Christopher J. Hollend's Story

Nathan woke up, springing up out of his bed as usual. He had another nightmare, or dream? He wasn't even sure anymore. All he knew was that he was alone. Inside, outside, anywhere, he was alone. Ever since 1 year ago he's never been happy. Even smiling hurts his face. He ruffled his hair as he stared at the clock beside his bed. '6:14....huh?' He thought, not sure what day it was. He forced himself up and out of his bed as he walked over to his Calendar. 'Today is.....' his finger traced along the pages trying to find todays date. 'Oh right...this was last years Calendar..' He laughed to himself sadly.

He decided to move away from that and get dressed. He put on a black t-shirt, black jeans, and converse. 'Whatever day it is it's early spring I know that...better grab a jacket.' He thought as he grabbed his old dark blue denim jacket. It was one he used to wear often. At one time he thought he looked cool and hot in it, but now, he couldn't care less.

He stumbled downstairs to see his parents not talking one another as they ate their food silently. Their eyes glanced at him, but quickly darted away, not wanting to make eye contact. I'm sure they were surprised he even got out of bed. He would've grabbed something to eat, but he had no appetite. He just got his shoulder bag and left.

Ever since the 'Accident' A year ago his parent's never knew how to talk to him. So instead, they just sat their, not talking at all. As Nathan was walking he saw a peculiar flower shop, with a big sign advertising their new spring selection. His eyes followed the words as they appeared until they stopped suddenly at a single phrase. Delilah's 50% Off! 'Images flashed in his mind, ones of a girl. She was very pretty with soft brown hair. She smiled lovingly at him, she spoke but no sound came out. After the memory ended Nathan gritted his teeth and ran faster, hurrying to school.

He finally arrived, and actually on time. He saw the big letters, "Baymond High School" on top of the school. He scoffed at the name as he walked inside. It was the beginning of the Spring semester, which meant new classes, and new people. He hadn't attended school in awhile and wasn't quite sure why he was even going. He walked amoung the hallways, finding his locker.

He grabbed the books for history, his first class. He walked to class, avoiding eye contact with anyone. As he sat down the seat next to him was empty. 'Hopefully it'll stay that way...' He thought, staring out the window. His seat was located in the very back left corner, where he could stare out the window peacefully.

Nathan Glanced around, watching the people come in. No one really peeked his interest, he was kind of a jerk that way. A couple years ago he had many friends, and would often go out and party, but not anymore. Now he just stayed home, avoiding socialization. He noticed the guy that sat beside him, there was something about him that reminded him of himself. His eyes quickly shifted to the very small girl that came in. He heard the kids mocking, but he was distracted by the fact that it was raining outside.

He watched the raindrops hit the window as the teacher began handing out papers, and talking. He drowned it all out, just as the rain did. Nathan had many thoughts that ran through his head. He was currently thinking of drowning. He thought about the feeling of being suffocated by not having oxygen, and it honestly felt good to him. All he felt was the emptiness inside.

As the teacher talked she called out his name, "Nathan.....NATHAN!" She spoke up, as she noticed he didn't hear her the first time. He made eye contact with her as she stared at him. "...The answer? To the problem on the board..?"She asked pointing to the geometrical problem she had written out on the dry erase board. ".....Pass." He stated and continued staring out the window. She would have gotten angrier, if it weren't that his mother already called ahead and told her he has some trauma, and to try not to get too mad. She puffed air as she turned around and asked a different student.