Teen Ink

Chapter 1

Life hasn’t been hard, but it could be easier. When you grow up as someone who was amazing in battle, but never fought for the country is hard to believe. At the age of 7, I had to embrace and tolerate having a power that made other kids think that I’m awkward. I had one friend throughout my elementary school years. He is really nice and understood what I was going through. His name is Ajax and we are still best friends today. Well now, I’m 12 years old and we’re about to enter the living hell hole of all humanity… middle school. My name is Luke, and I’m somewhat prepared for this item called ‘education’.
Walking into school was already terrible because of all the pieces of gum I almost stepped in, and people stare at you like they have never seen a human before. “Wow, if this is what the hallway looks like then, I’m not too thrilled to see the classroom.” Some of these things that these kids were doing looked so inappropriate yet funny. It brought a smile on both of our faces. However, those smiles didn’t last much longer. This big, burly, and infuriated boy came up to us with a hand making us stop abruptly. “Um, who do you think you are walking through my halls?” he said. Ajax retorted with “Well these aren’t your halls, Piggy so well just be going now...” Before I knew it, the kid through a punch at my face, and every kid were shouting “Wow Andy!” So you know how I said I had to tolerate and embrace this power? Well, my power is amazing karate skills and super strength and speed. I ducked the punch by power sliding underneath his punch and his legs. This seemed to amaze people. I hopped back up, with adrenaline rushing through my veins. I’m guessing this guy didn’t want to give up, because he came up to me with another swing. I grabbed his fist, kicked him in the stomach, and pinned him down. He punched me in the nose, blood was gushing. My strength kicked in and I threw him into the lockers. He didn’t get back up, but I did. All the kids were applauding me as I hurried through the halls. Even though they were proud, I was quite worried because I can’t keep getting into fights. I forgot to confess something special about me that I hate: I have dyslexia. Dyslexia for me is pretty bad, so music is my only escape. When I got to class after cleaning my nose in the bathroom, I saw desks and a whiteboard. The classroom was put together nicely, but we must’ve been early because Ajax and I were the only students there.

Once class started, I had to find a seat; and these children weren’t very kind about it either. The last seat was in the back, while Ajax found a seat in the front row.
“Ok students, we have a new student joining us today. Now give a great SWMS welcome to Luke Pinnirell.” the teacher said happily. I walked up to the front of the class and Andy tried to trip me. God forbid that we have to be partners for a project while I attend this school. “Hi, I’m Luke, and I was homeschooled before I came here.” As I started to walk back, the teacher looked at me with despair in her eyes. That didn’t really worry me because, after all that I’ve been through, nothing really scares me. To be honest, sitting in class was kind of interesting because I learned about the Pythagorean Theorem and in science, we dissect a frog Friday. I took notes in my notebook like a madman, I was so fascinated!
After class, the teacher called me over to talk to me. “Mr. Pinnirell, can you come over here for a few seconds?” I knew I didn’t have a choice so, why argue? When I got over there, she had a tone that made her sound sort of upset with me and my introduction this morning. I knew she was going to confront me about it sooner or later. Even though she only talked to me for about 10 minutes, it felt like an eternity. Once I left the classroom, I saw that the halls were cleared empty, and everybody was at lunch. So I ran down to the cafeteria, to get at least a little time to hang out with Ajax and make some new friends. I walked into the cafeteria and searched for Ajax. I couldn’t find him, so I found an empty table and sat by some other kids.
“Hi, I’m Luke and I’m new here.” I said joyously. Before a blink of the eyes, I made like 5 new friends. They were classified as nerds but, aye they were pretty awesome! They taught me the ropes, tricks, and schemes of the school that I never would’ve figured out myself, honestly. Once they were done eating, they showed me to there like secret fortress, which was the computer lab. Even though this was cool and all, I couldn’t be late for lacrosse try-outs. I excused myself from the group, and before I left they gave me things they said I might need. They gave me an iPad 3, and a letter. They wished me luck on my try-outs, and I ran out of the Computer Lab and down to the locker room to change. Then, everything changed. When I got out on that field, I felt great and alive! Defenders on both sides of me, but I was focused on the goal. After try-outs, I grabbed my skateboard and hurried home. My brother is so overprotective of me, it’s not even funny.
As I walked through the door and into the living room, I heard virtual gunshots coming from the television. It was just Jason playing his video games, like usual. “Hey Jason, I’m home.” I called out to him. “Ok, Luke. I just got done making dinner, and you’re probably STARVING from your long day at school. I made your favorite, spaghetti.” I have been in love with spaghetti ever since my mom and dad made it for me. Then, they passed away in a plane crash, so I cherish this recipe. I thanked my brother with a smile, and went into the kitchen to devour some delish spaghetti. Today, had been a great day, but tomorrow will probably be better.

As I woke up, I checked my phone to see what time it is: 4:00 am, it read. I don’t know why, but I always wake up at this time. Since it will probably never change, I created a daily routine and list of orders to follow. The first thing I did in the morning was change and go for a jog on the treadmill. I love jogging because the things you can do when you’re in shape, is unimaginable. You are practically invincible no matter what. Then, after my jog, I go take a shower and get dressed. I clean up my room, and make breakfast. By that time, my day is ready to begin.
While I put my iPad in my backpack, I came across the letter that I got yesterday. I decided to read it while I sit at the park waiting for Ajax. Ajax’s parents don’t like him walking alone. After waiting the usual 10 minutes, he didn’t arrive so I just started skateboarding to school. Ahead of me, I saw this girl with long blonde hair and a beanie on. Then I saw a tear fall and hit the pavement, and that’s when I started skating faster. Maybe she needed a new friend to cheer her up. “Hi!” I shouted, catching up to her. “Hey, aren’t you Luke Pinnirell?” she said. “Yes, I am.” I said, shocked that she knew who I was. Then she continued with, “Well, I’m Zadaleia, or Zxander if you want to call me that.” I loved her name, and the thing that I loved about it, is that I’ve never heard of it before. It sounds graceful, yet bold. As we skated to school, we became like brother and sister! When we got to school, we were still early so we came up with a handshake to do for every time we hung out.
When I got to class, I remembered that I sat by her, and I mean literally right next to her. Throughout class, I kept searching for Ajax at the front, but he didn’t show up. This worried me because Ajax has never missed one day of school, unless of a family emergency. While I was listening to Ms. Watson’s lecture about how Columbus completely dominated the Native-American population, I got a note from Zadaleia. It looked like she was inviting me to hang out with her after school. Since I didn’t have any other plans, I said sure. She seemed like a nice girl, and I need some friends.
After class, I saw Zadaleia walk over to her group of friends. I was going to go talk to her about our after school plans, but I didn’t want to bug her. When I glanced back at her, all of her friends were looking at me and laughing. Next I was thinking, “That was awkward… do I have something stuck on my butt? Or a kick me sign on my back?” Since class was over, I was off to lunch. While I was walking to the vending machine to get a granola bar to snack on, Zadaleia caught up to me. We did our handshake and started talking about what we want to do after school. She asked me if I liked paintball and laser tag and, I do A LOT! So we decided on going to play paintball and then going over to her house for dinner and video games. At lunch, I sat with the friends I met yesterday. The guy who gave me the iPad and the letter his name is Connor and he is the leader of the pack. We all met at a lunch table in the back, next we left for the computer lab.
“So, Luke have you had a chance to read the letter you received yesterday?” he asked, curiously.
“No…I haven’t even used my iPad yet.” I replied.
“Well, tonight, you need to read that letter and then we can go farther with you in this group. This group is known as the “Robot Car Club”, so they think we’re building things. This group is actually a spy group which will give you opportunities to go far in life. This includes a great education, which is key. So, if you’re into this plan, then you read that letter and follow what it says; and show up here tomorrow in the morning.”
“Ok.” I said with a determined feeling, and deep down, I do want to go along with this plan. “See you tomorrow in the morning.” I grabbed my backpack, and left the room. I walked down the stairs and right where the stairs are, the door to go to the office is just to the right. I saw my brother running through that door and we bumped into each other.
“Oh gosh, there you are Luke. We need to go, NOW!” he said frantically.
“Wait, why? What’s going on? I said, worried.
“Well, it takes too long to explain… I’ll go by myself.” He said, rushing out of the office. This worried me, but not a lot; my brother always over-exaggerates things. After that weird confrontation, I left the administrative building, and started walking to P.E. class. Once I got there, I hurriedly changed into my gym clothes. On the whiteboard when you first walk into the locker room, it said we were going to play baseball. All the jocks were confident they were going to cream us today in P.E. Well I think they’re wrong because a lot of us have potential, but in today’s society nobody can show it without being judged.
Once we got down to the field after our teacher took role, the smell of the freshly cut grass made me love this field more than ever. The crunch of the sunflower seeds as my shoes hit the pavement, was wonderful. For the batting line-up, I was first because it is based off of athletic ability. The pitcher for the other team was an actual pitcher for the best Little League Team in the community. That made me kind of nervous, but I have to remember that I play lacrosse and that takes a lot of strength. The jock that picked to play umpire was completely biased, so every pitch was a strike. On the last pitch, I gave it my all and hit a home run. Today, I think I made a huge step for all the people in this “Lower-Class” so we’re called. I saw Zxander(Zadaleia’s nickname) on the other team and I waved. She waved back and smiled. She was a really sweet person, and I think I have feelings for her. I couldn’t wait for school to be over. Since we were the last period of the day, we took our time changing back.
Once school got out, I grabbed my skateboard and left for Killer Paint’s Paintball Field. I was so excited, because I have never met a girl who loved playing paintball. On my way to Killer Paint’s, I decided to stop at Inland Board Shop and got her a gift card, enough to buy her a skateboard. We showed up at Killer Paint’s at the same time.
“You ready?” she asked excitedly.
“Yeah, but first I wanted to give you this…” and I handed her the gift card to IBS. She was so happy she hugged me, and she couldn’t stop saying thank you. As we went in she kind of tried to hold my hand. I held it back, but then she pulled away. We signed in at the front desk and checked out two guns, two vests, and two pairs of goggles. Right after we got onto the course, we were two teenagers at war. There were paintballs flying everywhere, and when you were hit it would splatter onto the hay stacks. Dodging to the left, spinning to the right was a fun and exhilarating feeling; and you wonder why we skaters have to stay fit.
After 1 hour of amazing, action-packed, exhilarating fun, we finally took off our gear and returned it to their possession. As we grabbed our skateboards off the rack, we were talking about what video games we should play when we get to her house. We couldn’t decide. While we were skating to her place, we passed by the park.
“Oh my gosh, I used to play at this park all the time when I was little. My mom used to take me here and make me practice my talents for beauty pageants.” She said, getting tears in her eyes.
“You used to compete in beauty pageants?” I asked shockingly.
“Yeah, and she would force me to be a pretty girl, pose like this she told me, walk like this she demanded… But I didn’t like it. I wanted to go hangout with all of my friends and skateboard, so that’s what I did after my mom passed away.”, she said sadly, “Skating makes me feel like I can do anything, and that I’m free. Plus, it’s the only place I can be beautiful.”
“NO! Don’t say that, you’re beautiful the way you are, and don’t ever say that about yourself again. I like you, Zadaleia and I want this moment to last for forever. The first time I saw you, I just wanted to hang out with you all day, but I thought you would think I am a nerd.” I retorted. Next, I through caution at the wind and I kissed her. We stood there by the park, just kissing while the tears fell from her cheek. Instead of going to her place, we just hung out at the park. She admitted that she’s liked me since my first day at SWMS. Today was amazing, and I didn’t want this day to end.
When I got home, nobody was there so I just sat down and watched television. The first thing I wanted to watch was the 5 o’clock news. The very first segment was about research on Girl Scout Cookies. The next segment was something alarming and sad. My brother and Ajax were on the news, but they weren’t alive. I just sat there crying, with no shame behind it. It seems they had been killed in a burglary in the southern part of town. First, my parents go in a plane crash, but now they take my brother and my closest friend? This isn’t fair and I don’t want to go on by myself. I got a call from the Hospital announcing my brother dead. I grabbed my board and hurried to skate over to the Hospital, because I want to give my brother one last goodbye before he goes to the Elysium Fields (or Greek heaven). This was the most painful experience of my life.