Art class was always my favorite. I could do what I loved without being judged, or at least not as much. Frank sits next to me and studies my colourful canvas. I have been drawing a line up of some of my favorite superheros. Batman stands in the middle.
"Cool picture." Frank compliments.
"Th-thanks. I've been working on it for a while now."
Some people turn our way and give me a dirty look. I ignore them and continue colouring Batman's suit.
"Man, I wish that I could draw like that." Frank sighs.
"Why can't you?"
"I'm just not...artistic."
I look over his blank canvas and smile.
"Nonsense. Just picture what you want to draw and let your fingers do the rest of the work!"
"I can try."
Frank picks up a pencil and begins to draw. I turn my attention back to my canvas and laugh quietly.
"W-what's so funny?" Frank asks startled.
Great, now he thinks that you're laughing at him!
"Nothing, it's just that no one has ever sat next to me let alone compliment my art work."
"Why not?"
"Well...I'm just...different."
"Different? Gerard, I don't understand."
"I'm a bit more imaginative."
"Isn't everyone?"

*

The lunch hall. Never one of my favorite places. Especially when people throw food at you.
And this year will be no different.
"Ah, but Kellin, that's where you're wrong." I mumble.
"Did you say something?" Frank asks.
"No, just looking for an empty table."
I scan the sea of people until I see an empty table for two. Perfect.
Where will I sit?
"No where."
"You just did it again."
"What?"
"You're talking to yourself."
He's onto you. That's what you get for being rude...
"I just said that there is no where to sit, but then I spotted a table." I say, trying to sound as sincere as possible. I don't need Frank to think I'm some weirdo.
"Oh, uh, okay then." Frank replies quietly.
We make our way over to the empty table and sit down.
"Do we go up and get lunch?" Frank asks.
"I don't eat the lunch here. It's pretty gross."
"Oh, well, I'm starving so I'll see you in a few."
With that Frank leaves and takes a spot in the long lunch line. I turn my head and am startled to see Kellin sitting across from me.
Watch your back man.
"W-what? Kellin? What do you mean?"
"Talking to yourself again?" someone sneers behind my back.
Jason. Jason Miller. One of the biggest bullies I've ever met. He always pushes me into my locker, or beats me up behind the school.
"G-go aw-away!" I stutter.
"What did you say to me?"
"Leave me alone!" I shout, at this point people are staring.
"Man, you're gonna regret talking to me like that!"
Suddenly, out of no where, a fist goes flying at Jason's face.