Adam:

It was agonizing; two days after my cruel beating and heading to school. I had a chance to heal slightly yesterday because my father was out with his drinking buddies again. I grabbed that opportunity by the horns. I didn't get a lot of attack-free days, but when I did, I cherished every second of it. Today, however, I had to go to school. Eber was home. It was always either go to school and endure the pain, or stay home and risk more damage. Every muscle in my body ached and protested when I moved them. I had to bite back tears. It wasn't nearly so bad when I was sitting still, but the problem with school was that there was a lot of movement involved. I mentally apologized to my body for never catching a break.

It was lunchtime and I was outside sitting at an isolated picnic table. No one ever sat down next to me when I was at a table, and I really didn't want them to. I loved being alone. I didn't have a lunch, I never did, but I was always hungry. I only got to eat every once in a while. The fridge in my house really was only stocked with various beers. Eber would always eat out while leaving me at home bedridden. Even though I didn't have the money to go out and buy myself anything, stealing still wasn't much of an option.

I just sat and read the Wicked novel. Yes, I was also into musicals and such, so sue me. I just loved the story and idea of it. I felt similar to Elphaba in some ways, except I wasn't green. I had read this book numerous times; the spine was worn out and some of the pages were wrinkled, but I always read it with the same amount of suspense. It never got dull. I just wished I could actually go and see the musical.

The air was nice and quiet, except for the chatter of the students at the other tables, but I tuned them out. The breeze felt wonderful in my hair, caressing me and drying the sweat from the effort of merely walking. The smell of everyone's lunches filled my nostrils. My stomach growled and I ignored it. I sighed quietly, enjoying the temporary peace.

My thoughts started to wander around. I stared blankly at my book, not really reading it. I could finally think without all the loud hustle around me. I realized: What the hell was I going to do in a few years? That is, if I didn't end up dead. I couldn't stay with my father forever. But in order to move out, I would need a job. I could try pursuing my dream of making music, but that would never happen to me. It may be a surprise, but I really could sing. There are born naturals and molded talents. I think I was a blend of both; I could always sing very well, but it was only before my mother died, when I was taking voice lessons, that I really learned how to control and properly use my voice. But just because you have talent, doesn't mean you're going to make it anywhere with it. You have to create your own opportunities; they won't just come to you. I was chained down with no escape, how could I ever set out for my chance?

My peace and quiet was interrupted when I noticed out of my peripheral, someone sitting down across from me. I looked up curiously and somewhat annoyed, and my eyes widened slightly, seeing that new kid from the day before—what was his name? Sam? Stewart? No, it was something more foreign. Maybe it was Sully or something? Yeah, I think it was Sully— sitting there with his face cupped in his hand, propped up by elbow, and smiling at me. I was shocked.

"Hey, Adam," He said. His voice was soft warm, and comforting, not at all sarcastic. He had a hint of an accent, but barely noticeable. I didn't notice that in my anger yesterday. His tall blond hair shimmered in the sunlight and swayed gently in the breeze.

"Sully…?" I tested slowly.

He sighed and held his finger up. "That is not how you say my name," He insisted. "It's Sow-lee."

"Sauli," I echoed. Sauli's eyes widened and looked impressed. So I said it right or something?

I acknowledged him with a nod, and then looked back down at my book. I was still relaxed even with him still in front of me, mostly because I was trying to not tense up and put stress on my wounded muscles.

I guess he just had no place to sit, being new and all. I could bear his presence, as long as he kept quiet.

"What are you reading?"

I sighed heavily. Seriously?

Was he trying to talk to me again? Shocking. Well, I gave him points for that. Normally, people tried to avoid me at all costs and vice-versa, so I might as well give him the benefit of the doubt. He was cute and all, but I could tell this was going to get really old, really fast. His smile, I didn't trust, and quickly after shock was paranoid suspicion. Why was he trying to talk to me anyway? I mentally noted to keep my guard up at all times with this one.

I closed my book and reluctantly handed it to him, raising a questioning eyebrow at him. I was slightly worried that he was either going to rip it up, or run away with it in hopes of making me look like an idiot in front of the school. If that was the case, he could keep it. There was no way I could attempt to run right now and not die. He took it and remained in his seat. I relaxed slightly, but still on edge. He looked at the title, and then flipped to the first page. His eyes lit up. Maybe now he was realizing how incredibly "uncool" I was for liking musicals.

"Wow, I remember reading this obsessively," Sauli enthused, "You have great taste."

Maybe the beating from yesterday had damaged my hearing.

Did I hear that right? I had great taste? He agreed with me? That was… surprising. He handed the book back to me, and I quickly took it, biting the inside of my cheek when a sting shot up my bruised elbow. Once the book was back on my lap, I relaxed more, not needing to fear the murder of one of my only possessions by Sauli's hand.

"Thanks," I muttered. So he liked musicals too, that shouldn't really matter, but I was glad to hear it.

"So you're a fan of Wicked?" Sauli asked in an honestly curious and lazy tone. He was ridiculously calm right now, and I thought it was because he was trying not to set me off.

"Uh, yeah," I muttered pathetically, still not really used to talking to people casually, "It's one of my favorites." What the hell was I doing? This was the longest conversation I'd ever had and it was making me uncomfortable.

"Mine too…" Sauli trailed off, seeming to be in thought. Was he shocked that someone like me could have something in common with him? Because I sure was.

I glanced around quickly, and noticed a couple people from a distance looking over at our—my table in confusion and whispering things to each other. I clenched my fist. Ugh, mind your own goddamn business, people. None of them, including my own self, were used to seeing someone, especially someone like Sauli, interacting with me in a friendly manner. I didn't like the attention this guy was getting me, and I half-heartedly wished he would just leave me alone.

Then Sauli laughed, and he took me by surprise yet again. My head snapped back in his direction. He had such a musical, melodic laugh. I stared at him, confused. He noticed and shook his head at me.

"Sorry," Sauli said, trying to keep from laughing again, "I was just remembering this one part in the book when—" he was cut off.

"Sauli!" We both turned to the direction of the voice. I mentally snickered at the butchering of his name, because I knew it was probably bothering him. The look in his eyes proved it.

Ugh, shit. It was Alex. He was once my best friend, long ago in primary school, before any of this shit started happening to me. And now, years later, he just didn't like that I was different and showed his opinion to me by any means necessary, usually physical. Like I didn't have enough to worry about. He ran up to the table. Naturally, he was wearing the crappy school logo on his gym shorts and a grey sweatshirt.

"What are you doing talking to this freak?" He gestured to me without looking once at me. I glared at him. "Come on, let's go." He said before proceeding to grab Sauli's arm and dragged him away.

I watched them leave, having no intention of intervening. Sauli looked back at me with sadness in his eyes, as if to apologize. I frowned as they turned a corner and disappeared from my sight. I was feeling low and shocked for two reasons:

One: he made friends with those fuckers? I knew it would happen, but I was still somewhat upset about it. I didn't want him to get caught up with that kind of crowd. I had been right; he was just like everyone else. He belonged with everyone else. He was probably going to shut me out when he found out how unattractive it was to be seen talking to me.

And two: I was almost sad at seeing him go, and that terrified me.