Alternate Prose Universe (for @SalingerTwain)

"C'mon, already, Shadow!" my friend calls.

     "I'm coming!" I shout back, marching out of the bathroom in a huff. My long brown hair is unmanageable when even the slightest bit wet. It's a pain. 

     My real name isn't Shadow, but Chained In Shadow. Yes, I know, my parents had weird ideas when it came to names, and they grew up Gothic, so that probably explains it.

     Mnezz is waiting for me. She's a really nice girl, and I've never heard her say anything bad about anyone. In short, everyone loves her.

     "Sorry," I apologize, as we hurry down the hallway of Prose High.

     "It's okay," she responds. "Did you know that Charlton Ghosh is subbing for our geometry teacher?"

     "Didn't have a clue," I respond. I don't care about geometry. Half the time I just doodle in my notebook, and fool Mrs. Butlersteph into thinking I'm copiously taking notes.

     Allyson, my other best friend, is waiting for the two of us by the entrance to the gym. "It's going to be brutal today. We're dissecting frogs."

     "Hmm. I think I have the flu," Mnezz kids.

      The three of us laugh.

      Brittany Sowards sweeps past, blonde hair braided into a French braid.

      "Her hair is always perfect," Allyson complains.

      "It looks nice," Mnezz points out. "Umm...so, Shadow, I hear your brother is missing?"

      I blink quickly, trying to hide my tears. "Y-yeah. Braskii said she saw him at ten o'clock by the duck pond. But he never made it home, and no one saw him after that. EWJ typically is making is rounds at that point, but he was in the park and didn't see him, either."

     Mnezz nods, and Allyson throws her arm around my shoulder. "It's okay, Detective Octavian is good; if anyone can find him, you know who it'll be."

     I nod, but it isn't all that comforting. He's my brother. 

     Nehasri, the cafeteria chef, walks by and eyes us carefully, like a meltdown's going to happen at any moment. I pull myself up straight and force a smile. I will not cry.

     The three of us walk into geometry, and of course, because we're seated alphabetically, I don't get to sit with either of them. I sit next to Braskii, which kinda makes me ache inside, because she was the last person to see my brother. She gives me a kind smile, and then we're being tortured with geometry.

     As we head to the cafeteria, Miss Miriam (dubbed Ruff Miriam) reminds us our astronomy reports are due. Allyson, Braskii, Mnezz, and I give the required groans, and then we're back on our way.

     It's hamburgers today, which is as good as it gets in this place. We sit down together and start munching on fries.

     "Mmm," I say, mouth full. "Is that the new kid?"

     Allyson twists around to have a look. "Brieannekt," she says. "She seems nice enough, kinda lonely, though, considering it's a new school and all and she doesn't know anyone."

     Lenore is talking loudly with someone, I don't know who.

     "I didn't do it, I swear!" says Lenore.

     "Then who did?" mystery person demands.

     "I didn't do it!" Lenore repeats.

     "I'll ask around, but if it is you..."

      I'm curious to know what's going on, but just then another kid, who everyone calls Hashtag Fiction (maybe because of his lying habits?!), walks by and tells us there's a special meeting in the auditorium. 

     Braskii pulls out her phone and checks the time. "We've only been here for five minutes! What's the rush?"

     Allyson shrugs, as Mnezz stands up.

     They're already heading for the door, and I might lose them in the surging mass of students. I hastily take one last bite of hamburger before running after them.