It All Starts with a Mask - Simple Story

|Chapter 1: A Heavenly Start|

A blur of colours meet my eyes as they open, meeting the light of the world, separating me from sweet slumber. I reach across my comfortable queen sized bed, groping and feeling for the familiar cold plastic.

Ah, there they are, my glasses.

I put them on and the comforting sight of my room greets me. Groaning I get up and get ready for school. After eating and a brief shower I put on my grey shirt and black jacket, with matching jeans. I grab my I.D. staring at my picture; my hair there was combed and I wore no glasses, most people would say I look good there, but I prefer my brown ruffled hair and dark blue glasses, besides, the picture doesn’t show off my tan very much. Beside the picture was my name, Benjamin E. Denword, It’s not a special name, but it was mine. I grabbed my keys and rode my motorbike off to school.

__________________________

You know, despite the glasses, I wasn’t a loser. I got high grades, was part of the “Cool Crowd” as people call it, have nice supportive parents, a smart, beautiful, and funny girlfriend, and was generally very happy with my life.

I got to class on time and greeted the teacher as he came in. He announced it was the day he was giving back our long test, I wasn’t worried. While he was announcing our names one by one so we could receive our papers, I chatted with a few friends at the back. When my name was called I came up and took my paper. “Congratulations Mr. Denword, third highest score.“ He said handing me the paper with a small smile, I took it, smiled back, thanked him, and sat back down.

64/70

Meh. Not the best score ever. The guy beside me, Carlos I think, whispered to my ear “Party later at James’ place. You in?“ Naturally, I took out my phone “Hang on.”

You: Dad, I’m gonna go to a party later, k ? It’s Friday any way … can I go ??

The reply came quick

Dad: Ok, I’ll tell your mom you have a group project, be back before 11.

You: Thanks dad  Love ya !

I look back to Carlos with a smile

“I’m in “

-------------------------------------- Time skip ------------------------

The Lunch bell rang and I walk away from class, down the pure white corridor lined with students. A glance down my right and I see an average sight, at least, for me. Three big guys, members of the football team, are pinning a smaller kid to a wall, shouting at him, probably demanding money. The kid was refusing and it looks like he’s going to get quite a beating. Now, normally, I don’t play the hero, The kid was small and weak and the jocks needed some money. Yet, I see an opportunity in all this…..

“Hey, kid! “ I shouted as I casually strode towards them. They all looked to me in surprise. “Screw off Ben!!!” The leader shouted at me “The kid’s our ‘money-buddy’. “ I look at them blankly, calculating my next move. “Calm yourselves. “ I said, my voice stoic. At this point I was already in front of them. “C’mon kid, just give