literature

A New, Improved Life Ch. 2

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Chapter 2
     The alarm clock didn’t startle me as it usually did. My father hadn’t broken it, but his beating left me exhausted. I pounded down on the snooze button at least 3 times before I realized I would get in even more trouble if I skipped school. I hopped out a bed with great pain. I felt twice as sore as before I’d gone to bed. Despite the aches, I slipped my clothes on, grabbed my backpack, and slipped out through the back door so I wouldn’t be seen by my father. I walked to school instead of using my truck, since I already lived in a fairly small suburb of Denver, and school was only a few blocks away.
When I reached school, people glanced at me as I passed them. I tried keeping my head low, ashamed that my bruised face was attracting attention; it was the last thing I wanted. Once I was inside the school, I headed quickly to my locker, grabbing what I needed for class, and went on my way to first period. I was quiet through most of my first two classes, keeping my head down until almost touched my desk. In second period, the teacher inquired if I was sleeping, but when I looked up, I could tell he regretted asking. “You look pale there, son. Do you need to go to the nurse,” he asked.
I actually DID need to use the nurse. I felt nauseous, but I shook my head, and the teacher went back to teaching the lesson. I let out a sigh of relief as the rest of the class looked back at the board as well. After that, I was fine until lunch break, when I knew I would have to face an ever-curious Jenny.
At lunch, I went quickly through the line, only taking a small steak, some fries, and a carton of milk. An odd choice, but those were the only three menu items I knew my stomach wouldn’t immediately regurgitate. Once I reached my usual table, I kept my head low, eating silently, until I felt a hand on my shoulder. “Hey Shane,” greeted a soft feminine voice. I looked up subtly to see Jenny sit down in front of me with a small salad; it was her usual choice.
I didn’t lift my head too much as I replied “Hey Jenny” as cheerfully as I could muster. Luckily, she didn’t seem to notice the depression in my voice, at least not immediately.
As she would usually do, Jenny began a daily rant about her family’s pet clinic, noting a few cute creatures that had come through their door recently. I started forgetting about my face, despite its ache, and looked up fully, putting on a smile and nodding at her statements. Usually, I was thrilled to hear about Jenny’s parents and the clinic, but not that day. That day, I just wanted to lie down and die.
Jenny stopped talking, looking at me carefully. “Where did you get those bruises? They look like they’re pretty bad…” she noted with obvious concern.
I was caught off guard by her question. “Well, umm…” I started, searching for a good excuse. Jenny took note of this, and promptly raised her right eyebrow in question. “I… got jumped on my way home last night. Don’t worry though. They didn’t steal anything.” I stopped, hoping she would believe my story.
Jenny pondered this for a moment, deciding if it was true. “That’s terrible, Shane! You should call the cops if you see the people who did that, okay?
I nodded. “I promise that I will.”
Jenny’s frown of concern turned into a smile. I was certain she believed my story. I was dead wrong. “Good. I can’t have my friends getting hurt.” She stopped for a moment. “Hey…. Listen. Stop by the vet after school, okay? I have a present for you. I think you’ll love it.”
My depression was actually lifted by the notion of gifts. “Sure Jenny. I walked to school though, so it might take a while, but don’t worry. I’ll be there after practice.”
Jenny smiled happily and went on to rant about the clinic once more.
This is just a short tf story I did a while back, and am reposting to this website. It's the first "real deal" stuff I've posted, so keep in mind it may not be incredibly amazing. XP
There are 4 chapters in all. This is chapter 2
© 2014 - 2024 SukiTsukiko
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