Lines & Chains

Chapter One

It has been a long time since Todd has seen Welton's building. The very first and last time he had faced it was 5 years ago, at his brother's graduation.

Not even a glimpse of hope crossed his eyes, — while being surrounded by successful and intelligent kids.

His mother pet him on his back twice, making his anxiety grow stronger. It was real now. His parents would be expecting him to do everything his brother did and follow his steps. His teachers would be expecting him to give the best he can, and the best he can is not enough, it has to be better than 'the best'!

Part of him wanted to avoid this conflict and catch the next train, run away and never talk to anyone ever again. But the other part of him knew perfectly that he had nowhere to go, and his future is relying on this decision.

He knew that his parents did their best to put him in the best boarding school possible and give him the best education possible. He recognized that, and was somewhat grateful, but not content.

And so, the first few steps towards the school didn't feel intentional. Suddenly, he was too hyper-aware about everything; how the bags felt extremely heavy on his trembling hands, how the red tie around his neck was almost suffocating him, how many voices were surrounding him at once, the fact  that his dad was breathing way too loud, and the sun was too warm at that day.

'I hope you make good use of this time around here.' Mr. Anderson spoke, his voice accidentally sounding croaky.

Todd merely nods as his eyes are set into the dark wooden floor.

In their way to the ceremonial room, where everyone was heading too, Mr. and Mrs. Anderson left Todd's bags with one of the janitors that would soon take them into Todd's new room.

The young boy's eyes silently observed everyone sitting down in the long old benches, studying where would be the best place for him to sit and go unnoticed.

'Here, Todd.' Mrs. Anderson says, pulling the boy out of his trance.

Her hand meets the young boy's wrist and leads him into a spot where the family would fit perfectly.

Everyone was whispering and switching in places, arranging their clothes.

Todd looked around, up and down, noticing the vintage paintings, the multiple candles lightning the dark room, the boys of different ages standing next to their parents, the architecture inside the building that now seemed way prettier.

He couldn't shake off the feeling that maybe, he didn't fit in there. Maybe this was too much. He couldn't be like his brother like everyone expected him to be. This was basically not his place.

An old man, painted with a not-so-happy face opened the big doors, entering the ceremonial room, making everyone inside go completely silent. Young boys with bagpipes followed him like a leader, as the loud noises echoed through the entirety of the walls.

Another four Senior Year boys also followed them, holding massive flags, up high above their heads.

Todd's ears drowned in the sonority of the well-played bagpipes, forgetting for a bright moment that he has been grinding his teeth with an unnoticed violence due to all of his internal anxiety.

The old not-so-happy man paused in front of the first row, leaning into the little microphone as the music suddenly stopped, giving him space to talk.

Silence was, once again, revived. People would look at the man with a certain curiosity, and excitement.

The man sighed, coughed and then, decided to speak. 'Good evening boys, parents,' he started.

'It is a pleasure to meet you all this year once again, and also the new students. For those who are new, I am Mr. Nolan, and I am the one who you should rely on for any after-school matter.' His eyes explore the new faces, finding Todd's surprised face.