"Vic Fuentes!"
I felt my body twitch as I heard the snap of a ruler meet contact with my desk, and I lazily opened an eye and parted my lips, letting out a small groan. I glanced up at Ms. Hyde, and I felt a smile tug at the corners of my lips. Damn, she didn't look so pleased. Her lips were pursed, and the wrinkles between her eyebrows were really entertaining to watch.
"Sup?" I said almost too confidently. "What's UP is that we are trying to review for our Physics test, and you decide to take a nap." I bit my lip lightly and glanced down at my lap as I sat up more straight. I didn't say anything else, afraid I was going to be a smart ass again.
I glanced up at Ms. Hyde again one last time, my brown eyes trying to find the last bit of kindness she could give up to forgive me, but when she pulled out her detention slip, I slammed my head down on the desk in defeat. She stuck the note to my head, turning around and trotting down the rows of desks back to the front of the room.
"Nice one, dick wad." I glanced to the side, and found my brother, Mike, start to chuckle, and he covered his mouth with his fist, quickly giving Ms. Hyde an innocent smile when she looked over her shoulder to see who was talking. She finished rubbing the chalk off the board, and then turned to face us. I glanced at the detention sheet, before grumbling and crumbling it with my fist.
When Ms. Hyde started to ramble about how a study guide was due next Thursday, I felt Jaime tug back on my shirt, and stuff something down it, making me grunt lightly. "Damn, you!" I grumbled back, but we exchanged smirks, and I straightened out and reached behind me, waving out the small object. I kept glancing up so the old bat wouldn't get suspicious.
"A note? Really?" I glanced back over my shoulder, and his hand waved side to side impatiently. "Just read it, then meet me down in the lunch room." I sighed, and glanced over at my brother, who was whispering to Tony, our best friend since we were practically born.
"Vic!" "Yes ma'am?" I glanced to her, and gulped lightly, but a cheeky grin spread on my face, and she rolled her eyes. As the bell rang, we all got up, and I adjusted my backpack strap on my shoulder, walking and strolling right past a pre occupied Ms. Hyde.
When she glanced up at me, it was too late. I smirked and wiggled my fingers at her, before hurrying off. I glanced down, opening the note, and starting to read it.
'Party at Jaime's; 10 o' clock. You in?'
I stuffed the note in my pocket, and ran my fingers through my hair. I pushed past other students through the hallways, trying to find the bathroom and then go meet Tony. I pushed against the heavy door, going inside, and going to the sink. I hung my head slightly, gripping onto the sides of the cold, metal sink, and I glanced up, staring back into the dark eyes of a boy that has seen so many things, but yet has seen so little.
I put my finger tips against my cheek, and puffed it out lightly. I wasn't any different from anyone else, I suppose. I was Mexican; dark, medium length hair… Tan skin, dull brown eyes…
I hated that I thought of myself so poorly at times. I glanced down at my body. I wasn't as built as Tony and Mike were, and I definitely wasn't as tall as they were (actually, I was the shortest out of the four of us), and what I wore…
I wore skinny jeans, usually black, worn down converse, band t-shirts… And a wrist band my mother made me when I was younger. Mike and I had matching ones, and It felt nice being close to our culture, since we moved to California and all.
I pulled away from the mirror, my eyes looking over my reflection one last time, before walking out of the bathroom and walking down the stairs to the first level of the school to go to the lunch room. I pushed past people slightly, and grunted when someone slammed against my shoulder. I glanced to the side, and held in a soft growl when one of the jerk offs (football players) walked off, laughing like they were cool. I shook my head and tsked lightly, looking straight and jumping the last two steps, hurrying to the lunch room before it got to crowded.
I headed inside, trying to look over the shoulders of fellow seniors, and I glanced around an arm, finding Tony and Mike having their legs over each other's, and looking at Tony's camera, clicking through pictures. I couldn't help but smile seeing those two. They always admit to being gay, even when I joke around, but they always look at each other with a sort of look that kind of represented… Protection, in a way.
Mike glanced up, and blushed lightly and quickly took his legs off of Tony's. Tony lazily glanced up from his camera, and gave a goofy grin. "Hey, man!" I smiled and slapped my note into his hand, and he gave it to a blushing Tony.
"No need to be embaressed, bro. I know you two are gay for each other." Mike gave a threatening glance, before smirking and giving a normal sarcastic reply. "Yeah, gay for each other because it gives us an excuse to go to each other's houses and eat burritos." "You're being racist to your own kind, man." He ignored me, and started laughing lightly.
"So, are you in, man?" I glanced over at Mike after I sat down by his side, and shrugged lightly. "You know how his parties get. I don't like being a part of that." "But he's your friend!" I sighed deeply and rubbed the back of my neck.
"Selena is probably going to be there. You know how much I hate her." "Maybe she won't be there. Not if she knows you're going. Can you come? Please?" Mike gave an puppy dog face, and I puffed out my cheeks lightly and snorted and rolled my eyes, pressing my hand against his face, pushing it slightly.
"How old are you, now? Jesus Christ. Fine, I'll go." Mike bit my palm lightly before smirking against my skin, and pulling away. I pulled my hand back and smirked, before rubbing my palm and glancing up, seeing Selena in line with her friends. I narrowed my eyes slightly, before looking at the asshole of a boyfriend that somehow convinced her he was a better man.
"Vic? You ok?" Tony suddenly asked, glancing up from his camera, and raising an eyebrow. I snapped out of it, and glanced at him with a slightly weak smile. "Y-Yeah. I'm fine, dude." Tony looked unconvinced, but he shrugged and looked back down at his camera.
Even though I was the oldest, the three of them (Jaime, Mike and Tony) acted like they were responsible for me, safety and all. They were also the tallest, which I didn't find fair; especially since my brother is also Mexican. I grumbled before blinking.
"Where's Jaime?"
Tony smirked lightly. "At his house, preparing early for the party." "His parents just let him leave school?" Mike laughed, running his fingers through his hair.
"He's Jaime, Vic. He can get away with most stuff." I shrugged lightly, agreeing. Sometimes I wished I had that sort of freedom Jaime did. Mike got up, and helped Tony up as well, and I followed. Selena glanced over, and smirked lightly. I frowned and felt like a dog that repeatedly got kicked in the side. She sat on Taylor's lap (the jerk off), and opened up a book she was holding, and seemed to look deep in my soul. She licked her finger seductively, and flipped the page. I shivered and pried my head around, so I could chase after my two friends.
"Hey man, I'll see you guys later. Don't want to be late to class. AGAIN." Tony glared at mike and in response to that, Mike smirked and bit on his lip. "See yeah." I waved him off, and saw his camera dangle from around his neck.
"I guess I'll see you later, too. I'll see you when we get home." "I have detention later though." I groaned and when the bell rang, I made a "are you serious" face. Mike shrugged, and patted my shoulder.
"Don't sweat it. Hopefully bird face will let you out early. See yeah!" He jogged off, and I hurried off to Chemistry class.
The rest of the day was boring, as usual. Getting yelled at, falling asleep in class… That was a normal day for me. At home, I suppose it was different. Mike and I's mom was always at work, and our dad was always away on business trips. We think he'd probably end up cheating on her, and we hate thinking like that, but we suspected Mom started thinking like that after our dad came home with a few hickeys on his neck.
When the final school bell rang, I guess I got up too fast, because I got a few strange looks. I rushed past a few people who were getting their stuff into their bags, and I walked to my locker, doing the combination, and opening it. I glanced around and smiled lightly, staring at the picture that was hung of my mother, mike, and I. I yanked out my bag and stuff my books in there, twisting around and losing my footing trying to close my locker with my foot. I walked off, trying to zip my back pack closed.
"Fuentes!" I stopped in my tracks, and stared off into the distance. "Shit…" I grumbled, and turned to see Ms. Hyde. "You aren't running away from detention, are you?" My lips twisted in disgust as I watched the mole on her chin twitch as she talked.
"Nope, just buying some time before going into hell." Before she could yell at me any further, I jogged off, trying to find my brother before I went to detention. When I found him walking with Tony, I rushed to his side.
"10 o clock, right?" He seemed startled, but he looked at Tony, then back at me with a grin. "Are you going to get there in time?" "Bird face can't keep me in there that late, can she?"
Tony smirked, adjusting his bag strap. "You never know, dude. Just don't do anything else to piss her off." "That may be too late." We all shared a laugh, and we stopped at the front doors, people pushing past us. The area was loud enough to where I could scream bloody murder, and no one would hear or, just not give a shit.
"I got to go before I get my balls cut off. See you guys later, hopefully." I said, and looked up at the two juniors. We said our goodbyes, and I groaned, struggling to even go back up the stairs. I took a breath, before closing my eyes and pulling open the door, and then walking inside.
Ms. Hyde was sitting at her desk, looking over some papers and occasionally marking something down with a red pen. I awkwardly went to go sit down, and I slouched down in my seat, crossing my arms to my chest and looking up at the ceiling.
Ms. Hyde glanced up, her glasses half way down the bridge of her nose, and she looked down at her papers. "Nice to see you actually came, Mr. Fuentes." I snorted lightly.
"Glad to be here, Hyde." She gave me a warning glance, but then turned around and got up, erasing the chalk lettering on the board and starting to write something else.
"Do you have any plans for tonight? Today is such a lovely day to be outside and enjoying the nice breeze." I gave her a sarcastic look. "I wouldn't know for sure."
"And whose fault was that?" I bit down on my tongue and made my hands into fists. "I asked you a question. What do you think you're doing tonight?" I pursed my lips and shrugged.
"Doing what most teenagers do. Going to a party at my friends." She smiled lightly and put down the chalk. I watched her, letting out a soft breath. I turned my head and looked out the window. "Be careful tonight." I glanced at her with a slightly surprised expression. When I didn't respond, she looked back.
"A lot of weird people like to roam around at night, here in California. Watch yourself." She tucked some gray hair behind her ear. I licked my dry lips, and grabbed my back pack and put it on the desk, so I could lay my head on it.
"I've roamed the streets a lot for the past 3 years here, Ms. Hyde. I know what to expect." She ignored me, and kept walking to the board, then her desk. I rolled my eyes and then closed them.
"I just have a bad feeling…" I heard her mumble something, and without opening my eyes, I grumbled, "What?" She just shrugged and shook her head.
"Nothing…"
As the next 1 and a half went by, I looked at the clock, and slammed my head down on the desk. It sucked that I could force myself to sleep for another 2 hours. I guess this is what I get for skipping out on the last few times I was supposed to have detention.
Ms. Hyde grabbed some papers, and rummaged through them. She got up, and headed to the door. "I'll be right back, I'm going to make some copies." As she left, and I heard the door clicked, my heart started thumping.
"I could sneak out…" I whispered lightly, and looked at the clock. Even if I were to stay for the whole 3 hours, I would make it to the party on time, but let's face it. No kid wants to waste 3 hours of his life sitting in a room with an old woman that smells like cat piss.
So I took the chance and got up, grabbing my back pack, and opening the door quietly, peering out into the hallway. I saw no one, and so that was my sign I could go. I clicked the door shut, looked around once more, and hurried down the hallway to the stairs. Down the stairs, around the corner… OH FUCK.
She was RIGHT THERE. Her back was turned, and she was closing the door to the copy machine room. "Shit!" I hissed, and quickly ran to the bathroom, hiding in there. I panted, stepping back from the door, and hearing foot steps come closer. I glanced to the door, and made a disgusted face.
I was in the god damn woman's room. The foot steps got closer, and I whimpered when I realized it was too late to run to the men's room. I hurried to the very last stall, and crouched down on the toilet, hanging my pack on the hook and closing the door.
When I heard the door open, I trembled lightly and peered through the crack at times.
'Shit, shit, shit!'
I saw her feet when I glanced down at the ground, and thank god she was just looking in the mirror. She touched her face lightly, and I couldn't help but feel slightly bad for her. She dressed like she was still in her 20's, but her face was the opposite. She wore too much make up, like she was ashamed that she was only 58.
"You're beautiful… Don't be ashamed of that…" I whispered softly, frowning almost sadly, and she frowned and closed her eyes. She seemed to start crying, and I just wanted to be weird and hug her, even if she did hate me and would probably slap the shit out of me.
I painfully watched her tears away, and she straightened out, and headed back out. I just stayed crouched, wiping the sweat away from my face. I sighed deeply, then getting up and forgetting I needed to be out before she even noticed I was gone. I rushed out of the stall, and out into the hallway, and I ran down the hallway, seeing the doors get closer.
I slammed on them, feeling the rush of a cool breeze hit my skin. I panted, looked behind me and seeing a Ms. Hyde on the bottom stair case, and her face was full of disappointment.
"Don't look at me like that. I'm disappointed in you, too." I smiled and waved, running off and down the side walk. I panted lightly, wanting to get home in a decent time so I could call my brother and see if he was there helping Jaime. I glanced over my shoulder, sighing lightly. I jogged, heading to a bridge. I always got up early to walk across the big bridge.
Some called it intimidating and stupid; I called it fun and adventurous. Not a lot of cars went on it during this time, just because the lights on it are very dimmed and it's sort of threatening when the winds are heavy and you're riding on it. So I choose to walk, especially since it only took me about 25 minutes to cross.
I glanced off into the water, and then the dark, orange sky. A smile tugged at my mouth. I couldn't help but think that the night sky was the only reason why I liked staying in California; that and my friends were here. I glanced back, and at the peak of the bridge, I saw a blurred figure, standing on the edge of the gate of the bridge; the part that protected the cars and people from falling off.
I squinted my eyes, and as I got closer, my eyes widened as I realized it was a PERSON. I gaped my mouth lightly, and I started to walk faster. I was to nervous to say anything, because I didn't know if the guy would be threatening or not. As I got closer, I studied what seemed to be a man, and he was peering out in the river.
He was pale; dark, slightly curly hair pressed against his cheek bones and around his neck. He wore cuffed skinny jeans, along with some worn down toms and a black ACDC shirt. His hands were gripping onto the wires of the bridge side, but I could see the look in his eye when he loosened his grip lightly on the wires, only to grip them again.
"H-Hey… What are you doing?" That was the worst thing to ask, but I was curious and worried for the stranger. He flinched lightly, and he sniffed, and he glanced at me, shocked. My lips parted, and I frowned.
"You shouldn't be so close to the edge." The man trembled and laughed weakly, hanging his head and dangerously leaning toward the edge. I trembled, my eyes wide and I got closer, but not to close.
"I've had enough… I can't do it anymore." He whispered. I stared at him, my throat getting tight. Standing away a good distance, I could see that he was crying. I saw some purple markings along his upper bicep, also along his cheek.
"Had enough of what? Please, get down so you don't do something you'll regret." I reached my hand out, and slowly walked closer, gulping. He glanced at me, frowning and he hiccupped, trembling and barring his teeth lightly. He glared at me, but only for a quick moment, and he glanced at my hand.
"Please…" I whispered lightly. "I know you probably think I'm weird for stopping you, but I'm pretty good when it comes to listening to problems. Take my hand, and step off."
He bit his lip lightly, and he ignored my hand and turned his head back to the beautiful water, and stared down.
"I'm a mistake… I shouldn't be here. I don't deserve to be here; that's what my father says. "That I'm just a useless piece of shit." He squeezed his eyes shut, and I could tell by his voice he was crying. "I tried, you know? I wanted us to be a happy family. I didn't want to live in pain, where I came home everyday hoping to not see a new bruise on my mother. My life is a living hell. I can't escape it, and it's pushing me to my breaking point."
I stared at him in awe; sadness and sympathy reflecting in my eyes. I waited for him to finish.
"He left my mother and I when I was young, but he keeps randomly showing up, either begging for money or drunk off of his ass. It's pathetic, really…" He croaked, and pathetically looked at me, hair clamped to his fore head. "I'm trying to deal with the pain, but I just don't understand why he left. Is it my fault…? Why is everything my fault?" He cried out, almost screaming it.
It took me a while to realize I was crying. I wiped a tear away, and sniffed and bit my lip, trying to hold my tears back as my heart went out to the man. "Listen… I know what it's like to feel like everything is your fault. I know what it's like to want to end it all… I would be lying if I said it always gets better. But that doesn't mean you should give up… It's hard, I know. I've been through that kind of situation." I sat down, my back pressed against the metal edge where he was standing on, and I rested my head back.
"It's not fair; it never is." I sighed, staring at the palms of my hands. The stranger didn't say anything, and he didn't seem to move from his position. I closed my eyes, and felt my heart start to pulse a bit faster. A tune was coming into my head, and my lips parted.
"I remember tears streaming down your face when I said I'll never let you go… When all those shadows almost killed your light… I remember you said, don't leave me here alone… But all that's dead and gone and passed, tonight…" The stranger grunted lightly, in a slightly surprised way, and I could tell he was trying to hold back more tears.
"Just close your eyes, the sun is going down. You'll be alright, no one can hurt you now. Come morning light, you and I'll be safe and sound…" My hands turned into fists, and I hung my head as I sang to this man. I opened my eyes lightly, and when I turned my head slightly, my eyes widened when I didn't see him there anymore.
"SHIT! Did he jump?!" I hissed lightly. I quickly turned my head the opposite way, and I let out a relieved sigh when I saw the man stand there, smiling sadly and holding a letter. We seemed to stare at each other for a while, and I got up slowly.
He took a few small steps forward, and I couldn't help but stare at his facial features. He had puppy eyes; meaning he had large eyes that held in so many secrets, but could tell he had been kicked to many times. The sad thing is when someone like that can say, "I'm used to it…"
He was… Too adorable to be thinking about suicide…
"… Did you mean what you said?" The man mumbled, tucking hair behind his ear, frowning almost shyly, but sadly. I blinked, and then sighed. "… Yeah. I mean it. I sang it for a reason, didn't I…?" I mumbled softly. He stared, and then he closed his eyes and chuckled lightly.
He opened his eyes and stared down at a 3 page letter. "My mom… She wrote this for me. She had to go to work today… And my friends had warned her, calling her, saying I wanted to die. She stayed home with me and tried to keep me from doing something stupid. She wrote me this incase I was going to try and do anything while she was gone."
The man pressed the letter to his chest. "I'm glad you stopped me." I smiled sadly, rubbing the back of my neck. "It's not cool to see someone as young as you wanting to end your life. With anybody, it's devastating…" I never realized how light his voice was until he was close up. It wasn't a bad thing…
Before I could stop myself, I reached out for him, and pulled him in for a hug. He was warm, and his body was trembling. I almost wanted to punch myself in the throat for doing that, especially to a suicidal stranger. I stayed there for a while, realizing he was also a few inches taller than I was; he was still short though.
He nervously wrapped his arms around my torso, and we stayed like that in an awkward hug for a while until he sniffed and pressed his nose gently to my shoulder. "Thank you…" He whispered lightly.
I shivered lightly, feeling the vibrations go through my skin. "N-No problem, man." I rubbed his back before I pulled away, and got a glimpse at his cheek before turning my gaze away. He bit his lip lightly, and still looked like a kicked puppy.
"I'm Kellin…" He whispered. "Kellin Quinn." I glanced at him, and secretly enjoyed that name. "Vic… Vic Fuentes. Yeah, I know. Very Mexican." Kellin looked confused for a bit, but then he quickly smiled, and that seemed to make my heart beat faster.
"Vic… Nice to meet you..." He mumbled, and I glanced over my shoulder to see some cars coming. "Nice to meet you too. Hey, I'm… Going over to my house. This is the route I usually take. Do you live anywhere around here? I could walk you home, if you wanted." Kellin shrugged lightly, and turned his head. "I prefer to not go home right now. But thanks for the offer."
I puffed out my cheeks slightly, and stared at him. "You can't stay out here all night. Your mother would be worried about you." "Dude, I'm not a little kid. I'm 17 years old, I can handle myself." Vic almost burst out into a giggle fit. He was almost 2 years older than he was, and his own mother complained about him not being mature.
"… I'm sorry. That was the wrong thing to say. Look, come to my house. I know we just met… But… It's better than staying out here all night." He smiled lightly, running his fingers through his hair. "That's kind of you… I don't want to be a burden." "You wouldn't be, Kellin." Kellin frowned lightly, glaring slightly.
A car suddenly was slowing down next to us, and I saw a woman rush out of the door, tears streaming down her face. "KELLIN! Why did you leave a hideous note like THIS?" She croaked, and I watched awkwardly, but my throat tightened; warning that I was going to cry.
"Mom!" Kellin said, shocked and he winced lightly, trying to look away, but she gripped his chin lightly. "My baby boy… Don't you EVER leave me…" He put down his head, and he sniffed, and she rested her fore head against his, and my heart broke a little.
It made me start thinking about things… What if that would've been my own brother wanting to kill himself? I obviously don't know what it's like to lose someone I care about in that way, and I hope I don't experience it… But… What if it was ME wanting to end it…?
I let out a soft breath, my heart slowing down, and seeing Kellin's mother taking his hand. "Please come home, Kellin…" She murmured, and Kellin seemed to be hesitant. "Is HE there?" he slightly spat out, his eyes narrowing. She looked nervous, but she shook her head.
"No, he's not."
Kellin gave her a look before sighing. "Alright… I'll go home…" He walked to his mothers car. He glanced over his shoulder, before blinking and looking at the slightly confused Mexican boy (me). Vic bit his lip lightly, and smiled only a little. Kellin ran over and hugged me, and I grunted lightly.
It took me a short while to realize what Kellin was doing, but before Kellin could pull away, I quickly wrapped my arms around the slightly taller boys torso and tilted my head back, whispering into his ear. "You're beautiful. Don't let anybody tell you different."
Kellin and I stood still for a few seconds, and I could feel Kellins heart beat fast against his chest, as mine rested against his own like it belonged there… Like a missing puzzle piece…
What the actual fuck. I was straight. Why was I thinking like this? I pulled away, blushing and rubbing my arm when his mom made a noise. We both looked away, embarrassed. She seemed to not mind; she was smiling with tears strolling down her eyes.
"Thank you for caring enough to stop my son." I glanced at her, before blushing a lot and looking down at the ground. "It was my pleasure." She smiled once more, before going into her car, and Kellin glanced back once more. I waved a few times, nervously, then slipped my fingers into my pockets.
He waved back slowly, and then went inside the car. "Do you need a ride home, hun?" His mother called from her window as she drove by slowly. "No, I'm fine. I prefer walking, besides, I'm going to a… Friends house." I smiled. I glanced at Kellin once more, his puppy eyes getting lost in my own, and before I knew it, his mother drove off.
I watched him drive off, and my cheeks puffed out slightly. I peered down at my hands, before starting to walk. I glanced up at the sky, sighing deeply and saying the gayest thing I have ever said in my entire life.
"Baby you're beautiful, and there's nothing wrong with you…" I imagined Kellin doing an adorable, goofy smile, and fuck… That got me running happily all the way to Jaimes house.