What it's Like

[Deleted]

Another fine day in California without a cloud in the sky and the students were enjoying any free time they got. Many were chatting in the courtyard, hanging out between classes, some even during class. The most common excuse being that the day was to good to spend inside, one teacher even took their class into the courtyard to conduct class. Everyone was simply doing whatever possible to enjoy the day while at school. After all who likes learning?

We've all seen the man at the liquor store beggin' for your change
The hair on his face is dirty, dreadlocked and full of mange
He ask the man for what he could spare with shame in his eyes
Get a job you fuckin' slob's all he replied
God forbid you ever had to walk a mile in his shoes
'Cause then you really might know what it's like to sing the blues
Then you really might know what it's like

The sound of a guitar and a boy singing came from the rooftop of one of the school buildings. A breeze and the courtyard chatter made it almost impossible for someone to hear down there. However if someone should happen upon the roof there would be nothing to prevent their hearing the song. That was how Saint wanted it, at worst he would end up with a crowd of three people. He could handle that small a gathering, but anymore might make him slightly anxious. For some reason he could not rationalize, Saint disliked singing in front of crowds.

Mary got pregnant from a kid named Tom who said he was in love
He said don't worry about a thing baby doll I'm the man you've been dreamin' of
But three months later he said he won't date her or return her call
And she sweared god damn if I find that man I'm cuttin' off his balls
And then she heads for the clinic and she gets some static walkin' through the doors
They call her a killer, and they call her a sinner, and they call her a whore
God forbid you ever had to walk a mile in her shoes
'Cause then you really might know what it's like to have to choose
Then you really might know what it's like

Not only could he sing to himself in peace, but he could also have a quick smoke away from all the teachers and administrators. Sure there was a small chance of being caught, that did not matter to Saint when the urge hit him. Having such an addiction was bad for his health and all that jazz, and the boy knew it. However the smoke had always possessed a calming affect for Saint. The lit cigarette was gripped in his right hand while he strummed the strings, taking a drag every now and again when then music, which he had memorized, permitted it. A nice sunny day, an empty rooftop, a guitar, and a cigarette, not a bad way for Saint to spend his free period.

((OoC:I decided to cut it off there... could have been much longer.))

[Aris Love]

OOC: Good Choice of Song

IC: Aris was walking down the school hallways quietly and thinking about nothing in particular. Now was not the time for learning and education. It was the time for peace and quiet. Lunch Break. And Aris had no further wish than to be on the roof. One of the few quiet places one of the few places he felt truly at peace.

He walked up the stairwell, it was interesting that roofs were so commonly used. As always someone was sitting there and playing a tune Aris remembered quite well. He liked the words and he liked the rhythm. Something true about the words made it appeal all the more to Aris.

"I've Seen a rich man beg, I've seen a good man sin, I seen a tough man cry. I seen a loser win, and a sad man grin. I heard an honest man lie. I seen the good side of bad and the downside of up and everywhere between. I licked the silver spoon, drank from the golden cup, smoked the finest green. I stroked daddies dimes at least a couple of times before I broke they heart. You know where it ends it, but it usually depends on where you start."

Aris mouthed along with the words as he stood atop the rooftop. For once, nothing seemed too important except the words and the rhythm. The sound and the meaning. The truth and the spoken. For once he enjoyed the sound of the air around him vibrating.

[Deleted]

((OoC: I figured you'd like it.))

Continuing without much paid attention to the new arrival, Saint seemed lost within the notes from the strings of the guitar. Nothing else matter but that sound. After a quick drag, during which the music ceased, he resumed his song. Time seemed to melt away along with all the worries that plagued him, the visions, the anxiety, everything floated along with the breeze. Following his voice out into the void of the city air, to be heard be no one, or so he though at the moment.

I knew this kid named Max
He used to get fat stacks out on the corner with drugs
He liked to hang out late at night
Liked to get shit faced
And keep pace with thugs
Until late one night there was a big gun fight
Max lost his head
He pulled out his chrome .45
Talked some shit
And wound up dead
Now his wife and his kids are caught in the midst of all of his pain
You know it crumbles that way
At least that's what they say when you play the game
God forbid you ever had to wake up to hear the news
'Cause then you really might know what it's like to have to lose
Then you really might know what it's like
To have to lose…

With a last strum of the cords, Saint sighed as he finished the song. Slowly the boy returned to a more conscious state as the note wavered into the wind. Finally he noticed the other boy who had apparently come up to the roof during his song. He watched the boy from a moment, wondering what had brought him here? What he thought of his singing? Was he going to mention the smoking to a faculty member? Shaking away these thoughts as nothing, Saint figured he might as well introduce himself and get to known this kid before worrying about everything. One day he would conquer that paranoia… hopefully…

“Hey! Nice day isn’t it… come up to enjoy it or what?”

[Aris Love]

"Yeah I figured it would be nicer out here. Especially since I heard this song playing." Aris paused then added, to make sure that is point was understood, "You play well." Aris paused once more before adding, "Good song." Then the boy slowly moved forward towards Saint. And he sat down with only his shoes hanging off the ledge and his legs outstretched.

"I'm Aris, nice to meet you too." Aris said as he held his hand out to Saint. Aris was wondering where he learned play, but he decided he would have time to ask later. It wasn't really an urgent type of curiousity. More just the casual type which nags at you if you don't know for long enough.

Aris was holding a coin in his far hand (Left). He flicked it between his knuckles sending the coin from his thumb to his pinky without using his hands. Just by twitching his fingers. It was almost as if the coin wished to move. But small things like this could not be taken into serious thought. That's just not What It's Like.

[Deleted]

Saint smiled, the cigarette hanging from his lips as he played a few random cords. He was inwardly glad someone had heard and enjoyed his singing, though partially he was glad it was only one someone and not a group of them. Exhaling a small ring of smoke, the religious boy glance at the offered hand. He hesitated for a moment before shaking this Aris’ hand briefly, and then pulling away to continuing his random playing. Sure he was good, but Saint wished he could truly play, like the god of the guitar… Jimi Hendrix. For a moment he forgot to introduce himself, catching this transgression, he glanced sidelong at Aris.

“I’m Zachariah Rose, but everyone calls me Saint. A pleasure to meet you, as well, Aris… and thank you for the compliment.”

This place wasn’t so bad. Thus far all the students Saint had met were not the brutish bullies he had envisioned. Part of him felt he had to apologize for this thought but then why had all those questions come for the superintendent. If the students here were kind, then was he asking about Saint? A quick shake got Saint’s mind off this track of thought for it made him… uncomfortable and nervous. Besides, this was a perfect chance to work on his lacking of social skills.