Hey everyone. I hope you enjoy my story. Dave is portrayed as the "new JT." He's always keeps everyone laughing, including Alli. Now it's Alli's turn to make him smile. A field trip leads to a new beginning. "I DO NOT OWN DEGRASSI OR THE BIRTH OF VENUS BY SANDRO BOTICELLO"
Class clown. Nerd. Friendly. Those were the words that described the old Dave. The Dave that did not harbor hatred for others in his heart. The Dave who would go out of his way to make everyone around him smile. That Dave was dead. He died along with the death of his father and brother. The two men he was supposed to model his life after. For long, he put up a façade as if everything was perfect. Him and his mother; it was far from.
"Class listen up. Today's the due date to turn in your permission slips to go to the Vancouver Visual Arts Museum. I have been planning this trip for months so I hope you didn't forget to get them signed." Mrs. Oh announced with her bubbly humor.
"Of course we remembered, Oh. It's a field trip," K.C. stated with the whole class agreeing with him.
Meanwhile, in the back of the classroom, Dave was looking at his permission slip. He knew it was wrong to forge but his mother wasn't exactly in the sober mood these days. "I hope I don't get caught."
As students turned in their slips, Mrs. Oh stopped Dave. "Dave can I talk to you for a moment?"
"I'm all ears Oh."
"I've noticed in the past month, your behavior is changing. You have become withdrawn from class and even your friends. Is something the matter at home?"
"No ma'am. I am just growing up and realized what used to amuse doesn't anymore." "Lord, please forgive my lie."
"I can understand that Dave but there is a difference between maturing and detachment. Remember if you need to talk. I am here, so is Simpson and Sauve'.'"
"Thanks but everything is fine." Dave walked to his locker casually. He knew she was right but he was not ready to talk yet. He loved his mom so much. Ever since his brother and dad died in a fatal car accident last year, things slowly went downhill. She started drinking and verbally abusing him. Sometimes it would go as far as physical. His mom used to be able to control herself, but lately she began to give into temptation.
As he opened his locker, K.C. voice brought him back to reality, "So what did she want? Did she suspect anything?"
"No man. She was telling me that if I need someone to talk to, she was all ears."
"She is right you know Dave. We are all here for you," K.C. said with a frown. Only he knew about Dave's reality. Even though he lived in a group home, he still envied Dave. Things were bad with Dave's mom, but he could still make them better with right, professional help. K.C. wished he could fix things with his parents.
"And here comes someone who is definitely on your team." When Dave heard K.C.'s remark, he knew who it was. It was none other than Alli. She was just so stubborn. She didn't get the picture. Wasn't the library a hint? He had been avoiding her ever since. It wasn't because he didn't like her; it was because he couldn't look into her chocolate eyes. He had to stay away from her; he was nothing but damaged goods. He didn't want to taint her too.
Sometimes Alli felt as if she was the only one who realized Dave had changed. Maybe she was the only one who seemed to care. It was pretty obvious that he was acting strangely. She had to admit her crush evolved into something more. Last year's prom really changed her opinion of him. He wasn't the king of cool but he was so nice. He made her stop feeling sorry for herself. She began to laugh at the trademark "Bhandunner." Her mind traveled to the first time Dave started to avoid him.
Flashback:
Alli was in the library doing research for Kwan. She had to do a paper on Shakespeare literature. As she was walking down the aisle, she saw Dave. He had his head delved in a book. Of course people read in a library, but his body language was alarming. He was shaking. She walked up to him and touched his shoulder.
"Are you ok?" Alli asked, concern in her voice. Dave just stared at her with blankness in his eyes.
"Just stay away from me." Alli's who demeanor changed. She suddenly wanted to cry. That was the meanest thing he ever said to her. As he got up, he accidently dropped his book. The title made Alli curious, "Ways to handle Anxiety and Depression."
"Dave is something wrong?"
"For once, mind your own business." Dave walked away, checking out the book.
"So…how have you been lately?" "Please don't ignore me." Alli couldn't help but notice how his whole disposition had changed. He used to be the funny guy who could make anyone laugh, now he was a walking ghost.
Dave couldn't ignore her, not with her so close, "Im fine. How have you been?"
They both knew he was lying, but in that split second Alli saw a sparkle of happiness in his eyes. "Why are you lying to me Dave?"
"I'm good. I was wondering if you were going to the museum tomorrow. Maybe we could hang out like old times?" How could he deny her? Her face was so cute. He would be evil if he could resist the puppy dog eyes.
"Ok, ok for old times' sake." Dave smiled. It wasn't fake either. It had been a while since one had graced his face.
Alli noticed it too, "it's so good to see you smile again. I'll see you tomorrow." As she walked off, Dave realized how much he missed her.
"Awwwwww Dave and Ali sitting in a tree."
"Shut up K.C. See you tomorrow."
As usual, he took the long way home. Less time at home meant less verbal beatings. Before he could turn the doorknob, his mom opened the door. "What took you so long, boy" she said with a stern voice.
Dave chose his words carefully; he didn't want to make her any madder. He could tell she wasn't in the mood to play with the whiskey bottle in her hand. "I was at school mom….finishing a project for media immersion class."
"You wouldn't have to been so late coming home it you had started on it earlier. You are just like your good for nothing father. He didn't care about anyone but himself. You should have been like Jamal. God took the wrong son." All of sudden she dropped the bottle and it shattered into a million pieces.
"Come on Mom, you need to rest." Despite her hurtful words, he still took care of her. He still loved her. When she was finally asleep, he cried. He cried for himself and her. What she said hurt his soul. Every day he prayed he could be more like his deceased brother and he tried to be. He tried to be smarter, more responsible, and more loving.
He soon cleaned the glass up and went to his room. Hopefully his mother would be out all night, but he still locked his door.
