Chapter 1

All he ever wanted was to have friends. Kids who would invite him to play with them. He just wanted to have a normal childhood, that's all. No matter how hard he tried, nobody wanted to be his friend. They all laugh at him, especially because of the way he looked. His father is shoeshiner, sometimes he picks up jobs every now and then to cover their expenses, but it was always not enough.

"Landon, are you done? Food is ready." Larry Higgins, Landon's father called from their small kitchen.

"All good, dad. Let's eat." Landon said when he arrived at the kitchen. He's wearing a beautiful smile. It's the first day of freshmen year, anyway.

Larry and Landon Higgins are the only ones left in the family. May Higgins died of childbirth, and since then, Larry never thought of marrying another woman. He just wanted to ensure that his only son will have a shot for a better life.

He grew up in a family that belonged to the wrong side of tracks. Drug pushers, pickpockets, con artists, but Larry wanted a different kind of life. Something normal that he can be proud of. That is the reason why he disconnected himself from his family. He never even mentioned them to his son.

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"Hey guys! I missed you!"

Landon watched as the other students greeted everyone. They were all happy to se each other, but that is not the case for Landon. No one is happy to seek him, no one even bothers to greet him. But, that's okay–that's what he always told himself. Maybe, they would finally like him now.

"Hey, loser! Think fast!"

When he looked up, it was too late for him to avoid the incoming attack. It was a balloon filled with colored powder. When the balloon hit him, everybody laughed. This is his life since grade school. Being called a loser a freak, all because his father shines shoes for a living. The 'cool kids' always pick on him. They love to make fun of his old shoes, and worn out bag.

"Aw, look. He's dirty. Why don't you call your father to clean you up?"

A painful smil formed on his lips when the other students laughed so hard. Tears are already threatening to fall from his eyes, but he forced them back. He can't let them see that his weak. Good thing that the bell rang before anymore attacks from the other students progressed.

His only rest is during class. Of course, the other students can't do anything in front of their teachers. But, as soon as the bell ring again, signaling the end of their class, it's back to hell again. There are times that he doesn't want to go to school anymore, but whenever he looks at the exhausted look of his dad, he woul remember the reason why he has to.

"Congratulations, Landon. You're still at the no. 1 spot for the entire school. Your grades are perfect. Keep up the good work, okay?" Their teacher said. He smiled widely, proud of his achievements. Ever since grade schools, Landon has been an honor student. There are times that his doesn't even want to talk to him because they feel intimidated.

Almost perfect memory, high IQ, matured mind and perception in life; talking to Landon is like talking to an adult. It is one of the reason why the other students doesn't want to be friends with him. The others are envious of him, and that's why they call him freak. He is too different from the others that nobody could understand him.

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"Look, Landon is being bullied again." Nancy said to Max.

The two of them watched as the other students pushed Landon Higgins. They were all laughing–enjoying how they make other people feel bad because of their actions. Nancy wanted to intervene, but her other friend, Carla, stopped.

"Where are you going? You can't be involved with that creep. They'll be picking on you too." She wanted to help, but she also knows that if she does, her high school life will be ruined.

"Look at him, Carla. I feel terrible."

The students only stopped pushing Landon Higgins around when their school janitor, Mr. Robert Swanson intervened. He threatened to drag them to the principal's officer, and it was enough to make them stop. He even helped Landon stand up, and accompany him to their next next classroom.

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"You okay, kid?" Mr. Swanson asked.

"Yes, sir." Landon responded politely.

"Call me Bob. Listen, don't let them ruin your chance on a better life, okay? If they bother you, just stay away from them, alright?"

"Thank you, Bob. I'll be okay here."

Their next period is a one hour and half class, the longest one they have. It's also Landon's favorite because it's the longest time that he can avoid his bully schoolmates. He already experienced being summoned to the principal's office. Principal Larson wanted to ask him if he ever experienced any bullying from the other students, but he was afraid that they will only get mad at him, so he didn't say anything.

After their last period, Landon left their classroom as fast he could. He's like a criminal running away from the police. It hurts that no matter how good he treats others, they still see him as a freak. He tried reaching to them. Asking to join them during lunch, or wanting to play with back in grade school, nothing worked.

"Oh, hey, freak. Going home already?" Xavier and his friends blocked his way. "Come on, we need to talk."

"Xavier, I—uh—I need to go home. My mom is waiting for me."

"Then, we'll make it quick. You are going to write our notes for me, got it? And, when I ask you my copy, make sure that already provided an explanation. I'll ask you for my copy every week. Remember that, alright?"

"Yeah—yeah. I will."

"Good."

When Xavier let him go, Landon started running again. He wanted to get as far away from them as possible. It's only the first day of freshmen year in high school, but he's already in hell.