Thick Skin and A Jeweled Heart [1]

     The classroom was chaos as always. Kids screaming and running--Normal stuff. I slumped back into my chair and sighed. 'You're a kid too' you say? Shut up and sit back down fellow readers. The teacher hasn't arrived yet, so what better way to pass the time other than dancing, singing with cracked voices and going Miley Cirus crazy? ...Can't think of an answer? Yeah, you might be one of those kids.

     Thankfully, all the chaos came to a halt when Miss Stone walked in. "How many times have I told you to be QUIET?". Her voice was loud and stern, making the class fall silent. She nodded in approval and cleared her throat before talking. "I have great news for you all.. We have a new kid! meaning--" A smile and a wave of her hands. "New friends!". She grinned happily and beckoned the new kid to come in.

     The new kid walked in with her head down. She shifted from one foot to the other and glanced at Miss Stone. She gave her  an encouraging nod and the girl finally held her head up and smiled.

     "Hey, my name's Jade Goldwit." she introduced herself.

      The class replied with a chorus of 'Hey's except for me. Why? Well something was odd about her. I don't know what, but she seems a little..

       Jade caught me staring and gave me a smile. I didn't smile back and instead stared at Miss Stone.

       "Welcome, Jade! I hope you'll have a great time at our school. I'm Miss Stone." She gave Jade a knowing smile. Odd.

       A student from the front desk leaned forward and whispered to Jade. "But we call her Miss Stoned." The whole class tried to stifle their giggles. Miss Stone's eyes got glassy and distant. Jade placed her hand on her arm and smiled. She mumbled something to Miss Stone and she returned Jade's smile, thanking Jade.

       "Jade, you may take the empty seat beside Liam. Liam? Please raise your hand." I sigh through my nose but Miss Stone was giving me a pointed look. I obliged and raised my hand for Jade.

       Jade sat beside me and turned to say hi. But I already turned to the window to avoid any conversation with her. I felt her shift slightly. I tensed, thinking she was gonna start a conversation with me anyways... But she didn't and I sighed with relief.

       "Class, please take out your--" Let's not listen to her. To me, education is irrelevant, unless-- 'Oh but Liam, it is!'. Can you guys not interrupt me? You guys are the most annoying readers someone could have. 'But I didn't say any--' To those who stayed quiet, I applaud you.. Happy?

        As I was saying. It's irrelevant to learn about something when you're not passionate about it. Sure, Maths would come in handy sometime in the future, but when do we really need to use algebraic expressions?

       Instead of that maybe we should focus more on our passions. Let the children choose their own paths and not let it be limited by the subjects we currently learn.

       Got that?

       The class went by as quickly as the what I call the MCV (short for Miley Cirus Virus) infected the students in this school. Which is pretty fast if you ask me. Or was it just me staring into space that made the time went by?

       The school bell rang. The students scrambled out the door and Miss Stone sighed and busied herself with some papers.

       I was in no hurry to eat since I don't feel like it today. So instead I take out my notebook and pen when I noticed someone unknown talking with Jade. She has blond hair and is probably one or two years older than us. 'Hey, you aren't a tenth grade student."

       "You're right, I'm an eleventh grade student.' She replied.

       I frowned. "Why are you here then?"

       "Just talking to my friend. Why, got a problem? Little boy doesn't have a friend?" The girl fake pouted. Jade hit her arm and shook her head at her supposed friend. I snickered. "Get lost."

       "Gladly." And with that, she dragged Jade to who knows where. Why do I care? I rolled my eyes and made my way to the music room. It's usually empty so I like to hang out there and brainstorm some lyrics.

       You see, I take lunch time as a chance to finally clear my head and work on what I'm actually passionate about. I don't want to be a teacher and teach annoying kids (bless Miss Stone). What I do want to be however is a music producer. Playing with beats and sounds to make music is exactly what I like to do.

       I smiled and hummed the unfinished beat of my new song. I faced the closed door to the music room and placed my hand on the handle. I turned it but stopped short when I heard two familiar voices talking.

       "Fine... Are you sure you don't want to come with me?"

       "Meri, I'll be fine. I need to practice and besides, I don't think I want to eat that stale pizza in the cafeteria..."

       Meri laughed. "Suits you, buddy. Just make sure no one finds you."

       I heard footsteps coming closer to the door but before I can turn away the door already opened..

       I held my breath as Meri looked at me blankly. She scanned the empty corridor and pulled me inside. "What did you hear?" She questioned. "I heard nothing. What were you guys talking about?" I narrowed my eyes in suspicion.

       "None of your business." Jade snapped. I frown. What the heck were they talking about for the usually shy Jade to get all defensive? "I heard about practicing--" I didn't get to finish my sentence because Meri suddenly pressed a knife to my throat. "Being too curious could get you killed." She growled.

       "Meri! You don't have to kill him. He won't tell.. I think." Jade pursed her lips as she scanned me up and down. I was starting to get uncomfortable with a knife pressed to my throat. "Uhm helloooo? Maybe listen to Jade and don't uh.. Kill me?" Despite trying to be brave,I gulped in fear.

       A moment of hesitation and the knife lowered. I huffed a sigh and turn around to see a pretty angry Meri. "Stay out of this and you'll be safe." She gave Jade a pointed look and walked out.

       I was left alone with Jade until the sound of Meri's footsteps were gone.

       "You should go." Jade whispered. It made me shiver and without a second thought I ran out of  the music room.

___

(a/n- I don't hate Miley Cirus lmao)