He managed to make the entire area smell like weed and axe body spray.
Just a bit of advice, axe doesn't get rid of weed smell. It just makes it 10 times less tolerable. Now I don't really want to get into the logistics of how I can see and smell, because it's a really long explanation.
I noticed my bestest friend at this school, Sage, an Oculate, was already perched on his branch. High up to stay away from anyone going for their "soup". Pulling up my mask just enough to hold my tray in-between my sharp teeth, I swing myself around the branches I've familiarized myself with since my first day here. If I had eyes I could close them right now.
As I made my way to them and the branch next to them, which I would have to abandon in about 20 minutes as it was used for another friend, I sat myself like a gargoyle and started drinking my own soup water nightmare. Sage gurgled at me in happiness. I quickly translated to "MAGGIE!!! hey there buddy!"
Sage was a bit different than you'd expect. Because of the 12 eyes gaping and moving around their face, they opted for a mesh mask. Wire mesh specifically. The holes are so tightly packed that you can hardly see through it, and to be able to you have to get really close. Of course most Oculates do this, if they don't they cut the holes into the eyes of the smiley face. Sage had painted their mask into a tie-dye like pattern, a beanie keeping their always messy gray blond hair together and hiding their lack of ears.
A dark blue sweatshirt with a gray flannel making them warm in these almost cold afternoons. A pair of black skinny jeans and turquoise shoes covered in paint. Almost definitely weird socks underneath.
I swallowed my drink painfully, it was still hotter than lava and I wasn't ready.
"I'm alright I guess. Math was awful as usual... I didn't get sent out this time," I realized I was speaking classic English and not Oculate. Lucky me we are taught English, Oculate, and Aurictom from young ages in attempts of making sure people can understand each other.
When proud they sound a lot like a dolphin. Clicking and screaing the best they can.
"I'm glad you didn't again! That makes about 5 days without another incident." They patted my head and handed me their breadroll.
I took it happily, loving anything to chew on. I noticed Oculates don't like solid things to eat. They are rather satisfied with something mashed or liquidized. I once watched a guy blend a slice of pizza and drink it.
I finished my "soup" and climbed down from my spot, stretching my legs after sitting in a crouching position. I sighed when my feet hit the grass and pine needle ground below. I took my spot as people filled in the trees, making sure I had my brass knuckles to defend myself and my buddies. For the most part things are always chill.
Me, Emily, and Zane catch the solid foods they drop down for us. We always have a killer appetite, and solids are always a favorite. Eventually I had someone sneak me a primarily meat sandwich. I enjoyed feeling my sharp teeth pull on something meaty other than really hard breadrolls.
Emily was snacking on what looked like a cheese stick and Zane... Was... Gone.
Probably in the bathrooms, or an empty hallway, or behind a bush smoking. We never know with that guy.
Before we could even notice, it was dark and we were told to head to our dorms.
I took one last breath of fresh air through my chin holeys and head to my dorm. Zane popping up along the way. Emily had already returned to her room for the night and was probably working on her homework. These hallways were the same as the schools. All concrete, no windows. Secluded yet filled with the worst kids to ever put together.
Opening my shared room I was met with another stoner. Limada-pema-orion, Pema for short. She was cool. Be both snuck out all the time. We usually took shifts on days. It was my turn to sneak out and she couldn't reason with me ever.
We stood in silence for about ten seconds. Neither of us moving, breathing, or even closing our mouths. A mutual understanding of what I was doing tonight was set. I just had to get out.
I waited and waited for the clock to strike 11. I was so bored and excited I almost did my homework to pass the time. Of course I would never do anything as crazy as that. I slid my leather jacket on, moved my brass knuckles into it's pockets and grabbed a flask I would need to refill when I get out there.
Made sure my shoes were on tight because it was quite the climb to get out and back in. Every now and again I would wonder who else was risking their lives to get out of here, and who they were going to meet outside. Would it be for drugs, alcohol, or straight up prostitution.
The school board doesn't like to admit it but 30% of the schools population has STDs.
I never sleep around because one, male pp is gross. Two, no one here is even worth romance. Seriously. We are animals... It's a private school kid that's caught my eye.
3...2...1 click. It's 11 baby. Meaning it's my time to shine. Time to get out of this hell hole and meet my Juliet.
