Hello, Bones fandom! This isn't my first fanfiction, but it is my first Bones fic and my first published fic!

The first part of the story is from Zack's past, and the second part is the present (around the time he got his hair cut). In case you were wondering, I did draw the cover. Anyways, enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own Bones or Zack Addy. Abigail belongs to me.

Zack Addy's first week of elementary school wasn't going very well. At first, he tried to be good, answer all the questions, and show the teacher he didn't belong in this school. He wanted to be home-schooled. He felt he was too smart for this.

It didn't turn out the way he wanted.

All the big kids (and little kids) thought he was a nerd, and said that his hand-me-down clothes made him look like a hobo. They called him other mean names, and those ones were most hurtful. Some of the bigger kids even started shoving and poking him. It made him feel bad. I like my hand-me-downs, he thought. They make me special. At least, that's what his mother said. And I am not a weirdo. I'm just smarter than you.

Those thoughts made him feel a little better, but the mean things the other kids said still made him feel sad.

It was turning out to be the worst week of his life.

His least favorite part of the day was recess. Not only did he not like to play games (which the other kids also thought was weird), but also it was a time where either the other kids picked on him, or ignored him.

Zack preferred the latter.

However, he though the idea of recess-a time that came twice a day, where kids can get all the energy out so they can be ready to learn-was amazing. Most of the kids in his class were very rowdy, so they needed a "recess". Yet, they were still disruptive during class, which Zack thought was annoying.

He just wished there was someone who shared his love of learning-unlike most kids-and would accept him for his weirdness and hand-me-downs.

One day, at another lonely recess, while Zack was going through his Spanish conjugations in his head, (another thing the kids thought was weird), he noticed another person sitting on the bench precisely six and a half feet away (he measured it himself). He couldn't tell whether this person was a boy or a girl; it was hard to tell from the back. But they looked sad. Just as sad as he felt. The only thing he could make out was that their long hair was the most orange he had ever saw. In his family (and this school), there were mostly dark blondes and brown hair, so seeing another hair color caught him off guard. Oh, he knew they existed, he just didn't know there were any in Michigan.

Then, that person turned around. Probably heard their name being called, he thought. Or they might tell me to "man up" and stop crying. A lot of the big kids told him to "man up" when they saw him cry.

But no. This crying person was a girl. Not much of a surprise, most of the girls cried in his grade. Slowly, her dark blue eyes fell on his face, and for a moment, Zack was worried that she might say something mean to him. But he also hoped they would say something nice, too.

However, the next thing the crying girl did shocked him: she waved. At him. Zack didn't know what else to do, so he waved back. That was the right thing to do. Right?

If that wasn't enough, she got up from her bench and WALKED. OVER. TO. HIS. She looked to be about his age, maybe even his grade. She wasn't very tall, but then again, neither was he. Neither was anyone in his grade.

She was wearing a denim skirt with a light blue shirt. Zack had to admit it suited her well. When she came closer (he was surprised she didn't have a disgusted look on her face. Yet), he noticed a small golden locket.

This girl probably hadn't heard that Zack was a freak and a hobo and all those other mean things. Or maybe she has, but she doesn't want to listen to them, a small voice in his head whispered to him. Maybe she wants to get to know you.

"Hi," the girl said, sitting down on his bench. HIS. BENCH. "Why are you said?"

This girl was TALKING to him. This must be a dream, he thought. It has to be. Maybe I'll wake up at home, Johnny yelling at me to give his encyclopedia back, school not even starting yet! Yeah!

Naturally, he pinched the top of his hand to see if he really was dreaming (he read somewhere that the pinching helps you test whether you're awake or not).

He had almost forgotten about the girl sitting next to him. "What are you doing?" She streamed. "Stop! STOP!"

Gosh, girls could scream so loud. "It's ok," Zack said calmly, trying to soothe the girl, who was now crying, more violently than when he had seen her.. He almost said, I'm trying to see if I'm asleep, but she might take him seriously, as many people here don't. She might scowl at him. Or walk away. OR BOTH. "I'm sad because all the kids here are picking on me, calling me weirdo, and nerd, and hobo. They're even hurting me."

The girl nodded, as if she understood. Maybe she does, the voice said. "Why don't you tell your teacher about it? They'll help you, you know," she said sincerely.

"I tried that," Zack replied, not even realizing that he was actually having a conversation with someone who hasn't even made a comment about his clothes. He had actually talked to his teacher the day it started. "My teacher talked to the kids, but after he left, the kids started to pick on me again." He stopped, suddenly realizing that he forgot to ask the girl what was wrong. "Why are you sad?" he asked.

"I'm sad because," she started, then hesitated, as if thinking about what to say. "I'm sad because all the other kids are picking on me too, calling me weird because of my hair."

"Now that's just odd," Zack, wondered. "Why would they pick on you because of your hair? I think your hair is rather nice." Zack stopped. "But, uh, I'm sorry. I know what it's like. I live with three brothers and four sisters."

The girl's eyes grew large. "Four sisters and three sisters?! Wow, you must have a big house," she exclaimed. "Um, what's your name?"

"Zack. Zack Addy," Zack said simply.

Almost like magic, this girl's mouth dropped open in a smile. "That sounds a lot like Abby!" She exclaimed. "Well, that's my name. Abigail Zeckory, but you can call me Abby."

It was now Zack's turn to smile. "That sounds a lot like Zackary," he said.

Abby continued to smile. "Y'know Zack? If we become friends, we'll be 'A to Z'."

Yes, Zack thought, that would be cool. And somewhere, deep inside, Zack had a feeling they'll be great friends.

Well, how was that? Did you like it? Be sure to tell me in the reviews!

So, I'll mostly be posting this on Thursdays, but if something comes up, I'll either update it on Wednesdays or Fridays. I hope to see you soon!