Part 3
They gave him a pair of jeans, a t-shirt and a sweat shirt. Vin was allowed to keep his socks and sneakers. He still felt naked and alone. The guard had told him the rules, the teen didn't remember any of them since they all meant the same thing-he was locked up for a long time. The guard left him at what would be his room, a white linoleum tiled room with ten twin beds with directions to head down the hall for some food. Tanner didn't think he could eat, but he knew he shouldn't stay in this room any more than he had to.
Vin followed the noise level and found himself in a room as large as his high school gym. He looked around at all the unfamiliar faces and kept his head down as he grabbed a metal tray. He didn't know what food was being placed on the tray, but the tray was heavy by the time he reached the end of the line. He was about to dump it in the trash, when someone interrupted his intentions.
"I wouldn't do that. We only get roast beef once a month." A boy about his age, with a buzz cut and an earring through his eyebrow placed an arm around his shoulder. "My name is Kyle. I'm sitting over there." The boy guided Tanner to the table. "So you're new here."
"Yeah, I'm Vin." Tanner sat down, looking down at the fat congealed around the roast beef. Kyle seated himself next to Vin.
Kyle was talkative, and Vin listened as he picked at his food. "So, this is the 'Mic.' We are not one big happy family—those," He pointed to a table, "are the Goths-any black clothes and they'll barter you for them. We got lots of gangs. They wear their colors, and you'll know who is who, just stay away from them unless that's your thing."
Tanner shook his head. He didn't want to belong to anyone or anything. A gang was not in his plans. He just wanted to survive each day.
Kyle shrugged his shoulders. "Those are the loners."
Vin jutted his chin out in acknowledgement. "And what about you?
"I'm different." Kyle whispered.
"Oh, yeah?" Tanner's eyes remained downcast at his tray. The food was disgusting. He craved Buck's cooking, the warmth of home.
"I like everyone," Vin felt a hand tug his long hair, "but boys especially."
Tanner stood up, catching the edge of his tray causing it to jump and spill over. He grabbed Kyle's collar and pulled him up. "Keep your hands off of me or I'll, I'll. . .kill ya." He whispered his deadly threat, meaning every word.
Two guards immediately came forward, pulling Vin away and restraining him. The other guard questioned Kyle.
"Nothing going on, I just had something on my neck." The other teen replied. The guards released them, as Kyle walked away he turned and blew a kiss to Vin.
Tanner ran back to the dormitory, breathing hard he tried to control the panic welling up inside of him. The murderous words had fallen effortlessly from his lips. He still felt the rage at Kyle's suggestion. He touched his hair, feeling the silky waves. He needed to adapt.
The next day began with 4 hours of class. He pocketed the safety scissors, sliding them into his jean pocket. At night he waited until after bed check, keeping close to the wall he made his way to the bathroom. He stood in front of the mirror, hacking off clumps of his hair in an uneven fashion because of the scissors dullness. He stuffed the long locks in the toilet and flushed his past.
He learned in the first week in order to survive he would go through the motions of living. Vin kept his head down, not making eye contact, trying to avoid any future trouble. He became a loner and more of an introvert, attempting to make himself disappear if need be.