Delinquent Central
By: The Jack Loving Misfit aka Courtney
Disclaimer: I own absolutely nothing. Except Genesis and all the other family/friends in this story. Newsies is NOT mine, although I wish it was. Because in my happy, demented world something like this would actually happen. * smiles *
Warnings: Contains both HET and SLASH. So beware everyone! There is also language and violence.
Pairings: Not telling, that would be giving it away now wouldn't? (But if you know me you could probably guess)
Dedications: To my best friends Ben and Alicia. Alicia who first let me see Newsies and to Ben for fueling my slash passion by suggesting it to me in the first place. And to Thumbsucker Snitch and Sita-chan who's stories "Outkasts" and "But I'm A Prep!" inspired me to write this! (Btw, if you haven't read either of those stories I suggest you do so, they are frickin awesome!) Oh and to Sams, who is an best friend and great editor!
A/N: Genesis Glory is the main character in another one of my newsies stories called "Second Chances Are Overrated" and while they are technically the same character disregard anything from that story while reading this one. The character is the same in some ways and very different in others. Thanks bunches! And the names of the characters are made up obviously since no one knows for sure.
Chapter One: Four And A Half Hours on a Monday
Jack Kelly - Junior, Varsity Starting Quarterback and Captain of Baseball Team
It's a Monday and I'm in math class. Two small details I'm trying to avoid thinking about on all levels. Because Monday's are bad enough, but math on top of that? Forget it. I'd rather be participating in a demonstration of Chinese water torture. No kidding.
"Hey Jack, do we have practice today or what? Coach never said," Todd Walker, my best friend leaned over his desk slightly to ask me. Making sure to keep his eyes on the teacher at all times.
"Hell yeah, we're playing Hanover tomorrow remember?" I answered lowly so he was the only one who could hear me. The Hanover-Horton Comets were our biggest rivals in baseball - and any other sport for that matter.
"Aw man, that's right, damn," He muttered then leaned back in his own chair and slumped forward a bit.
I turned back to face the teacher and closed my ears off, just kind of watched her walk around while a few suck up's keep all their attention glued to her face. She sounded eerily like the grown-ups in a Charlie Brown cartoon to me, you know, all that 'blah, blah, blah' bullshit.
Like I said, Mondays and math don't mix with me.
Thankfully, the intercom kicked on with a deafening squeal that could've waken the dead and the teacher shut her mouth while the announcement was made.
"Would the following students come to Mr. Pulitzer's office right away: Tyler Davidson, Allen Higgins, Eric Myers, Spencer Conlon, James Porter, Genesis Glory, Niccoli Sanders and Jack Kelly. Thank you."
I hadn't been paying attention to the other names, but when the secretary, Medda as everyone called her, said my name I about passed out in my seat. The classes eyes were on me and I frowned. What the hell had I done to be forced to go to the principal's office? I thought quickly, but nothing of any kind of importance came to mind. Todd and Luke Coldwater (my other best friend) looked at me strangely.
"You may be excused Mr. Kelly," The teacher said calmly waving her hand in the direction of the door. Slowly I got up and left the room.
I'd never been in the office for anything other than sport sign-ups and physical drop-offs. I hadn't even seen Mr. Pulitzer more than twice. I walked rather slowly to the other end of our small school building, jamming my hands into my jean pockets and relishing the feel of my letterman jacket resting on my upper half perfectly. I racked my brain on the way there for a reason. I still couldn't come up with one, and hoped this wasn't a punishment thing.
The moment I walked in and saw the other faces sitting (or rather lounging) around I knew I was wrong. I was definitely in trouble for something. The kids sitting there were pretty infamous for being in trouble a lot. Well, most of them anyway.
Take Allen Higgins for example. Everyone in Concord calls him Racetrack because of his gambling problems. He's also the resident bookie in the high school despite being about 5'4 in height and only a sophomore. Or Niccoli Sanders, he was the biggest druggie I've ever seen. And if you lived around here you'd know that was saying lot. I could only guess what he'd done this time, you see, he also has a reputation for being violent. Then there was Tyler Davidson, or Snitch to most, he steals anything he can get his hands on. I didn't recognize the kid next to Eric Myers who I was a little shocked to see, he was the president of the sophomore class if memory serves. But the one that really got me was Spencer "Spot" Conlon, sitting away from the others, his hands in his lap. That kid. . . he just makes me sick.
Ya see, Conlon's gay.
They all looked up though when I walked in. Higgins raised an eyebrow in slight amusement and the rest of them had expressions on their faces that clearly said things like "what the hell are you doing here?" or "you don't belong here". I have to say I agreed with them. I didn't deserve to be here and deal with whatever was going on with they're screwed up lives.
After glaring at them briefly, I looked around the office lobby. It was quiet, only the rustle of papers coming from where Medda was seated made up for the silence. None of us were friends, or even came close to associating with each other, so we all stayed to ourselves, nobody daring to talk. I remained standing while the others glanced around or studied there shoes or something. Anything to pass the time.
"Well, well, well. Isn't this a Norman Rockwell moment?" [1] A sarcastic but low voice poked through the room. I knew that voice. And if it really was who I knew it was, this situation just went from bad to torturously worse.
I turned just enough to see the person who entered the office like they owned it. Genesis Glory had a huge smirk painted on her lips and walked right up to the counter of Medda's little space.
"Hello Medda, long time no see," She said in a confident carefree voice. Medda looked up briefly and shook her head.
"Genesis," She said greeting her in monotone. Medda has probably seen so much of Genesis over the four years she's gone to Concord High that she could tell Genesis coming a mile and a half away.
The others were looking at Genesis in slight interest, and I'm sure she made quite the sight. She was wearing black jeans, a black t-shirt and white tennis shoes. The only make-up she wore was lip gloss and silver eye shadow. The sophomores wouldn't remember her, I'm sure since she was gone all last year and half of this year. But us juniors remember her very well. Me probably more than the others.
"Oh, but didn't you miss me? I mean, I was gone for sooo long," Genesis said grinning like sunshine had settled into her brain. I always believed she was half insane, and if you had seen the look on her face right then you'd believe me.
Medda didn't answer her, just went right on filing her papers and looking busy even though she wasn't really. Gen laughed at this and turned to face us finally. She tilted her head to the side and studied the others, obviously not knowing who they were. Her memory has got to be one of the worst ever. That is, until her eyes landed on me. And the moment I was dreading finally came. She smirked wider than before and strolled up to me until we were face to face. (Almost literally, she is tall for a girl. 5'10 I think)
"Hey Cowboy, you're looking extra jock-like today," She sneered, letting her eyes trail over me. I frowned at the use of that annoying nickname she gave me when we were kids. Despite her being a year older than me we knew each other well enough to know we hated each other. Our brothers are best friends though, so we had to see a lot of each other when we were younger.
"I thought I told you not to call me that," I growled at her.
"You did. But when have I ever listened to something someone like you has told me?" She countered, meeting my eyes.
We stood there, glaring at each other until Medda cleared her throat to get everyone's attention.
"Mr. Pulitzer will see you all now."
Genesis brushed past me, and the rest of us, then, leaving me to glare and curse silently at the air. Yes, this was going to fun. I followed the others dutifully and prayed that whatever happened I wouldn't have to deal with her any longer than I would have too. Because I really hate her.
Almost as much as I hate that Conlon kid.
* * *
Tyler Davidson - Junior, class thief
We piled into Mr. Pulitzer's office and it suddenly seemed smaller than I remembered it. And I was only here four days ago. Funny how things can appear one way some days and totally different the next.
"Please sit," He said in his slight accent. I always wondered where he really was. But anyway, most of us took a seat in the chairs that were set up in front of his desk. All the schools academic and sports awards surrounding us on the walls.
"As you know, this is not a social visit. . ."
"Damn," I heard that girl Genesis mutter from behind me. Mr. Pulitzer turned his eyes to her and frowned so deeply that you could see the lines crease in his face. Not an attractive sight. Well, come to think about, him regularly isn't a pretty sight either.
"Miss Glory, I see you've rewritten the record books. You've been back in school ,what, four and half hours and you're already in trouble. Congratulations," He said in a thin, barely patient voice.
"Just doing my part to better corrupt the students here at Concord. I'm a very selfless person," She responded quickly somehow managing to keep from laughing or smiling, giving off the impression that she was actually trying to be serious.
I liked that girl already.
"Indeed. On to bigger business, everyone here has made the same unfortunate mistake. Breaking the rules. And I stayed up, just for you, thinking up a suitable punishment, and I think I've found one."
"But Joe, I wasn't even here last week," Genesis argued, and her use of his first name was obviously a way to annoy him. I better stash this in the back of my mind for later use.
"What you did this morning makes me believe this suits you as well," He said dryly.
"But, he jumped in front of my fist outta nowhere! I swear on all that is holy," She disagreed, only quieting when he shot her a warning glance.
"In house suspension. For two weeks."
My jaw dropped to my feet the minute the words left his mouth. In house suspension? What kind of sick bastard give eight teenage students in house for two weeks? He might as well have drawn and quartered us for all I cared. I just did NOT want to deal with in house. Suspension, that's fine, at least you get to stay home. But not in house. Only a true demon of hell would sentence us to that.
"In house? Why don't you just lead us to the guillotine now," Genesis exclaimed, her voice had risen. I was glad to know I wasn't the only one that hated this idea.
"Seriously Mr. Pulitzer. How are we going to get any work down?" Racetrack spoke up from beside me. He looked flustered as well.
"Can I ask what I did to deserve this?" Jack Kelly, Concord's golden boy, asked quietly from right up next to his desk, this shocked and horrified look on his face. He probably couldn't stand the thought of having to deal with us for two weeks. Stuck-up jock.
"You're breathing Jack," Genesis muttered in his direction which earned her a sharp glare from him.
"Your teachers will be sending your work home through the mail. And I expect you all to get here on time, eight o'clock sharp. Just because you're not going to class doesn't mean you get to slack any. You will get here, know what you have to do and the only break you get is lunch. The time will began tomorrow. So come ready," He told us in a steely voice despite our many and countless objections.
Before any one else could comment he waved a hand in our direction to dismiss us. He filed out the same we came in and everyone looked slightly dazed at what we had just been told. Well, everyone but Niccoli but he was probably higher than a kite and could've cared a less. But the rest of us were stunned.
"Well that was fun. We should do it again sometime," Race said sarcastically once we were out of Pulitzer's hearing range. We groaned but nothing that even resembled a coherent word.
"Here are your passes to get back to class," Medda interrupted our muddled and angered thoughts long enough to pass each of the eight of us a yellow pass. She then proceeded to glare at us until he caught the hint and left the office altogether.
"This is insane. I'm outta 'ere. See you people tomorrow," Genesis muttered, crumpling up her pass and jamming her hands into her black jean pockets, then headed for the school's parking lot. We all watched her go in slight shock and bewilderment.
The rest of us split off into different directions without a word spoken, a comment made, or a gesture formed. We hated each other that much. Which made me laugh to myself once I thought about it. For two weeks I was going to have to deal with these people I knew, didn't know and didn't care too, for six hours straight. Cleaning, grading and doing whatever other grisly tasks Pulitzer was going to inflict on us. Altogether. In one room.
Forget the in-house, just dealing with them for ten days was going to be bad enough.
* * *
Allen Higgins - Sophomore, Gambler and Bookie
My brother Shawn, who happens to be a senior, thinks my nickname (Racetrack) and my reputation as the school gambler and bookie is hilarious. So when I mentioned the in-house suspension I had received at dinner that night, it was no real surprise to me when he choked on his water and burst out laughing. Hell, I could've announced I was Jeffrey Dahmer's reincarnate [2] and he would've laughed at me. Everything I do is funny to him.
I call him Giggles just to annoy him - and it works. So, score one up for the home team.
"You're WHAT? And for HOW long?" My mother asked her voice rising with each word. Some people in the family were just as angry as I was.
"In-house suspension, mom. It means I go to school but do, like, housework all day or something," I shrugged. I wasn't sure what exactly they did, all I know is it sounded (and from what I'd heard, was) horrible.
"Then how do you get your work done?"
"They send it home - through the mail."
"Oh for god sakes, you kids are aging me beyond my years. I don't need any of this added stress," She mumbled, but still said it loud enough for my brother, sister and I too hear. She was always complaining about us.
You see, my mom used to be a model. And a pretty good one from what I hear, but once she had us kids, everything went to hell, at least according to her it did. We were officially made the objects of all blame. It's a wonderful environment to grow up in. Really, you should listening to your mother tell you it's your fault that wrinkles are appearing around her eyes. Of course, I was barely four at the time and had no idea what a wrinkle was, but that's beside the point.
"Way to go Al, What'da ya do this time?" Shawn asked me trying to sound angry, but smirking all the while. I know he's my brother, but god, all I want to do is punch in that stupid childish face of his.
"None of your business wise-ass," I barked at him, making sure the glare on my face stays put when he flinches slightly from my outburst.
"Calm down, no need to act like a rabid dog," He muttered, holding up his hands in defeat. Beside him, our sister Trina, sighed. She's in college and for whatever reason she seems to think every thought that Shawn and I have prove to her more just how 'childish and completely incompetent' we both are.
God, I adore my family.
As Shawn and Trina got into another 'battle of no-wits' I just leaned my chair back and thought about how the next two weeks were going to go. In- house was bad enough, but having to deal with those people too? Especially Kelly, I really hate that guy. But then again all jocks make me angry. They own the whole damn school and expect everyone to bow down and kiss their feet like they're some kind of fucking royalty. Well, not me.
That one kid, Davidson or Snitch to everyone around school, he seems okay. Not much of a talker, but he looks like he sticks to his own beliefs. I can deal with him. I don't know that new kid, Porter I think his name is well enough to pass judgement. (He's got some kind of pirate patch though so that could make for an interesting topic of talk) And the Genesis girl is as sarcastic and mouthy as me. So she can't be all bad right? But the rest of them, they just annoy me.
Besides Kelly, there's Niccoli Sanders, who I swear can't come to school without drugs in his pocket and an attitude. I saw him beat up a kid once for just mentioning that he should cut back on the pot. Much too violent. I mean, there have to be some boundaries right? Spencer Conlon is too shifty to me. He's sneaky and you can never tell what's going through his head. I don't like it because I can't trust it. The fact that he's gay don't mean shit too me, I mean he ain't a flamer or anything but his is sly. And Eric Myers? He's the biggest suck up this side of the Rocky Mountains. I have a problem with suck ups, normally it's them that really grill me on the gambling.
"Allen, are you listening to me?" Trina asked her eyes blazing daggers at me. I shook my head honestly and rested the chair back on all four legs.
"ARG! I swear, sometimes I have to agree with mother!" She said like it was torture just to have a simple conversation with any of us. I guess her 4.0 genius IQ has better things it could be doing. Like solving the hardest calculus problem in the world. Or thinking of ways to win the next Nobel Peace Prize and further the intelligence of the human race.
"Like mother like daughter I guess," Shawn commented when Trina left the dining room. I rolled my eyes. He really has to be one of the biggest dorks in the country. And yet, girls flock to him like he was a movie star.
Ah, the unfairness of life.
"So, besides yourself, who else has been condoned to in-house? Or is poor little Racetrack all alone?" He mocked, pouting slightly like a child. Maybe some of Trina's theories aren't all that off after all.
"There are some others. Tyler Davidson, Eric Myers, the new kid, Porter something or another, um, Niccoli Sanders, Spencer Conlon, Genesis Glory and Jack Kelly."
His eyes grew wide and he just stared at me before he (you guessed it) cried out in laughter. Yeah, the situation is freakin hilarious, laugh it up giggles. But you forget that I knew where you sleep at night.
"That's quite the group Al. Gen Glory and Kelly? I can just see the broken bones now. And that Sanders guy? Isn't he the insane one? Snitchy will steal the shirt off your back literally and Conlon probably wouldn't mind the eye full that would present. Oh, and watch out for Glory too huh? She stabbed one of the varsity guys two years ago. In fact, I didn't even knew she was back in school. . ."
Have I mentioned that he babbles too? Yes, Shawn is quite the chatter. Sometimes it's hard not to tell the difference between him and a fourteen year old gossiping girl. Seriously.
". . . But I must admit she can look damn good in some clothes when she wants too. I mean, not that you'd understand that. You being a lowly sophomore and all. . ."
Someone please, shoot me now.
* * *
Eric Myers - Sophomore, Class President, Straight 'A' Student
Mush used to be an endearing nickname. Something my father called me because I seemed to have a permanent tan even in the dead of winter. But now it's just used to mock me. A gentle way of calling my a dog, basically. You know, like the sled dog races in Alaska and the leader guys say 'Mush' to get the dogs to run and such. And if my father knew the nickname would turn out the way it has, I'm sure he never would have made it up.
Most of it is my sister's fault. All three of them. I have two in front of me (meaning older) and one behind me. (younger) And all three of them despise me for some reason. Their main purpose in life seems to be making my life whatever hell they can think of. And unfortunately for me, they're creative.
I don't like to complain much, but living with four women and being the only boy can really suck. Especially when they all become moody and such. It's for that reason and the nickname that I curse my father for living us five years ago. It was a lot better when he was here.
Another thing I don't understand is why because I'm the only boy, I'm expected to do everything. And I have to be perfect at everything too. Perfect grades, perfect personality, perfect. . . everything. I hate to say this, but sometimes I feel like Cinderella. Only without a princess charming and no glass sneakers. If you understand that. Hopefully you do because I can't explain it any better then that.
Maybe in some weird way this in-house suspension is just what I need. Ya know? To prove I'm not perfect and I can screw up too and I don't care. That I'm not stuck up or believe I'm better than anyone else just because I get all A's every nine week period. I already know some people hate me because of that, but it's not like I go around flaunting it. The school's the one that has the awards handed out and the names printed in bold for the honor roll every semester like those kids should be bowed down too. I think, as far as the outcasts and loners go, I'm hated just as much as the large group of bullying jocks.
And this whole suspension, while it could be beneficial, could also be as bad as having all three of my sisters on their periods at the same time. I knew Racetrack Higgins hates me. (He told me so once) And if I go by judging the way they were glaring at each other, Jack and the Genesis girl I didn't recognize, might end up murdering each other. Plus Niccoli, which I refer too as Skittery and my own warped mind, will probably be so high he won't even remember his own name.
Actually, the more I think about this, the more I wish I hadn't accidentally pulled that fire alarm last Wednesday which got me this mean of punishment.
And doesn't Mr. Pulitzer know what'll happen if he sticks the eight of us together for two weeks straight? And if he does, does he just not care for our own safety that little? I guess it takes things like this to get your mind to really wonder about some things.
"Mushy, mother darling wants you in the kitchen," Catrina, my eldest sister, called from right outside my bedroom door. Her fake French accent is starting to really wear thing on my nerves. She's going to France as her college graduation gift this summer and is trying to fit in with the culture here in America. Mom thinks it's wonderful that she's trying so hard to sound like a native. Personally, both my little sister Marie and I find it annoying.
Sighing, I made my way down to the bright yellow kitchen (my other older sister Belinda's choice) where our mother was loading the night's dishes into the dishwasher. Her face was set in an angry tone and her voice sounded grim when he spoke at last.
"The school called. What is in-house suspension Eric?" She demanded.
"It's just like regular suspension only at school and you have to do. . . stuff, I guess," I wasn't sure what they did in in-house. I've never been in trouble - ever - in my life, so this was all new too me.
"Well this is the last time anything like this happens, correct?" It wasn't a question. It was a statement. And a warning.
"Yes, ma'am."
Marie took that moment to enter the kitchen and walk casually over to the refrigerator. Marie is thirteen and tries to act like she's sixteen. I'm not sure yet if that's a good thing yet.
"Is anyone else in this in-house with you?" Mom asked me, continuing to avoiding looking at me and putting the washer on the right coordinates.
"Yeah. Seven others," I answered, shrugging, hoping that she wouldn't ask me to name them while Marie was in the room. She'd be certain to have a comment about every last one.
"Like who? None of your friends I hope."
"No, none of my friends. Just some kids. You know, um, Tyler Davidson who's a junior, Jack Kelly, Allen Higgins, James Porter, who's new, um, Niccoli Sanders, Genesis something or other and uh, Spencer Conlon," I said in a rush hoping no one actually heard the names.
Marie did. I swear, she can't hear anyone telling her to do her homework but the moment I say these names. . . select hearing at it's all time worst.
"Niccoli Sanders?! The druggie? And did you say Spencer Conlon? As in Spot? As in majorly, openly gay?"
Sisters.
"A druggie? And a gay boy? My god Eric, what have you managed to get yourself mixed up in?" My mother sounded horrified. The two things she hated most. Drugs and gays.
Yeah, she's not that open-minded.
"My god, I didn't raise to you too -
"You're right, you didn't raise me."
Okay, that was probably the dumbest thing I've ever said in my entire life. But I wasn't going to let her cut people she'd never even seen apart and then drag me into it like I was part of their lifestyles. It wasn't going to work that way this time. And sometimes I'm mean spirited and want to hurt her to just to say I have. Plus, I know how touchy the subject of her being a single mother is too her.
She looked stunned and that faded fast into fury. "What did you say to me?"
"You heard me."
She didn't say anything else, just pointed her finger in the direction of the stairs that would lead to me room. Gladly I left the kitchen and climbed back up the stairs and flopped onto my unmade bed. This had been one strange and horrid day.
I could only imagine how much worse it could possibly get.
* * *
A/N: The first day of suspension is coming up in the next chapter as well as other point's of views. In case you didn't catch it with my slight hints, Niccoli is Skittery and James Porter is Kid Blink. So, just some info to know. Um, also I kinda of want to know who you want to hear from next chapter. I'm having a hard time deciding. Maybe I should just go through the rest of them huh? Until next time. . .
By: The Jack Loving Misfit aka Courtney
Disclaimer: I own absolutely nothing. Except Genesis and all the other family/friends in this story. Newsies is NOT mine, although I wish it was. Because in my happy, demented world something like this would actually happen. * smiles *
Warnings: Contains both HET and SLASH. So beware everyone! There is also language and violence.
Pairings: Not telling, that would be giving it away now wouldn't? (But if you know me you could probably guess)
Dedications: To my best friends Ben and Alicia. Alicia who first let me see Newsies and to Ben for fueling my slash passion by suggesting it to me in the first place. And to Thumbsucker Snitch and Sita-chan who's stories "Outkasts" and "But I'm A Prep!" inspired me to write this! (Btw, if you haven't read either of those stories I suggest you do so, they are frickin awesome!) Oh and to Sams, who is an best friend and great editor!
A/N: Genesis Glory is the main character in another one of my newsies stories called "Second Chances Are Overrated" and while they are technically the same character disregard anything from that story while reading this one. The character is the same in some ways and very different in others. Thanks bunches! And the names of the characters are made up obviously since no one knows for sure.
Chapter One: Four And A Half Hours on a Monday
Jack Kelly - Junior, Varsity Starting Quarterback and Captain of Baseball Team
It's a Monday and I'm in math class. Two small details I'm trying to avoid thinking about on all levels. Because Monday's are bad enough, but math on top of that? Forget it. I'd rather be participating in a demonstration of Chinese water torture. No kidding.
"Hey Jack, do we have practice today or what? Coach never said," Todd Walker, my best friend leaned over his desk slightly to ask me. Making sure to keep his eyes on the teacher at all times.
"Hell yeah, we're playing Hanover tomorrow remember?" I answered lowly so he was the only one who could hear me. The Hanover-Horton Comets were our biggest rivals in baseball - and any other sport for that matter.
"Aw man, that's right, damn," He muttered then leaned back in his own chair and slumped forward a bit.
I turned back to face the teacher and closed my ears off, just kind of watched her walk around while a few suck up's keep all their attention glued to her face. She sounded eerily like the grown-ups in a Charlie Brown cartoon to me, you know, all that 'blah, blah, blah' bullshit.
Like I said, Mondays and math don't mix with me.
Thankfully, the intercom kicked on with a deafening squeal that could've waken the dead and the teacher shut her mouth while the announcement was made.
"Would the following students come to Mr. Pulitzer's office right away: Tyler Davidson, Allen Higgins, Eric Myers, Spencer Conlon, James Porter, Genesis Glory, Niccoli Sanders and Jack Kelly. Thank you."
I hadn't been paying attention to the other names, but when the secretary, Medda as everyone called her, said my name I about passed out in my seat. The classes eyes were on me and I frowned. What the hell had I done to be forced to go to the principal's office? I thought quickly, but nothing of any kind of importance came to mind. Todd and Luke Coldwater (my other best friend) looked at me strangely.
"You may be excused Mr. Kelly," The teacher said calmly waving her hand in the direction of the door. Slowly I got up and left the room.
I'd never been in the office for anything other than sport sign-ups and physical drop-offs. I hadn't even seen Mr. Pulitzer more than twice. I walked rather slowly to the other end of our small school building, jamming my hands into my jean pockets and relishing the feel of my letterman jacket resting on my upper half perfectly. I racked my brain on the way there for a reason. I still couldn't come up with one, and hoped this wasn't a punishment thing.
The moment I walked in and saw the other faces sitting (or rather lounging) around I knew I was wrong. I was definitely in trouble for something. The kids sitting there were pretty infamous for being in trouble a lot. Well, most of them anyway.
Take Allen Higgins for example. Everyone in Concord calls him Racetrack because of his gambling problems. He's also the resident bookie in the high school despite being about 5'4 in height and only a sophomore. Or Niccoli Sanders, he was the biggest druggie I've ever seen. And if you lived around here you'd know that was saying lot. I could only guess what he'd done this time, you see, he also has a reputation for being violent. Then there was Tyler Davidson, or Snitch to most, he steals anything he can get his hands on. I didn't recognize the kid next to Eric Myers who I was a little shocked to see, he was the president of the sophomore class if memory serves. But the one that really got me was Spencer "Spot" Conlon, sitting away from the others, his hands in his lap. That kid. . . he just makes me sick.
Ya see, Conlon's gay.
They all looked up though when I walked in. Higgins raised an eyebrow in slight amusement and the rest of them had expressions on their faces that clearly said things like "what the hell are you doing here?" or "you don't belong here". I have to say I agreed with them. I didn't deserve to be here and deal with whatever was going on with they're screwed up lives.
After glaring at them briefly, I looked around the office lobby. It was quiet, only the rustle of papers coming from where Medda was seated made up for the silence. None of us were friends, or even came close to associating with each other, so we all stayed to ourselves, nobody daring to talk. I remained standing while the others glanced around or studied there shoes or something. Anything to pass the time.
"Well, well, well. Isn't this a Norman Rockwell moment?" [1] A sarcastic but low voice poked through the room. I knew that voice. And if it really was who I knew it was, this situation just went from bad to torturously worse.
I turned just enough to see the person who entered the office like they owned it. Genesis Glory had a huge smirk painted on her lips and walked right up to the counter of Medda's little space.
"Hello Medda, long time no see," She said in a confident carefree voice. Medda looked up briefly and shook her head.
"Genesis," She said greeting her in monotone. Medda has probably seen so much of Genesis over the four years she's gone to Concord High that she could tell Genesis coming a mile and a half away.
The others were looking at Genesis in slight interest, and I'm sure she made quite the sight. She was wearing black jeans, a black t-shirt and white tennis shoes. The only make-up she wore was lip gloss and silver eye shadow. The sophomores wouldn't remember her, I'm sure since she was gone all last year and half of this year. But us juniors remember her very well. Me probably more than the others.
"Oh, but didn't you miss me? I mean, I was gone for sooo long," Genesis said grinning like sunshine had settled into her brain. I always believed she was half insane, and if you had seen the look on her face right then you'd believe me.
Medda didn't answer her, just went right on filing her papers and looking busy even though she wasn't really. Gen laughed at this and turned to face us finally. She tilted her head to the side and studied the others, obviously not knowing who they were. Her memory has got to be one of the worst ever. That is, until her eyes landed on me. And the moment I was dreading finally came. She smirked wider than before and strolled up to me until we were face to face. (Almost literally, she is tall for a girl. 5'10 I think)
"Hey Cowboy, you're looking extra jock-like today," She sneered, letting her eyes trail over me. I frowned at the use of that annoying nickname she gave me when we were kids. Despite her being a year older than me we knew each other well enough to know we hated each other. Our brothers are best friends though, so we had to see a lot of each other when we were younger.
"I thought I told you not to call me that," I growled at her.
"You did. But when have I ever listened to something someone like you has told me?" She countered, meeting my eyes.
We stood there, glaring at each other until Medda cleared her throat to get everyone's attention.
"Mr. Pulitzer will see you all now."
Genesis brushed past me, and the rest of us, then, leaving me to glare and curse silently at the air. Yes, this was going to fun. I followed the others dutifully and prayed that whatever happened I wouldn't have to deal with her any longer than I would have too. Because I really hate her.
Almost as much as I hate that Conlon kid.
* * *
Tyler Davidson - Junior, class thief
We piled into Mr. Pulitzer's office and it suddenly seemed smaller than I remembered it. And I was only here four days ago. Funny how things can appear one way some days and totally different the next.
"Please sit," He said in his slight accent. I always wondered where he really was. But anyway, most of us took a seat in the chairs that were set up in front of his desk. All the schools academic and sports awards surrounding us on the walls.
"As you know, this is not a social visit. . ."
"Damn," I heard that girl Genesis mutter from behind me. Mr. Pulitzer turned his eyes to her and frowned so deeply that you could see the lines crease in his face. Not an attractive sight. Well, come to think about, him regularly isn't a pretty sight either.
"Miss Glory, I see you've rewritten the record books. You've been back in school ,what, four and half hours and you're already in trouble. Congratulations," He said in a thin, barely patient voice.
"Just doing my part to better corrupt the students here at Concord. I'm a very selfless person," She responded quickly somehow managing to keep from laughing or smiling, giving off the impression that she was actually trying to be serious.
I liked that girl already.
"Indeed. On to bigger business, everyone here has made the same unfortunate mistake. Breaking the rules. And I stayed up, just for you, thinking up a suitable punishment, and I think I've found one."
"But Joe, I wasn't even here last week," Genesis argued, and her use of his first name was obviously a way to annoy him. I better stash this in the back of my mind for later use.
"What you did this morning makes me believe this suits you as well," He said dryly.
"But, he jumped in front of my fist outta nowhere! I swear on all that is holy," She disagreed, only quieting when he shot her a warning glance.
"In house suspension. For two weeks."
My jaw dropped to my feet the minute the words left his mouth. In house suspension? What kind of sick bastard give eight teenage students in house for two weeks? He might as well have drawn and quartered us for all I cared. I just did NOT want to deal with in house. Suspension, that's fine, at least you get to stay home. But not in house. Only a true demon of hell would sentence us to that.
"In house? Why don't you just lead us to the guillotine now," Genesis exclaimed, her voice had risen. I was glad to know I wasn't the only one that hated this idea.
"Seriously Mr. Pulitzer. How are we going to get any work down?" Racetrack spoke up from beside me. He looked flustered as well.
"Can I ask what I did to deserve this?" Jack Kelly, Concord's golden boy, asked quietly from right up next to his desk, this shocked and horrified look on his face. He probably couldn't stand the thought of having to deal with us for two weeks. Stuck-up jock.
"You're breathing Jack," Genesis muttered in his direction which earned her a sharp glare from him.
"Your teachers will be sending your work home through the mail. And I expect you all to get here on time, eight o'clock sharp. Just because you're not going to class doesn't mean you get to slack any. You will get here, know what you have to do and the only break you get is lunch. The time will began tomorrow. So come ready," He told us in a steely voice despite our many and countless objections.
Before any one else could comment he waved a hand in our direction to dismiss us. He filed out the same we came in and everyone looked slightly dazed at what we had just been told. Well, everyone but Niccoli but he was probably higher than a kite and could've cared a less. But the rest of us were stunned.
"Well that was fun. We should do it again sometime," Race said sarcastically once we were out of Pulitzer's hearing range. We groaned but nothing that even resembled a coherent word.
"Here are your passes to get back to class," Medda interrupted our muddled and angered thoughts long enough to pass each of the eight of us a yellow pass. She then proceeded to glare at us until he caught the hint and left the office altogether.
"This is insane. I'm outta 'ere. See you people tomorrow," Genesis muttered, crumpling up her pass and jamming her hands into her black jean pockets, then headed for the school's parking lot. We all watched her go in slight shock and bewilderment.
The rest of us split off into different directions without a word spoken, a comment made, or a gesture formed. We hated each other that much. Which made me laugh to myself once I thought about it. For two weeks I was going to have to deal with these people I knew, didn't know and didn't care too, for six hours straight. Cleaning, grading and doing whatever other grisly tasks Pulitzer was going to inflict on us. Altogether. In one room.
Forget the in-house, just dealing with them for ten days was going to be bad enough.
* * *
Allen Higgins - Sophomore, Gambler and Bookie
My brother Shawn, who happens to be a senior, thinks my nickname (Racetrack) and my reputation as the school gambler and bookie is hilarious. So when I mentioned the in-house suspension I had received at dinner that night, it was no real surprise to me when he choked on his water and burst out laughing. Hell, I could've announced I was Jeffrey Dahmer's reincarnate [2] and he would've laughed at me. Everything I do is funny to him.
I call him Giggles just to annoy him - and it works. So, score one up for the home team.
"You're WHAT? And for HOW long?" My mother asked her voice rising with each word. Some people in the family were just as angry as I was.
"In-house suspension, mom. It means I go to school but do, like, housework all day or something," I shrugged. I wasn't sure what exactly they did, all I know is it sounded (and from what I'd heard, was) horrible.
"Then how do you get your work done?"
"They send it home - through the mail."
"Oh for god sakes, you kids are aging me beyond my years. I don't need any of this added stress," She mumbled, but still said it loud enough for my brother, sister and I too hear. She was always complaining about us.
You see, my mom used to be a model. And a pretty good one from what I hear, but once she had us kids, everything went to hell, at least according to her it did. We were officially made the objects of all blame. It's a wonderful environment to grow up in. Really, you should listening to your mother tell you it's your fault that wrinkles are appearing around her eyes. Of course, I was barely four at the time and had no idea what a wrinkle was, but that's beside the point.
"Way to go Al, What'da ya do this time?" Shawn asked me trying to sound angry, but smirking all the while. I know he's my brother, but god, all I want to do is punch in that stupid childish face of his.
"None of your business wise-ass," I barked at him, making sure the glare on my face stays put when he flinches slightly from my outburst.
"Calm down, no need to act like a rabid dog," He muttered, holding up his hands in defeat. Beside him, our sister Trina, sighed. She's in college and for whatever reason she seems to think every thought that Shawn and I have prove to her more just how 'childish and completely incompetent' we both are.
God, I adore my family.
As Shawn and Trina got into another 'battle of no-wits' I just leaned my chair back and thought about how the next two weeks were going to go. In- house was bad enough, but having to deal with those people too? Especially Kelly, I really hate that guy. But then again all jocks make me angry. They own the whole damn school and expect everyone to bow down and kiss their feet like they're some kind of fucking royalty. Well, not me.
That one kid, Davidson or Snitch to everyone around school, he seems okay. Not much of a talker, but he looks like he sticks to his own beliefs. I can deal with him. I don't know that new kid, Porter I think his name is well enough to pass judgement. (He's got some kind of pirate patch though so that could make for an interesting topic of talk) And the Genesis girl is as sarcastic and mouthy as me. So she can't be all bad right? But the rest of them, they just annoy me.
Besides Kelly, there's Niccoli Sanders, who I swear can't come to school without drugs in his pocket and an attitude. I saw him beat up a kid once for just mentioning that he should cut back on the pot. Much too violent. I mean, there have to be some boundaries right? Spencer Conlon is too shifty to me. He's sneaky and you can never tell what's going through his head. I don't like it because I can't trust it. The fact that he's gay don't mean shit too me, I mean he ain't a flamer or anything but his is sly. And Eric Myers? He's the biggest suck up this side of the Rocky Mountains. I have a problem with suck ups, normally it's them that really grill me on the gambling.
"Allen, are you listening to me?" Trina asked her eyes blazing daggers at me. I shook my head honestly and rested the chair back on all four legs.
"ARG! I swear, sometimes I have to agree with mother!" She said like it was torture just to have a simple conversation with any of us. I guess her 4.0 genius IQ has better things it could be doing. Like solving the hardest calculus problem in the world. Or thinking of ways to win the next Nobel Peace Prize and further the intelligence of the human race.
"Like mother like daughter I guess," Shawn commented when Trina left the dining room. I rolled my eyes. He really has to be one of the biggest dorks in the country. And yet, girls flock to him like he was a movie star.
Ah, the unfairness of life.
"So, besides yourself, who else has been condoned to in-house? Or is poor little Racetrack all alone?" He mocked, pouting slightly like a child. Maybe some of Trina's theories aren't all that off after all.
"There are some others. Tyler Davidson, Eric Myers, the new kid, Porter something or another, um, Niccoli Sanders, Spencer Conlon, Genesis Glory and Jack Kelly."
His eyes grew wide and he just stared at me before he (you guessed it) cried out in laughter. Yeah, the situation is freakin hilarious, laugh it up giggles. But you forget that I knew where you sleep at night.
"That's quite the group Al. Gen Glory and Kelly? I can just see the broken bones now. And that Sanders guy? Isn't he the insane one? Snitchy will steal the shirt off your back literally and Conlon probably wouldn't mind the eye full that would present. Oh, and watch out for Glory too huh? She stabbed one of the varsity guys two years ago. In fact, I didn't even knew she was back in school. . ."
Have I mentioned that he babbles too? Yes, Shawn is quite the chatter. Sometimes it's hard not to tell the difference between him and a fourteen year old gossiping girl. Seriously.
". . . But I must admit she can look damn good in some clothes when she wants too. I mean, not that you'd understand that. You being a lowly sophomore and all. . ."
Someone please, shoot me now.
* * *
Eric Myers - Sophomore, Class President, Straight 'A' Student
Mush used to be an endearing nickname. Something my father called me because I seemed to have a permanent tan even in the dead of winter. But now it's just used to mock me. A gentle way of calling my a dog, basically. You know, like the sled dog races in Alaska and the leader guys say 'Mush' to get the dogs to run and such. And if my father knew the nickname would turn out the way it has, I'm sure he never would have made it up.
Most of it is my sister's fault. All three of them. I have two in front of me (meaning older) and one behind me. (younger) And all three of them despise me for some reason. Their main purpose in life seems to be making my life whatever hell they can think of. And unfortunately for me, they're creative.
I don't like to complain much, but living with four women and being the only boy can really suck. Especially when they all become moody and such. It's for that reason and the nickname that I curse my father for living us five years ago. It was a lot better when he was here.
Another thing I don't understand is why because I'm the only boy, I'm expected to do everything. And I have to be perfect at everything too. Perfect grades, perfect personality, perfect. . . everything. I hate to say this, but sometimes I feel like Cinderella. Only without a princess charming and no glass sneakers. If you understand that. Hopefully you do because I can't explain it any better then that.
Maybe in some weird way this in-house suspension is just what I need. Ya know? To prove I'm not perfect and I can screw up too and I don't care. That I'm not stuck up or believe I'm better than anyone else just because I get all A's every nine week period. I already know some people hate me because of that, but it's not like I go around flaunting it. The school's the one that has the awards handed out and the names printed in bold for the honor roll every semester like those kids should be bowed down too. I think, as far as the outcasts and loners go, I'm hated just as much as the large group of bullying jocks.
And this whole suspension, while it could be beneficial, could also be as bad as having all three of my sisters on their periods at the same time. I knew Racetrack Higgins hates me. (He told me so once) And if I go by judging the way they were glaring at each other, Jack and the Genesis girl I didn't recognize, might end up murdering each other. Plus Niccoli, which I refer too as Skittery and my own warped mind, will probably be so high he won't even remember his own name.
Actually, the more I think about this, the more I wish I hadn't accidentally pulled that fire alarm last Wednesday which got me this mean of punishment.
And doesn't Mr. Pulitzer know what'll happen if he sticks the eight of us together for two weeks straight? And if he does, does he just not care for our own safety that little? I guess it takes things like this to get your mind to really wonder about some things.
"Mushy, mother darling wants you in the kitchen," Catrina, my eldest sister, called from right outside my bedroom door. Her fake French accent is starting to really wear thing on my nerves. She's going to France as her college graduation gift this summer and is trying to fit in with the culture here in America. Mom thinks it's wonderful that she's trying so hard to sound like a native. Personally, both my little sister Marie and I find it annoying.
Sighing, I made my way down to the bright yellow kitchen (my other older sister Belinda's choice) where our mother was loading the night's dishes into the dishwasher. Her face was set in an angry tone and her voice sounded grim when he spoke at last.
"The school called. What is in-house suspension Eric?" She demanded.
"It's just like regular suspension only at school and you have to do. . . stuff, I guess," I wasn't sure what they did in in-house. I've never been in trouble - ever - in my life, so this was all new too me.
"Well this is the last time anything like this happens, correct?" It wasn't a question. It was a statement. And a warning.
"Yes, ma'am."
Marie took that moment to enter the kitchen and walk casually over to the refrigerator. Marie is thirteen and tries to act like she's sixteen. I'm not sure yet if that's a good thing yet.
"Is anyone else in this in-house with you?" Mom asked me, continuing to avoiding looking at me and putting the washer on the right coordinates.
"Yeah. Seven others," I answered, shrugging, hoping that she wouldn't ask me to name them while Marie was in the room. She'd be certain to have a comment about every last one.
"Like who? None of your friends I hope."
"No, none of my friends. Just some kids. You know, um, Tyler Davidson who's a junior, Jack Kelly, Allen Higgins, James Porter, who's new, um, Niccoli Sanders, Genesis something or other and uh, Spencer Conlon," I said in a rush hoping no one actually heard the names.
Marie did. I swear, she can't hear anyone telling her to do her homework but the moment I say these names. . . select hearing at it's all time worst.
"Niccoli Sanders?! The druggie? And did you say Spencer Conlon? As in Spot? As in majorly, openly gay?"
Sisters.
"A druggie? And a gay boy? My god Eric, what have you managed to get yourself mixed up in?" My mother sounded horrified. The two things she hated most. Drugs and gays.
Yeah, she's not that open-minded.
"My god, I didn't raise to you too -
"You're right, you didn't raise me."
Okay, that was probably the dumbest thing I've ever said in my entire life. But I wasn't going to let her cut people she'd never even seen apart and then drag me into it like I was part of their lifestyles. It wasn't going to work that way this time. And sometimes I'm mean spirited and want to hurt her to just to say I have. Plus, I know how touchy the subject of her being a single mother is too her.
She looked stunned and that faded fast into fury. "What did you say to me?"
"You heard me."
She didn't say anything else, just pointed her finger in the direction of the stairs that would lead to me room. Gladly I left the kitchen and climbed back up the stairs and flopped onto my unmade bed. This had been one strange and horrid day.
I could only imagine how much worse it could possibly get.
* * *
A/N: The first day of suspension is coming up in the next chapter as well as other point's of views. In case you didn't catch it with my slight hints, Niccoli is Skittery and James Porter is Kid Blink. So, just some info to know. Um, also I kinda of want to know who you want to hear from next chapter. I'm having a hard time deciding. Maybe I should just go through the rest of them huh? Until next time. . .