I have prepared another chapter! It's longer this time. Sorry that I didn't mention any other characters in the first chapter, but a few favorites are back in this one.
WARNING: This chapter contains drug use and mild language
Chapter One – White Lines and White Lies
El Lavador sat on the grimy school toilet, and stuck a brawny hand into his front pocket. He pulled out a small back of cocaine. He tapped a fine line of the substance onto the surface of the toilet paper dispenser and lowered his nose down to the cold metal. After a quick snort, he was ready for the first day of his senior year at Fungi High; the beginning of the end.
He stumbled out the bathroom, his life’s VCR stuck on fast forward. His head cocked to the side and back again, his fingers slid around in his palms rapidly. After contemplating what to do next, he skidded down the hall, clutching his face. El Lavador grinned. Euphoria was feasting on his already worthless brain.
At the front door of the school, he spotted Ted strolling in with what appeared to be a particularly gabby Patricia Peach.
“Halt, you fish-men,” El Lavador exclaimed.
“What the hell,” Ted muttered, “what do you think is about, Patricia?”
“Hmm,” Patricia mused, “either first day nerves or chronic use of an incredibly dangerous stimulant.”
Ted and Patricia laughed heartily as they pushed past Lavador, leaving his stoned and confused. Nobody was afraid of Lavador anymore. He had become a blatantly laughable cokehead.
“Wow,” Ted giggled, “I used to be scared of him. Good thing he loves white rabbit.”
“No joke,” Patricia agreed.
The two students basked in silence for a few seconds and then made eye contact. They both looked away and blushed. The romance and intrigue of Ted’s summer was involved with her, and after some unpleasantness, they hadn’t talked for a while. This was their first shared conversation in a few weeks. He was surprised she even forgave him. After a few more minutes of discomfort, Ted muttered something about having to get to his locker and sped off.
Ted found Jay about halfway down the hall.
“Jay, you won’t believe how awkward it is between me and Patricia.”
“I probably will believe it. Stuff did go down this summer, you know.”
Ted gazed at him and grumbled, “Of course I know. It dealt with me, you mongoloid.”
“Well, Ted,” Jay grinned, “you don’t go out with a girl and then make out with their best friend.”
Ted smiled very serenely and said, “It was all temptation. I feel terrible, but it was all temptation.”
Linoleum shone under the continually strolling sneakers of these two friends, as they relived moments of their bittersweet vacation. Ted felt remorse, and joy; regret, and glee. Yet, possibilities were silently screaming at Ted all around him; for he was absolutely positive that this would be another epic year at Fungi High.
