CHAPTER THREE: INTRODUCTIONS

November 28, 2001

     As No  entered their van, they were quiet, for the most part. Charlie and Hannah continued insulting the others. Charlie taunted to Alex, “Hey goth-freak, are you some death ghost? Is that why you’re dressed in black and have black hair?”

     Edward and Sophie sat next to Alex, and they noticed he was cringing. Edward told Charlie with irritation in his voice, “Look, I don’t know who you are, but you need to shut up.”

     Charlie mocked, “Ooo, I’m scared! Is this death goth gonna get me?”

     Sophie angrily told Charlie, “Leave the bloke alone! He won’t do anything to you! In fact, he looks scared.”

     Hannah laughed, “OMFG, Frizz-Ball Girl #1, you’re still defending that freak?”

     Mariana was getting annoyed, so she said, “Could we all please leave this guy alone? God, I hope we get our own rooms.”

     Hannah commented, “Yeah, me too. I so would not room with any of you.”

     Sophie asked sarcastically, “Why? Cuz you think you’re better than us?”

     “You could say that.”

     Mariana said, “You don’t even know us.”

     Hannah gave a smirk as Mariana and Sophie rolled their eyes.

     After a few minutes, No Rules arrived at their house. Their chaperone met up with them. She showed the members their new home, and where their rooms were located.

     Ashley and Sophie are roommates; Mariana and Hannah reluctantly shared a room; Edward is Alex’s roommate, but as soon as they got their room, Alex grabbed a spiral notebook, a pen, and went inside a closet; and Charlie has a room all to himself.

     An hour later, the No Rules members ate dinner. Then they all sat around at the living room. They all notice that Alex was sitting by himself at a wall corner, writing or drawing something in his notebook.

     Charlie taunted, “Hey goth, you think you’re better than us?”

     Hannah joined in the taunting, “C’mon freak, do you wanna be alone forever?”

     Edward told them off, “Why don’t you two f*ck off! The last thing he needs are insults.”

     Ashley chimed in, “I have made friends with people like this guy. What he needs is a friend, not some hater.”

     Sophie said, “I’m sure he’ll be friends with us if we don’t insult him.”

     Mariana decided to change the subject by suggesting, “Speaking of making friends and not enemies, we should get to know each other. My name is Mariana. I‘m 14, and I‘m from Liverpool.”

     Hannah introduced herself with a snobby voice, “Well, I’m Hannah Williams. I’m from the most posh-est part of the West End of London. I’m the most popular girl in the most prestigious school in all of London. I have the most fittest boyfriend in the entire school.”

     With that, everyone stared at Hannah. Then Ashley spoke up nervously, “Erm, I’m not that impressive. I’m Ashley, I’m 15, and I’m from Manchester. I’m not popular at all. I’m just the nice, Christian girl with a conservative Christian family. But not to worry, I’m not judgemental.”

     Edward was next to speak “Nice. I’m Edward and I’ll be 16 soon. I was born in England, but I grew up in Glasgow. I’m not popular either. I also have a Christian family.”

     Next was Sophie: “I’m Sophie. I’m 15, and I’m from Bristol. I’m part of the ‘popular crowd’, but I’m glad I’m in No Rules. It was too much pressure being in that group.”

     Charlie boasted about himself, “Well, I’m Charlie Declan. I just turned 16, and I’m from Newcastle. I’m actually one of the most popular guys in my school. I’m the top footballer in my school’s football team. Now let‘s see what this death freak has to say.”

     They knew he was talking about Alex. They didn’t see him at his corner. Just then, Alex approached them. He faced them while having his hoodie covering his face and holding some papers.

      Alex held each piece for a few seconds. The papers read this: “My name is Alex Walsh. I don’t like talking. Don’t talk to me. Ever!”

      With that, Alex stormed out of the living room. The members were shocked, except Charlie and Hannah. Sophie followed Alex. She saw him lying on his bed, with his pillow covering his head. She approached him.

      Sophie quietly said to him, “Alex, don’t let Charlie and Hannah get you down. If you need a friend, I’m here for you. Okay?”

      Alex said nothing, and gave no response. So Sophie left his room. When she left the room, Alex lifted his head and looked at the door.

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THIS IS ASHLEY (Emily Osment) IN THE PIC, AND HER VOICE IN THE VIDEO.

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SINCE THIS BOOK IS SET IN 2001/2002, WHAT WE CALL 'EMO' IN 2012 WAS CALLED 'GOTH' OR 'REAK' IN 2001.