rushed out of the restroom, mind still foggy from her little meltdown. She could feel the tiny gun pressed against her thigh, as she walked to the classroom, her barely-heard voice saying-
"-at least I'll get one more lesson at my favorite class."
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The one class that everyone's confused as to why it exist. I guess, they still think it's relevant enough to be learned by seeds of perfects, even if nowadays a music and arts degree is a one way ticket to poverty.
Music and arts doesn't sell anymore. We have robots to create music, we have technology to make paintings better than Picasso. Painters rot on the streets begging for people to buy their paintings and art pieces, while musicians are called a disgrace to 'modern' music. Some are lucky enough to be hired at a cafe that can't afford the live music technology, so they'll just hide the musician inside a room and tell everyone that it's from the machines.
So no one knows why they still bother to teach this as a subject, especially in a school like Hillarde High School.
An academic crazy school, craving to produce tons of perfects, millions of people working hard to get their kid in, bribing millions of dollars just for an entry. The students who makes it out alive are either insane, or fully ready with their so-called 'knowledge' and the title of Hillarde High School Perfects.
Maybe they put in Music and Arts so the insane ones who fail have another skill, even if that means rotting on the streets.
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She picks up her speed almost reaching Music and Arts class until she bumps into someone. It startled her for sure, her back hits the floor with a loud thud, while groans of pain came out from her mouth.
"Can you walk with your eyes open please? It's a thing all people do."
A snarky comment with a thick British accent was heard from whoever is standing in front of her. She opens her eyes slowly, hoping it's not who she think it is, but too bad for her it is.
There stands Julian Price, the most popular, straight-A student, not to mention absolutely talented at all musical instruments and sports. The golden boy, standing on the top of the hierarchy, and a total arrogant snob. Oh, also the only son of the school's principal, anyone that comes his way should be trembling.
How satisfying it would be to be able to punch him in the face, she thought.
She always hated Julian, how all the girls drool and praise at his feet, it's disgusting. But like anyone else, being on Price's bad list will end you, so by that she kept her mouth shut.
"Sorry."
Her knuckles turning white for clenching too hard, then she rushed away. He can barely heard the apology, but by the look of his face he was pleased to scare off another trembling student.
︻┳═一
"Where were you, Elise? I was so afraid, they could've put you in the box if you're late again."
"Sorry, I got caught up in the bathroom. Besides, it wouldn't be the first time I was put in the box, Liz."
Her friend spoke, "Speaking of that, you should really stop breaking the rules and slacking. I know all this is not what you wanted, but I love you, and you know they won't hesitate to hurt you."
Elizabeth Keaton is one of the smartest student in Hillarde High School, but everyone knows deep down she has a heart for dancing. But knowing the condition of the world, she has no other option but to rely on her academic intelligence. Her friendship with Elise Andrews started on the first day of high school, when they were put in this facility, with no friends, and afraid of all the rules and warning they've received. When the teachers 'awarded' them with their first gun, both of them instantly clung to each other with fear. That bond has never been broken since.
"Good morning everyone, grab your instruments, paint brushes, dancing shoes, or just sit there and sleep for all I care." Mr. Johnson said lazily, then proceeds to sit in his chair. "It's not like it's worth it anyway." He whispers to the crowd.
Most of the students ended up talking to each other, sleeping, or doing their homework and practising maths or something. But for Elise, Liz, and a few students, they still have a heart for the arts. So this class is the only time they're allowed to do anything remotely close to a non-academic activity. Other than sports, of course. But sports are still relevant. People still wants to be healthy, they just haven't found the technology to be healthy and fit without sports, fortunately.
bang!
The loud sound silenced the whole school, leaving a ringing sensation to the surroundings.
"Damn it, why on the class that I actually like?!" Elise thought in her mind.
"I bet you it's Edward. He's been depressed for the last five months." A voice broke the short silence.
Another voice responds, followed by murmurs of gossiping students. "No way, he's not man enough to do it. It's definitely Sandra. She's been saying she's gonna do it."
"Sandra's only saying that for attention, obviously."
More and more prediction comes, students betting on who they think it is. Who died.
Yes, it is normal. In this sick minded world, it's normal. If they can't handle Hillarde, then they're given a way out. All they need to do is choose. This action happens often. On a school as strict and some say cruel, not many people can handle it. So it became a tradition among the students to bet on who'll give up first.
Hillarde High School: News intermission.
-Student ID 08449 (Edward Wesley)
given up on: Tuesday, February 25th 2143, 08:36 AM.
-R.I.P
The class projector screen lights up with that typical format that everyone has seen. Cheers and sighs was heard from the bets, also some sobs and cries from close friends.
"I knew it. Huh, he is man enough to do it. Pay up Chase." The boy making bets nudges his friend while smirking proudly.
Elise can't take any more of it, "Can you shut up for a second, Shaun?! Someone just died and all you do is talk about your stupid bets."
"Come on, Elise. Don't act like this is the first time something like this happens. You don't even know the guy, why do you care?"
Shaun was right, it wasn't her problem, and this does happen often. But something about it still makes Elise wants to puke everytime she hears that dreadful sound.
Shaun and Chase are stupid, heartless jerks, but they speak truth. They've been broken to many times, to the point of not caring anymore. The twins are intelligent, though a rebel. No one can count how many times they've been put in the box.
Every kid in this godforsaken school has a story of their on. Let's see how much pain you can handle with their stories.
︻┳═一
Hello!! How's chapter one so far? Please comment, vote, and give me your thoughts and constructive criticism:) thank you!
~zel~
YOU ARE READING
Gunshots and Diminuendos
Mistero / ThrillerEvery student is obligated to bring one gun to school in their pockets. One bullet. One blow to end it all. Yes, they asked for it. Their parents asked for it, in order to shape them with absolute perfection; to be perfects. Hillarde High School loo...
