Player One

- 22 -

"We didn't know of these terms for the games. The teachers and I have come to a decision to make our own version of these games. Less violent and cruel, but a system of breaking the student body would be best to put a diverse cast together." They were absolutely insane, stupid! How could I expect adults whom allowed such activity to occur to do anything to change? Honestly, a "better" system to overrule the last?

"Sir, if you don't mind my curtness," I took a deep breath. "These games caused my brother to go blind, not some funny pranks like eggs on the head no; blind and I had to get surgery for him. My family is not a money-making family, so imagine spending all of your savings on something caused by some cruel. Now a less brutal game will do nothing. People will find ways around it. Others always do, do you not remember Black Codes? It's overall not fair, and you're just putting gasoline on the fire."

"Well, these conditions would be for the teachers to punish when homework or assignments are late, student body and honor society to have rights to-" I cut him off with a loud cough. He looked at me and I couldn't help but glare. I could care less whom I was speaking to. For god's sake, he's making the same mistakes the student body made.

"No. I will personally leave this school for you to get less money. My friends and I will leave so another school gets more money. We will report you to the officials for hurting kids. So many people have gone through pain and torture, moving the responsibilities of who can doesn't help anyone except yourselves! That's shameful, and you're acting obnoxiously ignorant if you think you knew what happened." I stared the principal down. I would not let him do this. He stood up, towering over my small frame. A shiver ran down my spine as I felt his gaze.

"That can be arranged. Mazie, I personally believe that you are an amazing young woman, and you will grow to be something great. But right now, maybe this school isn't fit for you. I can see for you being transferred, and as for your brother, he can join you if you're so concerned for not being in this new system." I froze. Move? Was this a kind way to say, "You're suspended"? I got myself suspended again, but this time...at least it was for a good cause.

"K-Keep my brother here." I barely mustered the courage to speak. Caleb couldn't leave. He just couldn't! He had Elliott here and I wouldn't be able to drive him around 24/7, with the knowledge of the new child. I doubt he knew, and I haven't gotten a chance to say.

Of course, if I left, everyone would be devastated. Elliana and Melody would be back to two, Kayla wouldn't have anyone to talk and complain about how silly Ace was being, Kyan would be mourning the loss of one he loved alone (even though I was that love-), and Jeremy...oh god, Jeremy. How would he react? We just got together recently, after forever! How could I make this happen?

"You are dismissed, goodbye Mazie. I'll send the new school information to your house." He turned away from me, and I stood up. I turned away as well, and walked out the door with a frown on my face. Elliana let out of small shriek, and she quickly stepped back from the door. Was she eavesdropping? Though, it makes it easier to tell her.

"I heard what happened. Mazie, are you really going to have to transfer? My mom told me when they say words like that, it's code for suspension." She looked at me with concern, and I couldn't help but hug her close. It hurt, god it hurt like hell. Being suspended for speaking up for what's right. It was like my second suspension from a school who couldn't handle Caleb's sexuality. Stupid schools with equality not its main priority. How could such a thing, let alone a school, have such low standards? Then again, they were the easiest to get into.

"I should tell the others..." I murmur into her ear, and I could feel her nod against my shoulder. I pulled away, and I could feel tears running down my cheeks. "Ah, I'm crying." I laughed, wiping them away with my hand. What could I do? I didn't want to leave (obviously), but apparently fate had other plans for me.

"Not right now though. You look like a mess, and your dress is all wrinkled. Let's go to my house and get you cleaned up before you spout out the news." Elliana replied, motioning at my clothing. It was a bit...messier than before. I nodded, and let her drag me to the school parking lot.

-

I tapped my fingers against the table, watching the movers move my boxes. With a new school, I believed came with new responsibilities. Oh no, I wasn't moving. I wish, but Caleb decided to move out. He claimed to want to live with Elliott, since they were the most romantic lovebirds around! He didn't say that last part, but that's what they were. The two of them took the news calmly, and they were a lot more positive than other reactions.

"Oh no! Mazie is moving! Why are you moving? I wanted to talk to you more next year, and Kyan and Jeremy were your main focuses this year. Why not Hugo and I for next? But now your moving! I'll miss you!!!" Wolf was energetic as usual, and his hug was reassuring.

"A-Ah, that isn't good. New games and without you, they could last even longer than the unsupervised one. W-Well, I hope you have a good time, and you make a big i-impact over there like over here." Hugo was a bit nervous, but I didn't mind. It reminded me of Jeremy. When I first talked to him alone in the computer lab.

"What?! You're moving! You need to text me all the time then, and I can give you information on the silliness of Ace." Kayla was eccentric. She was acting a lot cheerier than when usual, but I agreed to her demands anyway. Melody reacted calmly, according to Elliana.

"Whaaaaaat??? You're moving?! You first tell me that you like Jeremy, and now this. You're killing me here Mazie, and I only have one heart!" Kyan was a bit overdramatic, but it was true. From what Jeremy told me, he was ignoring him.

"You're moving...? I want to know why," Jeremy was being more...emotional when I told him. No waterworks, but rather more touchy than usual. He gave me a hug, setting his chin on my head. "We're all going to miss you... I love you, and we'll still talk. Always."

From what I've researched about this new school, was that it was a lot nicer. But I still wasn't happy. But hey, maybe I was just player one of the games.

Now, it's time for player two to shine through.