Split End

Chapter 1

I don't think I hate my biological father. Despite the fact that he abused my mother and I for years, physically and mentally, I still find myself putting him on a pedestal. I don't cope well with change. For many years, I dreamt of my parent's divorce. The day they would split, I would finally be happy. Well, that's what I thought would happen. The day we left, I was happy for the moment. Now, I found myself in an endless torment of who I once called my dad.

Audrey

"Audrey." I glanced from the bowl of generic cereal to find my mother before me."You should really be eating more." She scooped up the full bowl and quickly dumped it down the drain. "I'll be waiting in the car, don't forget your book bag." As the front door shut, I pushed away from the table and made my way to the living room. Throwing my bag over my shoulder, I glanced in the mirror. Brown. Bland brown hair is all I ever saw when I looked at myself. There wasn't really any other word to describe me other than average. I didn't participate in groups. I didn't participate in sports. I didn't really participate in anything but lukewarm conversations. Dodging my reflection, I head directly outside to the car sitting in neutral. "Any plans for the day?" I don't know why she bothers asking, the answer always stays the same.
"Nope. Just coming straight home." My eyes are fixed on the dashboard, but I still manage to see her comprehend what I said with a nod. The rest of the ride doesn't have much sound other than the hum of the AC and my mother's incoherent mumbles. Most mornings fall into this routine. Although, sometimes the variables change; just like any other equation in life. As the vehicle comes to a stop, I exit, quickly wave, and launch myself into yet another day at Kingsley High School. Aside from the royal name, Kingsley is just another stereotypical school. We don't offer your normal social groups that you'd expect; Labels such as nerds, jocks, preps, and so on don't have much impact as they do in a teen movie.
"Audrey, did you manage to get the homework for algebra done?" Larson, one of the few people I can tolerate, saddles up to my side. I barely glance at him and he's already smiling. "I know that look. You know, Mrs. Burns is going to get on your case about that."
"She always does." Larson's laugh filled my eardrums. After the divorce, I was lucky if I were even able to get any sleep. Hallucinations of heavy footsteps and echoing voices encased my nights. If I had any moment of free time, which I often found myself having too much, I never spent it on irrelevant school problems.
"I already know the answer, but are you busy today?" I roll my eyes at his knowing look.
"Not that I know of, why?"
"Well, that new business opened up downtown. You know, the arts store that you've been eyeing for the past week." I let the idea of going linger in my mind. I've had social interaction with others, but for the past few weeks, I haven't even bothered going out. "Audrey, it wouldn't kill you to go out just this once. It's not like I'm asking you to bail me out of jail." I chuckle slightly and keep on the path to my locker.
"I'm not saying I'd deny you that right."
"Well, I'd hope so!" He let out a short sigh, " Just this once, Audrey."
I smirk, regretting my answer, "fine." Immediately I could sense his excitement.
"I've got to get to class, but I'll meet you later for lunch." Larson turned on his heel and disappeared around the corner. Larson and I weren't exactly what you'd call, " Similar". But as my mother has said for the past two years, "we compliment each other". He was the first person I had the pleasure to meet at Kingsley, and from there on, he kept me up to speed on the latest news. Without his help, I'd probably be more hopeless than I already am. With a shrill tone, the bell both brought me back to reality and announced that I was officially late. Shit. Picking up the pace, I made it down the hall and into the classroom just as the others had made it to their seats.
"Hello everyone, it seems only one of you had been late, but I'll let it slide." I notice Ms. Fleur wink at me and I allow the side of my mouth to smile in gratitude. Most teachers at the school were pretty laid back unless you were a "problem student"; the type of person who purposely sets out to make their day worse and has no interest in general. I was on the verge of being one of those " problem students". On the days that I managed to get out of bed and have the motivation to actually attend school that day, I either caught up on sleep or zoned out for the moment. Teachers still managed to think I had a future though. Well, most of them. Some, like Mrs. Burns, rarely saw hope. And when she did, she had a funny way of helping. I pulled out the folder intended for the class and tuned in to the topic of conversation whenever I had nothing better to do. Classes typically went by at a nice pace when I didn't spend half the time wanting it to be over. And before I knew it, English was already ending and I was already heading to my next classes.
"Audrey." My head turned in response to hearing my voice. "Could you stay after class for a minute?" My feet mentally stuck to the flooring as I nodded, dreading the classic lecture I'd get from the teacher."Audrey, I know you're going through a tough time, but I really need you to put more effort into your work." I nod, keeping my eyes focused on the desk before me."Audrey." Soon enough there was a comforting hand on my shoulder. I flinched and immediately saw the distraught look in Ms. Fleur's eyes as she removed her touch."Listen, there's an upcoming assignment that requires a partner. You can't just breeze past this like any other project. Do you know Max?"
It didn't ring a bell, but lately, nothing great really did."He sits ahead of you and is probably just as much of a slacker as you, but I know he means well." She let out a smile."I paired you two together. It's just a simple project studying Hamlet." I didn't really have any interest in Hamlet, but then again, what did I have interest in? I nodded in regard to Ms. Fleur.
"I understand, I'll try my best." With a finishing smile, I exited the room and made it through my multiple other classes of the day before lunch.
"Max? Max Andrews?" I sat across from Larson in the school courtyard as he stumbled over my latest news."What the fuc-"
"What's wrong with Max Andrews? Who is he anyway?" I poked at my salad.
"What wrong with him? Who is he? Who doesn't know who Max Andrews is?" I raise my eyebrow.
"Other than you, of course."
"You never answered my questions."
"Max Andrews is infamous at Kingsley High School. Not only is he known for his typical attitude, but he lives on his own. That just screams danger."
"On his own? What about his family?"
"I'm not sure, there's a ton of rumors surrounding him. Most people just say that he got sick of being bossed around and moved out without second thought." I scoffed at the thought of willingly giving up an ideal family. "So, the art store. Meet you at my car after homeroom?"
"Sounds good."