1: The Local Outcast

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Russell snapped out of his daze when the bell rang, indicating it was lunch time. The teacher bid them all goodbye and walked out of the room as everyone got up from their seats.

Russell grabbed his bag and slung it over his shoulder, ready to exit the classroom when he heard a voice behind him.

"Hey, Russell! Wait up!" he heard someone yell from behind him. Russell turned around to see his best friend, Geniveve or "Genny" for short.

Him and Genny have been friends since they were in middle school, they met after Russell hit his head on Genny's locker door.  They've been inseparable ever since.

"What do you want?" he asked her and looked at the clock hanging in the classroom. It was 11:00 am. Time sure flies by fast.

"So, did you hear about Mr. Anderson?" she said excitedly. Russell shook his head no as they headed out of the classroom and walked down the hallway that was full of students.

"Spill the tea."Russell grins, glancing at her. He was down to hear Genny's daily tea.

"Well, I heard that he was fired for having relations with a student,"Genny exclaimed. Russell's eyes widened at this news. His mouth fell open and his jaw hit the ground.

"Are you fucking kidding me?!" he whisper-yelled. "Yep! Apparently a faculty member saw him with one of the cheerleaders." She explained. Russell nodded his head in understanding.

While they were busy gossiping, they didn't notice a boy walking their way.

Russell was about to speak up when he accidentally bumped on someone, almost causing the two of them to fall over. Well, the stranger did fall though. Russell turned his head towards who he bumped onto.

It was the local outcast, Colin Brooks.

"Shit, I'm so sorry."Russell blurted, quickly trying to help him stand up straight. Colin only waved him off and stood up, then glaring at him.

"Watch where you're going next time." he spat and walked past them. Russell was left standing there, completely dumbfounded by the incident.

"Geez, he was rude."Genny comments as she slung her arm around Russell's neck. Russell only nodded, not saying a single word as they continued to head to the cafeteria before lunch time ended.

---

The rest of the day was pretty uneventful. Russell spent most of the period writing some random things down in his notebook. He glanced up at the clock once more and sighed, realizing that their last class for the day is almost over.

Russell got up and grabbed his stuff, packing everything into his bag as the bell finally rang. Genny approached him once more and they headed out of class together, planning to go to get some ice cream as well.

Genny was talking about something but Russell wasn't paying attention as he was distracted by his surroundings, busy looking around as people passed by.

"Still can't believe that Colin was rude to you even though you apologized. He should've watched his way too."Genny  remarked, snapping Russell out of his thoughts.

Russell gave her a sheepish grin.

"It's not that big of a deal anyway. He's probably cranky or something..."he trailed off.

Genny rolled her eyes at that comment.

"Whatever, let's get some ice cream. Oh also, I heard there will be a new season of our fave series, I'm kind of excited!"she added, bouncing on her heels while grinning.

Russell chuckled and nodded. They were walking towards the nearest ice cream shop.

Russell ordered a simple vanilla cone while Genny decided on getting a double scoop of chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream. They sat by the window of the shop while discussing certain topics they liked.

"Genny, just go and approach him!"Russell chuckles, playfully nudging his best friend. "Noooo~ I don't wanna scare him away!"She whined.

Russell rolled his eyes playfully. "Oh my gosh, you're such a coward. How are you even gonna tell him you like him?".

Genny groaned, letting out a fake sob which made Russell laugh. "I don't know! You know how shy I get when it comes to guys... Especially him..."she confessed, playing with the end of her hair.

Russell sighed and gave her a reassuring smile. "You'll do great, okay? Just take it easy and talk to him gently, and if he rejects you, then that's his loss."Russell said, patting his friend's back.

She nodded and returned Russell's smile. "Thanks Russell." she smiled softly, giving him a quick hug. Genny says with a giggle, "I wish I should've dated you but you're not my type.". Russell chuckled, rolling his eyes playfully. "The feeling's mutual.".

They eventually parted ways after a while. Russell was now making his way home in peace, casually humming a tune from his favorite song.

He watches as the sun starts sinking in the horizon, painting the sky with oranges and reds. He stops to admire the beautiful sight, a smile forming on his lips. But the peaceful moment was then disrupted when Russell heard a loud thud behind him.

Russell turned around sharply, seeing who it was that caused the noise. But when he realized who it was, his eyes grew wide.

Colin was right behind... but he was lying on the ground. And he looked beat up.

Russell was surprised and worried. Why was he lying there?! He hurriedly ran forward to check Colin's injuries but to no avail. His body was covered with bruises and his face was bruised as well. Russell stared at Colin in shock. What happened to him?

"Hey, who did this to you?"Russell asked gently. But Colin's face hardened and he began to sit up.

"I'm fine, now go away." Colin muttered through clenched teeth and pushed Russell away. 

Russell backed away slightly.

"But dude, you're clearly beat up! You need to go to the hospital."Russell exclaims with worry etched across his face. Colin glared at Russell, clearly annoyed.

"Leave me alone. It's none of your business."Colin growled and walked away from Russell. Russell only watched as Colin walked away from him with a small frown, still worried for the other.

He sighs before continuing on walking, not wanting to upset his mother if he arrived late.

---

Russell stepped in his home and immediately went to the kitchen to greet his mother who was currently cooking them dinner.

"Hey ma, I'm home."He hums as he leaned against the counter. Russell's mom turned her head and smiled at her son before greeting him back with a soft smile. "Hello, sweetie. How was school?".

Russell shrugs, hopping on the counter while he watches his mom cook. "It was okay, I guess. Heard Mr. Anderson got fired today.".

Russell informed as his mother turned off the stove and took a towel to wipe off the sweat that formed on her forehead.

His mother turned and faced her son as she wiped her hands clean and rested her arms upon the counter.

"What'd he do?"She asks with a soft hum.  Russell shrugged. "Apparently he had affairs with some student.".  His mother nodded her head and turned her body towards the stove.

"That's awful, dear. Anyway, you should change your clothes while I prepare the food.". Russell nodded and made his way upstairs.

As soon as he was in his room, he started changing his clothes. He pulled on some grey sweatpants and a plain white t-shirt. After that, he heads back downstairs.

His mother had already set the table and set the silverware and plates out on the table. Russell thanked her before taking his seat.

After they ate, they finished cleaning everything up and went to watch television in the living room together. As usual, it was romance. However tonight, instead of watching it, Russell is sitting here thinking about what happened earlier with Colin.

"You're spacing out, anything wrong at school?"Russell's mom asks him, glancing over at him. Russell shakes his head.

"No, ma. No... Everything's fine. Just thinking about something.". He assures her, smiling at her.

"Do you want to talk about it or...?"She inquired. Russell looks at her for a few moments and sighs.

"Actually, Ma, I sorta ran into a guy at school today and he was all beaten up. I tried to help him but he pushed me away."He said, fiddling with his fingers. 

His mom gives a sympathetic look, placing her hand on top of his.

"Don't feel bad for caring about him, darling. But he probably needs some space."Her words instantly made Russell feel a bit better.

He knew his mother meant well, and he shouldn't worry much. "Well, I just wanted to know if he's alright.. So, thanks again, Ma." he replied, giving her a warm smile.

"Of course dear. Now, let's finish watching this movie before we retire for the night." She suggested, pointing the remote at the TV.

Russell nodded and focused his attention back onto the TV, a small smile painting his face.