Struggle

It's the present day. Nobody knows my brother died, or that I'm looking for the person who killed my brother, or even how or why I killed my parents. Only one person knew why, and that was my brother, of course.

I've changed a lot since then. I dyed my hair a light brown, I became less trusting to people around me, and I changed my name to Zero. I walked the streets as if nothing could harm me, and nothing can. After all, I did murder my parents and managed to not get caught whatsoever.

Not many people noticed me on the streets. It was almost as if I never existed. I don't go to school and I haven't at all for the last seven years. Of course, I know most things the average 14-year-old is supposed to know. Some people treat me like a rat. I mean, I don't smell bad or anything. I take a rinse with a hose in an alley if it's private and no one's there, so it's safe to take a quick drizzle.

Most people don't have the heart to put themselves in my shoes and try to understand what I'm going through. I have a stray cat to take care of, so I'm not lonely, but one day the cat ran away and never came back. I was a bit lonesome and unhappy until today when I met some people in a school area of Kijono High School.

"I think I'll try to go back to school. I don't have anything better to do with my life."

I walked around the outside of the school, looking for someone to help me. I then saw a few students; two girls and two boys.

"I don't look the best right now to go up to someone. Maybe they won't mind."

I started walking up to them. People stared at me since I looked different from the crowd. The worst part is, I don't even have a uniform, so I stood out even more.

"Um, hi... I actually want to try going to school today, so can you take me to the principal's office?"

They looked at me. I can't tell if they are confused about why I don't go to school, or why I'm some stranger asking to see the principal.

A girl whispered to the other girl. "Is that against the school policy to let a stranger in?"

"I mean, she looks our age, but we can't judge based on that... I guess we should let her see the principal, as long as we have the guys watch her while we talk to the principal." They both looked back at me.

"Okay, what's your name?" the girl with brown hair asked.

"Zero, what about you?"

"I can't answer that until we get you to the principal."

She could at least give me a nickname to call her for now, or I'll just have to call her "brown hair," and I'm pretty sure she won't like it.

She took me up to the principal's office and told me to wait outside the door with the two guys. It was my first time hanging around guys that were my age or older. I haven't had the chance to talk to anybody. All my friends never kept in touch for the last few years, so I had nobody to talk to.

I had to say something to them. They were awkwardly standing there. I had to build up the courage to talk to them, even if the school rejected me! Come on, Zero, you can do this...

"H... H... Hey-"

The principal's door opens before I could finish. "She said you can go in to talk. We will be waiting out here to hear if you make it. Good luck!"

I was honestly glad she came out that door. I missed my opportunity to make friends for the first time in years, but it saved me from an awkward moment. I walked into the principal's office and sat down.

"What brings you here, miss...?"

"Zero! My name is Zero."

"Ah, Miss Zero, may I ask what brings you here?"

"Well, I haven't been to school in about seven years, but I've been persistent with my learning skills and I think I'm ready to go back."

"Seven years?!"

After a while, the principal calmed down.

"Sorry for the rude comment, but that's quite some time."

"Does that mean I can get in?"

"Not exactly. I still need to discuss this with the school board. We do have a meeting with them this Wednesday, so by then, I think I will have an answer for you. Until then, you won't be attending normal school, but you can come back in a week and I should have an answer for you."

I try to process all the things she's saying, but I get what she's trying to say after a moment.

"Okay, well, I will be back next Tuesday at... 1:38?"

"Yes, yes. I should be available then. Just stop by my office when you arrive."

I walk out the door and the four kids are still waiting.

"What did she say?"

"Did you get in?"

Both of the girls ask me at least a dozen questions before I answer.

"Well, I'm not going to get in yet, but I might. I just have to wait until Tuesday afternoon to get my answer."

"Oh, great! Can I ask what time? We can come lead you to the principal's office again so you don't get lost," one of the guys said.

"... Sure, I'd like that."