On my way to Period One at Lounsom High school, i knew something was wrong. The looks in the kids faces were enough to confirm it. My mother had sent me to class in a rush, not explaining why. What was going on? With every step I took, the students faces seemed more creased in worry. They were turning away from each other, not talking. Where was the usual chatter and laughter? The fights on the upper lawn? The couples kissing behind the lockers? Everything seemed dark, and sad. But there were people like me, people who had no idea what this was. Hundreds of us. Confused, trying to ask what was wrong, leaving when we were ignored. What was happening? When i reached the alley - where i sit everyday - nobody was there. Where was Lana? Ilena? Lucas? Where was the blond girl who’s name i didn’t know and her boyfriend? Why were there no sounds coming from any classrooms? So I dropped my stuff and walked away without it. I'll be faster without it. When I reached what I called “couples corner”- which i usually avoided - there was no difference. At least not at first. But then I saw it. One girl - Stacey Orman - was there as usual. But she was crying. Alot. Her mascara was running down her face and she was sobbing. I left before she noticed me. Why was she sobbing?
“Jace?!” I spin around towards the most noise i have heard all day. Lana is running towards me at full speed. I brace myself for the impact, but when it comes its soft. And wet. Oh no. Another crying girl? She hugged me tighter with each second.
“Lana...Why are you crying?”
“He took it Jace.”
“Who took it?”
“My brother”
“what is it?”
She looked at me then, with her mouth open. Pain was obvious in her eyes. It took me a while to hear what she said.
“T.D.P”
“What the hell is that?”
“You don’t know? Its the pill Jace. You know, THE pill.”
“Birth control?”
She looked horrified.
“I CANT BELIEVE YOURE JOKING ABOUT THIS. I THOUGHT WE WERE FRIENDS. I CAME TO SCHOOL TO TELL YOU. I CANT BELIEVE I WASTED MY TIME ON YOU!”
And with that, she ran away towards the car park and drove away. By now people were staring. Mocking stares that screamed “He doesn’t know!” And before I knew it, I was running. Picking up my stuff from the alley, and running into the computer lab. When I got in, i slammed into a chair and looked up “TDP”
