Drake

          Drake's life was terrible. Being seventeen he attended high school, which consumed most of his time. Each day was a dragged out bore, and his home life was no different. He lived in an apartment with his aunt, though they didn't interact much. Usually he would just stay in his bedroom studying (though he always received the same grades). His mental health reflected upon his physical appearance, as well; He was scrawny and frail, with almost no muscle, and was always exceptionally tired. This didn't affect him much, however, as the only physical work he had to do was walking to and from school. He lived out his days of monotony and desolation, half hoping he didn't exist. He was a machine, overworked and expendable, ready to give out. But one thing kept him going, kept his machine heart beating; a girl whom he deeply, and secretly, admired. Meredith was her name.

         Drake awoke to the low buzzing of his alarm clock. After turning it off for the thousandth time, he dressed himself and prepared last night's work for turn-in. By the time he left his apartment there was only a faint glow from the rising sun lighting the streets. Most students took the Metro to school, but Drake always walked. He wasn't the social type, and enjoyed the solitude of walking.

          The immense high school shadowed Drake's puny shape, about to consume him. Entering was rather depressing in the sense that absolutely everything was gray and white; the school colors. The floors, walls, classrooms, and even the uniforms were completely monochrome. It would almost be bearable if it weren't for the artificial, fluorescent lighting. Making his way into his class he sat at his desk and retrieved his homework. Meredith took a seat quite a distance in front of him, also getting her work. Though he had never spoken to her outside of school, he could tell she was a great person from the scarce contact they did share.

          She was beautiful; her dark hair reached almost to her waist, but didn't take attention from her gorgeous face. Her eyes, like pure emerald, sparkled dimly in the fluorescent light, which gave them an intense feel. She was intelligent as well; a straight 'A' student. These elements aside, she was so kind that it didn't matter. She was very social and outgoing, and exceedingly helpful around the school. Because of this, however, she was very popular among other students. Though degrading, this fact did not deter Drake from admiring her.

          After school he walked home in a slump, his bag refilled and heavy with schoolwork. His aunt greeted him, though he ignored it and went to his room. With all the work he had, he didn't know where to begin. Instantaneously after opening a textbook his mind wandered, thinking about Meredith. He didn't consider this much of a distraction, more so a blessing to get away from his studies. However, this 'blessing' did not last long, and was interrupted by the sounding of his alarm clock. It was morning.

          School that day was like any other, except he was additionally tired from the complete lack of sleep. It was Friday though, which meant he could finally rest the duration of the weekend.

          The weekend passed rather quickly, and school started again.

          Being well-rested, Drake was feeling better than usual Monday morning. Meredith entered the classroom shortly after him and stood by the teacher's desk, quietly talking. Having not seen her over the weekend, she seemed even more stunningly beautiful than before, wearing a gray gown. After everyone had taken their seats, she announced that she had been accepted into abroad institution with a grant. Drake's heart sank. Without Meredith, there was no reason to live. There was no motivation, no hope.

          With a few goodbyes from other students, she left toward the front of the building. He mustered the courage to leave the classroom, disregarding the teacher. By the time he had reached the driveway of the school, he could only get the slightest glimpse of her stepping into her car. It drove off into the gloomy, gray horizon; the very last he saw of her. And Drake waited. He waited and waited, waited for her return.

          I turned off my computer.