Ch. 1 (John)
At the behest of a shrieking alarm clock, John Egbert opened his eyes and stared at the blank white ceiling of his small room. Slowly, his vision began to adjust to the pale rays of light sifting through his window, and he rose, eyes drifting over his many treasures. Posters of movies only he seemed to enjoy, his stuffed rabbit, Liv Tyler… and, of course, his pet salamander, Casey. 17 years of memories lined the walls, but never before had he felt so out of place.
Today would be a novel experience in more than one way. He had been looking forward to his Senior year since he started middle school, but the events that had taken place over the last few months had turned his excitement into nervous anticipation. He could not pretend to understand the months of legal battles that had set the Supreme Court aflame, nor was he aware of the intense debates taking place on the Senate floor even now. All he knew was that life was about to change forever. Today, the Trolls would be allowed to attend public schools.
The prospect horrified his father. Each morning, they would eat breakfast together as the debates raged on the kitchen T.V. With each new right the Alternians gained, his father would shake his head silently, a picture of disapproving toleration. However, the hands that crushed the borders of his newspaper until the veins popped out did not escape his sons notice. Years of being pulled to the other side of the street when a Troll passed by, countless nights listening to his father read sensationalist stories of Alternian violence… Where he should have been giddy with excitement, now John was nauseous with fear.
With growing reluctance, John began to get ready. He had hoped that the familiarity of his trademark Green Slime tee would calm his nerves, but somehow, even it felt foreign and uncomfortable. Heaving a sigh of defeat, he slung his bookbag over his shoulder and headed downstairs. Years of sneaking midnight snacks to his room had afforded him a light step, and he managed to sneak by the kitchen, avoiding confrontation with his father… for the time being, at least. One door later, and he was outside, filling his lungs with warm summer air. His neighborhood was silent, the identical white houses extending as far as the eye could see. For that reason, the old red Cadillac parked in front of Johns driveway drew the boys attention immediately. "Took you long enough, Egbert." Called a familiar voice. Johns' eyes drifted to the trunk of the car, where a lean young man stood, sunglasses turned towards the rising sun.
With perfect nonchalance, Dave Strider dropped his cigarette to the ground and stomped it out, running his a hand through his sandy blonde hair. "D-Dave! You're on time!" John called out, a grin of surprise spreading across his face. The older boy shrugged, but a thin smile teased his lips as well. "C'mon, Egderp. I'd never keep a lady waiting." he teased, opening the passenger door of his car with a dramatic sweep. John couldn't help but giggle as he settled into the passenger seat, feeling some of his tension melt away. Ever since he had saved him from getting his lunch money taken in fifth grade, Dave Strider had been like the older brother John never had… though he would never figure out why someone as cool as Strider would hang out with someone like him. He supposed it was one of the many secrets Dave kept hidden behind the unchanging stare of his black glasses.
Once the initial ribbing has subsided, John found himself staring out the window, watching suburbia scream past him at a speed he was certain was quite illegal. With nothing but Dave's indie music to fill the silence, he found his mind again wandering to the enigma of the coming year. What should he expect? Would he be attacked? Would it be safe to walk the halls? Would he have to talk to them? Did he want to? The questions surged through his mind, pushing up his heartbeat and forcing his breath to come in short gasps. "You okay over there, Egderp?" Dave asked, glancing over at him. He pulled another cigarette out of his jeans and offered it to his young friend, then placed it between his lips and lit it, inhaling deeply. John sighed, wishing he had half of Dave's courage, but he supposed it was just the differences between people. Besides, he had no more time to think. With growing dread, John felt the car slow, easing into its parking place. There would be no more delays… it was time to face the unknown.
