บท 1: Cut Short
• • • • • •
"Did you hear that an entire building was destroyed this morning, Rach?" A teenage girl asked, her gaze fixed on me.
I was eating my lunch on the roof of my high school, one of the few places where I can find peace and quiet.
With school, an abusive father, and having to work just to make ends meet, I didn't have much time to devote to myself.
I looked at the girl; she was just another classmate to me. I had tried several times to get her to leave me alone, but each time I had failed. To be honest, I had no idea what she saw in me.
Except for my intelligence, which was only slightly above average, I was a nobody with no redeeming qualities.
My appearance was the same; I had black hair and brown eyes. I had bags under my eyes and my skin was a light sand color. Let's not get into my height.
"I heard." I responded to the girl looking away from her. I just wanted to eat in silence, which I can't do with her here. I wouldn't mind if she stayed, as long as she keeps quiet, but I know she wouldn't.
She was a very active person, the polar opposite of me. I made every effort to do as little as possible. My entire life has been spent trying to survive; I've never truly had the opportunity to live.
They were not the same thing. So far, this life hasn't been worth it; in fact, it's been pretty shit. I only have one reason to live, and if it is taken away from me, there will be no point.
"They also claimed it was a terrorist attack; the structure was fine one minute and then DOOM! The first few floors were blown up, destroying everything on them. They even claimed that the explosion was meticulously planned.
"I'm curious why someone would do that. A lot of people were also killed." She said this in a downcast tone.
"I suppose so." In reality, I didn't care all that much. The incident occurred in New York's Financial District, and I lived in Harlem. The building she was referring to was also not a small one; it was one of New York's finest hotels.
Of course, there was collateral damage, as I am well aware. It happened only a few hours ago, and I had no time to read any news about it. Of course, I'm aware of it; something like that spreads quickly.
The only real information I have is that the hotel belonged to Keon Alexander Smith, a wealthy New Yorker. I have no idea if he is alive or not, but as I previously stated, I don't care.
"Do you have any plans, Rachel?" Ava inquired, a little nervously.
"I have to work later, Ava." I stated that I was facing the city. I just wanted to get this day over with; it started off bad and hasn't improved. I have a feeling something bad will happen. They say you can only go up from rock bottom, but I disagree.
"Oh, that I forgot about." Ava mumbled something in a low tone. Her fingers ran through her long, drowned hair. "So, if you change your mind or need to leave early, give me a call. I-I was planning on going to the theater with some classmates."
"Sure." I doubt I will. I didn't talk to anyone in our class because I doubt they wanted me there. I'd probably just kill the mood because I'm down. I'm not trying to be negative; it's just that I have nothing to be happy about.
I thought Ava was strange at first because she was one of the only people who spoke to me on their own accord. She was annoying most of the time because she was constantly talking about topics I had no interest in and intruding into my personal life, but she is otherwise nice.
When the bell rang, signaling the end of lunch, I couldn't help but sigh. At least the day was nearly over, with only a few hours until I had to go to another hell. Yay.
• • •
"Class is dismissed." She fixed her classes, a woman said, turning around to face the classroom full of teenagers.
A bell rang, signaling that the school day had come to an end. Everyone got up and packed their belongings, eager to leave as soon as possible. Everyone wanted to get a room, whether they were students, teachers, or the janitor named Dan.
I didn't move because I knew my English teacher wanted to talk to me for some reason. I wasn't far behind in any of my classes, but I was also not far ahead. Mostly because I rarely try in school; if I did, I could be at the top of all of my classes.
I eventually found myself in front of the teacher's desk. She sat in her chair, her gaze fixed on me.
"How are things at home, Rachel?"
"Meh, nice. I adore my happy family; would you like to visit my very successful father and my mother's grave?" I remarked sarcastically. I didn't bother looking at her.
She sighed and frowned. "I keep telling you, if things are getting bad, you can talk to me. As I previously stated, it is my responsibility as a teacher to ensure that my students are safe both at school and at home.
"If nothing changes, I will have to involve the authorities in this matter. You don't have to be afraid of him."
"Yes, you do that. Best of luck." I mentioned talking outside of class. That didn't bother me, and I wasn't afraid of my father in the least. Since my mother's death, the abuse has only been verbal.
I was perplexed as to why she was so concerned; I hardly ever spoke to her. I was aware that I was insignificant. I knew there were probably and hopefully nice people out there. There are good people in the world.
• • •
"You're fired."
I take it back.
"Why?" I inquired, looking at my former boss. I had no why she had decided to fire me so abruptly. I had done nothing wrong; I was a cashier at one of the cities local theaters.
I wasn't mean to the customers unless they were acting like jerks, and some even said I was nice despite the fact that I mostly kept to myself. I came in, did my work, and then left. Nothing more unless absolutely necessary.
"You've been arriving late lately." According to the woman. This was complete nonsense; I've been coming in early every day since I started working here.
"I arrive at work early, and the only time I arrived late was last week, when you called me in to cover someone's night shift on a Sunday. Even though it was only ten minutes, I worked extra hours to compensate." I tried to maintain my cool.
If you want to fire me, at least be honest with me about it. Don't even try to lie to me about this. She is simply lying for no reason.
"Sorry, it has already been decided. You don't need to pack anything because you don't have anything here; here is your paycheck." She tossed an envelope onto her desk while looking at me.
She probably wants me to be upset and lash out at her. But I didn't, instead clenching my fist and taking the envelope. It wasn't worth it, and she wasn't worth the effort. I sighed as I walked out of the building.
I needed another damned job, and working at the theater paid well. I need money for tuition and general living expenses. My father would gamble away all of his money, so I am forced to rely on myself.
"What should I do, what should I do? I Fucking my life into nothingness, I hate being broke." I muttered walking away. I did want I muttered as I walked away. I really wanted to, but I needed to go back home to get some things.
On my way home, I stroked my hair, trying to think of a job. I came up with nothing; all of the other options didn't pay well or were not an option unless I began skipping school.
It wasn't like it really mattered. I'll probably end up dropping out anyway. I was about to cross the street when I was drawn into the ally behind me.
"How have you been, Rachel?"
A man came into view as I looked around. I had no idea who he was or why he knew my name. I don't think I've ever seen him before.
"You're probably wondering who I am. It doesn't really matter; all you need to know is someone has ordered your death. A very powerful individual."
Eh? He in the fuck would want me dead, and I don't think I offended anyone. "W-Who was it?" Even though I didn't care about my life, it was still a little frightening. He leaned in and whispered something into my ear.
"Nova apologizes and sends his regards. You'll be grateful to him later."
"Wha–" Something got stuck in my neck before I could say anything. My body went limbo, and my eyelids grew heavy. I had no idea what drug could work so quickly. However, I felt at peace for the first time since my mother's death. I just wish I had gone out with a bang, like blowing up a building.
That would have been awesome. I hope Ava has a good life; despite my dislike for her, she is a nice person.
• • • • • •
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