School

Allen heaved a huge sigh, fingers gripping nervously at the straps of his backpack. Tony sat next to him, tapping something on his phone.

"You got everything?" Tony looked at him.

Allen nodded.

"Ok good. Um-," Tony scratched his neck awkwardly then he lifted his hand. Allen forced down a flinch, he thought he hid it well but Tony snatched back his palm like he had been zapped. "Good luck kid. Happy will pick you up after school ok?"

"Ok." Allen quietly said, then he opened the car door and slid out. His hands stopped before he could close the door and in an even quieter voice, "Bye, thanks for driving me." The car door shut and Allen left, leaving behind a happy Tony.

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He reached the class before all the other students. Looking around he noticed the classroom was decorated with paper crafts. Origami, paper-mâché, drawings, paintings, and all kinds of things filled the walls. With careful inspection, he can see the edges of some drawings yellowing with age. His eyes danced around the beautifully decorated classroom then finally landed on an old woman. She was resting on a large wooden chair with orange cushions. Her figure seemed to melt into the chair and her face was pressed into a book. Her eyes squinted and her pudgy fingers roamed over the words, mouthing the sentences.

Allen decided to let his presence be known by saying a loud, "Hello!" The woman jolted up and released a startled yelp.

"Oh goodness! I'm sorry I didn't notice you dear." She pulled her large body up with a grunt. Then she slowly made her way towards him. Her eyes narrowed as she got closer, "You're the new student! I'm Miss Abbot," she exclaimed. "Come along dear, you put your bag here." She pointed towards a row of hooks. After he had set his bag down and grabbed his books she showed him around the classroom, teaching him where each item was placed and where to find them. "I have a seating plan set up so find where your name tag is and sir there." After a little wandering around and peeking at each desk he found his name. He sat down and examined the card, his name, 'Allen', was written in the middle and even smaller writing was 'Smith', on the corner. The card was decorated with stickers of animals and a flowered border. He set the card on the table and open his book about Human anatomy.

Soon children started filtering into the classroom. They all looked curiously at him but none of them came to say anything. When the clock hit 9 the bell chimed and kids rushed to sit at their tables. Allen noticed the kid sitting next to him -his name tag says 'Ron'- was staring at him with shining eyes, wanting to talk to him.

"Hi!" Ron said with a confident grin.

"Hello," Allen said calmly.

Ron opened his mouth but it snapped shut when Miss Abbot's claps cut through the class chatting.

*dum dum da dum dum*

The class eagerly repeated the same sound with their clapping. Allen however, looked around confused.

Satisfied that the class has quieted down, Miss Abbot greeted them in a song-like tune, "Good morning everyone~"

"Good morning Miss Abbot~," They all said, in the same tune.

Allen's head spun. What is happening?

"Today, as most of you have noticed, we have a new classmate with us." 20 pairs of eyes all focused on Allen who shifted nervously in his seat. "I want you to be nice to him, it's his first day. Now Allen can you please introduce yourself to us?"

Allen nervously stood up, his heart pounding in his chest. He can do this. He's done this before, oh so many years ago.

"Hello," Allen began, more timid than he'd like, "My name is Allen, I like animals." he didn't know what else to say. His mind blanked then he blurted out, "My favourite colour is Blue." he finally finished it off with, "Let's be friends!" and a bright smile.

He sat down with the same smile. His mind, on the other hand, felt like a whirlwind. He just messed up his introduction. He's not going to have any friends. He's just a dumb kid who likes the colour blue and animals. A tap on his shoulder pulled him out of his self-loathing. He glanced up and met with startling blue eyes.

"My favourite colour is blue too," Ron whispered.

Maybe it wasn't so bad after all.

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After a long day of learning how to spell. A small part of him regrets asking to be placed in a class with kids the same age. He finally managed to last a full day. At 3 o'clock the bell chimed one final time and after quick farewells, the kids quickly piled out of the class. Some lingering back to talk to Allen.

Allen finally made his way out of the class and into the school entrance. Hoards of children stood around, chattering happily and running around. He carefully searched the surroundings and noticed a familiar black car. As he got closer, Happy stepped out and took his backpack, placing it in the luggage compartment. When Allen entered the car he was greeted by Tony.

"Hi," Tony said casually.

"Hi," Allen replied, frowning slightly.

"I got off work early." Tony tried explaining. Allen just stared at him. Tony heaved an awkward cough, "So, how was school."

"Good," Allen mumbled. "The teacher is nice." He didn't mention how easy everything was and how bored he felt. No one needed to know that. It's just such a bother to change it now.

"Uhhuh, everything was too easy and boring for you right?" Tony said with a knowing look.

Allen snapped his head in surprise.

"Kid. I'm pretty sure reading about the human nervous system isn't exactly first-grade level." Tony laughed. Allen fiddled with the hem of his shirt sheepishly. "You want me to fast pass you up a few grades?"

The teacher and the other kids were nice but Allen felt like he was wasting his time in the classroom. He needed a challenge so he agreed. Tony made a quick call to his secretary.

After moments of driving, Allen whispered with haunted eyes, "They were singing a greeting," his body shivered. Tony laughed even louder.

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Allen was placed in Grade 2 the next day. Then Grade 3 the day after. It went on for a whole week when he finally landed in Grade 10. The teenagers all looked at him with horrified eyes when they found out he was able to catch up (and maybe beat them) with his studies.

The schoolwork wasn't frustratingly challenging like Tony's research, but he enjoyed it. And soon he settled in, completely ignoring the looks everyone was giving him. As high school was placed in a different section from elementary school, Allen rarely saw his old classmates (not that he remembered anyone except for Ron). Months passed and he still struggled to find friends. None of them wanted to be friends with a baby and when they do talk to him they always coe at him. He's pretty sure the reason he isn't being bullied is because he is a young child in their eyes.

School ended and Allen walked out feeling lonely. He sat glumly on the seat of the car, Happy peeked at him from the mirror.

"What's wrong Allen?" he asked.

Allen leaned against the window staring blankly at the buildings, "Nothing." After a few beats, he mumbled, "I can't make any friends."

Happy hummed, "Y'know a trick I use is-" B A N G

A truck rammed into their black car, sending Allen's head into the window. Pieces of shattered glass flew everywhere, digging themselves into Allen's skin. His ears were ringing and his vision was all blurred. He's struggling to maintain awareness.

"Happy?" he tried saying but it felt wet and uncomfortable. He's beginning to see less and less. He vaguely registers the doors being pulled open.

All he sees is the darkness beneath his eyes and,

"We got him."