Academy of the Wretched

Chapter One: Revelations

Just by glancing at Felix Montgomery, one would not think much of him. 

He's scrawny. 

He's pale as hell. 

He's only twenty years old.

He has dark brown hair and baby blue eyes. 

He's bisexual, even though he doesn't know that yet. 

He's an aspiring Broadway actor.  

He lives his everyday life New York City, Manhattan to be specific. The Upper East Side to be really specific. He decided to use his college funds so that he can live there, which made his parents very angry, but he does not care whatsoever. He lives in a fancy apartment at Hotel Champagne, the Upper East Side's premier apartment and penthouse complex. His apartment has a large flat screen television, marble countertops, and a beautiful view of the city from his windows. His favorite television show is RuPaul's Drag Race, so he has large, life-like cardboard cutouts of RuPaul, Katya, and Trixie Mattel in the corner of his living room. Saying that he's a superfan of the show would be a severe understatement.

Living right next door is Cassandra Manoban, his twenty-two year old, aspiring fashion designer girlfriend from Thailand. Unlike Felix, she comes from a super wealthy family, who invests more in their businesses than their own children. As a high school graduation present, they bought her this fancy apartment right next door to Felix.

The first time her and Felix met, they just clicked. It's as if they had known each other for their whole lives. They believed it to be love at first sight. Within just a couple of weeks, they were in a committed, loving relationship. They would hit up all the edgiest clubs, eat at the fanciest restaurants, and attend the hottest parties. They were the "it" couple. Everyone on the Upper East Side knew who they were. They were like miniature celebrities. 

However, this nice, comfortable life that they are living is all about to change after one fatal car crash.

"It was lovely to see you again, Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery," says Cassandra. "Thanks again for dinner."

Felix and Cassandra just finished dinner at Felix's parents' apartment in Bushwick. Felix and Cassandra are getting ready to head back home.

"Oh, it's not a problem at all," says Mrs. Montgomery. "You kids drive home safely. Felix, you better text me when you get home," she threatens. She gives a brief death glare.

"Sure thing, mother," Felix says sarcastically, rolling his eyes.

The four of them exchange hugs with one another and part ways. Felix and Cassandra have an Uber waiting on them. 

They walk over to the badly damaged car and get in. After getting into the car, they find themselves disgusted by the smell. It smells as if someone had just died in there.

To no one's surprise, the driver smells just as bad as the car. The smell radiating off of him is the equivalent to the smell of a petting zoo. As the great Miranda Cosgrove once said, or sang, "it's disgusting." Seriously.

Despite the horrid smell and a driver who closely resembles Marv from Home Alone, they tough through the ride.

"So, what have you kids been up to today?," asks the crusty driver, trying to make conversation.

Felix and Cassandra exchange looks. Neither one of them wanted to talk to the wannabe Zamboni driver, but they decided to be cordial to the man.

"Not much," says Cassandra, trying to keep the conversation short.