For the first day of school, it was a grim day. There was a chill to the air, dark skies with clouds as students returning to Berkian High School made their way from their mode of transportation into the building. Some took their own cars, others were driven in, and then, of course, there were the bus riders. The student lot was only for Juniors and Seniors, and it was separated by those categories too. In order to obtain a parking pass, a student had to maintain A's and B's all year. Only one warning would be given, and beyond that; their pass would go to someone on the waiting list. As well as maintaining good grades, there was a quarterly payment of $50. Some students paid the $200 up front, others paid $100 by the semester, and whoever didn't pick one of those options could pay it at the start of a new quarter. There was obviously a deadline for these payments and it went without saying that you had to have your license. There was no having a senior student be in with a driver that only had their permit. The school was very strict on their rules and to boot; they had uniforms. Berkian High used to have freedom dressing, but there were too many problems so they chose to go to uniforms about three years ago. The uniform was simple, but still allowed some freedoms to what was worn at school.

The girls could wear a mid-thigh, ankle, or knee-length skirt or the pants that the boys wore. Jackets were optional, so were the vests. There was a choice of long or short sleeve shirts. The girls did not have to wear heels, but if they chose to; then they had to also wear the white or black stockings if also wearing the skirt that was thigh or knee length. The shoes were unisex. There was a choice of wearing a bow or tie for the boys, but girls also had an option for a long or short ribbon-like tie. Gym clothing was to be changed as well, and they were basic too. Everyone had to wear shorts or pants with a tee-shirt. As well, showers after gym were required too. The students had the freedom to choose their own backpack style. The cheerleaders could wear their uniforms over the normal one if it was a cheer practice or game for the sports. Likewise, the players of those sports could wear their jerseys or jackets. The day started at 7:30 am, with a 7:25 am warning bell to get moving to class. There were two lunch periods, one for the freshman and sophomores then another for juniors and seniors. The day would end at 3:00 pm and buses would start pulling out by 3:30 pm. This gave everyone time to get their things, maybe see friends, and get to their bus if that's what they were taking. It also gave anyone driving time to leave before the buses did.

Detention started at 3:30 pm as well, and went til 4:30 pm. Getting an ESD, or Extended School day was a detention where the student would stay from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm. Most after school activities such as clubs or after school help started at 3:30 pm and would end at 4:30 too. Sports started at 4:00 pm and went until 5:30 or 6:30 depending on the sport. Games were entirely different, most of those during the week would start at 5 or 6 pm. The weekend games could happen any time. Like any school, there were the divided social groups. There was even smoking allowed on the grounds, as long as that student was eighteen and it was done during class switch or lunch period as it had to be outside. The hallways were patrolled by school officers, there was a principal, secretary, nurse, and dean of students too. Every student was to use their locker throughout the day, so it was expected to have what they needed for each class. The only time teachers would let students leave class was for early dismissal, called down by the office, or the bathroom. The officers patrolling the halls were ensuring students didn't side track to their lockers for forgotten items.

Students didn't have text books, they used assigned laptops where all their lessons were. Students were required to always have their computer chargers, notebooks, pens and pencils. Tests and quizzes were still done on paper, as were note-taking and projects. All reports had to be typed. Every class had assigned seats except for Physical Education. The reason for the lockers were because some classes didn't use the laptops, and it was a good place to store supplies to other classes like Music, Art, Tech-Ed, or Home Ec. Events for the school were mainly games, competitions, plays, shows, and dances. The basic ones were Homecoming, Halloween, Winter Formal, Spring Formal and if you were a junior or senior, Prom. This school was great, and there wasn't really anyone who hated him. It was strict but fair. And right now, it was 7:20 in the morning on Monday, August 30th in the year 2021. Students were crowded in the halls, some hanging out with friends and others just trying to get to class before the warning bell in five minutes. It all seemed so confusing and exciting to the one student who just arrived with his parents. The male had auburn hair and green eyes and there were freckles on his face, his hair was untamed.

"Excited, Hunter?" Inquired a male with red-orange hair and green eyes.

"Do you want me to answer that honestly?" Hunter remarked.

"Salvatore…" Warned a woman with long autumn hair and blue-green eyes. "There is nothing to worry about, Hunter. I'm sorry you have to attend public school for senior year, but nothing could be done about Archia Island Preparatory Academy burning down. This was the only place that still had room for more students. Some of your friends are here from the academy, so you're not alone here. It's only until June and also…We'd like you to keep an eye on your brothers and sister, who have started here as freshman…"

"Yes, Mom…I know." Hunter sighed. "Let's just get it over with…"

There was a short walk to the main office, and getting into the room. "Hello, there. Welcome to Berkian High!" Greeted the secretary. "I'm Magna-Elina Ramirson. How can I help you?"

"Hello, we spoke on the phone last Friday about our son attending for his last year due to Archian Isle Prep Academy burning down. I'm Salvatore Haddock, this is my wife, Valerie, and this is our son….Hunter." Salvatore stated.

"Yes, of course. Due to the short notice, we'll have to place him in electives that still have space, unfortunately. I'll also need you to fill out the registration forms to make a file for Hunter. For now, I can take basic information," Magna-Elina smiled.

"We'll handle the forms. Hunter, will you tell the secretary whatever she asks, please?" Valerie hoped.

"Sure…" Hunter nodded. His parents received the forms and split them up while sitting down to get started. "What do you wanna know?" He asked.

For the next ten minutes, Hunter answered the questions about name, age, and whatever else the woman needed to know. It seemed she was imputing the information into an online file to make his schedule for classes. At 7:25, the bell had rung for warning, then again for first period at 7:30 am. By 7:45 am, the secretary had printed out a sheet and gave it to Hunter.

"This is your schedule, Hunter. You have four main courses, required Physical Education and Health, then standard Study Hall and lunch. I also added in your locker and the code it's set too. You're on the Strike Team," Magna-Elina informed.

"Classes and locker I get, but team?" Hunter wondered.

"The school is broke into seven teams. Strike, Mystery, Sharp, Tracker, Tidal, Boulder, and Stoker. It means everyone on your team will have all the same classes at the same time. This makes it easier for us to keep track of who is where during emergencies like lock down, or fire drills," Magna-Elina explained. "The principal will explain rules and what not, he should be right out."

As if in cue, the principal's door opened revealed a large ale with brown eyes and black hair, somewhat darker skin. "I hear we have a new student," The man smiled.

"Yes, he's right here, Principal Bludvist. Hunter Haddock," Magna-Elina stood up, motioning to Hunter.

"Ah, excellent. Come right in, Hunter," The principal invited as Hunter walked in and took a seat in one of the chairs across from the desk, then the principal sat down. "My name is Donovan Bludvist, principal of Berkian High School. Over there to my right is our Vice Principal and Dean of Students, Vincent Grimborn," Hunter saw the man in the other office, he had short brown hair and brown eyes. The male waved and got back to work. "You really only need to see him if you're in trouble or I'm out," He informed. "Now, I hear you attended private school from the 5th grade to 11th?"

"That's correct, sir." Hunter confirmed.

"May I inquire why you went from public to private, now back to public school?" Donovan inquired.

"Had my school not burned down, I assure you, I'd still be there…I didn't want to come back." Hunter admitted. "But it's because I've always been…Different and got bullied for it. And before you ask different how, it's the fact I've always been attracted to males, and knew at thirteen I was gay. I've never been ashamed of it and I'm still open about it, but I rather not get picked on and beat up for personal choices." He explained softly.

"Understandable," Donovan agreed. "Well, Hunter…If you have any issues here, you can bring them to any teacher or go right to Mr. Grimborn over there and it will be dealt with,"

"Noted," Hunter replied. "So…What else do I need to know about this place?" He asked.

"The school's layout is a big square with a few extra halls. It's labeled with letters A-G. The square is A-D. E, F, and G halls are the extras. I'll show you during the tour," Donovan stated. "This here is the Regulations Book," He handed Hunter a small booklet. "Now, if you didn't notice it out in the halls…This is a school that has uniforms. Due to the last minute-ness of it, yours will not be here until next week…So until then, you can wear regulars clothes. Nothing crazy or offensive, of course." Hunter nodded to him. "You also don't have a school computer, so we'll need to get a few extras," He considered.

"Can I use my own?" Hunter wondered, pulling it from his bag. It was an Apple Macbook. "It would save you money from having to buy one for just one student to use for a year,"

"I suppose that's true. All the kids have Chromebooks, and set to be operated by the school's network…" Donovan said.

"I can add the school account to my users, and then be able to access all the same things." Hunter offered.

"I believe that will be okay. But no switching to your regular account during school hours, alright?" Donovan remarked.

"No problem," Hunter reassured. "Just get me the school account log-in information,"

"I'll get it to you before your first class. I believe the secretary is still setting things up for you." Donovan responded. "Now, you know the school day runs from 7:30 am to 3:00 pm. Buses close their doors at 3:25 pm, and leave the grounds at 3:30 pm. Detentions, ESD, and after school activity times are in that book. Question, do you drive?"

"I do, and have my own car…" Hunter replied.

"We do have some parking passes available, at a cost, if you like one?" Donovan asked.

"How much?" Hunter inquired.

"$200 for the year. But that payment can be made $100 per the two semesters or $50 per quarter," Donovan answered. "I'm sure you'll want to ask your-," He began.

Hiccup got out his wallet and gave the man $200. "No need to ask them," Hunter stated.

"Well, alright then. I just need your license, and also the make, model, year and license plate?" He grabbed a pen to write things down as Hunter fished out his license.

"2016 Black Hyundai Elantra. License Plate number, DGNRDR-02." Hunter informed.

"Great, you can pick up the pass at the end of the day. Now, how about that tour and I can drop you off at your first class too?" Donovan offered. Hunter nodded and stood up when the principal did.

The two exited the office as Hunter said goodbye to his parents, who were still filling out paperwork, and left with the Mr. Bludvist to see the school. While walking, Donovan explained the school's layout and where all the places Hunter might go were, such as the gymnasium, fields, nurse, library, and computer lab. He also showed Hunter where the home ec rooms were down the F-Hall. Hunter learned A-Hall was his main spot for labs, nurse, library, guidance office and whatnot were. D, E, B, and C halls were all classrooms. Hunter learned that the classrooms were labeled for both a letter and number. It was organized and Hunter liked that. Hunter also met the security personnel guarding the exits of the school, four in total. Most of them watched the bathrooms and exit doors, to ensure students weren't doing anything they shouldn't.

Coming up on a classroom in the B-Hallway, Hunter took notice of the letter and number on top. It was E-11, so this was his Science Class and it was already 8:15 am. If Hunter remembered right, this class would end in fifteen minutes. Then he'd go to Language Arts in C-7. Beyond that was Health in A-10, then History in B-9. Afterwards was lunch, and the final two classes were Music in F-3, and Math in D-6. Hunter did see that in semester two, he's switch out Health for Gym, and that was held in G-1. Donovan knocked on the door and waited for the come in from the teacher before opening and then walking in.

"Principal Bludvist, how nice of you to drop by. How can I help you?" The teacher smiled.

"Not me, Mr. Farmer. I have a new student for you," Donovan guided Hunter inside the room.

"Wonderful. What's your name, lad?" The man, Mr. Farmer, asked.

"Hunter," Hunter replied.

"It's good to meet you, Hunter. I am Mulch Farmer, your twelfth grade science teacher. You can call me Mr. Mulch, Mr. Farmer, or Mr. F," The teacher informed. "Thank you, Mr. Bludvist!" Mr. Farmer said as Donovan left the room. "Hunter, why don't you tell us a little about yourself since we only have about ten minutes left?" He invited.

"Sure, I guess…" Hunter paused "I'm seventeen. Have a mom and dad. I have siblings and cousins who are in the high school too." Hunter said calmly. "I used to go to a private school, it burned down over the summer. My birthday is the 29th of February, I live here in Berk and I have a license and a car…I play a couple instruments. I like inventing, I'm good with technology. I plan to go to college to be an engineer," Hunter tried to think of more, but he hated doing this kind of thing. "What else you wanna know?"

"Favorite subject in school?" Someone asked.

"Car you drive?" Another questioned.

"Favorite color?" Someone else wondered.

"In order; don't have one, 2016 Hyundai Elantra, and green," Hunter replied.

"Favorite kind of music?" A male asked.

"I listen to anything," Hunter said. "I usually use it to drown out the world around me."

"Play any sports?" Someone inquired.

"Used to play in the summer baseball league, maybe a little ball with dad in the backyard," Hunter shrugged.

"What position you play?" The same person asked.

"I jumped around between catcher and pitcher. Maybe outfield a time or two," Hunter told him.

"You gonna try out for baseball this year?" He wondered.

"Nah. It was nothing I wanted to do. But my family was always busy and my godfather was overseas, so they needed to put me somewhere in the summer while they worked. It was just something to do," Hunter mentioned.

"Scared you won't make the team?" Asked a male with black hair and green eyes.

"I have better things to do with my time," Hunter replied. "Baseball was never something I wanted to do," He added.

"You play checkers, chess? Into art?" A girl asked.

"Checkers and chess, not a hobby but I do know how to play. Art, definitely." Hunter replied.

"What school did you used to go to?" Mr. Farmer wondered curiously.

"Archi Island Preparatory Academy," Hunter replied.

"And you said it burned down?" Hunter nodded to answer the question. "How?"

"I don't know the details, but the rumor is two guys were screwing around in the boiler room caused the pressure to build in the pipes with gas, causing an explosion. The smoke detectors picked up the gas, so everyone got out safely. Only a few got knocked back from the blast, and some students and teachers got burned helping others moved farther away," Hunter explained.

"Two guys?" Someone wanted to know as Hunter nodded. "Friends or lovers?"

"Lovers. If you're trying to find out if the screwing around was sex, the answer is yes. And as far as I know…They did get in trouble for the fire, but no legal action because they were fifteen." Hunter mentioned.

"Gays always causing trouble, and they wonder why they aren't accepted in society…" Someone sighed, it was the male with black hair and green eyes.

"It was an accident. Anyone in the LGBT community is probably less likely to be a trouble maker because we already know we're not accepted. Certainly not gonna do more to make people think bad of us. The no acceptance comes from people like you, making that comment, who think it's wrong for two people of the same gender to be attracted to one another." Hunter remarked firmly. "It's not wrong for a teacher and a student to be in love as long as they are over eighteen, is it?"

"I never said that," The male commented.

"You dodged the question. Is it wrong for a student and a teacher, both over legal age, to have a relationship out of love?" Hunter asked the guy.

"No." He answered.

"Is it wrong for two people to be in love if there's a ten or twenty year age difference?" Hunter asked.

"No," The male said again.

"Why?" Hunter pushed.

"Cause they're in love. And no matter how strange it looks or seems, it's still love and they're happy then whatever. At least that's what my mom says," The guy shrugged, arms folded over one another.

"But do you believe it?" Hunter questioned.

"I guess, ain't none of my business who loves who," The guy remarked.

"If you believe that, and say it's none of your business…Then shut it about the gays," Hunter stared at him. "What's it matter if two guys or two girls love one another? It's still love and they are happy…So it's whatever, right? And don't try to use the sex argument either. Sex is just a physical act between two people, doesn't specify man and woman, for pleasure. To relieve sexual tension or arousal. A physical way to express love, same as kissing, hugging, and whatever else. Pleasure is pleasure. An orgasm is an orgasm. How it's obtained doesn't matter. The same goes for love, it can happen between anyone and it still feels the same way." Hunter scoffed.

"Well said, Hunter," Mr. Farmer stated. "And accurate. You'd be great on the debate team."

"It's not debate, sir. It's fact. Love between a man and woman is no different than two men or two women being in love. Maybe it looks different. Maybe it feels different. Maybe the sex is done differently. But the feelings are the only thing that matter. Love is love. I'm not trying to change anyone's opinion, just make them see mine too." Hunter replied.

"Great, point seen but as you said…Can't change my mind. Doesn't matter, there's no gay or lesbians here. I'm sure if there were, they'd love hearing you speak so strongly on their behalf." The male stated.

"Oh, there's probably a bunch here…And due to people like you saying the things you do about them is why they haven't made it known. Fear of not being accepted or liked, so better to hide it and blend in. Also, I do feel strongly about it. Of course I'll stand up for them. I don't believe in judging others." The bell rang. "One more fact about me…Just for the sake of not giving a care in the world who knows…And not being afraid to make it known. I defend them because I'm part of that community. I'm gay and I'm damn proud to be. I have no shame in what I am or who I am." Hunter turned and exited the room, leaving just about everyone still inside in shock.