Hall of Horror, Chamber of Screams, High school is full of fond and disappointing memories for all. No one understands this more than Serena Tsukino. A story of a high school girl, surviving a high school life. D/S Pairing.
Enter the Faculty
I felt ill; positively and absolutely ill. The simple act of sitting at my test as I plucked away empty words trying to fill a useless page made me feel like an overstuffed bear.
It was happening more often, this recluse. The world, that at one time shone so vibrantly before my eyes, now loomed like an ever-expanding universe. Sweat glistened from my pores and I became very aware of my body. My thighs pushed heavily into the chair, quickly cutting the blood from my toes, my stomach bulging from the endless bag like sweaters I wore.
Most people treated clothing as yet another superficial accessory. To me, however, they were so much more. They were my armour; baggy, oversized pants and sweaters that could easily fit someone twice my size and second hand rages most wouldn't dream of walking over composed my closet into a messy compost.
"Five minutes, people." The teachers voice echoed over the walls, falling onto empty ears. A few students attempted to finish their essay long answers, pencils scribbling roughly over the cheap paper. I cast my eyes to my own sheet, answers messily scrawled in heavy leaded pencil. I reread my responses a final time, ensuring I hadn't forgotten anything. The bell sounded.
"Pencils down pass up your papers. Mr Jones, I said pencils down!" Professor Ludwig's tone carried a hefty price, and I hid a smile as Dan rolled his eyes. The rest of the class had begun their descent down the crowded aisle; anxious to escape the depressing hall that was social testing. I waited a moment, not really in any hurry. Finally, as a pathway cleared, I grabbed my pencil and eraser and made my way to the corridor.
Laughter, name-calling and the normal comrade of mature high school students met my ears as I left the comfort of the classroom hell. Glancing at my wrist, I noticed the clock read ten to three. What to do in these final moments? I thought to myself. Suddenly, heavy hands collided with my back, sending me reeling to the ground. Looking desperately for something to grab, I reached out for the nearest object that happened to be someone's arm. They cried in alarm as they crashed down with me. Feeling somewhat dazed, it took me a moment for my temper to flare.
"The hell," my voice was cut off by a muffled yelp, and I noticed I was sitting on some poor freshman. Giggling nervously, I graciously rolled to the side, allowing them to escape from the large haired freak. Paying attention again to the evil laughter before me, I saw my best friend standing before me, hands on her slim hips.
"You're such a klutz, you cow!" I snorted.
"Shut up, chicken." She responded by pulling me up and patting my back. Noting my grungy wear, she raised an eyebrow.
"I had no idea the school was so cold hon." My tongue slithered out my lips, sending a very wet raspberry her way.
"With you in it, how could anyone possibly keep warm?" Molly threw her hands up in defence.
"Ow! Just, oww Sere, that burned." I giggled, brushing my bangs from my eyes. Molly and I had been close since our first meeting; she with a red, triangle-like Afro and myself with adorable twin buns, our love of untraditional hair qualities brought our kindergarten counterparts together.
Linking her arm through my own, she pulled me down the crowded hall to our lockers. "So," she chirped, her steps light and bouncy. "Whacha doing after school today?" I rolled my eyes.
"Math tutoring, just like every other day." I smothered her lips with my palm, silencing the words I knew I would be hearing.
"Mphh!"
"No Mol, there's no hot and sexy affair going on between Darien and I." She slumped, visibly disappointed beside me. So concentrated on our private interactions were we that we didn't notice the seniors before us. Bumping unceremoniously into a hard body before me caused my breath to escape.
"Watch where you're going, fatty." Ah, the football team- the pinnacle of nature's evolutions; protist growing into eucaryotics, reptilians, mammals, and back into primordial slime. Thanks Gaia. Pulling my arm from Molly's, I crossed them transversely over my chest, sending what was intended as a disgusted smirk their way.
"Perhaps if you spent less time loitering about and more time in practice, you all might actually win a game." Both our lips pulled up into beams as we pushed unapologetically through. A blond bimbo (no offence to anyone of the blond specimen, one of which I to partake. But, even the most clouded of us must admit some live up to the stereotype) dared to grab my arm in a failing attempt to stare me down. I jerked it from her hold, narrowing my eyes. Hissing a tone above the abysmal racket of the setting, I sent a warning. "Don't," she raised an eyebrow.
"What are you going to do, Medusa, sick your bad hygiene my way?" The group burst into hysterics at the not-so-clever use of Grecian mythology. Ha ha, I get it. Ugly hag. Amusing. Hearing the toll of the dismissal bell, I suddenly remembered my study help. Not even bothering with the tittering fools behind me, I smiled at Molly.
"I'll try and catch up with you tonight, okay? Get everyone together and see a movie or something." She nodded in approval and waved a salutation as I raced out the crowds and into the fresh outdoors, backpack bouncing heavily on my shoulders. I pictured how I looked and shuddered, aware of the rolls beneath the baggy armour, cellulite laughing heavily at me for giving into those chocolate cookies from Lita.
As most students piled into their parent-bought Porsche, or beat up civic to drive away, I settled onto my trusty bike. I had already turned sixteen last fall and could have had my drivers in time for junior year, but I had neither the car nor the care enough to test. Besides; bikes were nice-trusty. Gave you exercise.
I peddled over the bumpy grass field in front of Berkley Academy, swerving expertly around the flogs of slow moving student bodies. Reaching the sidewalk, I broke into a fast pace, enjoying the feel of blood rushing through my veins. The January cold was not as brisk as normal, thanks to the goodness of global warming. Soon the school was nothing but an ant on a hill as mini-marts and walk-in stores lined the streets of downtown Place.
Veering into a small alley, I moved around garbage bags. This classy little short cut sliced thirty minutes from my morning routine.
Barrelling out the opening I rounded one more bend until the letters of Public Library glinted closely. Braking rapidly, I pulled my mini-vehicle into a bike rack, locking it with a pink chain. My bag shifted on my back, and I pulled the strap back on as I raced towards the entrance. Looking down at my watches face, I noted I still had 5 seconds.
Taking the steps two at a time, I reached the general study area in my allotted time. My tutor stared up at me as I panted, my face red from exertion and the cold. He raised a cocky eyebrow. I was going to wax those of, one day soon.
"You're on time. That's new." My lip curled in a sarcastic grin. Plopping my oversized knapsack before his feet, I pulled out a binder, textbook and calculator.
"Can we just get started, please?" I was very on edge. My SAT's for math were nearing sooner than I hoped. My goal was to end my struggle in math by finishing it a year and a half in advance. There was no way I was going to fail that stupidly glorified exam after all my hard work! He sent a sympathetic smile my way.
"First, relax. Tension isn't going to solve," he paused and read the title of my notes. "…Permutations and combinations." He placed a warm hand on my shoulder, attempting to ebb my paranoia away. I tensed first, wondering if he was going to feel disgusted by what he felt beneath the sweater. Then, I felt my muscles unlock, his inane centred state bringing me back to where I needed to be. He always carried this affect on me. "Secondly, what's got you so uptight?" he cooed in my ear. I resisted the urge to melt in his hold. I turned to face him.
His eyes were really deep pools of ocean spray, constantly in motion, constantly in thought. His lips were shaped in a smooth line, intensely difficult to resist. Pulling me into a hug, I felt his perfect, rock hard build against the flabbiness of my own. He was so perfect. I sighed.
"Just, tiered I guess." He nodded. Ensuring no one was around; he leaned forward, placing a quick peck on my lips. I grinned slyly. "Better than coffee," I whispered. He chuckled.
"Don't look at me that way, or we'll never get through these equations." Just like him.
Darien and I met over two years ago, when Mum and Dad both decided to send me to a tutor. The local university was, at the time, offering tutors for a super low price and being the thrifty people they are, I was signed without even a notice.
It worked out for the better I had to admit. Although our beginning was rocky and full of childish insults and pranks, a deep bond began to grow forming a friendship and, well, whatever we were now. Though there is a heftier age difference than most, him falling into the category of 'legal everywhere' (aka, 21) and me, well, not, we have managed to stick it through. Only heaven knows; and maybe some sneaky butterfly. A finger poked my stomach and I batted it away annoyed.
"Pay attention," he said. I sighed. Did he always have to be so responsible?
Two hours had past, and my stomach grumbled impatiently. I shifted uncomfortably at the worktable.
"Dare, I think we're done for the day." He looked up to the clock, clearly aghast. Shrugging his built shoulders, he pulled on a black knit sweater.
"Time flies when your exposing powers," damn those math geniuses.
"Freak," I muttered, gathering my books together. He came up behind me, squeezing me in a playful fashion. I giggled. What was I, the Pillsbury doughboy?
"Where are you going now?" he asked me as we descended the stairs. I shrugged.
"I told Molly to call the troops together to see a movie, but I doubt she will." He cocked his head in that cute fashion he could only do.
"Why not?" I sighed.
"Domino always calls on Mondays. Whenever he's around, she gets loopy." My index pointed to my temple, turning in a circular motion as I both crossed my eyes and stuck out my tongue. Darien stared at me strangely for a moment before bursting out into a grin. Domino's real name was Melvin Umino. Since 'Melvin' was a cruel name and 'Umino' was just odd, we'd resorted to calling him Domino; it sort of sounded like Umino and he loved playing dominoes with anything. Textbooks, beware!
Mol and he has been an on-again, off-again couple since freshman year. Everyone knows though the only things keeping them apart are their fears of commitment. Eat your heart our, Freud.
Darien stopped for a moment and reached into his pocket. I looked at him confused. "What are you doing?"
He pulled out his cell phone and pushed a button. I opened my mouth in question, but he silenced me with a finger.
"Hello? Ms Campbell, what a pleasure. This is Darien Shields calling; yes, Serena's tutor, that's right." His eyes shot up in surprise as he pulled the screaming cell away from his ear. My brows pulled together, questions on the tip of my lips. "N-no, no Ma'am, she hasn't missed our class, quite the opposite. Serena would like some extra practice; would it be alright if I worked with her another hour or two?" He paused, another smile creeping onto his lips. What a bad boy. "All evening? Really? Oh, of course. I'll be sure she gets something to eat. Yes, of course." He winked my way. "I'll have her call you then when we're finished. Thank you Ms Campbell. Yes, good day. Bye."
"Tsk, tsk, tsk. Lying to my mother, why Mr. Shields, how daring." I drawled in a southern twang, inching teasingly near. Snapping his cell closed, he wrapped his arms around my middle. What he found attractive in me I would never know, though at the moment, I cared very little.
"I'm sorry, Ms Tsukino." His breath heated the tip of my nose. I lifted my chin to meet his towering gaze, lips brushing in a soft kiss. MmmHmm. I love his kisses. Somewhere close, a bratty child launched leering onomatopoeic phrases, mostly all gushing sounds. I felt my hunk sigh into me and I tittered.
"Let's go get some food?" I almost nodded, and then I recalled the feeling of excessiveness all about me and my hunger pangs vanished.
"Actually, I'm not all that hungry." He did not even try to hold his laughter back. Removing myself from his embrace, I stalked over to my bike, unlatching the lock and pulled it out onto the sidewalk. He noticed my absence and jogged over to where I stood. Trying to place an apologetic hand on my own, I quickly yanked it from beneath his touch. His mood grew instantaneously serious.
"Sere, what's wrong?" I refused to answer. "I was just teasing. You're almost always in the mood to eat; you've never refused a chance to chow down before…" Before I was fuming. Now I was livid. Why were men always so dense?
"Never refused a chance to 'chow down'? What am I, a pig or a girl?" He seemed to deliberate the reaction in his mind. I turned my bike to the sidewalk and quickened my pace. "Not funny, Darien." He caught up with me one more time.
"Serena," he tried. I did not slow. His hand shot out and grasped my wrist, refusing to let go.
"Go away." He didn't. I spun and faced him, tears forming in the corners of my eyes.
"Serena," he said again, repentance vivid in his irresistible eyes.
"You know I hate jokes like that," he said nothing. "I get enough 'tubby' crap at school, kay? I don't need it from you too." Alarm filled his features.
"That's not what I meant, Sere. You know I would never say anything like that." He forced me to look at him. I knew I was going to be proven wrong, but it didn't seem like such a bad thing coming from him. "You are no where near being even the slightest bit heavy." He pulled me closer. I didn't resist. "Anyone who tries to say otherwise isn't worth the crap I'll kick out of them." A small snort left my nose. "Have I ever lied to you?" I sighed.
"No," he grinned.
"That's because I'm always right." His lips pressed softly onto my forehead. Leaving my side briefly to attach my bike onto the top of his car (his very, expensive car) he motioned me to enter his 'second favourite girl'. I glided into it, thankful to clear the cold.
Sending a wink my way, he asked, "where to, Princess?" I laughed, buckling my seatbelt as he revved the engine. I paused a moment, as if to think.
"The mall!" and we were off.
I arrived home late that night. The clock had just struck midnight as I crept through the front door, my backpack lagging heavily behind me. I looked around curiously for the presence of my mother. Stealing into the living room, I saw she was passed out on the couch, and empty bottle of gin half hidden beside her.
She'd started drinking a year ago, when she found out the truth that Dad was hiding. Neither one of us told Sammy; I couldn't allow my little brother's idol to be broken. Gin, Rum and Kalhua replaced her unworthy husband. Both of us still lived with her though, save the few trespasses to his house.
"Oh, mummy," I took the empty bottle and hid it amongst the other emptied criminals. Carrying a quilt from a neighbouring couch, I covered her gently and closed the blinds. Placing a soft kiss on her cheek, I headed upstairs.
Luna was curled comfortably in the middle of my bed, and I stopped a brief moment to pet her. My darling kitty; sometimes, I am so sure a human hides beneath her fur, just waiting to jump out. Heading to the bathroom, I flicked the switch. Quickly brushing my teeth and washing my teeth, I proceeded with the 'inspection'. Pores mostly clear, good. Teeth, smooth and shiny as I ran my tongue over my mouth. Alas, the moment of dread had come.
Facing the full-length mirror, I eyed myself realistically. My hair was done in its usual dual bun style, long platinum lengths escaping from the messy up do. Sky blue eyes gazed back at me from beneath my shaggy bangs, heart shape face framing a small nose and lips complete with a cupid's peak. Stupid cupid.
My baggy, black sweater and oversized army pants were soon discarded on the floor, and I studied my near nude form. Tears of frustration formed beneath my lashes. A thick neck grew into wide, bulbous shoulders. Fat protruded from odd little sacs between my arm folding, as well as over and under my bra line.
My stomach swelled as if a beast lived within; large, putrid and ready for emergence. My butt, my thighs…I couldn't finish.
"God," I choked. I couldn't look any more. My stomach felt heavy and empty, both the same time. I sucked the fat in, revelling in the brief appearance of ribs. The satisfaction quickly subsided as air flowed back into me. Grabbing my pj's from the towel rack, I hurriedly pulled them on, no longer able to look at the walking lard that mirrored my movements. "No more," I said. "No MORE!"
As if to affirm my point, a tear slid down my cheek. Hastily wiping it gone, I clicked off the light and headed into my room.
Sliding under the soft covers felt absolutely heavenly. Stifling a yawn, I pulled Luna close. The dawning of a new era, my mind raced. I would gain the upper hand. I would no longer be the butt of each fat joke their feeble minds could conceive.
I was going to be thin, and beautiful and perfect for Darien, my family…and me.
S S
Whew! What a long chapter. I started this around three in the morning and surprise surprise, the ideas kept coming. Nothing much really happened, this was just to stand as an introduction (as most 1st chapters serve) to lay down the setting, characters and story. Hopefully, you can all sort of feel the groove. The story begins now (January) and spans until the end of the year, Junior Prom.
This story takes place in America, because my homeland is frozen and boring ( though, we have some pretty psycho beavers). Unfortunately, I have no idea how their curriculum works, how the names work (it goes freshmen, sophomore, junior, senior, right?) Please feel free to correct me on any/all mistakes I will make. Thanks and I hope you all enjoyed it.
Next time; School continues as normal and Serena decides on a strict exercise and eating regime. Does anyone notice? Who's this boy at school that suddenly pays her attention? Will Domino ask Molly as his steady? And what's this, a toilet papering of a football players car? Stay tuned!
R&R as always
@_@