Blitz

POV: Elliot Kaden // Sept 2

“Is there a point to this?” I exhaled heavily, lounging in the backseat of my dads car. My eyes locked on his in the rear view mirror and he just laughed lightly at me. I didn't understand his sudden decision to enroll me in public school for my senior year. I had been home schooled since day one.

“I think it is important for you to at least experience things most seniors do. Don't you want to go to ball? And a senior trip? How about an actual graduation?” He smiled warmly. “It will be good for you to make some friends too.”

I shrugged. None of that was really important to me. “I think things are fine how they are. But I’m not going to complain about something I can't change.”

He reached back to tousle my hair a bit. “You're so smart when it comes to books, but, you act so distant with other people.”

My eyes drifted to the window watching a few houses and cars as we passed by them. This town was pretty big and I don't think I could say I've seen all of it. Most of the time I stayed in the house or the backyard. But there were a few times I went to a museum or two.

“There could be a club you'll want to join too. Public schools have those, and sports.”

“I don't play sports.” I mumbled, keeping my eyes locked on the scenery passing by. “But maybe a club.”

“Just don't plant it in your head you're going to hate it. At least give everything a chance. You'll like it eventually I think.”

“But why suddenly now?”

“I just think you could use the experience.” He shrugged nonchalantly. “Should have an easier time finding a good college too. Clubs and all look good on an application too. So if you really want to get into a good school, think about that too.”

I guess that was something to think about. But I still wasn’t thrilled about this at all. I reached over into my backpack and pulled out a book. I pulled my legs up onto the seat and leaned against the window starting to read “Mein Kampf” by Adolf Hitler. It was one of the books on my History classes reading list, and my English one. Easy to finish up two things at once.

But after reading most of this book, I really wondered how Germany ever managed to want to elect him. But I guess Germany at the time was in such a slump that the first person to claim to bring them back to the glory they once had, would sound appealing. And it wasn't as if he didn't keep his promise at all. I mean, Germany was fine during the depression, well, as fine as you could be with the rest of the world sucking. He was one manipulative bastard.

“Elliot,” my dad called, pulling my mind back into reality. “We're here.”

I looked at him, pulling myself up and dropping the book back into my bag. I looked up at the two-story, brick building before opening the door, stepping out of the car, and stared at it again. My face contorted to an expression of disinterest and bordem.

“You'll be fine, son.” He assured, looking back at me. “I'll pick you up at two-thirty. Alright?”

I sighed, looking at the concrete. “Yeah...”

“Have a good first day.” He said, waving. I shut the door and he pulled away from the curb.

I looked up at this building one more time, then at the kids who were still sitting or standing or walking inside.

My hand reached into my pocket and pulled out a folded piece of paper. My fingers unfolded it revealing my schedule, and a locker number in the top right corner. My feet led me into the building and my eyes searched for some type of pattern to try to locate my classes and locker. It would be troublesome to try and lug this bag around all day.

The first area I walked in seemed to have a room number starting with A and then some three digit number starting with 1. I assumed that meant that the second floor would start with a two. I walked down another hallway noticing I was now in a 'C' section. I guess I'd need to find where each group of letters was. And I wasn't really counting on my success.

I looked back at my piece of paper. I needed D128. So where was D? I turned left down another hallway. To my left I saw the cafeteria completely empty with the chairs on the table and a window leading to the kitchen. Well, this was a good room to know... but I didn't need it till 10th period. And how did periods even work in this place? How long did I even have to find my class?

I turned around finding a dead end. Still no locker. I had only located lockers 103 to about 564. I was supposed to be 1004. Was that upstairs? I looked around at the different people, and it seemed less and less people were in the halls. And no one even noticed me. Not going to bother asking then... I don't really like to talk to new people either... This totally sucked ass!

Biting my lip, I turned another direction and immediately heard a loud ring. Was this the part in a movie where the main character realized he was late or something? Standing in place, I stared forward for a moment with a dull expression, completely frustrated.

How the hell was anyone supposed to find anything in this building? Seriously....

I headed up the stairs seeing two hallways. One began with a “E” and the other “D.” Finally! I walked down the hallway noticing evens on one side, and odds on the other. I looked at my paper again. 128. These were freakin 200s.

This was not worth the trouble. If I didn’t live so far from here, I would have turned around and walked home telling dad I wasn't coming back to this maze. As much as I liked brain teasers and all, there was no way this was fun.

I breathed in, then out, pulling out my book from earlier. I examined the cover, then started to read it again. Maybe I could find it reading and wandering around. At least I wouldn't be wasting my time anymore. So stupid...

I shrugged off my frustration, trying to come at this with a fresh mind. If I was too frustrated, I wouldn't get anywhere. I'd only get more frustrated. I walked back down the stairs, following a new hallway. It seemed to be section 'E.' I walked a while then turning left. I was completely on the other side of the school it seemed, but I finally saw a D120. I was close!

I walked down the hall, two classes down and saw the room. Class had already started... the teacher was talking. What was I supposed to do? Just walk in? Talk about embarrassing... But what else could I do? Not show up? Was that even bad in public school? I have no freakin idea...

I breathed in, then out. I'd have to get over this... I held the book in one hand, opening the door slowly. I didn't want to lose my place. The teacher stopped talking and every eye in the room landed on me. I stared at them blankly like a deer in the headlights.

“Did you get lost?” The teacher asked, smiling at me.

I looked at the floor, then at him. “Yeah... sorry...”

“Well, I’m Mr. Randell.” He picked up a piece of paper and looked it over. “You must be Elliot Kaden? You can take a seat right there.” He motioned to a seat by the window in the front row.

I nodded and walked over, slumping into the seat and dropping my book bag – I never found my locker – on the floor and looked at the Math text book sitting on my desk.

This felt weird... and I didn't have a clue about what to do...