So, I this is gonna be drowned out, but I'll try to explain this quickly- this is gonna be part 1! I hope you enjoy, see not that long- but hey let's read this. Downton Abby is on!
A Broken Being: Part I
My bag dangled over my shoulder, same with my backpack as it clung to the other broad joint, both were heavy- filled with gears, books, cleats, overdue homework, mouthpieces, bottled waters, and my ever so many jerseys- including tonight's uniform. I was the captain after all, and I knew for a fact that I have to show up earlier than the rest- or I'd get to run some extra laps. I gazed around my room, it was a mess- I know it was, my clothes were thrown about, chip bags, wrappers, soda bottles, plates piled in every corner and any cranny of the room. I cringed at the thought, Saturday was cleanup day. Every Saturday, Dad would inspect our rooms- every Saturday, and every room, each and every time he would find a mess in here. Except that this was the last week of school- the last day: Summer vacation was upon us, this meant there was no way to cover this up-besides actually cleaning it all up. "Ugh.." I shook my head in thought.
"Alfred?!" I turned, walking to my window- I peeked a glance out, my dad was waving from outside the van slumping over it with a smile over his lips. I knew he caught my glance, as he snickered a bit- and I ran back out- speeding down the stairs only turning at the last step, hurrying quickly I ran out to a hall.
Bark!
I turned back,
Bark!
My head tilted- as I ran to the dining room. To my dismay it was my dog. He sat up- staring me down with a joyous short snout.
"What you doing here?!" I asked, stern, angered and heated. He lowered his head over his paws, a thick glob of clear drool running down to the table ruining my Mom's favorite doilies- "Washington, listen to me," My breath became rough and warm as if he knew what he was going to do. "Get down- Mom'll make you sleep outside for a year-" Just as the words crept out of my mouth he dropped his head, pouncing from the table-down to the ground. "Good boy, Washington." I gave him a wink.
He was a tiny dog- but Mom and Mattie hated him, he never listen to a word they said after all, and he practically hated them right back. They were more on the side of cat people, not a bad thing but Dad and I wanted an all American dog to fulfill my childhood, a Boston Terrier. Small paws, mushed face with perky ears, he was black with a white center and a smi-triangle face. He always drooled, and was expected to spend his day outside- and come in only to sleep in my room, but I turned in late last night- so the poor boy probably had to spend his night outside.
"Dad must have let him in for breakfast." I crouched down, scooping him up and holding him between my chest- as I tried to nuzzled my nose to his. He rose a paw to my cheek, "I'll take you to the park tomorrow, kay buddy?"
Bark!
I nodded, before settling him down to the ground. "Stay outta Mattie's room," I warned him, "or Drake'll bite ya!" I spat, he jumped back at the name of his mortal enemy. I gave a light chuckle, before passing up the table and rushing off to the front door, I could hear Washington's paws scratch the floor behind me. I turned back as he looked at me, quickly he sped off rushing far away from the hall in front of me.
"Stay out of my room, Washington!" I shouted, I could hear him squeal. "He.. found the cat." I thought, before turning back and stepping out.
Honk!
The minivan honked- throwing me back. I stumbled a little as my Dad beckoned for me to hurry up- and run to the car. I fished through my pockets, wishing to find my keys. Nothing.
Honk!
I waved- hoping to let him know I was hurrying, but he continued to press the loud horn,
Honk!
Flustered, I shook my head ferociously before slamming the door shut. "Mattie can close it when he gets home." I thought.
Honk!
Confused I turned back to my Dad, " What?!" I shouted, he only quivered his lip into a thin smile. I ran across the yard, only for him to beep me again, I groaned in pain at the noise. I sped up next to the car door, yanking the handle firmly. It refused to open, I mouthed open to him. He shook his head slowly. No, he mouthed back- he only pointed to the back of the car. I saw his fingers move to the dial on his left, just as the back door pumped open. I got the message, rushing to the rear of the car I pulled the back door fully open- as I laid down both my bag, and backpack.
"Hurry up, Alfred!" He called in a stern tone.
"Yeah, what else am I doing?!" I responded, turning back I jogged back to the passenger seat, pulling it open and sliding in.
"Seat belt bear?" My dad asked handing me the hazy blue bear, I sighed but slid it over my belt- then firmly jerked back the belt, pulling it over my chest and clicked it into position. "You all set, champ?"
"Yes, come on Dad! I can't be late!"
" Yes, Mr. Fussy-" He whispered inaudibly- as he snickered on.
It was notably quiet before my Dad spoke out," How was your run today, Alfred?"
"Long.." I groaned, "and cold." I responded, with a glum mouth. He quickly silenced himself, as I reached forward, turning on the stereo. The stations were always the same- rap and RNB. Good, but not for pumping up my blood. Until, I hit one special station.
(Do you ever feel like a plastic bag
Drifting through the wind, wanting to start again?
Do you ever feel, feel so paper thin-) My Dad turned to me, face begging me to.
I smiled eagerly as He nodded, the chorus played and we both knew our parts,
He kept his eyes in front staring at the road, "You just gotta ignite the light and let it shine-" He pointed a finger to me,
"Just own the night like the 4th of July-" He stared into my eyes, taking up my left arm in his rights, he snickered a bit.
In union we both shouted, "Cause, baby, you're a firework~!" I bounced a bit in my seat as Dad stopped at a stop sign, "Come on, show 'em what you're worth!" He sang along.
"Make 'em go, "Aah, aah, aah"~!" I rolled my head to the side staring at him. He perked his lips, gasping for air. We firmly chuckled in our seats- I shook my head in pain.
"I love you son." He shook his head proudly, I reached forward and lowered the volume as the car started up again.
"I know." I agreed plainly. It silenced a bit- but my Dad quickly knew how to start something up,
He smiled through his talk, "Are you nervous champ?"
"No, never have been." I responded.
"I know that- but what about your team?" He chuckled, "How are they doing?"
"Shiting they're pants- probably." I retorted, "Schools never even passed the preliminary rounds," I bit my upper lip, "Dad this is all new to them." I smirked a bit,
"You'll be the hero?" He asked, a gleeful look crossed over his face. I turned to look at him,
" I guess so.." I scoffed, "I'm the normal hero."
"Alfred, you are not normal." He said, crossing over he stared back at me, quickly looking back over to the road.
"I know- 16 no powers- that makes a failure to you supers," I slid lower in my seat, " and normal to the humans?" I answered with a scowl crossed over my bright face.
The car came to a sudden stop- and I pulled myself up, starring all around in worry."Alfred F. Jones- You are not normal, no normal human can run 5 miles a day- go to school, have straight A's, stay at school till around 9 at night, then come home and walk Washington at 10?"
"I still don't have powers, Dad."
He pursed his lips, "You can bench press like 250."
"I've seen you carry a train, Dad." He silenced as he sunk lower into his seat- and sighed before readjusting his position. He began the car again, and I sat back.
"You still don't know- Alfred. We aren't normal," He glanced over to me, " That means we are all different- somehow."
"Everyone has already gotten their powers, Matthew- and god knows all those other freakin kids-"
"Alfred-shut up," He grumbled in a low mood, "I didn't even mean your powers.." He shook his head firmly, "Heck, you don't need powers- you've made it this far in life, you can live without them." He pouted. Again silence was spread through the car- I wrapped my arms around my chest, hugging myself.
"Dad, I know- I don't need them," I gave a scoff, "I think my life's a bit more peaceful without them, right?"
"It's better not to have them Alfred, it gets all weird and," He paused groaning- he cracked his neck in an awkward position, " It's like you're always in puberty." He chuckled.
"I know- Mattie's always bitching-"
"Imagine your Mom!" He broke into a laughter, but I just stared at him- head shaking in shame.
"Not cool, Dad." He paused, looking over to me- eyes bewildered. I hushed and I could feel a heavy heat spreading from him.
"Can I pay you to forget that?"
"You're gonna need to."
Dad pulled into my school's drop off lane- My high school wasn't old, it was pretty new actually. Davis Jefferson High, not even ten years old, and it already looked worn down. Proudly, a sign hung over the entrance in red, white, and freedom blue ( "Congrats Eagles on making it to the championship!")
My Dad pointed up to it, "Looks like they pulled out all the stops, Alfred" I turned to look at it,
"That's new?" I asked confused, remembering passing that last night without any notice of the giant sign.
"They love yooou, Alfred."
"Yeah…" I scoffed a bit, "I bet they do." I winked at my Dad, he chuckled.
"Now get outta my car," I nodded, unbuckling my seat belt pulling it back, after hopping out- I bolted to the back, pulling open the back door. I slung my bags over my shoulder, pushing it up. I laced my backpack over my arm- stomping forward to the window of the car. My Dad slid it down slowly- giving me a toothy smile. "I'll see you later." He nodded.
"See ya." I rose an arm waving back at him, he put his car to gear, and sped off. I sighed, staring at my super Dad. He was real. I was real, but I could never match up to him.
"Alfie!" No. Oh shit! NO! I groaned at the voice, turning slowly. I perked half my lip, in an attempt to give a weak smile-
"This crazy Bitch," I muttered under my breath- "Hey Natalia!" She quickly grasped my shoulder, I know she had found me- I couldn't just mistakenly run and act normal later.
"Hey Alfie! Listen, I was really… Lonely when you left me yesterday-" She tapped my shoulder, a wink in place.
"I didn't leave you-" I pursed my lips, "I had to go meet up with coach, and I thought I told Tony to take you home?" I tried to look calm as she slid her arms down my back.
"He was just so boring-"
"Alfred!" Tony's voice broke through the wrapping wind, I pushed her back- running up to him. I could hear Natalia grumble as she tried to keep up.
"Morning Bud."
"No such thing as a morning when you slept an hour!" I retorted.
"I know- got home like around 3," I rose a brow before he added, "I had to walk home." He shook his head, running his hands through his platinum blonde hair. His eyes were a stingy green- and his skin a silky beige color. He wasn't tall- but boy was he fast.
"Really?" I asked, "I thought you of all people would sleep in on the last day of school." He simply gave a giggle- as we turned back,
"Coach wants to see ya." He spat in a baffling tone.
"I know, but someone showed up before I could run-"
"Alfie! Tony! Wait up," I could hear her voice cracking as she sped up.
"Her?" Tony pointed back, his lips formed a stern line.
"Yup." The same bony hand gripped my shoulder, "Her."
"Guys, I want you to know that tonight I'll be rooting for you-"
"Alfie?" Tony questioned looking back at her, she seemed to snarl at him. Natalie was our head cheerleader- she was sweet, and pretty her hair long- platinum blonde wrapped in a luscious creme bow. Her eyes dark- enough to confuse them for a deep violet rather than a blue shade. She wasn't short- awfully tall for a girl, actually Tony's height. He only smacked his lips.
"Yeah, short stuff." She smacked her lips in a giggle.
"Oh, flat chest wants to talk!" He threw up his arms- her eyes narrowed piercing through him.
Without missing a beat she turned to me- flashing that bright smile she did for the crowds, "Alfie," She said dearly as she wrapped herself around my arm, " He's missing more than just his height, huh?"
"Natalia, I found your boobs," Tony called pulling me to him under his arms, " but then someone erased them off the paper."
"You know something?"
"What?!"
"Look-" I pointed forward, both pulled away lunging forward trying to find what I pointed out. I pulled back, slowly retreating before kicking off into a full on sprint.
"What? Wait.. What Alfie?!"
"Alfred!" I could hear their heated voices, I shook my head- as I could feel my bag slamming against my leg. I crossed a corner of the gymnasium, hitting the clearing as I knew that I was out of the view of those two I slowed into a steady jog. I sank lower as a huff of cold breath escaped my lips. I was tired, and I could feel the baggage taking its load. "Alfred, you just have to make it through today, then it'll be naps for days!" I prepped in a low tone. I sprinted clear off to the back of the gym- knowing that it would be open, I pried it open. The warm air rushed to me, burning off my face and all hopes of hypothermia. I sped past the entrance, crossing in I turned a sharp corner leading off into a locker room. They were painted a deep hue, I sighed finally happy to be in a warm environment. My locker was the largest, it was positioned by itself off in the middle- across from the smaller lockers meant for the ordinary P.E students. I had my own bench, letting down my baggage- I slid down, sitting down head pulled into my legs. The light in there was dark and hushed, but you could make out the fact that I was the only one in here.
"I want to go home." I sighed, "Today was the day." I thought my eyes never looking up. Natalia, and Tony hated each other. None of my friends had liked each other, and I couldn't care. This makes me, me. My dad would give me a lecture- never allowing me to speak in such a manner to anyone, including the humans. I knew a few of my kind, well not my kind but Matthew's. They never really spoke to me but they would acknowledge my existence- nodding once they caught hold of my sight. I've met all of Matthew's possible friends- but never that blonde fellow from this morning. Matthew always avoided humans, always skipping off on my games- and giving void explanation.
" I guess it's just a Super thing?"
" I know right!" I could hear the kids roasting up, the door was pushed open. "Hey guys.." I could them stop at the door, "It's Alfred!" I quickly tuck my legs down, parting my arms from my legs I slumped back laying my back to the cool wall. The voices rang quickly, as I could hear a pile of men running in.
"It's true!"
"Hey Alfred!"
"Ah! Alfred!"
"Al!"
"Hey, it's Jones!" Quickly, I hear a break in the commotion.
"Where is he?!" I sprang to life, my legs gaining strength quickly, I stuttered out,
"Yeah- Uh!?" I threw all hope of rest, " Coach- I was just.. putting my things away-" A clipboard in hand: He was stubby, dark, cool skin, fresh shaved, and bald man. His uniform matched mine, he had gotten it made specially for this. He was rough, but could never lead his 'boys' anywhere in the games- leadership was a failure on this team, until I joined. I turned that all around.
"You're okay boy- Villano spoke with me." He rose his clipboard, beckoning for me to come to his side. I rushed forward,
"Yes, sir." I responded quickly. He smirked, as he throw his arm around my shoulder tugging me along. The boys made a clearing allowing for us to exit the room, I turned back momentary, " Wait!" I called, my coach only rose a brow, " My stuff!" I exclaimed, only for him to give a hefty grunt.
" Lorinaitis!" I could hear the boy startled at the footballs coach call, as a short feminine structured boy cleared from the crowded piles of boys, shoulder length chestnut hair, mint touched eyes with peachy tan skin, his cheeks consumed in rouge. I knew him simply as Toris.
"Hey Dude!" I mouthed as he peered slowly, I flashed him a quick smile- he was kind, he helped me study: and didn't think I was an airhead. He spotted for me well into after school without a complaint, always agreed to partner up with me, and made sure my grades were on point. Sometimes he would bring me food, and I mean food. Nothing compared to this guy's Cepelinai: the meat was always perfectly seasoned, with the mushrooms diced and cheese curds. He would say his mother made it- but I could see the look of relief when I instantly loved it. " Put away Jones's thing, please?"
He nodded quickly, before making his way behind the strong wall covering the changing room. As he left, the rest of the boys followed tails between their legs- scared of coach.
Coach eagerly shoved me forward, I eased through- knowing where to go we walked down a thin hall. I made a sharp left, entering into his already lit room. I could hear his toothy smile, behind me. I let myself in- jumping over to the couch he had placed in there. He stumbled in head and all- slamming the door behind him.
"My boy!" He spat- only for him to pull in his office chair, crossing a leg over it before giving up his weight and letting it fall to the seat. " Did you get enough rest?" He asked, a bit annoying for my taste. He knew when I went home- and I doubt he cared for my rest, so I simply responded with a shrug.
"I guess." I answered plainly, resting my head over the backboard- my body aching for a minutes worth of rest.
"Well- I just heard what today is?!" He exclaimed proudly.
"Game day?" I answered, turning my head towards him- he firmly shook his head.
"Captains Birthday!" He exclaimed, he pounced from his seat gripping my shoulders in excitement, he was surprisingly fast for a big guy- I gave him a smile in response.
"Who told you?"
"No one- I looked it up, and our patriotic boy was born today!" He wrinkled his nose- " When we win- we go celebrate, okay?!"
"Can't be too late- I got plans with my family." I retorted, he brushed it off like usual- only waving me off.
He smirked lightly. "Now- Jones did you finish the thing?"
"Yeah." I sat up- " The papers are on the your desk," I pointed behind him, he nodded- promptly spinning back and taking up the papers in a fist full. " Villano and Smith as wide receivers?" He asked unsure of my move. I blinked unhappy,
"Yes.." I bit my inner lip, "Is there a problem?"
He lifted his arms, "No, of course not-" He continued down the paper- " This looks about right, Jones?"
"Yeah- follow that, and you'll win." I said in a low tone. I could hear him sit up in his seat,
"Alfred Jones, without you-" He pulled out an extended limb, his hand. "We'd still be sucking on those Beaver's dicks!" I nodded. "Shame you didn't show up sooner- we'd have won nationals." He sighed, staring down at his arm. I smiled, taking it up he pulled me into a hug, I patted his back- as he did mine. "Now go to class, and finish this boy." I nodded, before turning back to the door, and leaving the room.
End part I
Aww! Please let me know what you think and stay tuned for the next chapter- part 2!-avv90
