The Self-Harmed

~The talent show~

We were all sitting under the tree smoking.  Because let's be honest, when you're locked up, what else is there to do? Ryder was leaning against the tree, and I was leaning against him. Ayelie was leaning on Alex, who had an arm over her collar bones to our right, and to our left Clara sat next to Ryder, and Owen sat next to her.

"Look at this." Caden Bent in front of me and held out a paper.

"Talent show." I took the paper.

"We should get the band back together." He smiled.

"No." Owen and I said together.

"Why?"

"Band?" Clara looked at Owen.

"I'll take that." Ayelie leaned forward and snatched the paper from me before falling back on Alex.

"We were little." Owen shook his head.

"It's a good idea." Caden took the pack of smokes from my pocket and took one.

He handed the pack over and pulled out a lighter.

"How'd you sneak that in here?" Ayelie nodded.

"You really want to know?" Caden grinned.

"No." Owen covered Clara's ears.

Caden smiled, "You're only saying no because you used to do it."

Owen opened his mouth but it was me who spoke.

"We all did, now drop it."

"So what do you say, Charlie?" Caden asked. "You still got that voice?"

"You sing?"

"No." I looked at Clara and then at Caden. "No."

"I want to hear you sing." Ayelie said.

"Me too." Alex said.

"No." I sang.

Owen smiled.

"You sing with him." I spat at him.

"No!" Him and Caden said together.

"I sound like a Whale." Owen said.

"A dying one at that." Added Caden.

Owen tossed a hand out to him in agreement.

"It doesn't matter." Alex said and we all looked at him. "It's a thing they do here. You pick a song or a play or anything about something you've been trying to get over here at school. It's mandatory. They invite our parents and everything."

"Perfect. You're with me then, Charlie." Caden grinned.

"Us?" Clara asked and Owen nodded.

"I'll be with you." Ayelie told Alex.

"Wait-"

"I'll go solo." Ryder kissed my head "It's okay."

"Perfect." Caden grinned, "Then it's settled."