Crow's POV

I woke up to see the grey ceiling of the orphanage. Sighing, I stood up to get dressed. The memories of the vision from yesterday still floated in my mind. As a coping mechanism, I took a cigarette from my nightstand. After putting it in my mouth, I instantly felt relaxed. My brothers slept peacefully in their beds, without a care in the world. I felt envy for them. I seemed to be the only one to have dark visions.

I blew out a puff of smoke from my mouth, the grey plume raising to the ceiling. A thought passed through my mind when I looked at my nightstand. Opening the secret hiding place, I took out a tranquilizer. Staring at the green pill in my hand, I decided that one wouldn't be enough. So, instead of taking just a single pill, I shoved three down my throat. After swallowing them, I looked at my hand. The glass piece that I used to kill myself in my vision flickered. Putting my hand over my ribs, I checked once again for a bleeding wound.

Quinn began to stir from his slumber. His lavender eyes met mine after he turned over. A hazy look covered his irises. I looked away from him as I grabbed clean clothing from my drawer. Today I had school but I didn't feel like getting there on time. If I started acting like a good boy, my friends would never let me hear the end of it.

After walking down the stairs to the first floor, I trudged to the front door. The wood door seemed heavy to push open. It must be the drugs kicking in. I mean, I did take three tranquillity pills. In about a few hours, I predict that I will either be really calm or too fucking high to remember anything.

(Time Skip)

I leaned against my locker, talking with some of my friends when I heard my name being called. Looking away from them, I saw Fresh running towards me. He wore his familiar 90s designed jacket and shades. His lingo was apparent, the one that he uses to hide his real emotions or thoughts. I would do the same thing if I was being bullied by humans. For a kid that has mental issues, it seemed he could fend for himself quite well. I half-assed a wave when he made it to me. He stopped to catch his breath.

'Was he running from something?'

That's when my question was confirmed. Running around the corner, was the meanest group of people in the entire school. They seemed to looking for someone. They were looking for Fresh. He stood closer to me when they drew near. They noticed me standing next to him after they finally got to us. The rest of the students gathered around as they watched the humans and us stare down one another. I could see the slight fear in their eyes. They weren't scared of fighting, they couldn't care less if they were caught. They were scared of me. I was known to start a fight if I was even slightly provoked. Their leader walked up to me, his eyes piercing into mine. He apparently had balls of steel.

???: Crow.

Me: Ayden.

Ayden looked at Fresh before staring back at me.

Ayden: Is he sleeping with you? Is that why you're protecting this low life?

Me: I'm protecting him because he's my friend. Not that you know what that means.

I growled through my teeth. Ayden and I were friends until he wanted to commit a crime that I didn't agree with. After that, we've been at each other's throats. I heard people whisper to each other around us. Some were making bets that I would win while other's said that they couldn't believe that the popular kids were fighting. Ayden leaned in and whispered in my 'ear'

Ayden: At least I still have parents. Not that you know what that means. You live in a fucking orphanage.

I tightened my hand into a fist. He was crossing a line that shouldn't be crossed. He was trying to get me to throw the first punch and sadly, it was working. Ayden continued to whisper to me.

Ayden: I'm pretty sure you don't even know what the word 'family' means. You're all alone. You don't have anyone to cry to after I beat your ass.

I gritted my teeth out of rage. Regret grew inside of my soul. When Ayden and I were still friends, I told him my secret. I regret ever telling that asshole. It really shows that humans will blackmail you to get their way. Ayden leaned back and stared at me once more. His dark brown eyes gave off an arrogant attitude. Fresh and the others backed away so they wouldn't get caught in the crossfire. Ayden clicked his tongue and mumbled to himself.

Ayden: Gay cock sucker.

That was the thing that pushed me over the edge. In a blink of an eye, I punched Ayden square in the face. He fell backwards onto the tiled floor. Everyone in the hallway became silent at the sudden act of violence. Blood started trickling out of his nose. Small splats could be heard as the red drops hit the floor, that's how quiet the room was. My former friend looked at me with a slight expression of shock as the blood from his nose rolled down his mouth and off his chin. I don't think he was expecting me to punch him with that much force.

Me: I'm sorry, did I ruin your money face? Good thing plastic surgeons exist. Your face really needs a lift.

'That was a really gay thing to say. Oh well, too late now.'

Unexpectedly, a grin grew on Ayden's face. A look of evil was behind his eyes. That's when I heard my name be yelled by a teacher. Supposedly, she was watching the whole thing. That's when I figured out his plan. He wanted to get me suspended so he could prove that he was superior. Humans have been thinking that they're superior lately. I also realized that none of my friends or Fresh's friends would do anything about it. Fresh would be unprotected.

As the teacher stormed up to me, the students ran away so they wouldn't get in trouble as well. The only one that stayed was Fresh and Ayden's friends. His followers were there to give him an alibi so that he could be disguised at innocent. He was the biggest fucking lie in existence.

Teacher: Crow, please explain to me why you punched Ayden.

Me: He provoked me.

Teacher: Is this true?

She said as she looked at the Ayden.

Ayden: No ma'am. He just hit me out of nowhere. I was just having a small chat with him when he went crazy.

All of his friends nodded. One of them took out their phone and showed her a video. It was of me punching him. It didn't show the part where he was provoking me. The teacher glared at me before taking my sleeve. She began dragging me to the principal's office. Fresh followed after because he didn't want to stay with the real enemy.

(Time Skip)

We sat outside of the office. Fresh seemed to be in deep thought while I played games on my phone. He shot glances at me ever once in a while.

Me: What?

Fresh: I was just wondering if your mom will think this is okay.

I lost my sense of movement. I didn't think that Fresh would think about that. Then again, he has never seen her. I became nervous. It would be very awkward if Fresh found out that I didn't have any parents. So for a solution, and the simplest answer, I lied.

Me: She's pretty chill about it. As long as I have good grades, she doesn't mind.

Fresh: If you're suspended, I can stop by your house and drop off your homework.

Me: No, it's okay. I'll have Quinn pick it up for me.

Fresh: Oh... okay.

He seemed disappointed about my answer, which made me confused. Laughing in my head, I thought about Fresh coming to the orphanage. I don't think he would exactly like it. Hundreds of parentless kids staying in one building and having Christianity be drilled into their heads. I could literally recite the entire bible without any help. That shows how many times I've been forced to read the holy book.

Fresh twiddled his thumbs while gears turned in his head. I couldn't tell what he was thinking. His shades reflected the light from the nearby window. I stared at him from corner of my eye. Fresh looked at me to speak but was interrupted by the office door opening. The head of the school walked out.

The principal was a young woman. Her black hair was tied into a bun. Glasses sat upon her nose and a black tux hugged her body. She was dressed like a character from one of the "Men in Black" movies. Her attire basically had her personality on a big ass sign. It said that she didn't take any bullshit and was always serious.

Both Fresh and I stood up but she waved her finger like a cliché mother. She pointed at me, saying that she only wanted me. No words escaped her mouth as I walked into her office.

(Time Skip)

The principal and I watched each other intensely, almost waiting to see who would speak first. Then, she pushed her glasses higher onto her nose as she spoke to me with monotone words.

Principal: So, Crow Griffin. You started a fight in my school. Do you have anything to say for yourself?

I thought for a second until I shook my head.

Me: No, I don't. I wasn't the one who had ill intention so I don't see the point in defending myself.

Principal: You attacked an innocent student.

Her words made me burst into laughter.

Principal: Are you disrespecting me?

Me: No ma'am. I was just laughing because Ayden is nowhere innocent.

Principal: I'll see about that. Right now, I need to call your parents to tell them that you are suspended.

My eyes widened. I couldn't have her find out my secret.

Me: I don't think that is necessary. Just send me home with my stuff and I won't come back until my suspension is over.

She looked at me dead in the eyes. She wasn't going to take my bullshit. She picked up her work phone as she stared at me.

Principal: Parent's number... now.

My breathing became unstable until I knew that I couldn't escape this. Mumbling to myself, I gave her my response.

Me: I'm an orphan.

Principal: What was that? I couldn't hear you.

Me: I'm an orphan.

I said a little bit louder so she could hear me correctly. I heard the phone drop out of her hand. Apparently she was really surprised that I didn't have any legal guardians.

Principal: Then where do you live? You're not old enough to own a home.

Me: I live in Rosemary Orphanage. Nuns have been taking care of me ever since I was eleven. My parents abandoned me and my brothers. There is no one to call. That's why I said to just send me home with my stuff.

She put her finger under her chin for a few minutes. It was quiet as she thought of what to say next. I stared at my hands that were in my lap. My backpack was sitting next to my legs.

Principal: Fine. I won't call anyone but you're still suspended. You have one week. I better see you next Monday. Get going.

Me: Thank you.

Grabbing my backpack, I left her office.

(Time Skip)

I took the handle of the front door of the school. That's when I heard Fresh say my name. Turning around, I saw him holding my leather jacket.

'That's where it went.'

Fresh: You left this at my house. You should take this before I forget to give it to you again.

Me: Thank you so much. I actually cried a little when I came to the conclusion that I lost it.

Fresh: Why didn't you call me?

Me: I didn't think about it. I don't really use my phone that much.

Fresh: Oh, it's okay. So... are you suspended?

Me: Yeah, for a week.

Fresh rubbed the back of his neck before adjusting his shades.

Fresh: Um, do you want to hang out? Like go to the café.

Me: After school?

Fresh: No, right now

Me: Isn't that ditching?

Fresh: So, who cares? I already finished all of my homework.

I laughed as I walked out of the building. Fresh started following me out. My phone chimed in my pocket. Picking it up and reading the notification, I saw that it was from Quinn.

Quinn Text: Dude, Mary wants you home. She wants us to do our piano lessons. Even though you have school.

Me Text: Yeah about that. I'm suspended for a week.

Quinn Text: WTF! You idiot. Do you have any idea what Mary will do if she finds out about this?

Me Text: I already texted her about it. What time do I have be there?

Quinn Text: Like right now. Wait, she has a phone?

I stuffed my phone into my pocket. It looks I'll have to take a rain check.

Me: Fresh, I am so sorry but I have to go. My mother wants me home. I'll see you later.

I spun on my heels and began running towards home before Fresh could say anything. I think he was trying to figure out why my 'mother' wanted me home so quickly.

(Time Skip)

I ran up to the door of my home. The other orphans gave me weird looks when I rushed into the building and into the piano room. Quinn, Porcel, and Mary were waiting for me.

Mary: Do you have a reason for being late?

Me: No Madam Mary. I have no excuse. I will be more punctual next time.

A smile grew on Mary's face.

Mary: Alright, since you have good discipline and manners, I'll let it slide.

I sat at the piano and placed my fingers on the black and white keys.

Mary: Play Fur Elise.

Me: By Ludwig van Beethoven. The song is mostly played in A Minor with an occasional small change in key.

Mary: Very good. You may begin when you're ready.

I took small breaths until I played the first notes of the classical song. That's when the door opened. One of the nuns walked in, causing me to stop. My brothers stared curiously at the woman. They were told to never disturb unless it was important.

Nun: There is a strange kid waiting at the front door.

Mary: Are they one of ours?

Nun: No Madam Mary. I've never seen him before in my life. They look to be around seventeen of age.

Mary: Send them away.

Nun: We've tried. He's very stubborn.

Mary sighed before following the nun. My brothers and I wondered what was happening so we tagged along. When we got to the front door, I saw that one single person that I didn't want seeing here.

'Why did it have to be you, Fresh?'

I did my best to hide behind the nuns. Quinn and Porcel seemed to notice my sudden change in demeanor. Mary opened the door with a slight rude aura surrounding her.

Mary: Can I help you?

Fresh: I saw my friend run into this building.

Mary: What is their name?

Fresh: Crow.

The head of the holy house turned around to face me. I gave her an awkward smile.

Me: I am sorry. I accidentally broke one of your rules.

Mary: I'll deal with that matter later. Right now, this kid is the problem.

Fresh: Problem? Excuse me? I just came here to talk to him.

The Madam pinched her nose before exhaling a deep breath.

Mary: Fine but make it quick. Crow has piano lessons.

Fresh: Thank you.

Mary took my brothers and the nun with her, leaving me alone with my friend. We stared at each other for a few minutes. That's when I took his sleeve to drag him out of the building. I began speaking quietly to him.

Me: What are you doing here?

Fresh: You're an orphan?

Me: Did you follow me?

Fresh: You're not answering my question.

Me: Answer mine first.

Fresh: Fine. You rushed off so quickly that I didn't understand why. So I did the most logical thing, I followed you. It was also confusing that your mom wanted you home this early in the day. From what I recall, I didn't see your mother walk into the office and that happens every time someone is suspended. You couldn't be the only one that was an exception. So, if your mother wasn't contacted, then how the heck did she know about you getting out.

Me: ... Shit.

I looked away from him.

Fresh: You're an orphan?

I hesitantly nodded.

Fresh: Why didn't you tell me?

Me: Because I wasn't allowed to. And besides, it would be weird. Having your friend tell you that they live in an orphanage.

Fresh: I wouldn't judge.

He went to hug me but I pushed him back.

Me: Don't do that here. We're always being watched. If they get the slightest suspicion that I'm gay, they'll surely torture me to no end.

I looked up and saw a nun watching us through one of the windows. I took Fresh to the front gate of the property, where no one could see us.

Me: You have to get going. I really need to do my piano lessons. And I already got in trouble for being late. If I'm late again, then they'll beat me. And that wouldn't be fun. So you-

Fresh kissed me to shut me up. Only then did I realize that he was speaking the entire time that I was ranting.

Fresh: Shut up and let me talk, will ya? Tomorrow, café after school.

That's all he said before walking off, closing the gate behind him. I stood at the entrance for a minute, trying to process what the hell just happened. I did not see that coming.

Am I gay?

A Quick Discussion

How the fuck did this chapter become 3125 words long?!

When I was coming up with the ship name for Crow and Fresh, this was my brain...

My Brain: Cresh.

Me: ....... Fucking Brilliant.

I'm not that creative with names.

Love ya...

Bye