Chapter 1
60 days before infection
Gary Smith
Summer was finally over and to Gary that meant freedom. A new school year was about to begin and since Happy Volts couldn't allow for regular tutors, they were forced to let their youngest lunatic free. Free. Freedom meant having to visit one of three therapists every other day, having to take a colorful assortment of happy pills and having to live at home with his insufferable grandfather and idiotic mother. But then again, he'd take anything over a padded cell; and all he had to do was sign on the dotted line
"Alright Smith, you understand that by signing this contract you agree to take your medication as prescribed, visit your doctors when you are told to, and tend to your education at the school you are enrolled with or else we will be receiving you back at Happy Volts for the rest of the year, yes?" Who did this idiot director think he was talking to? None the less, Gary flashed his good boy grin and answered with the accompanied tone.
"Of course sir, I read the contract carefully."
Idiot
"Very well then, you may pick up your belongings at the front desk," They rose to leave, Gary and his mother, "I hope you've learned a valuable lesson from your mistakes young man and pray that you do not repeat them, otherwise you will see yourself back through these asylum doors."
Blah, blah, blah
They shook hands with the director and were escorted out of the asylum by one of Gary's favorite neanderthals, who cast angry little glances at the boy and shook his head.
Aw, we're already missed
Parked outside the gates was Mrs. Smith's car, Gary's grandfather sat stoic in the front seat. The gates rolled shut with a loud clang behind them, the orderly not bothering with a heartfelt goodbye. Gary slid into the backseat of the car with his plastic bag of belongings. The silence became painful the moment Gary's mother slid into the drivers seat and the car lurched forward.
The ride home was pure agony. There was an awkwardness that hung in the air, mostly between Gary and his grandfather. The old man didn't want him. He'd made that perfectly clear two weeks ago when, during a family visit, he giddily informed his grandson that no private school would take him and that his only option was military school in Washington.
Oh wasn't that a fun day?
Luckily for Gary though, Mrs. Smith was oddly attached to her only son even after every attempt at love and affection had failed. Behind her father in law's back, she gave secret 'donations' to a public school district that was in a nearby town; so of course they agreed to enroll her son into the school nearest Bullworth Town.
Bet the old prick enjoyed that one
After an hours drive the car mercifully pulled into the driveway of his grandfather's estate.
Ah, Old Bullworth Vale! Smells like sandalwood and greed
Mr. Smith was the first to get out. He slammed the car door with more force than was needed and stomped away angrily without addressing anyone. Gary smiled. The old mans tantrums never failed to amuse him. He got out of the car and was about to head inside when his mother came up and embraced him from behind. His back tensed with the unexpected touch but relaxed after a few seconds.
"I'm so happy you're home Gary. Things are going to be different this time." Gary said nothing. She stayed in place expecting some kind of answer but nothing came. When he realized she wasn't going to let go anytime soon, he shrugged her off and proceeded to his room. Mrs. Smith couldn't help a heavy sigh. Maybe military school wasn't such a bad idea.
Once in his room Gary closed and locked the door behind him. He walked straight to his bed and emptied his bag. There wasn't much, the bag wasn't heavy, they were just the things Gary had on his person when he was admitted to the asylum. It all lay in a small pile, his old Bullworth Academy uniform on top. He picked up the teal vest and ran his thumb over the fabric. It used to be his fathers back when teal was the standard color. A much younger Gary had found it in an old box up in the attic the day his father was sentenced to prison for embezzlement. It didn't fit anymore. He had grown quite a bit, nearly as tall as any prefect, but still managed to stay lean, not that it was hard since the patients were kept half starved. He tossed it aside along with the other articles of clothing. Next he found his old leather wristband and watch; he could never part with those and strapped them on. The only thing left was a white paper bag that held a months worth of medication. He pushed them aside and crashed down on his bed. He wouldn't miss that old piss stained piece of foam back at Happy Volts. He looked about the room; nothing was changed since last time he was home, nearly a year ago.
Bored, Gary reached for the TV remote. He never did like watching the idiot box, Gary made his own entertainment but there was none to be had here. He flipped through the channels, nothing keeping his attention for too long, until he finally settled for local news. A report about whatever was wrapping up and soon a busty Latina appeared on screen.
Wonder how many old farts she let climb on top of her so she could get this gig
He snickered at the thought.
"A stunning breakthrough in medical science, a small group of researchers funded by various pharmaceutical companies have developed a serum they claim can heal, repair, and stimulate damaged brain tissue. Agent X, or the 'god serum' as some have called it, was created primarily to bring patients out of comatose and vegetative states but these companies say that with more research, it could be used for much more. Currently in testing phases, it could be quite a while before this miracle drug is approved for human use."
Hmm, that was actually pretty competent
From below his mother called for dinner. Gary couldn't wait to see that old prune at dinner while his mother babbled away, unsuccessfully trying to break the awkwardness. But right now, Gary was looking forward to eating something other than cold gruel.
yea, pretty slow start but i gotta set up some background before the fun starts. hopefully it wont take too long.