The Black Sheep

"Want some chocolate? It's dark chocolate. Bitter. You might like it."

"What the Hell? Where am I? Why can't I move?"

"Tsk. I'm trying to make you feel better. C'mon dear, chocolate?"

"..."

"Sigh. I'm trying my best here. I thought that bringing you here and offering you chocolate might help calm you down."

"Where am I? Is this the principal's office?"

"Ah. You don't remember? Tsk. Guess I'm still learning how this works. You might also just lose memory after we are done here too."

"What are you talking about? Let me go, man."

"Don't panic, dear. I just want to talk - hmm, delicious - You sure you don't want some? Well... anyways, what I want to talk to you about is this... Tell me, exactly, what is your true goal?"

"My goal? So what about my goal? Why are you asking?"

"Alright. Fine. I have no reason to lie here. I need to make sure you are on the right track."

"Right... track?"

"I'll make you a promise, just tell me exactly... what you are going to do here... in Weststar. In exchange, I'll let you go free. Do you understand?"

"Okay listen, I just want to be seen as a good guy, alright? That's all! Now let me go! Let me go!"

"Sigh. Fine. Honestly, I really need to get better at this... You're free to go."

I opened my eyes after dozing off with my face leaning against my hand. Did I sleep? Did I dream? I swear I almost remembered it, but the moment I managed to open my eyes entirely, the memory I had in my bubble of thought when I slept disappeared.

I rubbed my eyes and recalled the room I am in right now. It was an air-conditioned room filled with polished cabinets and display cases of trophies and files. The chill of the room could be the reason why I managed to sleep all of a sudden. In front of me was a polished, wooden desk with a wooden nameplate, displaying the name in gold engravings: Principal Roy Fernades. The room had a grand feeling of history and might. It was as if we were about to sign a declaration for the country. The wall clock shows 1 PM, it had been 30 minutes since Thursday's school assembly. I wasn't alone in the room, as I stretched my arms and legs while sitting on a comfortable one-seater sofa, I noticed another person, Orchid who sat on another one-seater beside me. She stood stiff as a board as she noticed me, we both had a sour expression when we were reminded of why we're both here.

With the sound of a creaking door opening, Principal Roy had just returned to his office and sat down behind his desk in front of us. We both breathed heavily and was afraid of what's about to come. 

"Good morning to the both of you," said Principal Roy in a very strong but fatherly voice as he scanned his desk for a file.

"Good morning, Principal Roy," was the only reply from me. Orchid was silent, she looked down to the floor when I turn towards her.

"No need to feel so nervous, you two. I just want to make sure no real problems were made from yesterday's incident," Principal Roy wore his glasses and his eyes hover over the file he had in his hands. "Now, mister. Tell me exactly what happened yesterday," he nodded down with his eyes looking at me.

"Okay. Listen. Listen... All we did was chatted a little. It was fine. I just had this strong energy that got everyone's attention. I was just so fired up, you know? School's over and all... no offence. I love school, but I was way more excited to be home to see my doggie again, see?"

The most painful thing about being in trouble is that the trouble itself was already over, the real trouble is the trouble that comes after the real trouble. What am I saying? I'm just sweating bullets hoping not to be expelled.

"We weren't doing anything wrong. I swear."

"Hmm... that sure is a story, mister. But the rest of the school who so happened to be there told me a different story. They told me you and Ms Orchid here had a fight.," Principal Roy took a glance at Orchid, she gave no reaction to it, almost nodding in return.

 I just want you to tell me exactly what happened. Why did you two fight?"

A drip of cold sweat stream came down my cheek. Gosh, I swear sweating under the air-con feels way more horrible than I thought, especially when the principal is at you, catching your lie.

"L-Like I said! We chatted, but me and Orchid. Oh ho! We sure are the best of buddies. We would tuggle like the best of buds! We were just joking around." Orchid returned with a look I cannot understand.

"I'm pretty sure 'tuggle' isn't a word. I'll let Mr Nolan know about your need for an extra touch in your English studies," Principal Roy now reached for a single essay paper that was placed with the rest of his file book.

"I do value my students above all else. And I need to make sure you learn your lesson here, mister. If I catch you lying, I have no choice but to punish you. This paper I have here is a short essay Ms Orchid wrote in regards to the incident. She has written down exactly what had happened and why." Now I know what the look Orchid gave me meant. I felt like the only one being given a life sentence, while the others are about to run free tomorrow.

You know what, I think I deserved it. Looking at Orchid now, I see no remorse in her eyes. She ain't letting me off the hook. I guess punishment is what I'll gladly accept at this point. This is the end of the line.

Principal Roy then proceeded to read Orchid's description of what happened, he cleared his throat and read aloud:

"I'm sorry to admit that yesterday's incident with my fellow classmate was indeed a fight. It happened around 10 minutes after the bell rang. The witnesses I know of were Mason Kennedy, Michael Moore and Johnny Smith."

Principal Roy looked at me with judging eyes.

"The details of the fight were as follow: My classmate walked over to me all of a sudden which frightened me. But what I didn't know was that he wanted to pull a little prank on me, which was what he intended to do from the very beginning. Knowing him, he has an energetic personality and teased me about my inability to speak. For having a lacking sense of humour, I took it seriously and knocked him on the face with a book, which of course caused quite a stir. He, luckily enough, didn't retaliate and was left surprised. In the end, I was the one who started a fight for no strong reason. I apologise."

Principal Roy's brows were raised; his mouth was pulled down as he nodded his head in disbelief. I on the other hand had the most painful smile I could ever imagine on my face, my brows were wrinkled and were swirled around my forehead. "P-P-Prank?"

I tried my best to maintain a natural look which, looking back, wasn't natural at all. "S-See? Principal? We were just goofing off. I was supposed to give her a little prank! No big deal. No hard feelings for each other," I gave Orchid a little elbow, to which she just stared at me, looking a little negative.

Principal Roy took a moment to breathe and placed down his glasses. "I guess I misjudged you, mister. You really have a weird sense of humour. But at the same time, I do not advocate teasing girls in my school, especially about their disability. This is a warning, for both of you. I want to see good behaviour from you two from now on, I'll be watching."

We both got up from the one-seated sofa and was about to leave the cold room, me being full of relief and dripping in sweat. "And, Ms Orchid. I would like to talk with you for a moment, please," Principal Roy added, giving me a jump. I turned, "Oh ah, sure. You... Imma wait for you Orchid, buddy. Don't go anywhere.... while I... wait," I flashed another fake smile, to which Orchid wasn't impressed with. I closed the door, hoping that Principal Roy was now fully convinced in Orchid's story. Anyways, I still have zero ideas on why Orchid would downright save me from the pit of Hell itself there. 

Soon, after leaning and brushing my finger against the smooth white wallpaper outside the principal's office, Orchid walked out and closed the door behind her. I came forward all of a sudden, my eyes staring directly into Orchid's soul. "Why?" I asked. "Why did you do that? I was prepared to be expelled."

Orchid puffed out a hot gas of smoke and pointed a finger on my face, which backed me off. "Alright, whatever.  We won't talk about it again, since you don't want to talk." Orchid gave another strong exhale, before walking away. "No-no-no honestly. T-Thanks. I mean thanks for that. I didn't deserve it, but thanks."

Orchid stopped and looked at me a little surprised. She then took out a pencil and a notepad, after writing on it, she gave it a fast tear and gave me a small message: "Stay out of trouble, please."

#

With hands in my pockets, I walked down the school hallway on my way back to class. My mind was left wondering about what just happened back there. It felt as if it came straight out of some TV show. My ass was saved in such a dramatic way. It was as if the words came out of my mouth actually did buy into Orchid's own story of the fight. She, for having no real reason, decided to have her ass gotten by... well, I take that back. She took the bullet, that's what I'm supposed to say.

She could have said, or written how it was a misunderstanding that I threatened her yesterday or something like that. She didn't have to go so far as to call herself the real guilty one now, right? Or maybe, she did have a reason?

My face was all blushing and was hot enough to steam weenies for lunch. Oh boy, I did not just get the attention of her now, did I? She even had to go so far as to take the bullet to send me a signal? Oh my, my heart is throbbing.

"Hey! Get to class!" a prefect the height of a skyscraper yelled while slamming his fist on the locker in front of me. I gulped and walked away without saying a word.

#

After walking into the classroom where class was underway, the look of the students seeing the black sheep of the group entering with my schoolbag without the smiles I hope to receive... gave me a sense of dread. It was something I would have felt a 100% at the principal's office if not for Orchid. I wondered why I reacted that way, even though I felt the most agonising pain I've ever felt since my breakup. I was acting funny around the Principal and Orchid, even when I happened to be placed at my most vulnerable position: I was about to be labelled as an outcast by Principal Roy. What conflicted me the most was that Principal Roy really is a good person, yet that situation I've caused myself to be in... It felt like I was about to be hanged.

I went over to my seat as Mrs Kennedy, our Math's teacher was in the middle of teaching algebra. I was totally afraid to see eyes staring at me, everyone had this looked of bewilderment rather than a relieved look to see me fine and well after my talk with the Principal. Everybody knew I had to see the Principal, yet, at the same time, I know that nobody cares.

I soon notice a split between the eyes of my classmates, everyone I sat close to were obviously looking at me. But, at the other side of the room, on the other half... almost the same number of eyes were looking at a calm and quiet Orchid. For the first time, I didn't see her as some silent psychopath at the other side of the classroom, all I see was: a girl, a girl who couldn't even express her emotions and have no choice but to hide them. I sympathised with her, I could tell by the looks of her calm eyes, she was uttered terrified by the looks of others. She was a black sheep, just like me.

#

It was soon recess time, the bell rang wildly and students were rushing down to the canteen. I looked to my right and I saw Johnny approaching me. "Hey, can we talk for a minute?" he said while looking back and forth. "Sure, what is it?"

"I told Michael and Mason about this, but they didn't believe me, so I thought I could tell you."

My thoughts went wild, sure that Michael wouldn't take anyone seriously, including his own friend, but Mason? That was impossible. "Cut it out, Johnny. I know you are going to say something stupid to my face." 

I tried to walk away, but Johnny pulled me back. "I wanted to tell you because... I just felt like it... You had that incident yesterday, right?"

"So you thought I was trustworthy for being a fool in front of the whole school? Man, let go of me, I'm tired of dealing with people like you!" I tugged my shoulder forward, causing Johnny to let go. I walked away out of the classroom, but all I can hear is Johnny stomping his foot clearly mad and frustrated. Choosing to stick to my initial choice, I still wondered: "What on Earth is he keeping?"

In the canteen, I desperately looked for Michael and Mason which eventually got me to spot their heads in the middle. "Hey, it's the drama queen? How's are you with Mason's girlfriend?" said Michael with a mouthful of burger. Mason tapped his hand with an embarrassed face, "She's not my girlfriend..."

I took a seat at the edge of the bench beside Mason and placed down my food. "Hey, what's the deal man? I didn't see no invitation from either the Kennedy or the Moore royalty."

"Shut up, I said. "One question, what did Johnny tell you guys?" I looked at the both of them with a stern look. I then noticed the look of everybody around me, a few definitely recognised me from yesterday.

"Wow... did Orchid talk some sense into you? Oh wait! I forgot, she can't speak!" Michael gave himself a strong slap on his forehead, laughing maniacally. "Please... Michael, don't say stuff like that... you can't tell w-what's she's going though..." The only thought in my head was: "How in the world does a person like Michael even exist?"

Mason turned to me, his glasses drooping down his nose, he spoke in a concerned manner: "Johnny... he's been taking drugs." My eyes opened in shock. "Drugs?!"

Mason fumbled over my chest and tie, "S-SH-SHH!! Keep it down... This is supposed to be a secret between me and Michael. "And now you're screwed, Mason. Oh boy, when the whole school knows... it's your fault."

"S-Shut up... Michael. It's not my fault that he has been taking drugs..." I looked at the both of them with utter disbelief. "Anyways..." Mason returned to me. "That's not what he told us exactly..."

"Then what did he say"

"Just some dream he had, most likely a hallucination when he was high."

"The guy couldn't handle it," Michael interrupted. "Johnny saw these bulls chasing him around. The way he described it was hilarious! You gotta hear it from the man himself. He thought he was in some Greek mythos or something! The imagination of the guy... All I hallucinate about is just colours and trees like any normal person. To think from Johnny... BULLS! Hahahaha!"

"Y-Yeah... that was what he told us..." Mason replied. "Did he try to tell you?"

"Yeah he did-" a student tapped on my shoulder, I looked around to see a group of greasy-haired seniors. One of them gave me a thumbs-up. "You got balls bro!"

"What was that about?" I asked. "J-Just ignore them... They probably think you're cool that you caused drama yesterday..." Mason looked at them, covering his face when one of them winked at him. "And I was involved too..."

I felt this sudden boost of adrenaline when I saw the senior's reaction. That was when I realised I've made some progress, I've accidentally got what I wanted: recognition. "Honestly, Mason... this feels great."

"What does?"

"I got praised by the seniors, duh! Did you see that?" I jumped up and down my seat. "Mason, I think you got one too. We got respect now, isn't that great?"

Mason Kennedy, the boy with droopy glasses and even droopier face, looked at me and had reflected a face that clearly showed no excitement. Instead, it was quite the opposite. "I-I-I do not want to be involved in this..."

"W-Why not?" I stuttered, clearly, Mason's words have gotten the better of me. "Think about how we'll be treated now."

"I-I-It's not that! It's just that... well..." Mason fidgeted his fingers. 

"His mom's a teacher, dumbass!" Michael shouted. Everyone was staring at Michael. Mutters of "Who's mom?" or "What did he say?" was heard around me. "Dude. You want to be our friend?" He said as he spits out food, "at least get to know us as people, okay? Don't go shoving him and sitting down and demanding us to answer your question. That's not how we work, okay? You got that? We are not animals just sitting here... waiting to be culled. You don't go and treat people like the way you treated Miss Broken Voicebox like what happened yesterday..."

By the sound of his voice, he was definitely pissed. "You think... by treating people like shit, you are going to be popular? Not in my world, dumbass. I won't allow you to talk and laugh at people's expense!"

I stood up, feeling my pride was challenged by Michael. "OH? Look who's talking, Laughing Mc'Hypocrite. You're the one laughing at people at their expense, you're the one judging Mason and Johnny, making fun of them for being high or for telling the truth."

"I'm laughing at them because they are my only friends," Michael stood up. "Besides the only 'friend' I'm laughing at is you! Because you deserved it!" Michael pointed a filth-covered finger at me, my heart sank at his words which did hurt my feelings. Trying my best to swallow the urge to shake in fear, I continued: "How am I deserving to be laughed at? What did I do?"

"You took her away! You and Aaron... all the same cocky, nose in the sky losers!" Michael ended, bringing me to silence. "Come now, Mason. Let's sit somewhere else, this maniac's bad influence..."

Michael walked away, Mason stood up and apologised to me before trailing behind him. "W-Well... you're no good either, Michael!" I shouted and stopped after being interrupted by a hand pulling my shirt and seeing the person shook his head to tell me to stop. There was a mixed bag of looks from everyone around me. Most of them looked to be disappointed, some sad to see two men yelling immaturely, some amused and was trying to hide their smile. It doesn't matter, after going through so many tough and humiliating experiences... I've become immune to it. Besides, it was never my fault, it was clearly Michael's for being so impulsive. Causing drama and trouble was my calling card, it was my new way of rebelling the school and life. After being praised for it and was now feeling good to attain the school's attention, I felt like this is my true path. I would no longer bow down to Weststar, instead, Weststar would soon bow down to me.

The bell rang. I was unusually early to be walking down the hallway towards class. Surrounded by eyes looking at me from behind, I don't feel the same way anymore. I don't feel scared. Instead, these looks felt earned. I wasn't the victim. Instead, I was the cause for this. It was like I've impacted the world and the world now reacts, instead of me being forced to react...

"Boyo! Whatcha thinking?" the voice of Mr Liam boomed over my head, I looked up to see the jolly man, huge and strong, smiling at me. "I knew I'd see you here! You'd always take the school hallway after recess."

"That's right, sir..." I cringed. I hoped not to see him, because of one particular reason that I wish he won't bring up."

His emerald eyes beamed through his eyelids. I could barely look at him in the eyes for some reason. He was smiling, yet I felt fear.

"So... do you have something to tell me, boy?"

"Tell you, what, sir...?"

"About yesterday."

I gulped. "He knew," I thought. Of course, he knew, he is a teacher after all. Recalling his words, he told me to stay away from Orchid or else I'd be in trouble. I know that's exactly what he is thinking now.

"Uh-uh, yeah. Yesterday, sir? Nothing happened."

"Really? I thought I deliberately told you to stay away from her. And what happened? Do tell me."

"I... got into trouble."

"Very good. And how do you feel now?"

"T-T-Terrible..."

"As expected, boy. But of course, everyone makes mistakes!" Mr Liam suddenly burst into a series of laughter while slapping my back. "Did I scare you, boy? Oh did I scare you... You should have seen your face... kids like you always get into trouble, do they!"

"Y-Yes... sir..." my arms and legs were now closer to me than before.

"Hey! Don't be so scared! I saw what you did recently. You got exactly what you wanted, didn't you? You caused trouble, and that got you the attention that you wanted, isn't that right?"

"B-But I got into trouble! You said it's all about attitude. And, I did the opposite of what you said, shouldn't you be angry?"

"No-no-no, my dear boy. I can't be mad at your making mistakes! Who do you think am I? Sebastian? HA-HA-HA!" Mr Liam clapped his hands in the air while roaring. "You're my young squire in training to be a real man. I'm happy that you are out there making mistakes. You even did exactly the opposite of what I said and learnt from it! That's the way, my boy."

After hearing those words of encouragement, I smiled and was feeling better. I wasn't leaning forward anymore, instead, I was up tall and was facing Mr Liam as a friend. "Yes, boy. Man up. That's how I like to see you," he patted me in the back.

"Uh. Mr Liam?"

"Please, call me Liam," he smiled.

"Alright... Liam. Is that the only reason you waited for me? Just to congratulate me for failing?"

Liam looked at me with one brow raised. "You did a good read, boyo. I underestimated you. No! Of course not. I didn't just wait for you here for that small issue, no..."

Liam placed his arm around my shoulder. "I have one very big issue to discuss with you... it's quite a mouthful if you ask me."

"That is?"

"Let's hang out! You got the time, boyo?" Liam smiled excitedly, it wouldn't surprise me if I was his closest and only friend here in Weststar. "I'm sorry. No. I can't, Liam."

"Why not?" Liam said, looking at his expensive wristwatch. "Ah. Silly me. Recess time is over, is that right? Well then, let's just try some other day. Ciao!" Liam waved and walked down to the opposite end of the hallway. "What have I gotten myself into?"

#

A beautiful day was just out of reach from the desk, through the windows and into a world where birds could fly around freely without a need to worry about life's uncertain future. My eyes were focused on the horizon, wondering where are the two of them now, what are they doing... today is their date after all...

I pondered about what had happened throughout my days in Weststar after Aaron and Rosie's departure. Mr Liam had become my friend, I had a fight with Orchid in front of the whole school (who is still a mystery to me), been warned by the Principal himself, and causing drama with Michael. I couldn't label which were good and which were bad, but all I know is that I'm doing something with my life. It progressed, no matter how slow. People now are starting to notice me.

My eyes abandoned the bright sight outside and were now back to the class. Thankfully, the teacher isn't here yet, as a matter of fact, there were a few missing too. I looked over to the corner of the class; towards Orchid's corner. She was absent at the moment. Taking a few looks to my sides and my back, I walked forward in a conspicuous manner and made my way to Orchid's desk.

I looked below the desk, on its shelf were books, some were very familiar. "If she can't speak, the only real way to know what she likes is through the book that she read," I smirked at my own utter genius. I took the one that I had seen before: the one she brought along wherever she went. It was pure white and had a pleasant smell. It was only a short inspection until a few people noticed I was giving Orchid's book a sniff, which I stopped. The book's title was very interesting: "Adam's First Love". I was surprised, "Orchid reads romance?" My heart sank, mainly because she now knows every single cliche in the book (literally). I can't afford to be a fool in front of her. All those cliches I had in my arsenal now rendered useless.

But, what caught my eye was her school notebook. To a normal person, it was just a notebook. But to me, I knew it was her sacred treasure. To a girl who can't speak a word, my big brain knew that this was her diary. Her book to express herself... to herself. The diary that has kept her very secrets and emotions. My eyes squinted at the evil thought of taking a peek. "It's not that I'm bad, who will she share her secrets with? If she doesn't know that I took a peek, then nothing had happened!"

My finger lifted the cover alongside a few pages. My heart banged against my chest and it was ricochetting. I was eager to see what on Earth does Orchid have to keep from the world. But I could only read a few sentences before the girl herself entered the classroom.

I jumped and flew across the room, grabbing the broom that was leaning against the wall in front of me and started sweeping. "That's mine!" someone yelled. "Shh! You're the one not working." I sweep the floor while slithering away from the crime scene.

I spied on Orchid as she walked back to her desk without knowing I was there. Phew, I thought. If she did saw me taking a peek, she wouldn't look at me the same way again. I walked back to my desk and sat down, my eyes secretly locked on to Orchid. My heart was beating hard because after taking a look down at her desk shelf, I noticed I piled up the two books wrong. "Adam's First Love" was supposed to be above her diary, not below! "It was supposed to be above! It was supposed to be above!" I pulled my hair strands while cringing when Orchid's attention was suddenly brought to the two books as though she noticed something wrong. Her head swooped down and gazed upon the stacked books. Her eyes narrowed and her face gave an odd look. For the moment I thought my soul had left my body, the first person she looked at was me.

"Why!" I turned my face all the way from her all the way back to the bright sunshine of the window. It was a total 180 degrees turn that my head had to painful move without looking too quick, at the same time, moving quick enough so Orchid hadn't noticed I was looking at her. A tsunami of thoughts came gushing down in my head. "How did she know? Or did she? Why me? Was that obvious for her?"

I tried to look natural. Of course, there was zero proof that Orchid knew I was the one who did it. Moreover, she probably had no proof that it was me, and at the same time... she could have been paranoid and was imagining things. "No one had touched it, Orchid. You are just delusional."

Two taps on my shoulder were enough to make me jump and shiver in fright. Orchid had this look on her face that I terribly hoped not to see. "O-Oh! Y-Yeah, what?" I spoke in a broken voice. Orchid had a note with her, written with her pencil that was short enough to be hidden with a clenched fist. I dreaded the moment I took it and read it: 

"Homework due today. Have you forgotten?"

Homework. It was just homework. I let out a long exhale, which to Orchid seemed natural. She thought it was the unfinished homework. But obviously, to me, it was a bullet that had just missed my forehead. "C'mon... Orchid. Do I really have to complete it?" I looked at her, trying to sound as though I didn't take a peek at her life secrets. But once my eyes met hers, my heart melted. I'm known to be sensitive to emotions, I would throw tantrums ever so often. But the good thing about being sensitive is that I can read people's emotions. I could tell that they are feeling something different from before. Orchid's eyes... she was secretly sad? Her eyes had the same look of concern from last time. Now I know why. It finally made sense to me, because what I have read in her diary... was the answer to that look in her eyes. She was indeed hiding something. "Orchid. Why are you so concern with me and homework?"

Orchid paused for a moment, afterwards she wrote in her notepad. By the looks in her eyes, she is trying to not show emotions... but I know now. 

"I'm the Deputy Monitor, it's my duty."

I then told her, I would. This time, I would finish it. Only there was a little problem... it's impossible to complete it by myself, the History homework.

#

Orchid agreed. To set the score with each other, we have decided to complete the homework after school in the library, with Mr Sebastian's permission of course. He was glad that I was finally turning over a new life. "I'm very glad that the both of you are setting aside old mistakes," said him. "And you, young man... I hope I don't see you pull any dumb tricks on me or her again, understood?"

"Yes, sir," I said. I looked over to Orchid who was there with me in Mr Sebastian's office. She looked at me and gave a tiny smile, she was relieved, thankfully... There were many reasons why I decided to finish homework with Orchid after school.

Liam's words were banging loudly upstairs in my old observatory room that was my brain. He was telling me to stay away from her, or else trouble with befall on me, and my wish to become King of Weststar will forever be tarnished. I did feel guilty, I did feel as though I am doing something wrong. But, Orchid has something to hide, and I will find out exactly what it is that made her the shut-in girl she is now...

END OF PART ONE