Bee and the Boy

Chapter one

It's the first day of grade 7 and I look back to my dads waving at me from the car. I give a small shake of my hand back at them before turning back to face the school. Taking a deep breath, I take a step forward. I see a group of kids pushing a boy's head into the sand.

"Hey, stop!" I run over to the playground, throwing my backpack at one of the kids. The kids look at me and scatter when they see a teacher approaching.

"Are you okay?" I ask the boy, grabbing his arm to pull him up.

"I didn't need your help." he gets to his feet, with help from me.

"You're welcome," I say sarcastically and let go of him.

"Sorry," He picks up my backpack and brushes the sand off. "I'm Alex, by the way.

I take my bag from him. "Beatrix."

He stares at me curiously. "How about if I call you Bee?"

I look back at him in silence for a moment, then nod. I tussle his dusty hair to clean out the sand. He picks up his baseball cap, and we head into the school together. But as we pull open the door, the ground gives way under us. I'm helpless as I reach out a hand to Alex, but it is too late, and I watch him fall down the hole

I wake up in a sweat as my alarm on my phone goes off. I look at the time

"Shit, I'm late." I throw off my blanket and run to my closet.

                                        ~

"Sleep through your alarm again?" my dad teases.

Grabbing an apple from the fruit bowl, I kiss him on the cheek. "I got to go."

"Wait, we won't be here after school, we need you to pick up some groceries." He nods towards the fridge.

I grab the list. "Love you guys, bye." I close the door behind me.

                                        ~

Alex slams my locker closed. He watches me with Anna Peters, the second most popular girl at school at his side.

"I know it may be difficult for you, but a little makeup wouldn't hurt. Even my little sister wears it." Anna smirks at me as she gnaws on her bubblegum.

"Is it difficult for you not to be a walking stereotype?" I push past them both.

"See you after school, Beatrix." He laughs as he and Anna turn to head down the hallway.

         

                       ~

The lunch lady drops a spoonful of macaroni and cheese onto my plate. I nod at her and walk towards the tables. One kid throws a chocolate pudding cup at my head. The plastic cracks and some of it oozes out into my hair.

It's just my typical lunch period. I like to top it off by sitting alone in a bathroom stall as I eat in peace. After I take out my notebook and draw. I like to imagine what the outside world is like.

My dads always told me that our people used to live peacefully amongst the giant ones. Until one day we didn't. I know there is more to that story, I'll leave this place one day to find out for myself.

                                        ~

Chem, the last period of the day before the dance, and my lab partner just happens to be sick.

"...and if we combine X with Y, we can create a whole new life form." the professor drones on. I'm half-listening while staring at the clock when I return to reality when a bag hits the floor. I look to my right to see Alex sitting beside me. I stick up my middle finger up at him and fasten my goggles on.