Bits and Pieces Chapter 2

On Friday, I met Sydney at the front of the school. The arctic front had not moved, so the wind was pelting us with snow. When we headed inside, I saw Alex waiting in the corner, sitting on a chair. Alex got up and slowly progressed towards us. I began to hurry to our lockers, taking the long way, pulling Sydney through the crowded hallway.

“Hey, where are we going?” she asked.

“We’re going to our lockers,” I said.

“Why are we going this way?”

“Because,” I said. Then we arrived at our lockers, right next to each other. I opened my locker and took out the picture. Sydney looked at it, a puzzled look on her face.

“Alex drew it,” I said.

“Who’s Alex? I have never heard of anyone by the name of Alex at this school,” Sydney said. She looked at my, tilting her head to the side, her eyebrows crooked, a perplexed look on her face. I grabbed the picture and hung it back on my locker. I threw my lunchbox in, then slammed the door.

“Sorry, I didn’t think…”

“So are you going to support group tomorrow?” I asked, quickly changing the subject.

“I think so. Pretty sure I am. Are you going?” Sydney said.

“No, my sister has a big meeting with her tutor, and my mom has to be there. So, I can’t really go,” I answered back. I twiddled with my bun, then walking in the direction of Ms. Madrid’s classroom.

“Hey,” Sydney said, grabbing at my shoulder. “Where are you going? I have one more thing to tell you.”

“Well, make it quick. I don’t want to be late to class.”

“I switched my school days to Tuesdays and Thursdays.  Isn’t that exciting?”

“Ya, now I gotta go. Bye!” I said, waving back at Sydney. I was paying so much attention to her that I ran into a big seventh grader. A girl next to them offered my her hand, pulling my up. I looked at her, feeling shy just waved to express my gratitude.  I kept walking back to my class.

During class, I could feel Alex staring at me, his/her eyes burning hole in my neck. Ms. Madrid kept on reading, though my focus was on Alex. Once Ms. Madrid passed back our test, my mind was off to something else. I read the red writing on my test. It said:

94% Nice job, Piper! A

Alex then scooted towards me, noticing I was focused on my test. Alex handed over a card that said, “Meet me at the water fountains outside of the cafeteria during lunch. –Alex” I looked back at Alex, and he/she nodded, then receded back to the dimly lit corner where he/she originally was.  

“So, are you going to go, or what?” Sydney asked, holding up the note in Study Hall.

“I, really don’t know,” I said.

“Well, lunch is next period, so you better make up your mind quick.”

“I know, I know. This whole thing is just…. I’ll go just to see what happens.”

“Can I come?”

“I don’t know. If we can find Alex, I will right Alex a note. Or if I can find out Alex’s locker, I will put the note in his or her locker.”

“What do you mean, his or her?”

“I can’t really tell if Alex is a boy or a girl.”

 “Oh, I see.” Then we started to work on our homework as the rest of people in Study Hall boomed. I kept glancing at the note, wondering what Alex was going to do. I kept working on my Social Studies. I tried to focus on my good grade on the test, but the idea of what Alex was going to do was compelling and my mind kept wandering. After completing my homework, I decided that I would talk to Sydney about what movies we were going to watch today.

Oh, oh, oh! I have one!” Sydney said, jumping up and down.

“Put it on the list,” I said, pointing to a piece of paper labeled Movies. By the end of Study Hall we had come up with a list of 5 movies.

The Parent Trap

A Walk to Remember

Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen

Magic in the Moonlight

Pitch Perfect

After that, Sydney and I went to English, where (luckily) Alex was not. For 20 minutes we talked about the book we were reading, The City of Ember. The book was not very interesting. It was so boring that the night before, I had refused to do my reading or answer my questions. So for the first 20 minutes of class, I sat there staring blankly out the window for there was nothing academically nourishing about the discussion the class was having. The Miss Dodd handed out work sheets about analyzing the major event that had just happened. I looked down at the paper, looking for any type of lead that would help me. When Miss Dodd saw that I seem confused, she strided over to me.

“Piper, are you having trouble with something?” Miss Dodd asked.

“No, I kind of need my book,” I said.

“Then why don’t you get it out.”

“It is….. It is…… It’s in my……… It’s in my locker.”

“Then I give you permission to go and get your book.”

“Okay so, here’s the thing. I do need the book, just to read the part we…. Actually, I don’t need it. Ya, I don’t need it. Oh and I don’t need this worksheet either,” I said, ripping the sheet in half, then into smaller pieces.

“Piper, will you…” Miss Dodd said.

“No, I am not going to do any more suffering by reading this book. Nope, not gonna do it.  Sorry Miss Dodd, I just don’t like suffering” I said, brushing the pieces of paper of my desk and onto the floor. I was practically saved by the bell as it rang, right before Miss Dodd could respond. Our class flooded into the hallway, Sydney and I being rushed out into the hallway.

“Are you just gonna wait there?” Sydney asked, seeing me standing by the water fountain.

“Yep,” I said.

“Well okay,” Sydney said going back into the cafeteria. I heard some grunting then Alex emerged from the crowd of people holding two packs of index cards. Alex held one out to me gesturing to grab one. I took a pack, then pulled out a pen from my pocket. Alex began to write something, then handed the card to me it read: Thanks for coming. Respond on your card. I wrote: No prob. So why aren’t you talking? After exchanged cards, it went a little something like this.

Alex: Speech Disorder

Me: Oh, I see. Bi-polar

Alex: Interesting, never knew. Suspected something worse.

Me: Good thing it’s not

Alex: Ya, I agree. Do you want to eat lunch together?

Me: If you take off the hood.

Alex: Fine, I will

After Alex responded the last time, we both looked at each other before Alex took of the hood. Alex revealed that she/he was a he. He also revealed shaggy brown hair and vibrant green eyes. He was actually very good looking. Then we took out lunches into the cafeteria and sat down with Sydney.

“Are you still going to talk in grunts?” I asked.

Alex (writing down then showing): Yes

“Can I talk with you, too?” Sydney asked.

Alex: It’s fine with me

“How come I never noticed you?” Sydney asked.

Alex: I transferred here 2 weeks age, I am shy, and I am mute. Plus, you only come 1 day a week.

“That makes sense and I am now coming two days a week,” Sydney said.

Alex: Cool (Drawing of someone with sunglasses on)

“Alex is a really good artist. He drew that picture of me that’s in my locker,” I said.

“Oh, wow. Alex, you are good.” Sydney said.

Alex: 1^st Thank you. 2ond, I feel honored to have my art in your locker.

“I’m glad it’s in my locker,” I said. As lunch progressed, we had small conversations just like this one. Even though Alex was mute, he was (metaphorically) a chatter box. My next period was band. I had to say bye to Alex and Sydney as I went to band with all the snobby music nerds.

 When I got to the band room, I headed straight to the back to get my flute. I sat next to this girl named Quinn who played the clarinet. To the other side of me was another person who played the flute named Flynn. Flynn had on a blue long-sleeve polo with jeans. Quinn was wearing a soft white sweater with a flowy purple and white polka-dot skirt along with some light blue leggings. Part of her hair was pinned back with a light blue bow, while the rest of her blond, curly hair was down. Flynn had the same curly blond hair as Quinn, for they were brother and sister. Flynn was born with cerebral palsy, and Quinn had developed some sort of anxiety disorder where she can’t be separated from her brother for more that 20 minutes. They were in all of the same classes, and always seated next to each other. If you haven’t caught on, the kids at my school have a lot of special treatment.

“Everyone, hope you have some jazz song and a group of two or three. I will be at my desk if you need anything,” said our music teacher, Mr. Troy. I got together with my group of Matthew and Josh. The song we had decided on was the Swinging Shepard Blues. The whole time, I played without any disturbances. When Alex was in a class with me, or even when Alex wasn’t in a class with me, I would always focus on that. Now my mind was free!

“Ready?” Sydney asked.

“I am so ready,” I said. We walked out of school, stomping on the fluffy, white snow. We quickly found my mom’s car, a silver Lexus. We drove over to the Barnes and Noble right by our school.

“So, what do you want to get?” I asked Sydney.

“Well, Iris recommended that I read a book called The Fault in Our Stars. It’s by John Green.”

“Oh well go nerdfighteria! I think I’m just going to buy This Star Won’t Go Out.  Maybe also Paper Towns which is written by John too.” Once Sydney found the book, she brought it to me so I could read the back and reviews, and see the summary.

“I don’t think this is a good book for you” I said to Sydney.

“Why? It seems like a perfectly fine book.” Sydney said.

“It’s about cancer patients. That always promises bad things,” I said.

“I am reading it. Then I can connect even more.” Sydney got the book, and I bought my book. When we got home, we turned on the TV and waited for Mom to make the mini-pizza bites for out snack. The news was on.

“Hey, look. That says something about bi-polar disorder,” Sydney said, pointing at the TV.  The story told about a boy who in an episode of depression jumped off a building and killed himself.

“Wow, that’s scary, Sydney said.

“I really hope I don’t do something like that. Now I have to go upstairs to, go to the bathroom,” I said, running up the stairs. I began to start pacing in the cramped bathroom. My chest started to heave back and forth. Then everything went black.

When I woke up, my mom explained that I had passed out. Sydney had eaten the pizza bites, but had not started to watch the movies.

“What was that all about?” She asked.

“I….. I got scared about that person on the news. I started to hyper-ventilate, then I must have passed out. I don’t remember much about it though.” I said. Then we sat in silence and watched our movies. Occasionally stopping after one movie ended to talk. Then, at 10:30, Sydney’s mom came to pick her up. I went to bed, the traumatic story still on my mind.

The next day I slept in. When I awoke, I could smell the pumpkin pancakes Mom was cooking downstairs. I could hear Evelyn blow-drying her hair in her room. I put on my big robe and went down stairs. Jerry was sitting at the table eating pancakes. I sat down across the table from him and waited for Mom to bring me some pancakes.

“Good morning,” Mom said to me as she handed over my pancakes. “Ready to go to your support group?”

“No,” I said. I was never ready to go to support group. But my mind was suddenly taken to another subject when Evelyn came down the stairs. She was wear a captivating black skirt, a white collared shirt with a red bow tie on it, and red leggings. Her makeup was done flawlessly; her hair in effortless curls. She cascaded down the stairs, sitting next to me at the table then pulling out her phone.

“You look ni.” I said.

“Shhhhh,” she said, quickly interrupting me. Mom noticed the behavior, then walked over to the table.

“You know that I have a strict no-phones at the table policy,” Mom said, grabbing the Monster’s phone from her hands.

“Hey! I was in the middle of posting something on Twitter,” the Monster said, lashing out at mom.

“I told you, no phones during a meal,” Mom said. Her eyes were glaring at the Monster, her burning stare catching her off guard. The Monster blinked, then looked away. She finally surrendered and sat down at the table.  She started to pick at her food, throwing sly looks at Mom. After Jerry left the table, the Monster abruptly got up and stormed to the door. She yanked her coat off of the coat rack, the pulling her beret off the rack as well. She pulled on her boots, and began to open the door.

“Hey,” Mom said. “Where are you going on a day like this? Its -2 degrees outside. You are staying here until we go to your appointment.” When Mom said this, the Monster pulled off her winter gear, threw it on the ground, and stormed up to her room. She locked herself in there for the next two hours until it was time for her appointment.

When it was time to go, I went with mom and Evelyn. Mom dropped me off at support group and took Evelyn over to her appointment.

Support group was at the rec center. (The Mary Lou Everest Community Center to be exact) I went through the front doors and went to the Community Room (Pike’s Peak Community Room) reserved for support group. There was mostly just people from school. There Sydney had thought I was not coming, so did not come today. Surprisingly,  Alex was there. I walked over to Alex, his hood still over his face. I sat next to him pulling out my index cards and a pen. He started to write something, then handed it to me.

Alex: Can you tell the leader dude about my condition?

Me (In writing this time): Sure, just write your specific request.

Alex: Okay: My name is Alex, I have a speech disorder which means I am basically mute. Though, I do speak in grunts sometimes. I communicate with my cards her. I am 11 years old.

Me: I can fulfil your request.

Then the support group leader, Gigi, began.

“Hey, so I guess we should start with an introduction. This is the Child Illness Support Group. My name is Gigi, and I was once where you were. When I was 7, I got diagnosed with extreme depression. I have always had it ever since. Now, I am 25 and living like a normal person. Now, I want everyone to do the same.” So then everyone went around the circle and introduced themselves. Then it came to me.

“Well, my name is Piper. I am 11 years old. I have bi-polar disorder. I was diagnosed at the age of 6. Bi-polar disorder means you’re either really really high, or really really low. And today I will be speaking for my friend here.” Then I sat down and began to read Alex’s card.

“My name is Alex, I have a speech disorder which means I am basically mute. Though, I do speak in grunts sometimes. I communicate with my cards her. I am 11 years old.” Then once the circle had gone all the way around, we talked about experiences, shared tips, then went down stairs and played with the exercise equipment. This was the normal routine for support group. Then Alex handed me a note.

Alex: Is this what always happens?

Then I answered back “Ya, basically.”

Alex: Well that’s swell.

“You can call it whatever you want, but I kind of have to go,” I said.

Alex: I will come next week. Will you?

“I guess, but it’s not really my thing. But whatever.” Then Alex got on the bike and started to grunt in frustration. I came over to him, repositioned him, then it seemed easier for him. When Support Group was finally over, I walked out with Alex. I said bye, then went over to my mom’s car.

“How was it?” she asked.

“Fine,” I said.

“Who is the kid in the black?” Mom asked.

“That’s Alex. Don’t worry about him.” Then Mom turned on the stereo and blasted my favorite songs. Evelyn was tuned into her phone, and did not notice.

When we got home, mom made grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch. Evelyn requested tomato soup, then took it up to her room and spent the majority of her day up there. While the rest of my day was spent reading The Fault in Our Stars. I had decided to get it on my tablet so I could read along with Sydney. Then, Sydney video called me and we chatted for a long time.

“Guess what I did today?” I asked Sydney.

“I don’t know, what?” said Sydney.

“I actually went to Support Group.”

“I thought you said you weren’t going today.”

“Alex and I hung out there. Plus I didn’t plan on going. Mom just dropped me off.”

“Oh, for a second there it sounded like you were ditching me. Anyway, all I did was sleep and eat.”

“Well, that’s cool. Now I have to go. I am getting really into The Fault in Our Stars.” Then I hung up the call and went back to reading. My eyes darted back and forth like Ping-Pong balls. I gravitated towards the plot and story line. The books pulled me in further and further in. Then, in the midst of my great novel, mother called to me. I rushed downstairs to eat dinner and get back to reading. Mom had made home-made Mac n’ Cheese. Our family sat in silence and ate without a word spoken. Mom did not have to condemn any electronics, Jerry did not utter a word, and, like usual, Evelyn didn’t say anything. This might have been the best family dinner I ever had.