Pumpkin Filling Chapter 1

     The cafeteria was crowded, but it mattered little, my height and being who I was made navigating the full room easy. A lopsided grin made it's way onto my face as I looked around at the looks of fear I was getting as I passed by the tables.

     They had no reason to fear, as of yet, the one I sought was currently sitting in an empty corner of the room at an empty table. So foolish to think he could hide from me!    

     His red 'Quiz Bowl' hat was low, and he was hunched over the lunch his mother had probably packed him this morning. I sneered down at him. As if hiding his face would deter me! Of course I could still see the look of all-knowing terror on his face.    

     My long black-clad legs swung over the bench seat and I sat down right in front of him, Kevin. “Greetings Kevin. You've been avoiding me haven't you?”    

     He flinched at the sound of my silkiest voice, and I could see his struggle to not look up. “What makes you think that?” His voice shook a little, I could even see a little blush on that adorable face of his!

     “As of every day until today, I have seen you in the halls and engaged you in banter before and after your science class. I would have thought you sick had I not known that you help Ed with the announcements. So, explain yourself Pumpkin.” Oh did I have him! I sneered at him, waiting for a response.    

     He had a look of concentration on his face that was suddenly replaced with a look of evil that almost made me want to jump him right there. “On definition, 'banter' refers to a friendly argument usually between friends so as not to breech the fine line of 'friendly'. The 'banter' that you submit me to, is mainly you using large words to insult my intelligence, and what I look like. I also, have to explain nothing to you Eddward.”

     I blinked, the sneer vanishing from my face.    

     He looked smug, and then frightened.    

     A wide grin was stretching across my face, and I laughed. It was fake, it was loud, and it drew the attention of my friends, bringing them stalking forward. “Did you hear that Jimmy? Kevin thinks he doesn't have to answer to me!” I chortled, watching out of the corner of my eye as Kevin's friends approached, angry looks on their faces.    

     Jimmy laughed too, but his sounded more natural. He slunk forward, grabbing Kevin's chin. “What makes you think you don't have to listen to him eh?” He wheezed.    

     I almost growled at him to not touch my Kevin, but held my tongue in check. “What say you Johnny?”

     Johnny looked at the plank in his hands, head cocked as if he was listening to it, which, knowing the kid, he probably was. “Well... Plank doesn't seem in a bad mood today. I say let it slide for now, and maybe we can get him later if he does it again?”    

     I shrugged, and watched as Kevin shrank away in fear, the emotion clear on his face. I drank it in. Causing emotion was lovely, making others feel something when my range was so limited. I turned away from the table, glancing at the others who had come to Kevin's defense, and smirked, whirling back around and getting in Kevin's face.

     “Let's see you remove this label.” I grinned, smacking a label onto his forehead, causing him to fall back and out of his chair. He gave a soft cry of pain as he hit the ground, and I turned away, enjoying the emotions I could practically feel in the air around me.

     I knew my friends would follow me to our usual table, and I also knew that they wouldn't question what I did. No one ever questioned me. It just wasn't an intelligent decision to make.

This-is-a-line-I-swears

     My long, thin arms cut through the cold water with ease, and I reveled in the relaxed feeling it gave me to move through the water. I finished the last lap in the practice ahead of everyone else as expected, and I pulled myself out of the pool.

     I was dripping water everywhere, but seeing as it was the natatorium, it really didn't matter. No one would care if the carpet was wet here.

     I grabbed my towel, wrapping it around my tall frame, drying off the cold water. As soon as the towel was gone a coldness crept into my bones, and the void began to fill my chest again. I blinked at my wrinkled hands. What was the point again? Get out, that was the point. Get out, get away, make a name for yourself... Fill the void...

     I shook my head, watching as the water slung off my long dark hair and flew until it slapped against the wet floor. A shock rang through my body as a hand clapped on my shoulder.

     “Good work today Eddward, another practice like this, and if you do as well at the up coming meet, then we have the championship trophy in our hands already. I'm proud of you son.” Coach Slendell was grinning at me, and didn't seem to notice what his words did to me.

     I am the son of no man! I was about to glare at him, but smoothed my features, simply nodding, wishing he would just leave.

     “If you ever need anything, I'm here for you, got that?” I flinched, standing up and grabbing my bag.

     “I request to leave early Coach.” I ground my teeth, calculating on whether or not he would actually grant my request. I leaned towards yes, and was thus rewarded. He shrugged his shoulders and stepped back away from me. Where they all belong. I thought, almost stomping to the shower room.

This-is-a-line-i-swears

     Home wasn't much better.

     Empty. Like the void in my chest.

     I thought over the emotional responses I had kindled and gathered over the course of the day, trying to force their emotions to fill up the emptiness that I feared would consume me.

     I groaned, flopping on the couch, bringing the brim of my hat lower over my eyes. I didn't have anything else to do. There was always enough time in class to finish homework, and no teacher had expressed anything about up and coming tests, seeing as midterms had just passed. So I decided to watch a few documentaries that were showing on the science channel.

     The first was an old shark-week special, and I relaxed into the couch, letting the narrator’s voice fill my head without really listening to it.

     Trying to remember the look on Kevin's face when I had approached only seemed to worsen my mood. He hated me. They all did. My 'friends' were just happy to have someone powerful that they could look up to. Not even Eddy or Ed really talked to me anymore. Kevin's look of fear and torment flashed across my mind again and I sat up, startled to realize that I had been asleep.

     “Oh well...” I sighed, getting up from the couch. It was late evening, and I needed to make dinner... for one; as usual.

     Although getting clean was usually my favorite part of my nighttime routine, I found myself rushing through it. Not giving enough time for my hair to soak in the shampoo, or the conditioner, skipping places to shave on my body* so that I could get out faster.

     Why? Oh yea... I really didn't want to fake feeling anymore. It was too tiresome.

     I found myself sighing as I brushed my teeth, I will decide in the morning if this thought process is rational, and solid... and if it might work for me.

This-is-a-line-i-swears

     My usual tea didn't seem to have the same energy as it usually did. I glanced down into my cup, checking the tea bag to see if it hadn't soaked properly. I had waited the exact time as always. Maybe it was me.

     Instead of my signature black skinny jeans and tight shirt, I shuffled through my closet for more comfortable things. I pulled out a pair of old purple torn jeans that had a rip in the left knee, along with an old loose band shirt. To complete the look of utter trash, I pulled on my most ratty and worn swim team sweat shirt. I didn't bother with my hat, and just pulled up the hood, knowing that I wouldn't have to take it off anytime soon.

     I sighed at my reflection. I might even be able to melt into the background today; I wasn't wearing any leather after all.

     Walking to school was silent and my thinking time, usually to scheme on who was going to give me my craving for emotion today... not this morning.

     I merely glanced around, staring at the sidewalk, the grass, the occasional passerby. I almost smirked at Kevin as his mother drove by. He looked at me as if I had grown another head, then turned to his mother.

     I actually laughed however when the car began to slow down and I caught up with it. The window rolled down and Kevin's mother leaned out, and pleasant smile on her face.

     “Good morning Eddward, would you like a ride to school? I saw on the news this morning that it's likely to rain soon.” She offered.

     I almost scoffed at her, but remembered my manners in time before emotion showed on my face. I could see Kevin in the seat next to her, looking as if he would rather die than have me get in the car. I smiled at her and shook my head. “Thank you for your concern, but I will be alright.” I said, turning to continue on my walk to school.

     I saw that his mother frowned, but didn't push the subject as she drove off, leaving me to my non-existent thoughts and emotions.

     His mother was right, and by the time I got to school I was half soaked through, but still early so it wouldn't be much of a problem.

     I frowned, realizing something. Pumpkin was never here this early, so why was his mother driving him to school right now? I walked to the natatorium, shrugging it off along with my clothes, pulling on my swim trunks and swimming cap, diving into the pool for some laps.

     Almost an hour later I sprung from the pool, getting in the shower and rinsing the chemicals from my body, and pulling on my less wet clothes. My morning routine was now fully complete, and I could now go off to first period which would start in ten minutes.

     I had just sat down in my first period class as the bell rang and the teacher swept into the room.

     “Today's lesson will begin after the announcements. I've heard that they're supposed to be very special today.” Miss Ried smiled at us, taking a seat at her own desk and turning the TV to the proper channel.

     “Hello and good morning Peach Creek High. I'm Ed a potato,” Ed was grinning stupidly like usual, sitting at a table in front of the camera, but this time Kevin was sitting next to him, a determined look on his face.

     “Hello, and I'm Kevin Dorn.” Kevin interjected, smiling sheepishly. “Here are today's announcements: This afternoon the book club has a meeting in the library to pick out a new book to read-”

     “And the movie club is meeting in the computer lab at four not three-thirty.” Ed interrupted, smiling that he had remembered to say it.

     Kevin nodded. “And also, don't forget to go to tomorrow's Swim Meet. If we win this one, as expected, then we move on to the Championships! Our coach is confident that our star Captain Eddward Vincent can pull through and get us the Championship trophy for the second year in a row since he's joined the team.” I noticed that for some reason he was blushing as he said it.

     Curious...

     “We also have the softball game at seven on Saturday night. Today's lunch choices are...”

     I tuned them out, instead focusing on the school work. Creative writing was rather enjoyable, and Miss Ried loved my poems that I wrote.

This-is-a-line-i-swears

     I left my hood up all day, and when lunch came around I sat in a corner, alone the entire time. I almost got angry, but really, what did I expect? My friends would only come if I called, and since I wasn't tormenting anyone today they had no hope of seeing Plank beat the living hell out of something unless Johnny got mad at someone, and with the amount of smoke coming from the boys bathroom was any indicator, he wouldn't be mad for another few hours.

     I sighed, not touching the lunch I had packed myself, and left for the last class of the day early, showing up at the pool and sitting on a bench.

     I had just finished writing my third sonnet when the rest of the team came in wearing their swim suits and laughing and headed toward the edge of the pool to do laps. I sat there and watched them, almost horrified that no one had noticed me sitting there, not joining in.

     The void inside of me grew until I felt like I was drowning in the water I could cut through so easily. Nobody seemed to care that I was there. Unless I raised my hand no teacher would talk to me.

     “Eddward? Could I see you in my office for a moment?” Coach Slendell called from the door of his office, looking at me with concern in his eyes.

     I sighed, grabbing my stuff and slouching into his room, sitting heavily in the chair in front of his desk. I glared up at the wall, tired of school for the day. He probably knew that, but his face didn't register anything.

     “Take that hood off boy, it's against school rules to have it up. Hasn't a teacher said that yet?” He frowned at my hood, but I ignored the look instead, giving a half smirk.

     “Nope, you would be the first Coach, mainly because I have my cap on already and you don't see me dressed like this. I'm afraid I can't take the hood off for medical reasons.” I leaned back in the chair, gazing into his shocked eyes.

     “Eddward... what's wrong today?” He asked, sitting down calmly.

     “Nothing really, I've decided to stop tormenting people like usual. Trying to see what happens... a little experiment if you will. Also, I always wear my hat because of said medical reasons, I have a note from a doctor if you don't believe me.” I told him, watching as he rubbed his face, drinking the frustration he was emanating from the lines on his face.

     “Tormenting people? You're a bully Eddward?” He asked, probably trying to get through the greatest evil.

     I merely nodded, not giving him anything else to go from.

     “Why?”

     “Their emotions please me.” I said offhandedly. “I cause them distress, and their reactions give me something.”

     Coach Slendell looked repulsed, “You... you get a sick joy from watching kids suffer?”

     I shrugged, “I don't really feel joy Coach, but I guess if you really must call it something you would call it... a sense of emotion. I feel along with them because I myself cannot really feel, so I guess you could say that I enjoy seeing people suffer because of me.” I shrugged again, watching as his face transformed into the picture of disgust and horror. Delicious emotions causing chemical reactions within the body. I could see the sweat bead on his forehead, and his hands begin to shake in anger.

     “You need mental help kid.” He finally stated, standing up. “And if I ever catch you bullying anyone, you're off the team for good.”

     I shrugged, “Depends on how the rest of today goes. I might stop if I can make it through or find a good reason to stop, otherwise I don't know how that trophy will be ours again.” I stood, “Since I got here early this morning, may I go home to begin my other homework as I have no intention of getting in that chemical mixture for a second time today?”

     Coach Slendell sighed, yanking a hand through his short hair. “Eddward, we aren't really done talking about this. You don't have to do the laps today, but you're going to the councilor's office to sort this out and she'll tell if you need medical help.”

     I shrugged, slouching from the room and grabbing my stuff, headed towards the councilor's office. I groaned as I waited outside her door. She had a group of kids in there doing some sort of anger management therapy, and their screams were highly irritating.

     I waited as patiently as I could, leaning against the wall. Soon people finally began to filter out, relieved looks on their stupid pudgy faces. They had anger management issues because they couldn't move to punch a punching bag.

     I rolled my eyes, walking into the office as Mrs. Anderson called me inside.

     “I got a call from Coach Slendell a few minutes ago. He said something rather unsettling about you. Eddward, is it true that you bully people here at Peach Creek High school so that you can feel something?” She asked gingerly.

     I shrugged, “In some ways you are correct Mrs. Anderson. I cause people distress so that I may feel something. But I've decided for now not to bother anyone and see what happens. So far it is most curious.”

     She frowned, “Eddward, why do you think you can't feel? Because when you hurt those people, you feel it.”

     “I do not 'think' I cannot feel Mrs. Anderson. So far today I have felt nothing since I have not bullied anyone. I am very aware of what happens when I hurt people, it's how I know I haven't stopped feeling at all.” I replied, bored.

     Her frown deepened, “You know good and well what I meant Eddward.” She snapped at me.

     A quick smirk flashed across my features at the emotional response. “I am the way I am. Of course I have theories, but why would I share them with you?” I practically sneered at her. I could recite to her, her life's story just by looking, and it was not a pretty one.

     She almost seemed to recoil, but brushed it off, trying to stay professional. “Please Eddward? I'm only trying to help you.”

     “No you aren't. You're trying to get me to talk so that the administration will get a kick out of a student sob-story, and you want me to talk so that you can feel like your job is worth something, and me talking will help you to believe that your position is useful and needed. I am sorry Mrs. Anderson, but I have no intention of telling you of my personal thoughts.” I stood up, ignoring her indignant protests, and I swept to the door.

     “Have a pleasant day, and I hope he isn't angry this afternoon either.” I commented casually, closing the door behind me.

This-is-a-line-i-swears

     I walked up the driveway to my house, the empty void about to crush my very being. This was clearly a failed experiment. Kevin would probably have been happy about the absence of my torments.

     I thought of his face, drawn up in fear, cringing away from me and Johnny. I frowned, the memory yanking at something. Why did I dislike seeing him like that? I tried to picture a time I had seen that face smile, grin, something; nothing came to mind, all I could conjure was his terrified eyes... those beautiful hazel eyes, edging on pure amber...

     I shook my head clear of these thoughts. Maybe I could try that? Try... being nice to him instead? Would the emotions last longer? Would there be any at all?

     I groaned, sitting at the kitchen island and grabbing an apple, biting into it almost violently. The gap in my teeth left a strange gorge in the fruit's skin. The juice dripped down my chin, and I licked it off, putting my head down on the tiled counter top. I glanced at the clock and almost cursed.

     People would usually just be getting home from school at this point. I shook my head, grabbing my messenger bag and slinging it on the counter, grabbing my homework out and finishing the essay I had nearly completed in my history class, and started drafting for my science project. In only an hour I was out of homework, so I started cleaning as usual.

     Trying to ignore the empty void would be easier if one was not alone in a large empty house that had always been large and empty.

     I vacuumed the entire house, then began washing windows, then mirrors, and finally dusting off every surface that could possibly collect dust. Cleaning would usually help, but sometimes music would take the edge off too.

     I switched the TV to YouTube and hit play on one of my favorite playlist's so I could clean to it, jamming out to Nirvana and the Hollywood Undead.

This-is-a-line-i-swears

     I stared at my pristine ceiling, eyes following the rotation of my fan's blades as they stirred the air currents around the room, giving a constant breeze so as not to get too hot. My left hand clutching the dogtags that were sacred to me.

     What am I doing with my life? Wasting it? Am I the waste though? Could it be me? I shook my head of these thoughts. They were destructive, and not at all helpful in this situation. I closed my eyes, trying to allow sleep to consume me.

KEVIN'S P.O.V.

     I dreaded the day that would come. After Mom's little stunt on the way to school he'd probably go after me as if I had insulted him personally.

     I groaned, slouched at the table. Nazz looked at me curiously, pausing in her question to the rest of the Quiz Bowl team. We'd had to reschedule our usual Saturday meetings for now since no one could make it.

     Nat was sitting at the table as well, even though he refused to 'geek it up' with us, as he put it. He was fiddling with a stack of cards, shuffling them this way or that.

     “What's up Kevin?” Nazz asked, setting down the flash card with the question on it.

     I grimaced, “My mom stopped the car next to Edd and asked if he wanted a ride... I am so dead today...” I groaned, letting my head bang on the table.

     Nat laughed, “Oh crap man you are screwed! I hope he goes easy on you..."

     I gave him a look and he laughed again. “Really man? Thanks, that helps a lot you know.” I grumbled sarcastically, dreading the rest of the day. I looked at my watch, squeaking in fear. “Crap! I have to help Ed with the announcements today! I'll see you guys later!” I called, already half-way out the door.

     I rushed into the shooting room, out of breath, but on time.

     “There you are Kevin, ready for your debut?” Mrs. Mays asked, smiling cheerfully.

     I nodded, swallowing, “I just read the paper right?” I asked.

     She nodded, “You can add little words here and there though to make it more dramatic if you want though. So I suggest you figure that out before the camera gets rolling which will be in...” She looked at her watch. “Ten minutes. Stay sharp.”

     I nodded, sitting down next to Ed and smiling at him. “What's up lumpy?” I asked.

     He grinned, “Not much, the movie club is meeting later than usual though... I hope I remember to say it... last time they got mad and we had to make an extra announcement...” he frowned, dipping down his large head.

     I smiled, “Well at least you have me to help you remember right?” I told him, looking over the papers carefully. Misreading something would not be a wise start, plus it would add fuel for Edd to ridicule me for.

     I grimaced as I read the bit about his swim meet being tomorrow afternoon. I sighed, maybe if I kissed his ass a little he wouldn't be as harsh? Doubtful, but if I did, then I would look stupid... maybe some good subtly would work.

     I planned it out in my head, and all of a sudden, I heard Mrs. Mays counting us down, a smile still on her face. I heard someone hiss for me to smile as well, but I was still concentrating on what to say.

     Suddenly I heard Ed introduce himself, and I quickly cut in, knowing that if I didn't, he would forget about me, and go on with the announcements. “Hello, and I'm Kevin Dorn, here are today's announcements: This afternoon the book club has a meeting in the library to pick out a new book to read-”

     I was cut off by Ed interjecting the movie club meeting, and I smiled at him, nodding. “And also, don't forget to go to tomorrow's Swim Meet. If we win this one, as expected, then we move on to the Championships! Our coach is confident that our star Captain Eddward Vincent can pull through and get us the Championship trophy for the second year in a row since he's joined the team.” I felt my cheeks heat up, was that too much? I shrugged it off though, moving on. “We also have the softball game at seven on Saturday night.”

This-is-a-line-i-swears

     I anxiously hurried to sit down, hoping that Eddward wouldn't notice me and begin his torments.

     I ducked my head as I saw him pass by... but he just kept walking. As if I wasn't there. He was still dressed weird. His ratty hood was still up, covering his head and a lot of his face. Those ratty jeans, and just all around ratty appearance made him almost... forgettable. Whereas usually his solid black leather outfits, and blazing bright red shirt stood out. Today the only thing that made him very noticeable was his height.

     I frowned, looking at his retreating back, wondering what was up with him today.

     “Kevin, why are you staring at the mean Edd-boy as if he is possessing two head of the cow?” Rolf asked, sitting down across from me.

     I shook my head, “He hasn't spoken to me today... it's kinda nice.” I murmured, blinking a little and looking at Rolf who was now shoveling food into his mouth.

     He shrugged, “It is nice change yes?” he asked, continuing to eat his cafeteria food.

     I shrugged too, “Yea I guess so...” I wondered, smiling slightly. It was doubtful that the light ass-kissing I had done during the announcements had worked, but maybe he wasn't going to use my mom's kindness to torment me. Either that or he was waiting for a better setting. I shuddered lightly.

     Nat sat down next to me, “Shuddering when entering into my presence now eh? Yep, I'm awesome.” he sighed contentedly, leaning back a little.

     I rolled my eyes, “No, just hoping that Edd isn't planning for something terrible after lunch or school or something.” I said, “He hasn't spoken a word to me all day and I'm worried that he might try something shady...” I muttered, looking at the sandwich in my hands, taking a bite.

     He shrugged, “Oh well, it was nice knowing you then man.”

     I groaned, “Nat really?”

     Nazz thumped him on the head, sitting on my other side. “Don't pay attention to him Kevin, he's not being optimistic today. I'm sure that he's just taking a break today.” She winked, digging into her lunch as well.

     I drifted off into my thoughts, finishing my lunch and then going to my last class.

     “Miss Ried, can I go to the bathroom?” I asked, about to wet myself. She nodded, and I leapt up, moving towards the bathroom.

     I paused outside of the councilor's office however, spotting Eddward inside. What on earth was he doing in there? I hid a little, listening in to what Eddward was saying. Is he... insulting an adult? My eyes were wide as I heard him talking to her.

     I nearly jumped out of my skin however, when I heard the scraping of a chair. Edd was saying his goodbye, and I would need to make myself scarce fast. I looked around in a panic, but it was too late, and the door had already opened, and Edd was slinking out, hood still up, and he turned away, not a glance in my direction.

     Was I really so lucky as to have not been seen? I shrugged it off, briskly walking back to class.

This-is-a-line-i-swears

     I walked home alone. Nazz had a tutoring session, and Nat had disappeared somewhere. Rolf was already at home since his last period was free due to his need to perform his daily chores in a timely fashion.

     I kept my head down, afraid that at any moment Double D would jump out of the woods and drag me to a muddy death. So naturally I began to panic when I heard the footsteps coming up behind me. Dear God he's going to jump me! I panicked, quickening my pace.

     The footsteps seemed to stop, and I relaxed my pace a little, until something slammed into the back of my head.

     I went flying forward, landing face-first in a puddle on the sidewalk. I groaned, looking to see what had hit me. Oh shit... My eyes widened, and I struggled to my feet, sprinting away from the wooden plank with an evil face drawn on it lying in the water.

     I raced home, almost slamming into my door in my efforts to get into my house before the running feet behind me could. I wrenched open the front door, slamming it shut and throwing the bolt into place. I tested it to make sure that it was locked properly and sagged against the entrance hall wall upon finding it satisfactory.

     “Oh God...” I breathed, struggling to catch my breath.

     “Kevin?” It was my mother. I peaked out the front door, reeling back as I saw Johnny's bulbous bald head looming in, Plank in his hands. A pounding knock came on the front door. I backed away. They wouldn't break down the door right?

     “Mom...!” I said carefully, retreating back into the kitchen where she was just emerging from. “Don't answer the door.”

     “Why on earth should I not?” She asked, frowning at me as another knock came at the door.

     “It's one of those annoying salesmen, you know, the kind that try and force a sale?” I lied quickly, trying to drag her back to the kitchen.

     “Oh, why didn't you say so in the first place?” She asked, blinking. “Do you have homework?” She began taking out vegetables for dinner.

     I relaxed against the counter, glad she hadn't questioned further. The rest of the day would be normal at least.

This-is-a-line-i-swears

     I glanced around the room that I lived in, noting the different posters, and random robotic parts and robots here and there. I sighed in contentment, relaxing against my sheets. Tomorrow would be okay. It really would.