Chapter Text
The minivan pulls into a small blue house with a smaller backyard in a trashy neighborhood. Lance looks out and wishes he was back in his old home. He was sick of the long drive in the summer heat building up with five other people in the small van.
“Is this our house, seriously Mamá?” He asks his Mother. She rolls her eyes and got out of the mini van. Lance’s little sister Sarah looks out and stares at the house.
“What a dump.” Sarah’s little voice spoke up. Lance pushes her head down and stares at the house. It was an ugly shade of blue and hell the paint was chipped away. Lance looks down and sees the grass dying, and a lot of ants. He saw the deck had a few pieces missing. He looks back at Sarah and the rest of his siblings who were either asleep or on their phones.
“Rebecca?” Lance calls to his older sister. “What do you think of the house?” He asks. She looks out then back at her phone.
“Trash.”
“Yeah.” He nods, Sarah looks up at her older brother. She was waiting for one of her other siblings to make a comment. Rebecca looks out again and sighs.
“We left our hometown for this? ¡Joder! ” There Mom comes back and whacks Rebecca in the head. “OW MAMA!” She whines. Her Mother glares at her and walks to the house. Lance glances back at his siblings and got their attention
“Sam, get Rico and come on.” Lance said to his younger brother. He held Sarah’s hand and the five kids follow their Mom into the small house. They look around and saw how ugly it was on the inside. Rebecca took a few pictures on her phone while Sarah looks at the place.
“Lance this place is so dirty.” She said. Lance nods and sighs, his Mom didn’t pick a good house but this was probably the best they could do at the moment.
“Yo Lance come check this out!” Sam shouts from upstairs. Lance lets go of Sarah’s hand and runs after his little brother. He looks around the small hallway and couldn’t see Sam anywhere.
“Sam? Where are you?”
“Lance!” Sam comes out of one room. Lance jumps back in surprise. “There is something cool in this room!” Lance follows his brother in the room and saw him go out the window.
“Sam what the hell?!” Lance panics and follows Sam out. “Dude come on this is dangerous!”
“No it’s not man, look it’s like a perfect place to sit and watch.” Sam said. “Oh I see Mamá, hi Mamá!” He waves.
“Samuel you’d better get down if you know what’s good for you!” His Mom shouts back. That only made the young teen laugh.
“Come on you heard Mamá.” Lance said. “Let’s go in and meet up with everyone else.” The two boys walk downstairs and meet their Mom outside while the movers helped unpack their belongings.
“Well now.” Their Mom starts. “This is our new home. I know it isn’t much but it’s something right?”
“ Basura .” Sarah said. The rest of the children chuckle.
“Sarah!” Their Mother glares at her. “All of you hush up, it’s the best I could afford and who knows. With a little paint and maybe some care, this house could be worthy enough to call home.” She smiles at her kids.
Lance didn’t care how the place looked, he wanted to be back home, his home. The one they had to leave behind. Why did his Dad get to keep the house, and why did his Mom want to move so far from him? He huffs a bit knowing that no matter how much he hated the new city, which was larger than his old town, and no matter how much he missed home. He was going to have to suck it up and put up with this until he can leave.
“Mamá?” Rebecca spoke up. “There aren’t many bedrooms.”
“I know, you kids will have to share.” All the kids sigh, they always had to share but they never liked it. “Lance you and Sam share again.”
“Why always Sam?” Lance whines.
“Because.” No explanation, meaning don’t argue and go along with it. Lance pouts. “Sarah and Rico can share. Rebecca and I get our own rooms.”
“Why Rebecca?”
“Cause I’m an adult Lance.”
“ ¡Jódete! ” As soon as that word escaped Lance’s mouth his Mom’s hand met the back of his head. “AH MAMA!”
“You should know better.” She scolds. “Now help the nice men and get yourselfs situated.” The kids watch their Mom walk into the house and then back at each other. They sigh in unison and help the movers.
Lance put the last few things in his room. He looks back at Sam who claimed the top bunk on their bed with a smug smile.
“Why do we get bunk beds?” Lance asks.
“You’re just upset that you didn’t get the top bunk.”
“Fight me!” Lance was clearly upset by that. Sam snickers evilly. “Just wait you little shit, one day a bunch of fly paper will be up there.” He threatens his little brother. Sam giggles and lays flat on his back.
“It’s hot in here.”
“I know, there’s no air conditioning in this dump.” Lance complains to his brother. “Well I’m gonna go see what Mamá is doing.” He got up and walks downstairs to see his Mom hooking up the TV and Rebecca in the kitchen hooking up their radio. Lance felt so uncomfortable standing silently, and the house was getting kind of stuffy. He walks towards his Mother with his hands behind his back.
“Mamá I want to go outside and walk for a bit.” Lance said in a sweet voice.
“ Mantente a salvo y ven a casa pronto. ” She says without looking up.
“ Gracias, Mamá. ” Lance smiles at his Mother and ran outside. He noticed how everything in his neighborhood was trashy and a mess. He continued to walk down the long stretch of road that lead to the downtown area of the city. Nothing but gas stations and dollar stores till the main area.
He made it downtown and found a strip mall and a small park. As well as more dollar stores. Lance began to wonder how many poor people live in the city if it results in many dollar stores.
He started walking back when the sky turned dark. Lance looks at the sky with curiosity. Then it began to rain. Lance groans and runs back home.
“Fucking course.” He grumbles as he heads back.
Sam laughs at Lance when he walks in. All wet and looking a pleasant as ever.
“Oh hermano mayor, you’re fucking soaked.” Sam continues to laugh till his Mom slaps him, causing Lance to smirk in amusement.
“Go dry off mi hijo. ” His Mom said. Lance sighs and walks upstairs, Rebecca follows her younger brother and watches him dry himself off.
“You okay Lance?” She asks. Lance nods and continues to dry himself off. Rebecca rolls her eyes. “Lance I know you well, you staying silent means something is on your mind.” She said. “Tell me. A big sister has to be able to help her younger siblings you know.” She said in a playful voice.
“You’re not even the oldest Rebecca.” Lance said in a monotone voice.
“Antonio isn’t here now so I am the oldest.” She corrects him. “So what’s on your mind?”
“Nothing.” Lance lies. Rebecca places her hands on his shoulders and lets her head rest on his back.
“I miss home too Lance.” She read her brother like a book. He stiffened up and remained motionless. “But Mamá won the rights to keep us so there is nothing we can do about it.” Lance breathes in deep, holding back any sort of negative emotion. “However you can make it better by trying to enjoy yourself rather than mope all day.” She walks away from him. “At least try to like it here mi hermano. ” Rebecca walks downstairs, Lance groans and hits his head against the mirror in the bathroom.
“I am going to hate it here, I just know it.”
Not even a month later and school was already starting. Rico was staying home with Rebecca while their Mom drove Sarah to school. Lance was packing his bag and rushes outside.
“SAM! ¡DATE PRISA! ” Lance shouts at his brother who was rushing to fit everything in his bag.
“I’m coming, I’m coming.” Sam runs after him. “Since when were you such a good boy who loved school?”
“Since Mamá told me that if we were late on our first day she’d beat us with her old shoes.” Lance said in horror, Sam shudders thinking about it. “Anyways our bus stop should be right over there.” The two boys run to the bus stop and let out a small victory breath. Both holding their bag straps tight and praying that today would be good. The silence was killing both boys so they started to talk.
“I wish we were in the same grade.” Sam said quietly.
“Why’s that?”
“So we’d have the same classes and not have to meet new people.” Sam kicks a rock around. “We could help each other and stuff.”
“I know how you feel Sam, but we’re in the same building. So that’s something right?” Lance tries to cheer his brother up.
“I guess.” Sam nods. “But I know you’re thinking the same thing. You’d wish we were twins or something.”
“Oh hell no, people already confuse us Sam.” Lance said. “How many kids do you think are here?”
“A lot.” Sam answers.
“Great answer.”
“Oh you wanted an estimate?” Lance pushes Sam after that comment.
The two notice the bus coming down the street, they both sigh and walk on as soon as it pulls up to them. They found one empty seat in the middle and sat next to each other. Lance watches the scenery go by noticing how big the city was, Sam points out how big the buildings were and all the people walking by and how many cars there were farther down.
Lance kept seeing kids pile in on the bus. Soon it became loud, all of them talking to their friends and peers while Lance and Sam stayed close and usually silent.
They got to school and saw even more people standing around talking. Lance and Sam walk in more, getting pushed by others along the way, and saw letters on the table. Sam asked one kid what those meant.
“Oh those?” They point. “It’s the first letter of your last name, you’re suppose to find your schedule there.” Lance and Sam look at each other, then slowly creep to the M section.
“See any McClain’s yet?” Sam asks while looking through.
“No.” Lance responds. “Damn M is a popular letter.”
“Thought it was B or something.”
“No it’s S.”
“Ya sure?”
“I’m pretty sure. Oh found yours.” Lance hands Sam his, Sam took it and continued to help Lance find his. After a bit of digging they found Lance’s schedule. Sam and Lance walk together and look through all their classes.
“Aw man!” Sam starts.
“What is it hermano? ” Lance asks.
“I got biology.” Sam said. “I remember you taking it and Rebecca trying to help. Aw why do I have to take it?”
“Because you’re a sophomore, it’s required.” Lance said in a bored tone.
“But we’re in a different school!” Sam points out. “What do you have?”
“This.” Sam looks through his brothers classes. He glances back at Lance. “A lot right?”
“You get a free period?”
“I guess…” Lance said. “Maybe because I’m a senior.” Lance leans against the wall they were standing at, waiting for their classes to begin. Sam looks down again.
“I got Math first. You?”
“Uh… History.” Lance said.
“Good luck staying awake.” Sam teases. Lance pushes him again, Sam chuckles and goes back to watching the other kids walk in.
The first bell rang and Lance was separated from his little brother instantly. He kept calm and walks towards his first hour history class. Peeking in nobody seems to be in yet, besides the young teacher. She waves at him happily.
“Hello.”
“Um… where is everyone else?”
“Oh kids are usually finding their friends at this point. I’ve never seen you before.” She said.
“I’m new.” Lance walks in slowly and picks a random desk. “I’m Lance… Lance McClain.” The teacher giggles.
“Quite the shy one I see.” She said. “Don’t worry I’ll help you break out of your shell.”
“I can be quite social thank you very much.” Lance said. He was okay in social settings, however he always fears being rejected or annoying the other. So he keeps quiet until he finds the right moment to talk.
Moments later the classroom fills up with multiple kids. The bell rang and the teacher stood up.
“My name is Mrs. Page, I am you history teacher. We are learning all about American History.” Groans fill the classroom. “And you will all shut up and let me finish. Since it’s your last year I want you kids to go out with good grades and a smile on your face.” Mrs. Page said in a pleasant voice. “Now take out the school syllabus and look at the rules, I’ll hand out the class expectations.” She walks back to her desk.
Lance saw the others talk or pull out a random book and read. Lance wondered why he didn’t get a book. He sees the classmate in front of him with one. He got their attention.
“Excuse me?” He said quietly. They turn to face him, he was caught off guard by their big brown eyes, which were covered by round glasses. From behind he thought it was a boy but now he wasn’t so sure. “Uh… What’s that?” Lance points at the small book in front of them.
“This thing?” They held it up, he nods. “A planner?”
“Where did you get that?”
“You’re suppose to have one, did they not give you one?” They ask. Lance shook his head, the student sighs. “Do you know where to get one?” He shook his head again. “Alright, I’ll show you after class. But I have physics after this so-”
“Oh I have that too.” Lance said. “See, room 211 right?”
“Y-Yeah…” They nod. Lance extends his arm smiling at the student.
“Name’s Lance, I just moved here.” He said. The student smile and took his hand in theirs.
“Katie, Katie Holt. But everyone here calls me Pidge.” Pidge said. Lance nods.
‘So this is a girl.’ He thought to himself. Mrs. Page began to pass out her class syllabus around.
“Okay now let’s begin.”
“It’s right in the office, just say you didn’t get a planner.” Pidge said to Lance. He nods and walks in with Pidge. Moments later he walks out with his own planner that he probably will not use at all.
“What do you have after physics?” Pidge asks.
“Um… I have literacy.”
“Oh we split after that. I have calculus.” She said. “What’s your sixth hour class? I have gym, I wanted to get in with my friend Hunk.” She said. Lance looks down.
“We meet up there I guess.”
“Sweet, I’ll introduce you two. Something tells me you two will get along.” Pidge said. Lance nods, wondering why Pidge was being so open with him all of a sudden.
The two walk into physics and sat next to each other. Pidge pulls out her phone and texts someone. She looks up at Lance who was looking over her shoulder.
“Do you mind?”
“Wondering what you’re doing.” He confesses. Pidge pushes him aside and puts her phone away.
“Texting Hunk. He’s upset that we only have one class together. Well we have lunch but that’s it.”
“Maybe I have lunch with you guys.” Lance hands her his schedule. She glances over it and nods.
“Man you’re one lucky duck.” She said. “So you’ll meet Hunk sooner.” Pidge smiles, her phone went off again. “God!” She pulls it out.
“What’s wrong with him?”
“A certain someone he’s scared of is in his class and now he wants me to give him advice.”
“Say avoid him.” Lance suggests.
“That’s what I’ve been saying.” Pidge says. “But he doesn’t listen. Nervous loser needs to man up. He’s twice this kids size.” Lance chuckles and looks back at the front, the teacher stands up and hands out the syllabus for their class.
“Do we get one for each class?”
“Yeah.” Pidge says. “Get use to it.”
Lance peaks into his literacy class, a few kids were walking in. He wanted to go in but he was a little nervous. Lance took one step in and all eyes were on him. He quickly backs up, bumping into someone. Lance quickly turns back in surprise.
“Oh jeez I’m sorry I wa-” The person he bumped into just glared at him, their violet eyes pierced into his soul, Lance was a little intimidated. It was a slightly smaller boy who looked like he was going through some phase. Lance backed away but the guy pushes him and moves in.
“Watch it.” He mutters and walks to the farthest seat. Lance stood in place, he was terrified of someone who was shorter and thinner than he was. He slowly walks in and chose the seat farthest from the guy he just pissed off.
Their teacher walks in happily. She was slightly older but bouncy and loud. Lance knew he was going to like her, she seemed nice.
“Hello boys and girls!” She got up and danced around. “Name’s Mrs. Boston, I will be your literacy teacher for your senior year. Wow look at all of you!” She said. “I remember having all of you since Freshman year.” She looks at Lance. “Well almost all of you, but who are you?” She points at Lance.
“Lance.”
“Oh Mr. McClain, welcome!” Mrs. Boston said. “Nice to have you. Say hi everyone.” A lot of bored hi’s came out. “Aw come on you guys, first day of school blues?” She put her hands on her hips. “Y’all need more energy.” Mrs. Boston sat in a chair and rolled in the front.
“So how about we all watch videos to get you all motivated for the rest of the day huh?”
Everyone perks up at that and nods. She smiles and got her projector on. “This is a one time thing, okay?” The students nod and watch whatever she had on.
Lance found the cafeteria and saw Pidge wave him over. Lance sat down next to her and took out his lunch. Pidge notices all the food he had in one bag.
“Pack your own food?” She asks. Lance nods and took a bite of his sandwich.
“My Mamá made chicken last night so my brother and I made chicken sandwiches.” He tore a piece off. “Want some?”
“No thanks, I put normal things on my sandwich.”
“Hey!” Lance said. “So rude.”
“If we’re going to be friends then you should know I’m rude.” She smirks. Lance sighs and notices a larger kid sit across from Pidge with a lot of food on his tray, Lance was shocked at the amount.
“Pidge you will not believe what happened second hour, I was trying to tell you- who’s this?” The guy points at Lance.
“Hunk this is Lance, I met him first hour. He’s new here.” She said. “Lance this is the nervous guy I was talking about.”
“Hey.” Hunk was offended. “Ignore her I’m not nervous all the time.” He said. “Lance right?”
“Yeah.”
“Cool, name’s Hunk.” Hunk said. “What kind of sandwich is that?”
“Oh this?” Lance held it up. “Chicken.”
“Can I have some?” He asks. Lance nods and hands him a piece. Hunk took it and ate it in one bite. He lets out a satisfied noise.
“Did you make that?”
“No my mom did.” Lance said. “Sure you don’t want any?” He asks Pidge.
“I’m good thanks.” She goes back to her phone and plays a random game on it. Lance looks down again. “Again, do you mind?”
“No I don’t at all.” Lance said. She bumps into him and goes back to her game. Lance smiles, he was glad he found people to talk to, hopefully friends. “So Hunk what were you trying to say?” Pidge looks up from her phone.
“Oh yeah so I was saying is tha-” They heard a tray fall, the whole cafeteria fell silent. The small group looks in the direction of the noise. Lance saw the kid he bumped into earlier covered in food, the culprit had their mouth covered trying to clear up their mistake. Lance hid slightly behind Pidge.
“Hey…” The kid starts. “Look I’m sorry I didn’t mean to I was trying to get through and-” The boy didn’t even look at the kid for two seconds before punching him dead in the face. He walked away from the scene, everyone went back to what they were doing when he left the room. The kid’s friends were helping him up.
“Jeez the first day and Keith has to start shit.” Pidge said.
“Keith?” Lance asks.
“Keith Kogane.” Hunk joins in. “He was in my Algebra class and he got mad at a kid in “his seat”. He got placed next to me.” Hunk whines. “I’ll be dead before my senior year ends!”
“Why are you both afraid of him?” Lance asks. “Well I mean I’m afraid of him but…”
“I’m not afraid.” Pidge says. “He’s a serious loner who hates everyone he comes in contact with. Yet for some odd reason he’s a serious attention seeker.” Pidge took some of Lance’s food while she explained. “I suggest you do what I do and stay FAR from him.”
“Too late.” Lance said.
“Huh?”
“He’s in my literacy class and I accidentally bumped into him. Though he pushed me against the wall so I was spared from the same fate as that poor guy.” Lance points at the kid who was walking out slowly.
“Great now you’re on his bad side.” Pidge said. “Avoid him from now on.”
“Don’t worry, he scared me so badly that I went to the farthest seat!”
“Wow and you said I was bad.” Hunk said to Pidge.
“Give me a break you wouldn’t shut up the whole hour.” Pidge said. “Ready for gym. I know Hunk is.”
“You’re funny Pigeon.” Hunk teases her. “But I guess I’m ready. Just one more year of Coach and we’re done.”
“You call the gym teacher coach?” Lance asks.
“Yeah, his name is long and he’s a coach. So we call him coach.” Hunk said. Lance gave Hunk a confused look and went back to his food.
“So stay away from the red guy?” Lance asks Pidge.
“Yes.”
“He’s only in one class so it shouldn’t be too hard.”
Pidge glares at Lance when they got to gym.
“You fucking jinxed us.” She said in a cold tone.
“How was I supposed to know he was going to be in our class?!” Lance asks. “Give the new kid a break.” He pouts. Hunk hid behind Lance staring at Keith who was just leaning against the bleachers in the gym. He looked as bored as ever.
“Man no one goes near that guy do they?”
“Nope.” Pidge says. “Dude has no friends. I mean who’d want to be friends with him?”
“Now Pidge that’s mean.” Hunk spoke up. “True but everyone has friends.”
“I don’t.” Lance said. The two look at him.
“What are we then?” Pidge asks.
“Are we friends? I mean I just met you two and-”
“Zip it McClain.” Pidge said. “We’re friends now. Once you’re friends with us you can’t leave us.”
“That makes us sound bad.” Hunk said.
“We’re not amazing people Hunk.” She thought for a moment. “Okay you’re an angel and I’m someone's worst nightmare.”
“And I’m confused.” Lance said. A few minutes go by when Lance noticed an old man walking towards the bleachers. He was guessing that was Coach. Coach pulls the bleachers back. He sets them down and looks at everyone, his old face points at the bleachers.
“Sit down while I take attendance.” All the students listen and took a seat. Almost all the students. “Kogane get over here.” Keith groans and sat down. Coach points for him to get closer.
Lance was the lucky student who had to sit next to him. Pidge was on the other side while Hunk scooched closer to Pidge. Lucky Lance felt uncomfortable being next to the kid who punched a random student and pushed him against a wall.
Coach explained the basics and told everyone that they need gym clothes tomorrow. Then class was somehow over. The whole class sat on the bleachers talking to each other till the bell. Lance looks at Pidge to see if she was going to speak up.
“So was that it?”
“Gym is simple. You come in, suffer and then leave.” She said. “I hate gym, sometimes we go outside and I hate it cause my allergies.”
“Aw that must suck.” Lance said. “Hey Hunk, you okay?”
“F-Fine man. How are you sitting so close to him and not freaking out?” He whispers. Lance shrugs.
“Honestly I’m good at ignoring people.” Lance said. Pidge looks up and nods.
“It’s easy to do that.” She said.
“It’s easy for you Pidge.” Hunk said. “I cannot do that. I see all cause I’m so nice.” He said proudly.
“And what is Pidge someone with zero compassion?… Guess she isn’t nice.” Lance teases, she pushes him playfully.
“Up yours I’m nice!” She said as she pushed him.
“HEY!” Keith pushed Lance back hard.
“OW JERK!” Lance said. “It was an accident, chill.”
“Don’t be stupid and push each other.” Keith said. Lance rolled his eyes.
“Whatever dude.” Lance didn’t notice Keith extend his leg, few moments later Lance was holding his hip in pain. “GOD YOU-”
“What?” Keith egged him on.
“ EL HIJO DE PUTA! ” Lance shouts. Everyone stared at Lance in confusion, he figured no one would understand him. He got up and stormed out of the gym, leaving his friends speechless.
“What did he say?” Hunk asks.
“I don’t know.” Pidge shook her head.
Lance got on the bus with Sam who was actually excited about today.
“Dude did you see that kid get socked in the face, damn I was surprised.” Sam said in excitement. “This place is interesting, right Lance?”
“That fucking bastard kicked me in my leg.” Lance growls.
“That guy who punched the poor kid? You’ve met him?”
“Yeah and I prefer not to talk about it.” Lance growls. “When we get home you do not tell Mamá you got it?”
“Yeah yeah whatever Lance.” Sam said.
“I mean it Samuel, please don’t bring it up to her.”
“I won’t.” Sam nods. The two watch the bus fill up again and drove back to their shitty home.
“ ¿Cómo era la escuela? ” Their Mom asks as the two boys walk in.
“It was fine Mamá.” Lance said. “I’ve made two friends.”
“How nice.” She said. “You boys go relax while I cook. I need to go back to the hospital and work night shift. Rebecca?”
“Yeah Mamá?” She walks down after her shower. “You going to work?”
“ Sí , you watch them tonight.” She said.
“Find anything cool while cleaning the hospital Rebecca?” Lance asks playfully.
“No, but maybe Mamá will find something.” Rebecca sat next to her little brother. Lance looks at his Mom. She looks at him for a moment then back at the stove.
“What the hell do you want me to find Lance? I’m a cleaning lady at a hospital.”
“Bring me someone’s heart!” Lance said happily.
“Ew.” Rebecca glances at her brother like he wasn’t well. Their Mom was done cooking and left the food on the table.
“You kids eat, I have to go.”
“Kay Mamá.” Rebecca and Lance got up to get something before Sam takes it all.
Late that night Lance snuck out while Sam was asleep. He knocks on Rebecca’s door, who was still awake.
“Yeah Lance?” She asks. Lance looks at her, waiting for her to take the hint. “Come on in.” He walks towards her bed and sits with her. “So how was your first day?”
“I made two friends, a girl named Pidge and a guy named Hunk.”
“What kind of names are those?” She asks.
“I don’t know, but they’re nice.” Lance said. “And I like a lot of my classes.”
“Good for you hermano. ” Rebecca rubs Lance’s back, he looks down. Rebecca caught on. “Oh no, what happened?”
“I met someone who pushed me into a wall and kicked me.”
“Already?!” She was furious. “Who is he? I’ll take him out, ooh you do not mess with my brothers yo-”
“It’s okay Rebecca I’ll stay away from him from now on.”
“Good.” She nods. “Just remember I’m here for you, okay?”
“Okay.” Lance leans into his sister. She held him close and rubs his arm to relax him.
“You know you can’t sleep in here and like hell I’m carrying you back to your room. You’re bigger than me.” Rebecca said. “Lance I’m serious go back to your room.” He was already out. “God dammit Lance.”