Changed - Chapter 1
#1 of Changed
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Changed
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Chapter 1
(Damian)
Highschool: A place to chill, a place to work, but most of all a place to have a great time. People never realize that high school is a very important time period in their lives. It's those four years where you work on getting your GPA as high as it can be; where you'll make a new friend; where you party. But most importantly, it's the time you find your real self.
After two years, I've yet to find my 'real' self. I partied, made friends, top of my class, yet, I never really found the inner me. I didn't care. Looking to find something that isn't tangible was a waste of my time. Bigger and better things concerned me. For example: my reputation.
This year would be my Junior year at Creekway High. I was the captain of the football team, on the debate team and wrestling team, and just a jock. Everyone knew of me, no one didn't, and that was only in my Sophomore year. Now going into my Junior year I'd be the most popular German Shepherd at school. A new year means new experiences, new people, new classes. Unlike most kids my age, I was really looking forward to attending another year of school.
I couldn't wait to get there and see all my friends, or to see which locker I had this year. It was so exciting. Another year of playing Quarter Back for my team and throwing the winning pass; wrestling other guys ten times my size - I did that a lot, being the smallest guy to hold a spot on the team.
I parked in the parking space I had obtained a few weeks ago from the school, getting out and shutting the door to the black Volvo I drove. I then leaned back against the car and gazed at the school. There, in front of the school gathered hundreds of furs, talking with friends, catching up, texting, and listening to music players.
Taking in a deep breath, pulling the scent of a new school year through my nostrils, I then exhaled. It was the start of yet another amazing year of school. What lied in the doors of that building was yet, another puzzle to be solved. The shaking of my paw, and sway of my tail indicated I was happy. After grabbing my back pack, I walked toward the school ready for the third year of my high school career.
The first class I took part in was Zoology. The class went pretty smoothly: teacher was cool, we weren't going to have homework, nor would test be given daily like most classes would do. Classmates seemed pretty boring - they weren't all too excited about being back.
After the teacher, Mrs. Smart, handed out a syllabus with everything we will be doing this semester on it, we all had to introduce ourselves. Of course I volunteered to be first, I liked being looked at.
Once in front of the class, I started, "Hello everyone, my name is Damian. I'm this years Football captain, and I'm going to lead the team this year to the state championship." Everyone clapped and I returned to my seat.
It really was my goal to lead our team to state - last year we didn't go, but that was because I wasn't the team captain. Now that I had the authority over my team, I was planning to work everyone on the team really hard. During and after school practice would be held every day, even weekends.
Once my little introduction was given, I sat at my desk, looking over my schedule.
First period was Zoology, of course. A cool class so far, but I'll have to get a little deeper in it before I can declare it a good class. Though the teacher was cool and laidback, she seemed a little off - you know, not having it all up there. My classmates were just lifeless: half were sleep on their desk, a few read books, and the others were busy mashing buttons on mobile devices.
Second period held PE/Weightlifting. I took that class in ninth grade and loved it. In this class, all you had to do is show up and workout to get an A. A's always helped kids GPA's, so this class was a free ticket for those who needed that extra boost in their grade.
After that second period, I'll have lunch - the best part of day. You may think it's because you get to eat, but that's not the best part. Hanging out with your friends that wasn't lucky enough to share classes with you to talk, gossip, and goof around.
Third period will be College Algebra. Most people before me say that the teacher of this class gave homework every night, and in a bundle, at that. Mr. Magee is his name, and he was to be the toughest teacher at Creekway High. With a 3.7 GPA, I was not going to let a little teacher with a badass reputation bring it down.
Fourth and final period of the day was Football. Lucky as I am, I only had two real classes, and the other two was dealing with me getting stronger and faster, I would only need to use my brain for half the day.
This semester was probably the easiest I have ever had. In ninth grade I only had classes, and no football. It got a little easier in tenth when I joined the football team, but I still was required to attend three other classes. This year I only had two. If the pattern continues I'll only have one next year, hopefully.
The bell rang. I picked up my stuff and exited the class, being the first one out. Guess I was quite excited to attend my succeeding class - probably because one of my 'partners in crime' was in the same class...
I walked into the GYM, seeing all of the students - mostly freshman. It was like this every year, all freshman received spots in the class because they thought it would be easy, but they were horribly wrong. Since you have to skip a year of having PE/Weightlifting, no sophomores usually took the class.
Quickly I spotted my friend, Josh, a lynx. I approached him.
"What's up, man?"
The lynx looked over at me, turning his head so he was now facing my direction and grinned. "Surely not my dick," He chuckled. This was quite his normal attitude, so outgoing, and never holding anything back - a real down-to-earth type of guy. "Look around, no girls. Can you believe they broke the class into two just so girls can have their own period?"
It was true, this year the boys and girls PE/Weightlifting class had been separated. I'm guessing the school board took action after a few students were caught having sex in locker-rooms. Not having girls in the class didn't bother me, having my friend here was satisfactory enough for me.
"It might be a good thing we're girl-free. Wouldn't want anyone having trouble down their while they're over my head spotting me." I said, following a petite laugh.
Josh rolled his eyes and started, "Yeah, you don't have to worry about that, especially since they took the girls out and added a bunch of faggots." He turned his head in a new direction to look at two guys sitting in the far back of the gym.
There in a corner not easily noticeable sat two furs - a Dalmatian and horse. The Dalmatian had his arms wrapped around the horses as he clung to the mustangs back, but the mustang didn't seem all to happy, yet the Dalmatian had the biggest, warmest smile anyone could ever achieve.
For some reason I stared at the two, well, the Dalmatian. He seemed to be a freshmen, his height gave it away, looking five-five-ish. He was very tiny - it made me question why someone so small would be in a class such as Weightlifting.
"It's disgusting, isn't it?" Josh said.
I wasn't paying him any mind, my attention was taken by the two furs.
The Dalmatian said something to the Horse, but the horse wouldn't listen. He would just turn his head in an opposite direction. Finally the Dalmatian smile began to slowly drip from his face, leaving a sad expression. Seconds later, the Dalmatian tried at another attempt, whispering something into the horse's ear. The mustang's head perked up - an attained smile formed. Whispers shot back and forth, until they both stood up.
The Dalmatian was once again smiled, but this time it wasn't as...alive. No, it wasn't a real smile at all - the smile was dissemble. They both made their way to the bathroom. The horse's tail swayed wildly, but the Dalmatian's stayed tucked between his legs as he held his own arm.
"Disgusting isn't it???" Josh snapped me out of my observation; his voice had gotten a little blaring.
"Fagots..." I said, turning my attention elsewhere.
Josh gave an approving nod. I knew that would calm him down.
The group of furs I hang around are homophobic. They think being gay is the most horrible thing in the world. Picking on gays, talking about them, harassing them were something we, or should I say my friends, did on a regular basis.
I was different. Gay furs didn't bother me, not in the least. They were living, breathing beings, why would I hate them? Because they love the same-sex? It didn't' seem fair to hate a person just because of their love preference. Should I hate them because of religious believes? Why should I? Religions also state that having sex before being married is wrong, yet over half the earth's population does that on a daily basis.
No. I couldn't hate gays - I didn't hate gays. But to keep my reputation up I'd often say things such as "faggot" or "That's gay" to keep my peers content. I knew it was wrong saying those things, even if it wasn't anything major. I was just too afraid of losing my spot as big-dog-around-campus.
Our coach put us in the groups we'll have to work-out with; luckily, I was grouped with Josh and two other furs: Tyler, an eagle and Isaiah, an anteater. After being grouped, we were instructed to bring a set of clothes tomorrow.
Josh and I decided to talk with the Tyler and Isaiah to get to know them a little more. We had a good conversation, learning the essential things about each other, such as grades. Tyler was a Senior; Isaiah was a sophomore, one of the few in the class. That's basically all I received from the conversation, my mind was elsewhere - to be exact, it was in the bathroom. The two furs never came out, I could only wonder what was taking place in there.
Finally, my curiosity got the better of me. "Hey," I stood up. "Need to use the restroom, be right back"
"Ok, dude." Josh said, reverting his attention back into the conversation.
I pushed open the door, letting it swing back and hit the wall behind it. The restroom wasn't big - you were able to see the entire thing at the door, so I quickly noticed the pocket-sized Dalmatian. He was at the sink rinsing his face off when I burst in. It startled him, causing him to jump, shooting his attention in my direction. For some odd reason, a blush formed over my cheeks. I walked over to the sink where he was and started to wash my paws. He watched me as I walked in his direction. Once I started washing my paws, he went back to what he was doing.
I didn't see the mustang, that meaning, he was in a stall.
The Dalmatian finished up with what he was doing and started to toward the door. I quickly grabbed a few paper towels and dried my paws, they were still moist but would dry soon.
"Hey!" I said, running up to the Dalmatian before he could exit the restroom.
He turned around.
"Yes, can I help you?" He looked up at me.
"Haven't your parents taught you your manners? You should start off with a greeting." I said.
"How about you do the same." He shot back.
I couldn't do anything except chuckle, even though he had a more serious expression. "Fair enough. My name is Damian."
"Duster." He said, turning around to exit, but failed as my paw pushed the door back.
"Rude much?" I held the door firmly.
He turned back around, pushed back, and leaned against the door. "What do you want?"
This kid had a serious attitude problem, it was like he was mad at the world, or just me. I didn't know why, but I would soon enough.
"What's your deal? I was just being polite, haven't anyone ever done taught you how to?"
Duster folded his arms and looked down. "Just leave me alone..."
"Are you ok...?"
He was really starting to worry me, his attitude was completely depressing. I wanted to help him for some reason - guess it was just in my nature to help the ones who needed a lift.
A deep voice from behind me traveled throughout the bathroom. "He's fine."
I turned around to see the mustang. He was much taller in person, towering a good three inches over me - I was 6'2", but this guy was a monster compared to me. He must be a Freshmen, I've never seen him walking the halls at this school before.
"Mind your business." The mustang voice was deep. If I saw him outside of school I'd think he was a grown man. He stepped around me and opened the door. "Let's go Duster." The Dalmatian obeyed, walking out of the bathroom holding his little arm tight against his body.
Something was wrong, I couldn't put my finger on it, but whatever was going on between those two wasn't love, nor happiness. Of course it wasn't any of my business, but...I couldn't stand to see people hurt, and that Dalmatian looked as if he was in pain - not physical pain, but something had happened mentally, causing a stir in his emotions. When I was looking into his eyes, I could feel the pain he felt; I could see something I've never seen before in someone: loneliness.
Maybe I was thinking too much into it, his life could be even better than mine; maybe I had caught him on one of his bad days, or maybe he wasn't friendly. I couldn't jump to conclusions.
Back with my friend Josh, and the other two work out buddies, we talked about what we wanted out of this class, and our goals at the end. Josh wanted to get a little faster since he was on the soccer team. Tyler said he was looking forward to getting more muscle for his girl friend who liked muscular guys. Isaiah's goal was to lose a little weight. He wanted to remove some of his belly - he wasn't fat, just around normal, but losing a few pounds never hurt anyone.
I really didn't have a goal - football would keep me fast, muscular, and the belly fat away, so this class was just a free period for me.
Second block ended. Next came lunch. I left the school for lunch, the cafeteria food wasn't the best in the world. The restaurant of my choice was Subway, the place with quick service and cheap prices. I ordered and went back to my car to eat. As I unwrapped the layers of protection covering my food, I caught sight of someone familiar walking into Subway. It was none other than Duster, the Dalmatian from PE - he wasn't with that mustang guy and judging by my car being the only one parked in the lot, he must have walked. The ride here took five minutes. Walking would take fifteen minutes, at least.
He was alone, now was my chance to have a conversation with him. But I came to the conclusion that it was none of my business. A person should never stick their nose in someone else life. Besides, who was this kid to me? Helping people makes me feel good, inside and out, but how would someone go about helping one who doesn't want it? The conversation me and Duster had earlier indicated that he wasn't looking for help.
But
Why was I so tempted to talk to him? Even if he wasn't having any problems, I just wanted to sit down and chat - a conversation is what I desired, maybe his friendship. I knew having him as a friend would be a lot of trouble for me, but keeping a friendship a secret never hurt.
The thoughts occurring over and over in my mind seemed selfish. I wanted to be his friend, but wasn't ready to lose my reputation for some gay kid. The desire to protect him lingered. Did he even need protection? Images of that mustang flashed in the darkest parts of my mind.
That mustang didn't stir well with me, I kept thinking he was a bad guy. I didn't know this guy, how can I judge someone I didn't know. He could be a great guy, and there I was telling myself he was a bad person.
The only thing I could do is ask. Duster walked in Subway alone, hopefully he'll walk back out the same way, maybe then I can talk to him. This would probably be the only chance I would have him alone and without that guy, might as well make the best of this opportunity.
The sandwich I purchased was long gone by the time Duster came out of Subway. He walked out with a drink in his paw and a cell phone in the other. I honked my horn, causing him to jump, startled by my car's bark. I poked my head out of the window.
"Hey, need a lift?"
He didn't seem excited to see me. He turned his head and continued walking. "Sorry, I can't take rides from strangers."
"I'm not a stranger, just a friendly neighborhood jock here to give you a ride back to school." I chuckled, folding my arms and rest my chin in the middle of my folded arms.
"Why?"
"Why what?" My head tilt.
"Why are you trying to talk to me? It's obvious I have nothing to say to you, so why do you keep trying?" He stopped walking.
I sighed and brought my upper body back into the car, starting the engine. "You know what?" This rude thing was getting very annoying. If someone is polite, then you'd expect the other person to mirror your attitude, yet this kid was just cruel. "Fine, I was just trying to start a friendly conversation with you, but it seems like you're to stuck up to give me a moment of your day, or accept a ride back to school. Forget it!" I sighed. "Just forget I even tried..."
I turned my head, backing up, getting ready to peel out, when suddenly, he yelled out.
"Hey!"
I stepped on the brake pedal and looked out of the passenger window. "What do you want?"
"Um" He grabbed his arm the way he did earlier and leaned down, looking into my car. "Is it too late to accept that ride?"
I rolled my eyes. I guess his attitude earlier left me miffed, though, I wasn't going to deny him a ride now.
"Sure, get in." I said.
He opened the door and got in nervously.
I started for school.
The ride back to school was pretty silent - I didn't turn the radio on, even though I wanted to, but it was rude listening to your favorite music when you didn't know if the other person preferred something different. It wasn't until we made it back to school and parked that the silent broke.
"T-thanks for the ride." Duster reach for the door handle, but I stopped him, grabbing his arm gently. He gasped and turned his head to meet my gaze.
I looked into his eyes and was able to see that pain that was present earlier. He had the most amazing set of eyes I have ever came across - bright, yellow eyes with black edging. Behind those brilliant eyes lied a lonely guy. Though he didn't want anyone to get near him on the outside, I could tell inside he begged for a friend who'd accept him.
"Tell me..." It came out as a whisper, but the words got across.
Duster turned his head to the side breaking eye contact. "I have nothing to tell you." When he spoke, it wasn't like the last time with his cocky attitude.
No.
This time it seemed he wanted to tell me something. Looking at the situation, it would appear that I was overstepping boundaries, with me holding his arm and refusing his exit of my car.
"Ok," The only thing I could say was 'ok'. I then let go of his arm. "I may seem like a jock, and I may look like I don't care about others, but I'm not. I hate seeing others hurt, especially when someone else is causing the hurting to that person. When I see someone in pain I become mad...frustrated...and I start to feel worthless. Bottom line is if you 'ever' need someone to talk to, a 'friend' to chat with then I'm here. Sorry for keeping you...I'll see you around, hopefully."
Duster was quiet after that - he just sat in the passenger seat, looking in any direction except for the one I was in. Was he thinking? Waiting? For what exactly?
He spoke softly, "I have to get to class..." He opened the door, and right before shutting it he said before shutting the door, "Thanks..."
That was the last time I saw him that day, the image of him walking back to the school building stuck with me for the remainder of my classes and even when I got home. Those worries were quickly pushed to the side when I made it home that day. Once I stepped in the door I was given a list - the list contained a series of chores. That alone was enough to take my troubled mind off of Duster. After chores I would do my homework, eat dinner, then end my night in my bed listening to my iPod.
Chores weren't too much of a hassle. Kitchen, bathroom, and living room; the kitchen was the most troublesome. Homework quickly followed - I wasn't the one to take a break between assignments. The only homework I had was College Algebra's. The teacher for that class lived up to his hype. Soon as everyone sat down in his class, we were given notes, followed by two pages of homework for that night. Luckily I finished nearly all of it in class, leaving me with a few problems which didn't take long.
Dinner with the family was the most exciting event in my house. We all took a seat at the table and talked about our days. Everyone had a story to tell. Being six of us made it even more fun. My family was pretty normal, to say the least. I lived with my mom, step dad, sister, and two brothers. I was the oldest and only one in high school at the moment.
My mom, Mrs. Dale, was a purebred German Shepherd with long black hair. She was shorter than me, but pretty tall for a women. She was always a busy women - that came with being a professor at an University. The family barely saw her, dinner would be the only time we would actually get a chance to talk to her.
My step dad, Mr. Dale, a bear, around my height, but a little chubbier worked at a restaurant, Fire Mountain. He currently had gotten the position of manager after working there for ten years. He was usually the one to cook dinner since he's had so much experience in a kitchen.
My siblings were only half related to me. All three were mixed bred. My sister, Emily, was 11 years old; Brother, Mason, 13; youngest brother, 7. I was exactly ten years older than my youngest sibling.
Every night would be a new story at the dinner table. I guess it was one of those family things.
In my room, I laid in bed, gazing at the ceiling with my iPod blaring in my ear. This was the best part of my day - I was able to relax and let my problems bleed out of my ear as the music penetrated base of my eardrum. Normally the sound of my music and darkness of the room would relieve me of all my problems, but today the two wasn't doing their job. Slow and stealthy, the problem that was pushed away earlier had surfaced again.
Duster
Duster's face popped into the darkness, all I could see was him. I tried shifting and turning, but he was still there. I changed the song on my iPod. It had no effect. It wasn't that I didn't want to think of him, I really wanted to find a way to get closer to him, hopefully become a friend of his, but it was useless. The more I thought about him, the less of a person I felt. The only people you can help are the ones who want it, so why did I feel like I failed? He didn't want my help - it was obvious by the way he held up his end of the conversation earlier.
I should have given up. Beating a brick wall with a stick wasn't going to make an opening for me to get through. If he wanted to talk, then I'll just have to wait for the right time. Forcing something out of someone is never the best route to take. I'll wait - wait for him to come to me. That was my solution. I wouldn't give up.
I smiled to myself as I came up with the answer to my problem. "Problem solved." I said. Darkness quickly clouded my mind, pushing the Dalmatian image from my head...