"Odd One" – Sick Puppies

"Odd one, I wish I was you / You're never concerned with acceptance / We are all desperately seeking out / And fitting in with anyone / Who will accept us / But not you, Odd One"

The alarm on my phone began to beep, making me groan in pain and annoyance at the thought of having to go to school, a new school for that matter. A new school in the middle of the year to add to that. Huh, I should probably stop complaining. I was now going to be a junior at La Push High School, the only high school in town. I heard from Jonathan, who had graduated from there back in the Stone Age, that the student body is so small that all two-hundred students can fit on one side of the gymnasium's bleachers and still be comfortable.

I dragged myself out of bed, which was just a mattress on the floor with a comforter and some pillows since I was too lazy to do more unpacking last night. I walked over to the bathroom, thankful that my mom and Jonathan got their own attached to their room. At the apartment we had in Downtown San Antonio, all three of us had to share one bathroom. Talk about torture. I took a quick shower and dressed up in pants and a thick wool sweater that I had never gotten to wear in humid Texas. Here, it should keep me nice and warm though. At least some other good besides escaping my psycho ex-boyfriend came out of this move. When I walked downstairs, I saw that my mom was already up, trying to get the Keurig machine to work.

"Stupid piece of crap," she hissed at the machine. She slammed her fingers down on random buttons, desperate for her cup of coffee in the morning.

"Mom," I said, "plug it in."

She looked behind the machine, frowning to see that in her drowsy stupor, she had forgotten to plug the Keurig in. "I hate my life," she groaned. Ditto.

Back home in San Antonio, I would just walk through Downtown to get to the high school. However, here in La Push, I have to go near the dense forest, which is filled with all sorts of animals that would love to get a bite out of me. I'm fairly sure all I taste of is Cheez-Itz and Dr. Pepper since that's all I ever eat during my downtime. Anyways, I digress, I do not want to walk to school in La Push because I'm willing to bet my whole savings account (that's another depressing story on its own) that the nearby forest contains bears, wolves, and whatever else there is that has sharp teeth and devastating claws.

"Are you sure you can't drive me?" I asked Mom one more time.

She huffed and placed a mug under the spout for her coffee on the Keurig. "I've told you several times before Darren, I have a very important job interview that I have to leave for in twenty minutes. Maybe once Howie gets here, he can let you use his car."

Howie was Jonathan's dad, and the reason why we had to move here to La Push. He was getting too old to live on his own with arthritis in both knees, a cataract in his left eye, and his hearing starting to go so much that one had to scream in order for him to hear; it was pretty obvious that he needed help. He's supposed to move in later today after he's done settling things at the retirement home he currently lives in. Then he'll take the downstairs guest room so that he won't have to take the stairs.

"Can't," Jonathan's voice sounded from the living room where the faint sound of the news could also be heard, "he sold the car to help pay for medical bills. Anyways, Darren, I told you, it's not that far. Walk. End of discussion."

"Yes, Sir," I mumbled, irritated that he had been eavesdropping. I continued my morning routine of doing my hygiene, packing my book bag with the essential items, and grabbing my phone off the charger. I had made sure to call the school office yesterday to see what I had to do on my first day, and the administrative assistant said to report to the attendance office to pick up my schedule. That seemed easy enough.

I said my goodbyes to my mom and Jonathan and started on my way through the community. It was chilly outside, a gray overcast creating a gloomy mood about the area. There was a sidewalk that passed in front of my house and let me through a little patch of grass over to the stone barrier from the rest of La Push. There was an iron gate in the wall, wide enough for only one person, with a keypad on the outside. As soon as I exited Mountain Shadows, the gate slammed close with a clang and there was a click of a lock that could be heard. I guess the people in the gated community wanted to keep both wilderness and most of the La Push population away from them.

I pulled my iPod out of my pocket and shuffled my songs, a Motown song playing first. I walked along the outside of the gated community sidewalk, which went alongside a semi-busy road. Jonathan had told me that the high school was only about three-quarters of a mile away from the house, so it'd take me about fifteen minutes at my slow pace to make it there.

The beats of The Temptations began to get drowned in the growl of a loud engine. So far, I've seen a lot of Jeeps and Chevys on the road, but none of them would create a rumble like that. I glanced over my shoulder, a little nervous that it was the growling of a large wolf or something. To my relief, it wasn't a monster dog or anything, it was only a motorcycle.

Oh! It was the Paul Lahote guy that Jonathan hated!

He was driving up towards me as I was walking with traffic. This time, I managed to get a better look at the bad man of La Push. He still wasn't wearing a helmet, his short black hair getting ruffled by the wind. The permanent scowl on his face only seemed to accentuate his manliness, that along with the dark sunglasses that were only needed to keep debris from his eyes, not for the sun. He wore the same black leather jacket from yesterday, only this time I could see that it was unzipped to reveal a tight white shirt that stretched across his powerful chest muscles. All that was missing was a cigarette to complete his total rebellion look that he seemed to be going for.

Paul revved the engine and glanced my way, as most motorists do when surveying their surroundings. However, unlike most motorists, I saw his hard expression go from its apathetic stance, to shock. His jaw dropped and his sunglasses slid down his nose, letting me see his brown eyes from far away which were wide like his mouth. Then something unexpected happened: his mouth pulled up into a little smile, all the while his gaze was fixed on me.

Then he passed me by, continuing on his way.

That was weird, I thought to myself. All I was trying to do was walk to school, minding my own business. I didn't expect to earn a smile from the resident bad boy…or bad man seeing as how he was in his thirties now. Oh well, there was no point in dwelling on it. He came and went, that's all.

I continued on my way to school, finally able to see the small two-story building off in the distance. It did seem pretty small, much smaller than my old high school. Back at my old school, I tended to blend into the crowd. Sure, people knew me as the nerdy guy who passed all his classes with flying colors, yet I was by no means popular. People knew me, but as more of an acquaintance than a friend. Originally, I had planned on carrying on that social strategy here with me to La Push, yet once I saw how small the school is, it might be a little hard to blend into the walls.

My phone buzzed in my pocket. Oh great, I wonder who that could be…yeah right. Rolling my eyes, I pulled out my phone and glanced at the text from Vincent: Hav a nice day, I luv u! xoxox

It'd be a nice day if he got hit by a bus, I thought, then immediately felt guilty about being so morbid.

The music on my iPod began to fade out again as it was muffled by a loud engine once more. I looked up from my phone only to see Paul on his motorcycle again, this time going the opposite way on the same street. Maybe he had left something at home? As he drove by me, his gaze stayed trained on me just like before.

I could feel my body tense and my pace quicken. I was only a block away from the school, so as soon as I get inside, I'll be safe from Paul's awkward stare. This just had to be coincidental. There's no way a grown man would turn around in light morning traffic just to get a look at me. The roads weren't too busy though, but I'm betting that's just because of the small population in the town though.

Soon Paul was off, gone in the other direction.

I began to scan my surroundings just in case Paul came back around again, looking for a building that I could run into and hide. There was a little convenience store that I had passed by a block ago. I had planned earlier to walk there during my lunch to buy some chips and a soda, but now it seemed more like a sanctuary that I could run to in order to escape the weird motorist, lest he should attack. The stories that Jonathan had told me last night about Paul belonging to a cult resonated in my head, only intensifying my anxiety.

I crossed the last intersection and was finally on the same block as the high school. I made it! And I didn't get murdered in some cult sacrificial ritual! That right there makes this a good day. I made my way up to the entrance, cutting through the parking lot and the grass field.

The rumbling of a motorcycle engine grew louder, sounding like it was right behind me, pulling into the school parking lot.

No way!

Too afraid to look behind me, I hustled forward and rushed into the school. I'm willing to bet that Paul's not the only person to own a motorcycle in La Push, yet the odds of him being the one in the parking lot, following me, is pretty big. I do not want to risk it.

Once inside the school, I saw several of the students glance my way and whisper to the person right beside them, most likely talking about the new kid being here. With this being such a small town, I'm sure that a new student is big news. Which is weird to me, since I've never been the center of attention before, nor do I like it. I'm kind of shy, so sue me.

Now to get my schedule. "Excuse me," I asked a nearby student who had just walked in, "could you tell me where the attendance office is?"

She paused in her steps and looked at me. "Sure," she said. "You're the new guy, right?"

I nodded. "I don't really know where anything is yet." I gave a nervous chuckle at the end of my corny statement, feeling my face turn a little red due to my shyness.

"No worries, I'm actually part of the student committee, so it's my job to show new students around."

"Oh, cool."

"Name's Claire," she said, holding out her hand.

I shook it. "Darren," I replied.

"So the office is down this way," she said, leading the way down the hall that was mildly crowded with students. The school seemed a little too large for such a small student body. "So you're going to talk to Emily, she's new here, but eager to work so she'll help you out if you have any questions about your schedule."

"Alright," I responded, mainly to show that I was listening.

Claire led me to an office that was at the other entrance of the school. "Right in there on the left," she said. "And don't stare." She turned on her heels and sauntered off to her first class.

Don't stare? What is she talking about?

I went through the door and was greeted with the smell of baked goods. The spices and sugar filled my nose with a pleasant aroma that made my mouth water. Was this an office or a kitchen?

"Hello, there," came a voice, "you must be Darren Bentley."

"Yes," I said as I turned to see a young woman sitting behind a large desk. She was a petite woman with her long black hair in a braid that was lying over her shoulder. Then I understood what Claire had mentioned about not staring. The woman had long scars marring the side of her face, dragging the side of her mouth into a scowl.

"I'm Emily Uley, the new admin," she said. She motioned her hand toward a basket with a kitchen towel over it. "Muffin? I'm not used to not having to bake since I got this job. So I just bring them in for the faculty and students."

Wow, she's friendly. "Uh, thanks," I mumbled, grabbing the first one I saw. Blueberry. I like muffins and sweets. "So I was told to come in here to get my schedule."

"That's right," Mrs. Uley said, opening up the filing drawer that was in her desk, shuffling through some papers. "So, Darren, you're a junior?"

"Yes, ma'am," I answered.

Mrs. Uley chuckled. "Oh Sweetie, call me Emily. Ma'am is too formal for high school. Anyways, you should be in the same class as my niece, Claire. She's a senior, but not too good at English, so she'll be in your class. Maybe you could help her out?"

I nodded. "I'll see what I can do." I had considered getting a job once I got here; hopefully save up enough money for a car. I don't like walking to school, especially if there's a weird motorcyclist who follows me. Then I perked up. "Mrs. Uley-"

"Emily."

"Oh, sorry. Emily, do you know a Paul Lahote?" I asked, curious to see if there was anything that I needed to fear walking to and from school.

She laughed. "Know him? He's like my brother, comes over to my house every Sunday for dinner. He and a few other guys used to be over every day, but now that most have left for college, only he, Quil, and Seth still come around. Oh, I think I went off on a tangent. What's up, is Paul giving you a hard time?"

I shuffled my feet. I couldn't tell this woman that I thought her almost-brother was a little psycho. "Uhh, he and my stepdad knew each other." I technically wasn't lying.

"Oh yeah? Who's your stepdad?"

"Jonathan Patrov."

Emily grimaced and then looked embarrassed. "Sorry about the face. He and I didn't get along in high school."

Does anybody in this town get along with Jonathan? Well, I guess my mom makes one. "Well, I guess I should be getting to class," I mumbled.

"Here's your schedule," Emily said, handing me a slip of paper.

"Thanks," I said. "And thanks again for the muffin."

"No problem," she smiled. "And let me know if Paul gives you any trouble, I'll put him in line." She laughed to herself after that.

I gave a faint smile and exited the office. I looked over my schedule real quick:

1). English

2). AP US History

3). Physics (gross)

4). Pre-Calculus

5). Spanish III

6). Theater

7). P.E.

Theater? I've never taken theater before in my life, nor do I have any desire to. I'm too shy to be doing public speaking! I turned back into the office. "Hey, sorry to bother you again, but there's a problem with my schedule," I said.

Emily was on her cell phone, talking in a hushed voice to someone. "…yes, he's alright. " She glanced my way. "Have to go, he's here. And congratulations again." I could've sworn that it sounded like she was talking about me to someone. Oh well, there are more important matters at hand.

I handed her my schedule. "I'm signed up for theater," I said.

"Okay?"

Alright, I need to spell it out. "I'm, kind of…shy," I mumbled. "Is there another class available?"

Emily frowned. "Sorry, Darren. But the district requires an art, and theater is the only one available this semester. It's out of my hands," she said. "But you'll do well, I'm sure of it. You know, that was the only class Paul got an A in."

I didn't think of Paul as the theater kid type. He seemed more woodshop than performance arts.

I left the office and went to my first class. Sure enough, Claire was in there. She waved at me, signaling for me to sit next to her. I did, and pulled a notebook out of my backpack, ready to jot down whatever notes the teacher would write on the whiteboard.

"So a couple of us go across the street to the burger joint for lunch," Claire said, "you should come. It's pretty good."

Well that beats my chips and soda alone idea. "Sure," I said. "Thanks."

The first half of the day went by fairly quickly. Claire was only in my English class, and I wasn't social enough to reach out to other people in any of my other morning classes. After Pre-Cal, lunch started and I met up with Claire and her friend out in front of the school, near the faculty parking lot. The two of them were talking about some guy when I walked up.

"Hey Darren," Claire waved, "this is Lola." She pointed at the other girl with her. Claire, by far, was the prettiest, with her clear skin and slender frame. If I was straight, I'm sure I would have had a crush on her.

"What's happening?" Lola asked, giving me a head bob.

"Nothing much, just the regular school stuff," I said.

"How are you liking La Push?" she asked, the three of us beginning our walk over to the burger joint.

"It's alright," I said. "Kind of different from Texas, but it's still cool."

"You don't have to lie, this place sucks," she laughed. "If it weren't for Seth, I would apply to colleges far, far away from here."

"There she goes again, talking about Seth," Claire mocked. She pulled out her phone and sent a quick text, Lola giving her a knowing look. "Ever since the two of them got together two years ago, they've been inseparable."

"Like you're the one to talk, with you and Quil," Lola teased.

"Do they go here at La Push?" I asked, trying to get involved more in the conversation.

Claire shook her head. "They already graduated."

"That's right, we date older men," Lola laughed.

I laughed along with them. I could see myself hanging out with these two for high school. Well at least until they graduate at the end of the year.

"So, Darren," Claire pressed, giving me a little nudge with her elbow, "you got a boyfriend?"

Thoughts of Vincent entered my head, and I could feel the blood drain from my face. How could they have guessed that I was gay already? Was it the way I walked? Did I move my hips too much? Was my voice too high and feminine? I decided to play it off cool. "No, I'm actually straight, and single," I stammered. "But I don't believe in dating in high school." I added that last part as insurance in case they ever tried to set me up with a girl.

Claire cocked her eyebrow. "Oh, uh, okay." She quickly pulled out her phone and shot whoever she was talking to another text.

Lola bit her lip and immediately changed the subject. "So, Seth is taking me out to dinner and a movie. He said it'd be nice to do a double date, Claire?"

"I'm down," she answered. She turned to me. "Darren?"

Like I want to be a fifth wheel on a double date. "I don't know…"

"It'll be fun," Claire added, sensing my hesitation.

"Besides," said Lola, "Seth was going to bring a friend, a guy by the way so we're not trying to set you up or anything, so you won't be a third wheel or anything."

"Okay," I reluctantly agreed. I suppose it would be nice to peek out of my shell. What's the worst that could happen?

We made it to the burger joint and walked inside, seeing many other students already lined up at the counter, placing their orders. I began to scan the menu that was up on the wall over the cash register. Mushrooms sound good today. How much money did I bring?

"Oh, there's Seth friend now," Lola said, bringing me out of my search. "Paul! Over here!"

What?! I jerked my head over to where Lola was signaling. Sure enough, there was Paul Lahote, just entering the burger joint. He looked our way, his eyes glued on me again. He sauntered over, my heartbeat speeding up.

He was freaky tall and built. He had almost a foot on me, and at 5'10'', I considered myself tall. His muscles made him look like an amateur bodybuilder, like he could pick me up and rip me in half if he wanted to…which I pray isn't his motive for staring at me. As soon as he was in front of us, he took off his sunglasses and the side of his mouth twitched up into a smirk.

"'Sup?" he asked me. "Name's Paul." He held out his hand.

"Darren," I almost whispered, intimidated to the max. I took his hand, surprised at how warm it was. He completely engulfed my hand with his own beefy one, but he didn't shake it. Instead, he bowed down and planted a small peck on my knuckles, prickling me with his light stubble.

"It's very nice to finally meet you," he looked up, that smirk still on his face.