It was Saturday morning and I was headed to school. I sighed. I was exhausted, and detention wasn't going to help that. Maybe I could get some sleep in there...

I hadn't managed to fall asleep at all last night. Mom was drinking, which has been happening constantly since her and dad got divorced. Since Darcy was gone and so was dad, I was the one picking up all the pieces. I was the one staying up with mom, making sure she didn't drink too much, didn't puke all over herself, or get alcohol poisoning. Making sure she didn't try to drive, which she's attempted a couple times, and making sure to clean up her messes when she spills a glass, or breaks a bottle or a family picture.

I was the one doing everything.

As I was walking up the steps and into Degrassi, I thought about the more pressing issue. She was asleep at home right now, but that wouldn't last long. She'd wake up and start drinking again. And she'd probably notice I was gone and flip out again.

The only thing she seemed to remember when she was drunk was when I was supposed to be home. If I was at all late, I would come home to find everything turned upside down. She claimed that she figured I was leaving her too, like everyone else.

At the thought of that, I pulled at the elastic on my arm and let it snap back into my wrist. The first time I'd done that I flinched, but now I'd done it so many times that I barely even noticed it anymore.

I looked down at the slip in my hand, the detention slip I had picked up from Mr. Simpsons office once I'd came back to school yesterday. It said we were supposed to be in room 103. I headed down the hall and towards the room.

When I entered no one was in there. I sat down at one of the tables. The room was empty or people. There was six large tables in the room and the teachers desk. I sighed for the tenth time that day.

I continued to snap at the elastic. I knew that eventually a blister would form, or the elastic would cut my skin. I kept snapping, hoping either of those things would happen soon. Something to distract me from thinking.

Finally more people entered.

First was Anya MacPherson. That was definitely unexpected. She was usually a good girl. Next came in Drew, who made sure to cast Anya an evil look before settling in at the back of the room at his own table.

Next came in Connor. Another surprise. I knew Drew and Anya, but I didn't know them. Not like I did Conner. And Connor was definitely not the type to get in trouble. I gave him a small smile and he smiled back before setting in at the table beside mine.

Mr. Simpson entered. "I'm glad to see you're all here." He said, then looked down at a piece of paper. "Oh, wait. Someone's missing-"

Just then Eli Goldsworthy walked in. I should have seen that coming. Eli was the resident bad boy, hanging out with the kids who smoked during break, and were sometimes caught stumbling down the halls, drunk. The ones who were usually pushing people in to lockers and getting in trouble.

He looked at me as he entered, his eyes going straight down to my wrist where I was snapping constantly at the rubber band.

I could only guess at what he was thinking, but I assumed it included the words weird or freak. Everyone treated me as if I was lately. Either they were whispering it behind my back, or they were treating me like I was fragile.

Everyone except maybe Alli and Connor thought I was damaged. But I had a feeling Alli thought I was too, she just didn't want to say it because she was my best friend.

I snapped the band a little faster.

"Alright, Eli. Find a table." Mr. Simpson said. Eli did, sitting at the only one unocupied, right behind me. "Now, I know you guys are going to think we're being stict one you right now, but I didn't have a full choice in this matter. So, until the lunch bell rings, you're all expected to stay in your seats."

There was various groans and protests.

"I know, I know. If you don't have paper and a writing utensil with you, I can supply them. The only activity you're allowed to participate in is writing or drawing." He said, and put a pile of blank and lined paper on a desk along with five pencils.

"Any questions?" He asked, giving us a smile and putting his hands together.

"What do we do if we need to use the bathroom?" Anya asked.

"One person is allowed out at all times. Since I'll be checking on you frequently, I'll know if you're taking longer than necessary, so I wouldn't try that." He said. "Anything else?"

When no one replied Mr. Simpson nodded and left. I didn't mind the rules but it was obvious everyone else did.


Review people! And sorry if it was short but I'll probably have the next chapter in in less than an hour. Anyone who has previously read my work knows that I tend to update quite frequently. I hope you enjoyed! - C