2020-11-16 - The New Beginning - Eugene’s New Life

 2020-11-16 - The New Beginning - Eugene’s New Life

Eugene Sinclair was coming off of a surreal weekend and into a surreal week.  He’d gotten out of prison on Friday and met his new foster family.  That in and of itself had been so incredibly surreal he’d wondered as he lay down to sleep if he might do that only to wake up back in his cell.  But he hadn’t.  Saturday morning he had awakened, walked the dog Rufus with Lyra, then showered, shaved and had breakfast with the family.  Then he and his foster father, Shea Walsh had gone to the thrift store where Gene had picked out several outfits that were interchangeable and nice enough for school, then to the small clothing stores for socks and underwear.  Then to the credit union to start a new account for him.  After a stop back at the house to put the clothes away and change out of the sweat suit he’d been gifted by his lawyer, Shea had walked with Gene over to ‘the big blue house’ where Dante Mendoza’s foster mother, Lydia Alvin lived.  There Gene had met her and found her to be everything Dante had said she was.  He didn’t stay long, feeling like he was intruding on Dante’s family, but he did stay long enough to tell Lydia that Dante really was doing well, as he had seen him with his own eyes every day.

Sunday, he settled a bit more into a daily routine.  Walking the dog, doing his assigned chores and walking around the town, seeing it through his own eyes.  A cop had stopped him and they talked.  It turned out that he was a history teacher, but also Natalie’s husband.  As they walked, Gene asked some questions and, by the end of the walk had unofficially enrolled in Mr Lawrey’s local history class.  Then, he wandered down into ‘the Bottoms’ and visited the computer repair guy, Bruce Davis to apply for a full time job.  Bruce hired him, but only for part time.  A few hours after school on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays, telling Gene that school was the priority.  Once that was done, he started home and ran into Father O’Keeffe, who walked him home so that Gene could return the books, thanking the tall priest again and saying that when he had the money, he would buy his own copies of the books.

Now, Gene was walking to his class, having arrived with Shea early to enroll.  Dressed in his ‘new’ black jeans, a bulky fishermans sweater over a simple dark grey t-shirt and almost new sneakers, with his long straight black hair brushed back, and he was glad to be able to do more than just finger comb it like he did in Prince George.  He headed for his homeroom and took a seat, and waited for the class to begin, taking out his class schedule and concentrating on it … not on anyone coming into the class.

Duncan Rogers arrived with Fernanda, hand in hand.  Today he’s dressed in blue jeans and a light russet colored sweater.  He noticed a new boy sitting by himself and he realized it was the seat usually taken by his sister.  But the kid was new and for all he knew, Mr Negron had told the guy to sit there.  He takes his seat and just waits for the day to begin.

Winona Carpenter walked in and sat at her seat, noticing a new guy she’d never seen before.  He didn't look up or around as people began walking in.  She noticed that he was in Miranda’s usual seat.  This guy was thin and he looked a little mean to her.  Just something about his face, even though he wasn’t looking at anyone.  He just had what she presumed to be the equivalent to a girls resting bitch face.  She sat with him, but said nothing, wondering if some seating change had been made that she didn’t know about.  Clearing her throat, she just adjusted her purple sweater over her black leggings and waited for Miranda to show up.  She could deal with this guy.  It was her seat, after all.

Otis Carpenter came to homeroom with Levar and nodded in the direction of the new guy.  Dressed in grey slacks and a white button up, he  took his seat, but didn’t engage the guy, who looked a bit like he wasn’t interested in talking to anyone.  But he didn’t assume that meant the guy was mean or anything.

Stella Ferris-Smith walked into the class listening to music on her headphones.  Today she was in a blue sweater dress and grey leggings with her hair in a neat pony tail.  She went straight to her seat and pulled out her phone, where she rearranged some of the songs in her latest playlist.  Across the room she saw the guy she assumed was Sparrow’s new foster brother.  He wasn’t looking at or engaging with anyone in the class.  He just sat, looking at a sheet of paper and not making eye contact with anyone.  Sparrow had told her only that he’d had a rough time of it lately, so she didn’t interfere with him either.  Maybe after class or even after school.  They’d probably run into each other at his and Sparrow’s house.  But she did notice that he was in Miranda Roger’s seat, but … she wasn’t going to tell him to move.

Cosmo Cherneski stalked into the room and took his seat, dropping his back, leaning back in his seat and closing his eyes.  He was dressed in dirty blue jeans and a black sweatshirt with worn high tops on his feet.

Levar Hawkins-Domino dropped off his stuff in the homeroom and had walked in with Otis. He saw his boyfriend’s nod to the new guy sitting at the back and Levar being Levar he grinned at Otis and decided to go say hello before he had to run off to the office to do morning announcements. He was wearing a grey hoodie with a pair of black jeans and a black quilted vest on top and his usual high top black sneakers. He walked up to the new guy with a tentative smile as the guy was not smiling “Hey man...welcome to the Academy. I’m Levar.”

Sparrow Walsh had come in ahead of Gene as she walked with her sister, their father and Gene so he could get registered. She had made sure Lyra got to her classroom and then came early to the 11-12 room. She had noticed where Gene sat and knew it was Miranda Roger’s seat. That girl was pretty outspoken usually so she’d probably tell him to move if she really wanted the seat. Sparrow opened Birdie, one of her novels for ELA, and began to read, looking up every now and then and giving a sweet smile to Stella as she saw her come in. Sparrow was very captivated by Stella as a usual rule but she was also at a critical point in her novel and needed to find out what would happen to the young Cree woman in the story. She planned to pass on the book to Stella after as well so she wanted to finish it.

Fernanda let go of Duncan’s hand as they sat down but sat sideways in her seat letting her gaze drift casually to the new guy at the back of the room sitting in Miranda’s seat. That could be interesting when Miranda showed up as she had been adamant about why she chose the back corner seat on the side close to the door when she claimed it. Fernanda liked the front corner of the classroom because she wanted to engage with the lessons and get her work down as efficiently and effectively as possible. The chatter of the classroom annoyed her but the closer to the teacher you got, the more people actually shut up and she could concentrate. She had on a pair of dark blue high waisted jeans rolled up at the bottom over a pair of short low heeled boots. She had a light cropped moss green cardigan over a v neck black t-shirt with a jean jacket on top a shade or two lighter than her jeans. Her hair was pulled back from her face by tortoise shell barrettes at each side but hung long and curly over her jean jacket.

Tyler Wheeler sleep walk stumbled into class at the second bell looking like he had rolled out of bed into whatever clothes he laid his hands on first which happened to be a pair of medium blue jeans with a big rip in one knee and a brown t- shirt sticking out under a multicoloured striped sweater. Tyler had a mop of red curly hair and he was stocky and a little short, resembling a freckled ginger hobbit. He had on black and white trainers and carried a slightly disastrous looking backpack that things frequently fell right out of as he moved through school. As he walked into the room he smirked at Winona and was about to offer a smile Miranda’s way when he realized the person in her usual desk was an Indigenous dude….and kind of a grumpy looking one without Miranda’s purple hair. Tyler gave Winona a wary and confused look and then circled around to his seat but as he turned he lost a box of tic tacs from the backpack and they were open so the little green candies rolled in every direction “Aw man!” He moaned as he set the bag down and tried to start catching them.

Spencer Newcastle sauntered into the classroom but loomed in the doorway as he looked around the room before walking all the way in. Spencer was very good at ...taking up space...all the space sometimes without consideration to the notion that other people may be blocked by him standing in the doorway. He saw Cosmo and snapped his fingers and then pointed at him “Cherneski! You look like a bum…” He laughed and then saw Tyler scrambling for his candies “But you’re not as pathetic as fuckin Wheeler….Jesus Christ buddy. And who’s that guy?” He looks back at the new guy in the back corner with obvious disdain. Spencer was wearing a crips looking blue button up shirt on top of a nice pair of black jeans with black sneakers. His blond hair was gelled and styled so it never moved and he wore a bit too much body spray so that it wafted with him and even before and after him where he went.

Miranda was on the verge of running late and she knew it. She had run the last half block to school and into it only to be reminded not to run in the halls by Mr. Van Burren who was talking to Mr. Negron part way to their classroom. “Sorry!” she had called back and then fast walked the rest of the way, skipping stopping at her locker even so she wasn’t totally late. She had her purple hair tied back in a low ponytail but her brown roots were showing now. Miranda wore a sort of army looking khaki green jacket with a bunch of buttons on the front pockets. She had a black shirt dress on over purple and black striped leggings with a short cropped black hoodie on top of the top half of the dress. She wore black fingerless gloves and her nails were short and painted black. She wore minimal makeup and she had an eyebrow piercing that was new in the last month as well as having extensive piercings on her ears. Her leggings ended in a  pair of second hand lace up black leather boots. As she got to the door it was blacked by Spencer Newcastle and she was irritated. “Excuse me….” She said, trying to be polite. She had been actively avoiding him for months but Spencer frequently loomed in her space, in everyone’s space really.

Spencer heard a voice behind him and turned but didn’t actually step out of the way “Oh good morning Miranda….are you trying to get past?” He knew she was.

Miranda glared at him “Yeah...could you excuse me please?”

Angel Negron finished his conversation with Arthur and realized he better hurry to his homeroom now and greet this new student. But there was some sort of stand off at the door happening. “Miranda….Spencer. Good morning. Please take your seats.”

At the request of the teacher, Spencer moved away and went to his spot behind Cosmo with a snicker as he sat.

Miranda huffed and made for her seat, only to find it occupied by a new student. She had a strong flash of something. Instant dislike maybe? She looked at the guy briefly and he was a tall and perhaps Indigenous kid with long black hair. His hair was actually gorgeous but that didn't excuse him just randomly taking someone’s seat. Between Spencer being an ass and this and being almost late she was just defeated by life today and she rolled her eyes at the new guy and muttered “Ok whatever...have it…” And then stalked off to another seat at the back on the window side of the room. She exhaled at Winona and her brother Duncan and then saw Tyler crawling around on the floor and blinked at him “What are you doing?”

Angel walked to his desk and set down some teaching supplies and then turned to the class “Good morning everyone. I’m sure you’ve noticed, we have a new student to welcome. This is Eugene Sinclair. Hi Eugene, I’m Mr. Negron and we’re very pleased to have you with us.”

Gene realized people were coming in and ignored them.  That was safest, he'd learned not only from prison but from his other families.  But a black guy approached him and welcomed him to the Academy.  Looking up from his schedule, which seemed simple enough, Gene realized he should probably speak.  "Hey.  Thanks.  I'm Gene."  he replied, barely opening his mouth and kept it at that.  Now that he was looking up, he noticed Sparrow reading and regretted returning the books so fast, but he could look for another, or find something online to read on his phone. A short red-haired dude spilled a bunch of tic-tacs all over the floor, but Gene didn't react.  Then some blond walked in and Gene felt a shiver of dislike immediately..  Be it his words or his body spray, he wasn't sure, but he didn't like this guy.  It didnt help that the blonde noticed him, asking who he was.  Gene ignored him, because prison HAD taught him not to react to people he disliked.  This school wouldn't have a solitary, but better to keep his head down anyway. His new foster home was incredible, and he wouldn't jepordize it for anything .. or anyone.  At last a girl walked in.  Purple hair and fingerless gloves with an eyebrow piercing which was only one of many.  So far, she was the prettiest girl in the class and the blonde was giving her a hard time.  The girl walked up to him, murmured some kind of nonsense he didn't understand at him and moved to another seat.  What was she bitching at him for?  He'd jsut been sitting there minding his own business.  But she must have beenthe last, because the last ne ot walk in was the teacher.  Young looking hispanic guy.  And of course, the teacher had to point him out to the whole class.  Gene nodded.  "Thanks.  And .. Gene .. please."  he half raised his hand and hoped that would be the end of it.

Duncan watched the classroom fill and was looking for his sister, who he knew was going to be late.  He could tease her about it later.  But when she arrived he could tell she was already fed up.  Spencer got in her way and instead of confronting the new kid, she just sort of huffed and took another seat.  Then Angel walked in and the new kid was given a name, which the new kid immediately shortened.  Duncan could understand that.  Eugene wasn't the best name, in his opinion.  But Gene seemed very standoffish.

Winona watched Tyler come in and replied to his confused look with a slight shrug.  Then Spencer came in to act an ass and iranda surprised her by not really reacting to her stolen seat in any meaningful way.  She was just like whatever.

Otis watched his love gret the new guy and the new guy replied, but then didn't engage in any new communication.  But once Mr Negron arrived, Otis got the guys name along with everyone else.  The kid seemed to prefer Gene, and not be the most talkative of the 11-12's.  Otis just returned the half a wave.  "Hi Gene,  Welcome."

Stella watched the whole exchange with an arched brows.  Mondays, right.  Sparrow was reading, so she couldn't ask about Gene, but eventually after Miranda and Spencer squared off, followed by Miranda at least not being a bitch to the new guy and simply taking another set, Mr Negron came in and introduced everyone to Gene, whose reply was short.  Not sweet ... just short.

Cosmo was not sleeping, he only looked like he was.  He'd looked when Tyler spilled his TicTacs and Spencer arrived in time to see it happen.  Then Miranda arrived in classic Miranda being a bitch fashion.  He was glad this new kid had stolen her seat.  Couldn’t happen to a nicer girl.  That had to be Karma finally coming at her for snitching about those harmless pictures.  Mr Negron arrived and introduced the new kid as Eugene and Cosmo couldn’t help but agree with the kid when he shortened it to Gene.  Who wouldn’t?

Levar noticed that the new guy still didn’t smile but at least he had a name now “Good to know ya Gene. I gotta split. But you’ll hear my dulcet tones after the anthem. Cheers.” And he walked around Miranda as she passed and then dipped down to Otis, planting a sneaking kiss on his cheek before he half jogged down to the office to do his morning announcement duty after O Canada.

Angel smiled warmly “Then Gene it is.” He looked about to say more when the intercom clicked on and the anthem started up. Then everyone stood up. Angel sang along but he knew at this age many of the students either mouthed the words or just stood there waiting to sit again. 

After O Canada Levar did start talking about various things happening in the school “Intramural basketball today at 3:45…….get your goodies made for the bake sale. You all better bake some nanaimo bars. I love those. But no nuts….I hear we got allergies. The admins are asking that we don’t sit on the stairs out front because it’s against the fire exit protocols if we don’t have a big path to get out of here. Also people, it’s cold outside. Go get a coffee if you have a spare! That’s all I got today. Go otters!”

As the first class for the 11-12s was math in the homesroom, the class didn’t move. Angel went to his pile on the desk and grabbed a stack of papers “Pop quiz to see if you’re all catching onto the trigonometry. No grades, just to see if we need more time on this or we can move on.” He begins handing out stacks “Tyler, no more tic tacs. You lose more than you eat. And sit down please in your spot.” As the papers went out he looked apologetically at Gene “You might be at a different place in math from Prince George but this will help me know if you’re ahead of us or need some extra worksheets. Phones away...pencils out please.”

Spencer snorted and looked back at Gene “Prince George eh? Isn’t that the juvie prison where Dante ended up? You another jailbird Gene? What’d ya do?”

Gene had noticed that Levar hadn't stayed to chat.  He kissed the guy what had also said hello and was gone.  O Canada began and Gene simply stood, not singing along and not even pretending to mouth the words.  Then he heard Lavar again and it made sense.  He made announcements. Then Mr Negron announced a pop quiz and, probably not intentionally, put him on the spot in two different ways.  Mathematically and with where he was from.  The blonde was sharper than he had any right to be, in Gene’s opinion and asked both about the prison and about Dante.  Gene sighed both because of the math and the blonde, but he slowly turned his head and looked unsmiling at the blonde.  “Yea.  I’m from there and I know the guy.”  he didn’t answer the other question and wouldn’t unless pressed … and the blonde looked like a presser.  So much for laying low.

Angel shot a warning look at Spencer “That’s enough Spencer. Where’s your pencil?” His tone was a little blunt. This kid frequently was a thorn in his side but as the teacher he had to stay level. Now he was seeming to pick on the new guy in his first class.

Spencer kept smiling at Gene and casually turned to Mr. Negron “Oh shit pencils….I think I’m fresh out.” He seemed to think it was a great joke but then couldn’t resist one more dig at Gene about jail “Break too many mirrors with that mug of yours…..because it’s criminal…”

Angel walked up to Spencer’s desk and thumped it “Enough. You get one last warning Spencer and then detention. Find a pencil now and stop bothering Gene.”

Sparrow looked between Gene and Spencer and her jaw tightened. She gripped her own pencil and was tempted to just stick it in Spencer’s back. Why was he such an immediate asshole? And why couldn’t he cut down on the body spray? She felt nauseous sitting behind him.

Miranda glared at Spencer in disbelief. She wasn’t crazy about the new guy for sitting in her seat but he was his usual charming self. Then she darted a look over at Gene. He had been in prison? She was curious as to what for but knew it wasn’t her business.

Tyler was one seat over from Gene and caught the whole exchange and energy of it almost in the line of fire too. Spencer was a prick but the new guy had been to prison? He felt himself unconsciously shift over a bit in his seat away from Gene.

Fernanda tapped her pencil and stared at Spencer, being disrespectful to both her brother and the new student. That guy needed some serious manners. He would never survive a day with her mother. She wondered if his parents knew he had this much of a mouth on him. She was a little curious about what Gene had done and found it interesting that he knew Dante, their neighbour. But mostly she was eager to write the damn math quiz and Spencer was wasting everyone’s time.

Levar slipped back into the classroom having no idea what had happened in his absence other than there being a  math quiz waiting for him on his desk. He reached into his bag for a pencil and got ready to write when the teacher said start.

Duncan looked between Spencer and the new kid Gene.  OK, so the new kid had been in prison.  So what.  he was obviously out now and had paid his debt to society.

Winona blinked at the exchange.  Prison?  Well ... that made this Gene a little more interesting.

Otis listened and looked around at the announcement that Gene had been in prison.  But he kept quiet until Levar walked back in.  He leaned in quickly and whispered low.  "Warning.  Possible problems with Spencer and the new guy who's been in prison with Dante."  he just wanted him up to date and ready in case Gene beat Spencer up or something.

Stella looked at Spencer for a second and then looked at Sparrow.  So that was what was up with her foster brother.  And to be outed in front of the whole class like that.  If he was a danger, the system wouldn't have put him in Sparrows house, so she wasn't too worried about what Gene had done.  But she felt a little sorry for him.

Cosmo took his test and listened to Spencer rib the new kid.  Prison with Dante Mendoza, eh?  He took his test and pulled out his pencil.  "But ..."  he started to say and then decided he would have enough problems with this test without pissing off Mr Negron at the same time.

Gene remained unsmiling as, sure enough, this guy Spencer pressed the issue.  He tightened his jaw and found himself really resisting the urge to show him exactly what got him sent to prison.  The teacher was trying, but this guy was a first class dick.  But he was able to think these things through now and he  only took a deep breath.  Then the guy in the seat next to him leaned away and he sighed again.  He didn’t know which would be worse; telling or letting the students imaginations go wild.  He took out a pencil and turned to look at the math test with a little bit of dread.  He'd been a straight A student in prison, but the prison school system didn't exactly challenge its student body.   The kid that Levar had kissed leaned into him when he returned and whispered something.  Great .. let the rumors begin, Gene thought.  Another kid looked like he might say something, but he didn't.  Gene was ready to take his try at the test and see if he measured up.  Bad enough to be an ex con but to also be an idiot, he didn't need.

Angel felt a headache coming on from the scenario unfolding in his classroom right now. Spencer was still just sitting there without a pencil and it was now 5 minutes into quiz time. Also was this harassment going to be an ongoing issue he’d have to untangle? Arthur had explained some of Gene’s situation. He was a foster kid and had served some time. Angel was hoping a fresh start might help the guy find  a better path and he wanted to offer compassion. He knew from teaching in Toronto about kids in care, especially when they were Indigenous kids. Alexandra could do better he hoped. But bullying would never help things. “Do you need a pencil Spencer? Where’s your school bag?” This kid was in high school and he shouldn’t have to micromanage his school supplies.

Levar tilted his head towards Otis as he gave him the update and pursed his lips and then nodded. “Great…” He whispered back sarcastically.

Spencer shrugged “I forgot it. Can I borrow a pencil Mr. Negron?”

Angel squinted a bit as his head began to pound “I suppose you’ll have to.” He turned to his desk to go look for one to lend Spencer in the drawer when suddenly something hit him in the back and he swung back around “Pardon me…” He looked down to a pencil that had just fallen to the floor and picked it up trying to assess who threw it.

Miranda was beyond fed up with Spencer and his antics and when he dicked around about a pencil she just took one out of her bag and got ready to throw it at his head. She waited until Mr. Negron turned around but then she missed and it hit him instead of Spencer as he was still standing close to him “Fuck…” she muttered but not quietly enough.

“Miranda!” Angel barked at her. “Take your test out to the hallway.”

Miranda bristled “You’re kicking ME out? Spencer’s being a major pill and you’re kicking me out?” She grabbed her paper and pencil and stormed out.

Angel picked up the pencil and gave it to Spencer with an exhausted sigh “You may begin….now.”

Sparrow shook her head and then watched Miranda walk out of the room with an almost chuckle before she began to write. 

Spencer took the pencil and was itching to take a shot at Miranda but he really didn't want that detention. So he just smiled and looked at the pencil and then the math questions.

Tyler nervously began to write his test. It was a freaky morning alright and this test was so hard. He shoved his hands in his hair trying to work out the equations.

Fernanda looked after Miranda briefly and then began to focus and write. She was the first to finish and turned over her paper looking almost bored. The math was too easy for her, as usual.

Gene was just glad he wasn't asked by the teacher to just out and say what he'd been convicted of.  The rumor mill could grind away, it probably couldn't come close to the truth.  Then the girl who had made no sense to him threw a pencil at the teacher.  What the fuck?  Had she just tried to throw it at Spencer and missed?  Again, this girl made no sense.  Mr Negron threw her out and that is how he learned her name was Miranda.  He almost spoke up, but decided against it.  He picked up his pencil and began to take the test.  It wasn't easy, but it wasn't as hard as he thought it would be, either.  But he finished just before the time was up.

Duncan winced when Miranda was thrown out for throwing a pencil.  He almost opened his mouth to protest, but decided not to ... right then.  After class he would explain to Mr Negron what he saw and that Miranda would sooner throw a pencil at Spencer than him.  Who wouldn't, really.  He bent over the test and finished it easially enough, turning it over and waiting.

Winona watched Miranda storm out and made a mental note to defend her to Mr Negron after class.  The morning had been disruptive enough between Spencer and the new kid Gene.  She bent over and took the test.

Otis nodded at Levar's sarcasm, but then a little more hell broke loose, Mr Negron was hit by a pencil and Miranda Rogers was ejected from the class.  He groaned and took his test.

Stella blew out a breath at the action.  At least it wasn't Gene getting into trouble?  She took the test, but didn't finish as fast as Fernanda who was a math genius.

Cosmo barked out a small laugh when mr Negron was hit by the pencil and then clammed up as Miranda was thrown out.  He was glad to see it.  Then all the distractions were finished and he had to focus on the test ... which he knew immediately he would not finish on time and would not get a good grade on.

Angel had been at his desk during the test, watching the class as well as intermittently looking over his notes for his next lesson coming in after them. Before the bell rang he called out “Pass your papers forward.” And he moved from the desk to collect them at the desk at the front. The door to the hallway was open and he looked through it to see Miranda lean her head around and realize it was time to hand in her quiz.

Miranda wrote the quiz in the hallway which actually helped her concentrate. There was the odd disturbance of other classrooms and people coming and going but she was then out of the room where Spencer loomed and Gene sat. She couldn’t explain the strong flash of emotions he  sparked in her. She felt a little guilty almost. Why did she dislike him so intensely? She wasn’t judging him for the prison thing….she wasn’t a racist...or at the very least tried not to be as clueless and privileged as she might be if she never considered it. So what the hell? But now she heard Mr. Negron asking for quizzes. She had found this one challenging but she felt like she at least passed it. So then she walked back into the room without looking at anyone and put her quiz on the teacher’s desk and then rushed down the first row past Fernanda and Duncan and then at the end of it was Gene who she made a specific effort not to look at as she breezed by scooped up her things and got back out of the classroom as fast as possible. They had French next and she’d at least get her spot in that class before he took another one. He might actually notice that Miranda took the same end of the first row corner spot in every class after math.

Angel saw Miranda come and go and she was out a minute before the bell even rang. He shrugged. Pick your battles today teacher. And pick out a bottle of wine on the way home from work. Good God. He had never been so happy to see this group head off to the French room.

Sparrow collected sheets from behind her and then went to hand them forward to Spencer, who she noticed took his time to reach back and did so like he was doing everyone a big favour. She thrust them at him and started packing up for her next class with an obvious irritated look on her face.

Spencer lazily took his time turning around to collect the tests coming forward “Oh for me...Sparrow you shouldn’t have? You’re welcome…….usually that comes after the person has said thank you…” He chided. She was ignoring him now and he just smiled and handed the tests to Mr. Negron “Here you go Sir….” After he hands in the stack he saunters out of the classroom and heads for French just as the bell rings.

Tyler passed his test forward with a look of total anxiety. He was sure he’d bombed it. Then he nervously packed up his pencil case but his nightmare of a school bag catapulted a thermos sideways right at Gene’s foot. “Oh god..I’m so sorry…” He stammered. He looked at Gene like he was afraid of getting pounded into smithereens by the guy.

Fernanda handed her stack of collected quizzes to Angel “Can I have the grade 12 text book now?” She asked casually.

Angel collected quizzes, pausing to give Spencer a look and then shaking his head. He saw Tyler send something flying towards Gene and cringed. Oh please let the guy have a moment without something. He frowned at Fernanda “Why do you want the grade 12 text? You’re still working on grade 11 work.”

Fernanda rolled her eyes “I finished the grade 11 one last week. All my assignments are in a  binder. I could just give you the whole thing. I’m bored.”

Angel chuckled “Fern...it’s November! What are you going to do in February when you’ve whipped through the grade 12 work?” He was so fried from the kids he’d forgotten his promise not to call her by her family nickname at school.

Fernanda looked annoyed at being called Fern outside of her family. Duncan knew but she didn't want that name for school. “Advanced Calculus by Distance Learning...Angel.” She emphasized. If he did it, she could.

Angel slumped and sighed “Talk to me later Fernanda….” He started to move back around his desk with the stack of quizzes.

“Thank you Mr. Negron.” Fernanda replied properly.

Otis, Stella and Cosmo hand in their tests and move on to their next classes.  Cosmo looks the most concerned of the three of them, as he is sure he did nto do well on the pop quiz.

Duncan sends his test up and then stands to speak to Angel once Fernanda is done.  “Mr Negron.”  he begins, respectfully.  “I just wanted to say that Miranda was trying to hit Spencer, not you.”  he twists his face a bit, realizing how it might sound.

Winona moves up with Duncan once the tests are handed in.  She giggles a little bit at Duncan.  “Not that you deserve to have pencils thrown at you.”  she defends Duncan while letting Angel know she is also here to protest.  “But I’m one hundred percent sure she was trying to hit Spencer.  And who wouldn’t want to hit Spencer .. sir.”

Duncan looks gratefully at Winona.  “Yea.  Basically Spencer was being a di .. a douc … a jack … he was being Spencer and my sister is just …  Miranda.”  he knows she seems to be having a rough day.

Gene saw Miranda rush in, hand in her test and rush out without a word to anyone.  Sparrow looked irritated with Spencer and he felt a slight wash of warmth towards her until Spencer spoke and then he again felt the urge to bash in his face.  His paper gets turned in and he is sure he passed it, but perhaps just barely.  Just as he's about to stand to leave, something hits his foot.  A Thermos and the guy who had shrunk in fear from him before now looks terrified again.  He bends down and picks it up, hefting it to a more comfortable position in his hand.  As he does, he hears two of the students defending Miranda for throwing the pencil and he finds that interesting.  Miranda at least got a point for throwing a pencil at Spencer, even if she lost it for her lousy aim.  He hands the thermos to the guy and decides to try throwing a bone.  "No harm, no foul, right." but he still doesn't smile.  He was still embarrassed by his teeth ... his looks in general.   

Then Gene leaves for his next class.  French as another place where he got unwanted attention as the new guy when Madame Mercier insisted on speaking to him in French and he replied, impressing her … the Indiginous kid speaking flawless French.  But eventually it was lunch time and he found the gym and looked around it, holding his lunch bag in his hand.  He saw a girl.  Blonde and really pretty sitting with what struck Gene as an elf.  She was smaller than Ho back in Prince George.  But he recognised the girl immediately as Gen and moved to her, praying this meeting would go better than his morning had gone.  Standing at the table, he cleared his throat, thinking what to say.  “Um … You’re Gen .. right?  I’m Gene .. um ..  friend of … Dante Mendoza?”  if nothing else, this blonde could slap him and maybe also show him which blonde was actually Gen.

Gen was sitting with Elise at lunch.  Nolan was buried in a book, still playing catch-up after the time he missed while he was in the hospital.  An indiginous looking boy walked up to them and  just as he said Gen, she realized he must be Gene.  Out?  Dante had written about him.  She smiled.  “Oh my god!  Gene!  You’re out?  Obviously!  Come and sit, sil vous plait.”  she motions to Elise and Nolan.  “This is Gene .. who was helping Dante with his French.”  she introduces him.  “This is Elise and Nolan.”  she is wondering about him being released but also knows she may have to drag some of it out of him.

Nolan looks up.  “Hey.  Ignore me.  I’m drowning in make-up work.”  and he dives right back into it.

Elise had heard about Gene but not tons. Just that Dante had a pal at least, although now he was alone if this guy was here. She perked up and gave Gene her cheeriest smile “Hey Gene, welcome to the beautiful madness! This is your first day then? How’s it all going so far? We’re all new here too since September.” She gives Nolan’s back a  little pat as he works his butt off to catch up in his school work.

Sparrow had found the 11-12 table full as she had been a little late coming from French because of a bathroom stop. She had batted her eyelashes at Stella from afar but then waved indicating they’d catch up later. Now she carried her lunch bag and looked for an open spot only to see Gene about to sit across from Gen and Elise and Nolan with a spot beside him available. She wove her way through the crowd and plunked down. Sparrow was not shy, just selectively social sometimes “Hello...carry on.” She wiggles her brows at Gene and then opens her lunch which was likely the same as what Gene had since what her father had to make sandwiches with was either turkey or bologna. Sparrow had opted for bologna today and slathered on the mustard. She bit into her sandwich and chewed.

Gene nodded hellos to Elise and Nolan.  "Thanks?”  he went into his bag and pulled out a sandwich.  He’d asked for turkey.  At this early stage of release, bologna was too much like Klik for him.  “Yea .. well .. so far .. first day has been …”  he shrugs.  “My homeroom teacher mentioned that I was from Prince George, which was harmless enough but this dick … Spencer?  Basically asked if I was in the same place as Dante and started asking why I was in.”  he sighs.  “So .. yea that cat’s out of that bag.”  he looks at Sparrow when she plops beside him.  “But I got a cool placement house so .. that’s good.”  he looks at them, feeling more relaxed than at any other time.

Nolan  writes something down  and snorts.  “Fucking Spencer was a friend of Brett, so ya he’s a dick.”  he rolls his eyes and begins flipping pages in a history book.

Sparrow had looked up a few times, making a face about Spencer and how he treated Gene and then giving Gene a little half smile when he said he got a cool placement. She set down her sandwich “Spencer is a waste of space. I try and ignore him but he doesn’t make it easy. His stench doesn’t help. I don’t know what cologne that is but it’s fucking rank. He picks on people, sadly you now, Tyler because he can scare him, Miranda even though she’s usually not one to back down….whatever. Sometimes even his so called friend who is really a toadie.” She glances at Nolan about the guy being a friend of Brett’s. She knew that story from town. Then she looks at Gen and Elise. Interesting that Brett’s brother was dating her friend. But people didn’t get to choose their family.

Elise looks sympathetically at Gene “That sucks that that came up today. I mean at all really in terms of feeling comfortable. But also, cool about the house thing. Hi Sparrow. We’ve never officially met. I’m Elise and then is Gen and Nolan. You live down the street from me and I’ve seen you and your sister walking your dog…..very cute dog.”

Sparrow nods at Elise “I know who you all are. Rufus. He’s adopted Gene now.” She looks at Gen “You guys have a little dog…..your sister walks it. Rufus knows all the canine pals on the route.”

Gene nods at the information about Spencer.  "I feel like he's trying to set me up."  he sighs.  "Maybe I am jsut paranoid, but I already can't fucking stand him, but also fuck if I'm going back because of that ass."  He eats a bit of his sandwich, interested to hear Miranda isn't someone to back down.  He grins at Elise.  "It still beats Prince George and my last placements."  he admits.  The mention of Rufus makes him laugh  "Is that your sister?  Actually yea ...  that has to be your sister now that I really see you."  he winces a little.  "I think I scared her a little bit.  I apparently have that kind of face."  he rolls his eyes.  He actually grins, even though his teeth do not show.  "Rufus is apparently yea ...  mine now."

Nolan is half listening.  The rest is reading, writing and eating.

Gen listens about Gene's first day.  "That's terrible."  she sighs.  "I mean everyone in town knows why Dante went to Prince George."  she looks at Gene.  "Well you have friends in us .. well me anyway.  Dante told me you're his best friend .. and that's saying something."  she giggles.  "And that you are teaching him French while he helps with yoru Spanish."

Sparrow nods about Spencer “He might be, but yeah all the more reason to let him stew in his corner. He’s so not worth it Gene.” She listens to him talk about his last placements and stays quiet. She knew a bit but there was probably more she didn’t she’s guessing. She laughs “So then how many languages do you speak Gene?”

Elise frowns about Spencer and the stuff about the prison and placements. She doesn’t really know but it sounds like Gene’s had a tough time. She looks at Gene’s face “I don’t think your face is scary but you’re not a smiler...and that’s a thing for some people. I mean that was one...just now….but...ya know?” Elise demonstrates a toothy grin that looks pretty forced and cheesy “Of course this comes off as like the Joker….but you know what I mean.” the fact that Dante thought of Gene as a best friend did warm Elise to him as a person more.

Sparrow looks at Elise wryly “So Gene should...uh cater to other people’s bullshit more?”

Gene nods about Spencer not being worth it.  Then she asks about his languages.  "I speak English, of course.  But also French, Mohawk and thank to Dante a lot of Spanish."  he looks at ELise.  "Well, I smiled a lot more before. I just have a .. very scary smile."  he gives a half a grin at Elise's Joker smile.  "Maybe not as scary as yours, but ...."  he looks at Sparrow.  "Been there .. done that.  No more.  Thanks."  its half joke and half deadly serious.

Nolan snorts and glances up.  "Fuck French..."  he suddenly slams one book closed and pulls out his French book, looking through it.

Gen looks impressed.  "Four languages ... holy shit"

Elise looks awkwardly at Sparrow “Well no...I wasn’t suggesting that. But now that you put it that way….eh ...ok.” Then she raises a brow at Gene’s language count “Nice. My French is dismal….I speak some Michif and like maybe 10 words in Cree but no one test me….and I know how to count to ten in Spanish from watching Dora the Explorer as a kid I’d love to learn Mohawk...then I could watch Mohawk Girls in Mohawk or at least understand on the English ones when the subtitles just say Speaking Mohawk.” She laughs and then looks like she feels sorry for Nolan trying to get all his work done.

Sparrow looks impressed with Gene “Well you can teach us Spanish too then Gene.” She jokes and then ponders Gene’s subtle hints at things. Past placements, catering to bullshit. She wondered if he’d be inclined to tell her more if they weren’t surrounded by schoolmates. “I speak some Cree. I’d like to learn more. A few words in Musqueam but it’s hard to find….maybe better now that we have the internet back. My French is ok, not amazing but ok. Elise are you Cree?”

Elise smiles and shakes her head “Metis but they speak some Cree where my Dad’s from in Northern Alberta.”

Gene watches Nolan, realizing that this is the brother of that ass who was killed in October.  "Be careful, man or you'll wind up writing your Science homework in French.  I don't think it counts then, does it?"  he shrugs.  "Si, Hermana."  he says to Sparrow and then.  "Sounds like I might should take up Cree, eh?"

Nolan looks up and laughs.  "I should SO do that, man!  I'm serious!"  he snorts.  "I don't even speak French."  he rolls his eyes and ducks back into his work.

Gen laughs at all of them.  "I speak French, English and of course some Spanish.  More to come."

Sparrow smiles at Gene “Everyone should speak Cree so yes. Mind you in BC maybe we should all be learning the Coast Salish languages. Bio regionalism. “ Sparrow looks at Nolan “Technically as a Canadian you have the right to submit any government documents in English or French and since schools fall under the jurisdiction of the provincial government then are our assignments not in that category?”

Elise nods about the language thing “That’s true but my god that would be twice the work. I mean maybe not for Gen who’s first language is French.” 

Gene shrugs and finishes his lunch.  "That is best tested taking Spanish and handing in all of your assignments in French ... oui?"  he's actually having a good time, and he's glad of it.

Nolan snorts.  "The second I can afford to be flunked for being a smart ass, I will definitely try that out, Sparrow."

Gen grins.  "I have the choice?"  she seems to consider.  "English can be so difficult but that is because there are so many different kinds of English, even in Canada."  she grns.  "But I might try that out in History or science and see what happens."

Elise looks skeptically at Gene "I like your theory but I think if the goal is to learn Spanish they might call you on it in that one." She laughs at the idea though. She smiles at Gen "Well I know for a fact Miss Girard will likely have to consult with Madame Mercier to mark you but that would be interesting. I wonder if Mr. Arnett speaks French or Detective Lawry...."

Sparrow smirks at Nolan and then laughs at Gene "Stick it to the man!" She smiles at Gen "Let us know. I'm genuinely curious now if it applies. Cause Trudeau round one fought for your French Language rights so who knows."

Gene smirks back at Elise.  "Think so?" and then he actually winks at Sparrow for her stick it to the man comment  He notes the names.  Some of the teachers he will still meet, as it's only lunch.  The bell rings, as if catching his thoughts.  He stands.  "Thanks for the lunch, guys.  I'd better head for my next class."

Nolan hears the bell and sighs, starting to close books and shove them back in his bag.  He was almost caught up and he'd be grateful once he was.

Gen laughs and smiles genuinely at Gene.  "You take care and you can hang with us anytime."  she assures him.  Then she crumbles up her lunch bag and gets ready to head for her next class.

Later at the Walsh house, Sparrow unlocks the door and opens it and then steps in so Gene can follow her. She eases out of her shoes and hangs up her jacket on the hook "Hello?! Oh piano day....Dad gets Lyra right from school and he takes Rufus with them since it's not far from the beach and Rufus gets a nice big run while Lyra gets tortured with scales practice." She looks at the bog poster sized family wall calendar "Oh and I'm on dinner...." She opens the fridge and looks in and then looks in the freezer and cupboards. "Pasta.....Carbonara with penne...we have bacon, parmesan...peas....yeah that. But it doesn't take long so I'll start it in a bit. I'm having a soda. You want one Gene? We have Coke, Sprite, Cream Soda...but don't drink too many or Lyra will get grumpy."

Gene slipped out of his shoes and set them neatly to the side.  He is learning this family with ease.  He nods.  “And I have the table setting and clearing.”  he notices.  When she asks which pop he wants, he shakes his head.  “Water, please.”  he loves BC water.  He actually gets himself a nice large glass of it and bolts half of it down.  Then he relaxes a little bit.  “One day down.  I guess it could have been a lot worse.”

Sparrow takes a Sprite and then nods at him "I suppose. Getting picked on was shitty. But it sounds like you've had worse. I mean I know prison is what it is...well I can't even say that really. I've never been." She walks to the couch and sinks into a corner of it as she opens her canned drink and sips.

Gene fills his glass again, then joins Sparrow on the other end of the couch.  “Well, in prison everyone is picked on, just to get someone in trouble and mess up their chances of good behavior points.  I mean I know that doesnt happen, but I want to stay out of trouble.  That’s been a lifelong goal of mine.  Stay out of trouble and make the best of things however.” he looks at her for a moment and seems to consider.  “Honestly that’s why I’m so glad your Dad isn’t married .. and that you are a lesbian.”  he admits.  He’s assuming she knows his history.  Lyra wouldn’t being so young.

Sparrow corrects him a bit but kindly “Well he’s widowed but I don’t think he’ll ever love  again. I mean I don’t wish him loneliness...but I think for some people there is only one person. Dating isn’t even on his radar so him marrying someone else is low on probabilities. And you definitely don’t have to worry about me. My Dad did tell me some of your stuff but probably the Reader’s Digest version which even in that form sounded fucking awful. I don’t understand how adults can see children and teenagers as sexual….anything. I’m so sorry Gene.” She sighs and looks at her drink. The abuse he suffered was beyond dehumanizing.

Gene shrugs.  “Sorry.  I don’t really know the difference.  I figured people were either married or they weren’t.”  he pauses a little bit and guesses.  “So he told you … I don’t know.  I was 12 the first time I started having sex and that was with my foster mother.  I diidn’t even know it was wrong .. just if I did something nice for her she’d do something nice for me.”  he sighed.  “And that everything was my fault if we got caught.”  he drinks a bit more of his water.  “I knew it was wrong by the time the prostitution started.  I just .. I didn’t know how to get out of it.  They had all the power .. I don’t know.”

Sparrow looks pained for Gene “I wish they could be brought to justice. Did you get some counselling in prison? Maybe that’s a dumb question. We have some good people here…..a man and a woman so you could choose. I suspect your social worker will encourage it. I mean there’s a child psychologist associated with the school but this...your stuff is not kid stuff even though it started then. And I suspect you’ve heard this one already but...Gene, it’s not your fault.”

Gene shakes his head.  “No offence but … yea .. it’s kind of a silly question.  I mean, I was a prostitute pimped out by my foster parents.  And being a fifteen year old I guess everyone thought I was in 7th heaven, right?  All that sex.  Older women.  Blah blah.”  he shrugs and seems to consider.  “Yea, I will call him now that I have a phone.  Part of me knows it isn’t my fault but …. Shit … Hell maybe it was because I knew that doing those women would make my life easier .. and my foster siblings too.  Keep her buttered up, so to speak.”  he sighs deeply.

Sparrow nods ruefully “And they say prison is for rehabilitation…..I know I shouldn’t be so optimistic. It’s fucking gross that people think guys just want it...even if it’s taken from them. You don’t have to sell yourself or be exploited to be respected in our house. My Dad and I were super gutted when we learned all that. He’s a sixties scoop survivor….but luckily for him his adoptive parents weren’t horrible people, naive, but not abusive. This is a horrible question but did they hurt all the kids? I mean I can’t imagine someone stopping at one if they’re THAT evil to think any of it’s ok…”

Gene shrugs.  “It is if you’re white .. maybe.  I know I’m kinda cynical.” he shrugs.  “I … it’s not that I don’t want it.”  he snorts.  “I’d just like it to be someone not literally old enough ot be my fucking mother.”  he sighs.  “And it would be nice if I liked them .. or even love.  I can be that kind of weird guy.”  he rolls his eyes, clearly not believing in such a thing.  “I don’t KNOW if I was like that.  And no …  to my knowledge I was the only one … but a lot of that was .. if I kept the mother happy .. if I fucked her well enough the other kids would ALSO reap the benefits .. know what I mean?”

Sparrow sips and gives a little “Mmmm” at the if you’re white comment as if agreeing. “I don’t think love is weird. It’s a pretty awesome idea if you ask me.” She makes a face “I don’t and again I’m sorry. Sounds like you took the brunt of things to keep the rest safe and in some ways in a better way. God what the fuck is wrong with people…”

Gene shrugs.  “I’ve never really seen love.  Maybe Dante and Gen …. And what your family has.  I didn’t have a lot of examples.  I’ve always been a meal ticket.”  he considers.  “Yea … I guess I did, but .. I’m just glad they left the smaller kids alone.  Before I was 12, it was physical abuse … fuck Sparrow.  I don’t fucking know.  I know I was kind of helpless and now I’m not.  I got this new lease on life.  Shit I would have sworn I was going to be put in the same old kind of foster home but I came here.  I mean maybe I can still move out when I’m 17… but at this rate it won't be because its so awful here.”

Sparrow frowns “I hear what you’re saying. Gene you’re 16 now…...if you move out when you’re 17 you...won’t have much time with us…..to actually be part of a real family. I know that’s a weird idea given what you’ve been through but hey give us a shot eh? Dante and Gen sound pretty solid. Honestly today is the first time I’ve really talked to her. She and Elise are pretty cool. And Nolan, although I felt like we were interrupting his studying. You know he got shot right? Fucking October. Be glad you got her this month. His father apparently…” She shakes her head.

Gene grins a little.  “But you’d get your room back?”  he offers.  “I feel a little bad about that.  But … this sort of does feel like a family.  You guys look way more like me than anything else I ever had.  I mean … I was put with all French Canadians.  I only speak Mohawk because of the lady who lived next to me when I was like 10 … She was Kanienkehaka like me … and a safe place for me to land when my foster father hit me.  And after I got thrown out of that house I started to visit her … it was a long trip sometimes … and .. shit I probably just vanished off the face of the earth to her when I came here.”  he blew out a breath.  “And I probably won’t move out when I’m 17, so ignore me.”

Sparrow laughs “I’ll live. We’ve shared before. Lyra loves it and how can we deny her. I don’t hate it. But if things get hot and heavy with Stella I hope she has her own room.” She grins and then clears her throat “So this woman who taught you the Mohawk language and was a safe space. Do you still talk to her? You said you vanished….but if you know her address you could write her a letter? Is she old...would she be on social media? Email?” Sparrow shrugs and then smiles “Good, because we already like you Gene and Rufus has claimed you as his own.”

Gene chuckles.  “She is hard to say no to, just don’t tell her I said that.”  he considers.  “You could always ask…”  he sighs.  “Well when I found out where that fuck was … in Vancouver … I took off and didn't tell anyone.  I haven’t been back cause I got arrested and sent to prison.”  he considers.  “I guess I could write her a letter.”  he winces.  “Tell her what happened.” he thinks about it and laughs about Rufus.  “See ..  I have my roommate too.”

Sparrow looks thoughtful “I suspect your old neighbour friend would understand, hopefully even be compassionate. I mean she sounds that way inclined. I’m glad you didn’t let that shit with Spencer cloud the day for you. Tomorrow’s a new day so it’ll be better. He’ll get bored if you ignore him. You made some friends today with Gen and her crew.”

Gene nods then drinks the rest of his water, clearly thoroughly enjoying it straight from the tap.  “Oh, I have been ignoring him.  So if I don’t feed that troll he’ll go away.  He’s like some of the guys in prison who would poke and poke and poke until you struck out at them.”  he grins.  “Yea.  I guess I did make friends.  And I can live with Spencer being my only enemy.  That other girl … Miranda?  I don’t know what her problem with me is.”  he sighs and rolls his eyes.

Sparrow thinks about what he’s saying “Like I said before I have trouble getting a read on Miranda. Maybe she just has wicked moods. You did sit in her seat though.” Sparrow laughs “But whatever it’s just a desk and chair. Not really a huge deal. She also seems to hate Spencer. I dunno….don’t worry about it. Maybe she was just having a  bad day or something.”

Gene blinks.  “I sat in her seat?  Oh Jesus … no one said a word to me.”  he rolls his eyes.  “Well, whatever.  I’m in the back, which keeps me off everyone's radar .. well usually.”  he shakes his head.  “Maybe she was.  I can’t get a read on her and don’t care to.”  he blows out a breath.  “I just have to keep my grades up … and speaking of grades I suppose I better hit the books.  Honor roll in prison means Jack shit here in the real world.”

Sparrow shrugs “We probably all figured Miranda would kick you out if the seat was important. Honour roll? Ooooh show off. Yeah I got some stuff to work on too. Alexandra doesn’t do grades….you know that right? It’s pass fail…..sink or swim. So far it looks like your head’s above water so that’s good news.”

Gene shrugs.  “Well she didn’t so I guess it’s all good.”  he arches his brows.  “Then I guess I can swim.”  he grins and stands.  “Call me when its time to set the table?  Thanks.”  he rinses out his glass and heads upstairs to finish his first homework assignments of his new life.