A Fresh Start (open)

[James Tariq Al-Mansour]

"This should be interesting" James thought as he stepped out of the car and headed into the school. He had done his research, turns out this school has had a very violent history to say the least. Although from what he was seeing, it wasn't much. Maybe the students have toned down, or its just the start of the day and every one is too sleepy to start bashing skulls yet.

He was wondering what kind of welcome he would be receiving, and the how the first person he would meet would be like. If it was one of those "give me your money, fresh meat" kind of guys. The Arab wouldn't be surprised if that was the case, but he thinks he could handle a stupid thug. Although if it didn't have to come to a brutal beat down, then that's allot better.

James entered the school building and the first thing on his agenda was to find his locker to stash his bag which was slung over his right shoulder, then find his first class. He kept into walking and soon enough he found himself quite...lost. "oh crap" he muttered.

People brushed past him on their own way to class, he didn't know who to ask or where to go, so he figured he would just keep walking until he ran into a teacher or someone kind enough to give him directions if he's lucky.IF he's lucky...

[Joel Garfield]

Music was nothing but punk rock, yes he didn't want to dare risk people finding out. NO ONE WOULD KNOW OF HIS SECRET FANCY. The Brit walked down the crowded hallways, crabby people everywhere. Grumbling and of course there was the odd overly happy person. It was such a strange mix... ANGER....HAPPY!!! Such mixed emotions in the hall, then again people were different.It didn't matter to him, so long as no one bothered him... He didn't want to be disturbed, at least not yet. Music to calm and bring good vibes to a day. Start on a good note and eveeeerrryytthinngggggg will beee okaay.

Joel strolled casually down the hall way, head up, hands tucked away in his jeans pockets. His leather coat was unzipped,revealing a Sex pistols shirt. Over one shoulder was his ratty old army back pack, covered in patches. The Clash, The Ramones, Misfits and oh so many more. He collected them and in the middle, a tiny British flag was pinned to the flap of the bag with safety pins. Along the strap, there was a row of safety pins. BETTER SAFE THEN SORRY. Safety pins were always good, after all who knew when they'd be needed?

Brown eyes scanned the hallway, he was looking for someone...Anyone. Well, someone who gave off the image of being a person with a lighter. He needed to blaze, or he'd never live through english class. To suffer through a creative class without the herbs of creativity... WAS NOT COOL.Looking wasn't getting him anywhere... IT WAS TIME TO ASK. Walking up to a tall, rather hairy young man.. Hair in the sense he had some facial hair going on. Joel walked up beside the young man.

"Oi, do yeh have a light?"

Two words...

BRITISH ACCENT...

Awwwwyeaah.

[James Tariq Al-Mansour]

Thankfully that person didn't want to throw down, James was relived he really was not in the mood for it. Instead the guy just asked him -in an all too awesome British accent- for a light. James was not a heavy smoker he smoked every now and then for a good old nicotine fix and out of boredom mostly. He had an unfinished pack of cigarettes on him, in which he stashed his lighter.

"Yeah sure."

James fished out his box from his right pocket, he opened it up and pulled out the lighter handing to the British dude. He gave his pack a good shake showing him that he had four more left. Might as well finish them off.

"Where's the best smoking spot in this school?" He asked the guy, he'd postpone finding his locker until he had a good whiff of those death sticks.

[Joel Garfield]

Score.

The morning was set, smoke a little, head to class, do the work, go to the next class.. Or should he skip. He wasn't fond of school, but he generally liked learning, plus it kept him out of trouble. He stayed out of trouble, his parents didn't need to be called, the school would never need to know he ran away. Since it would appear that his family wasn't telling the school. How strange. Whatever.

"Thanks mate." Joel grinned as he took the lighter, oh yeah. It was gonna be a good day.

He'd watch the bearded student before him with a curious expression. Apparently, he was going to smoke cigarettes, weeaaakkkk. But of course Joel didn't say anything, it wasn't his place to poke fun or make comments. Well, not yet at least. Wait until he smoked a little, then really all would be well.

The best smoking place.

There were too places, the one under the bleachers, and the one at the edge of school property on the sidewalk, right beside the fence and a path that leads to a side door. His personal favourite was the sidewalk on, it kept them out of trouble. No need to break the rule/law: no smoking on school ground.

Yes, he wasn't exactly the best student, and in no way would he say he went along with the laws.. He just didn't want to face his parents yet, not while he could still have so much fun. "Let's go to the sidewalk pit," He'd laugh and lead the way, heading to the very side door to take them to the oh so lovely smoke engulfed pit of death. Smoke and pot, two very common elements in sidewalk pit. They stood in a large poorly made circle. Yaking away about smoking, their sex romps, drugs, skipping class, and whatever else they had done. Sooooooo much fun.

Joel led the way as they broke into the pit circle. Oh yes, he had a place.

"Mornin."

"Yo Joel, who's the beard?"

"Blimey! That's a good feckin question. Oi, mate! What's yer name?" Joel asked, before he started to laugh, which was tailed by giggles of the high and not. It was warm, one just needs to be friendly... and maybe have pot to sell.