Chapter Text
Y/n let out a loud groan as she was woken up by someone knocking on her door. "Y/n sweetie, it's time to wake up. If you stay asleep any longer you'll miss the bus."
"Alright, alright. I'm coming." she said, rubbing her eyes. This was one of the things she hated about her schedule, the fact she had to be out of her bed by 5:20 am if she didn't want to miss her bus.
Quickly, she got dressed, showered, did her daily hygiene and packed her bag. She looked at the stove clock, seeing it read 6:06, as she shoved notebooks in her backpack. "Okay," she thought, "That gives me 3 minutes to run down the road and catch the bus."
When Y/n got on the bus and in her seat, she was panting. Knowing that it was an hour-long ride (including the stops), she pulled out her music player she got for her 11th birthday. She looked out the windows her playlist started .
Y/n was an ambivert and had always been a very observant child. She would often see what others would usually miss. Whether it was details in a painting, clues in a puzzle, or just in plain old 'I spy'. Although because she kept to herself so much she would also hear certain things too. Stuff that was usually said behind other peoples' backs.
Y/n suddenly clenched onto the sleeves of the hoodie as she thought of her previous schools. How she heard conversations she knew were bad. It had always been at the same times' too whether it was free time , lunch or recess.
She held onto her sleeves tighter as the flashbacks came. Remembering how she would always be reading one of her books when she would overhear a group of boys/girls gossip or mock other students behind their backs. This had always been one of her biggest fears, that she would one day be one of the students they were talking about. Y/n had always had social anxiety issues. She was never a big fan of large crowds or just people in general. When she was younger she sometimes couldn't go the entire day without worrying about what other people thought of her.
Y/n shook her head, getting rid of her intrusive thoughts. "Relax," she told herself. "You have some friends now, and although they don't know all of the real you, at least they know some of you". A small smile grew on her face as she began to think about her friends. She had finally felt like she met people who understood her in some things, like dark humor.
She let out a soft chuckle as she remembered the time where they had reinvented the alphabet. They had changed the definition of each letter, for example 'A' was arson, 'H' was "hide the body", 'F' was "fire started by me but the federals can't get me", and 'M' was murder.... Yeah, they were a bit of a weird bunch.
"Screech! "
Y/n looked up seeing that the bus had arrived at her school. She quickly took out her headphones, packed up her things and hopped out the bus. Okay, just make a quick run for the doors, avoid the crowds and head for the STEM hallway. She said in her head making a plan, while walking to the school. She had been doing these for as long as she could remember. Whenever there was some big activity happening she had always made a mental checklist; they had always kept her in check and organized.
As she started to put the code into her locker she felt someone tap her shoulder and without turning around she said, "Hello Lizzie, I know it's you,-you won't fool me like last time."
"Aww, come on. It was always so funny how you got so scared and let out that little, short scream." she was now leaning against a locker next to Y/n.
Lizzie was, of course, referring to the times where Y/n was too zoned out in her head to hear Lizzie sneaking up on her. This then led to surprise attacks being a part of her morning routine at school.
"Yeah, well, do it enough times and I'll know it's you trying to scare me." Y/n said, taking out her computer and journals.
"Anyway, are you excited for the social studies presentations today?" Y/n could feel her palms getting sweaty as her stomach did backflips. She had always hated talking in front of crowds, and lets just say her self esteem wasn't exactly the highest it could be. Meaning not only did she have bad social anxiety but also bad stage fright. "Don't worry you'll do fine." She said pulling Y/n out of her anxiety spiral and walking away.
Slowly, Y/n grabbed her things and walked to her advisory class, her mind going blank. Although it wasn't long before she was snapped out of it, for she had just entered one of her favorite classes. Engineering. Y/n was always amazed when she walked in there every morning. Seeing kids work on projects with hydraulics, robotics, electricity, and sketch designs. The only thing she couldn't stand about that class was that it was her second to last one of the day.
Y/n shook her head trying to bring herself back to Earth, as for, she started to daydream about future projects. She quickly walked through the room to get to her class that was inside of said room. Originally it was supposed to be for algebra (and geometry for the 8th graders), but no. Apparently the student board had different plans and decided to make it a room for ELA. Now before I continue I must say, Y/n had 2 subjects that she didn't necessarily like, but didn't exactly hate either. And these 2 subjects just so happen to be ELA and social studies. So I'm guessing you could imagine her reaction if there was ever a test for either one of them.
Anyway, Y/n made her way to the classroom and put her things at her spot.
"Ello" a voice said behind her as she sat down.
"Morning Ethan" she said looking at his computer screen. Y/n saw he was playing some type of game while also trying to do the algebra worksheet from yesterday. "Watch'ya doin?" Y/n still not taking her eyes off the screen, said.
"Just multitasking"
"Heh, I still don't know how you have the ability to do that."
"Just practice"
"Still it's-"
"Hey guys!" Lizzie said, interrupting the conversation they were having. "Look who I found," she said, pointing to the rest of the gang. Which included Sophie, Téa, Annika, and Evie.
Y/n smiled as her friends sat down. They all talked until the bell rang signaling it was time for the first period.
Knowing what was about to come next, they all went to their assigned seats. Mr. Nelson then walked into the room wearing a blue suit with a gray tie. Now, in Y/n opinion Mr. Nelson was the only thing that made English bearable for Y/n. But that doesn't mean there weren't downsides to him because one of the things that would sometimes get on her nerves was his 'speeches' or 'TED Talks' you could call it. So of course you can imagine after a minute or two of listening and deciding it wasn't worth her time, she started to doodle in her notebook.
Y/n felt a pencil poke her arm after about twenty minutes or so, it was Sophie.
"Mr. Nelson is done. Get out the reading book." she said.
Wow, twenty five minutes? New personal best Mr. Nelson. She thought sarcastically, congratulating him in her head.
After the first 2 periods had ended everyone quickly packed their things and headed to the next class, science. Science, Y/n could handle, especially now with the unit they were doing. They had been learning about DNA and the dominant and recessive traits in games for a while now. And for the most part they were mainly doing models and simulations.
When Y/n was in the classroom she immediately headed to one of the lad tables on the right side of the room. Apparently there weren't enough desks for this year's 7th grade class so Y/n was stuck seated at one of the tables. "Alright everyone, shut your mouths and start the warm-up on your computer." Ms. Burton yelled from her rolly chair. Ms. Burton was a pretty nice teacher and could be funny at times, but one thing was for sure. That woman could be strict when she wanted too. So it was best not to get on her bad side.
After doing the warm-up and watching a video on the smart/dumb board Ms. Burton walked around and started handing out papers. "What are these for?" Regan asked
"These are the judges' review of your projects from the science fair." She responded
Y/n cringed as she heard the words 'science fair' come out of her mouth. All students in STEM were required to do science fair or else they would be kicked out. So of course Y/n was forced to present in front of her class and judges at the nearby collage. As soon as Ms. Burton gave Y/n her feedback, Y/n shoved it in her science folder, not even giving it a second glance. One thing Y/n couldn't handle ever since she was little was criticism. Even if it was the constructive type she still couldn't handle it.
Eventually the bell rang and Y/n felt numb to her feat. It was the 4th period next, which also meant social studies. Y/n made her way to her seat as the other students started talking before the second bell rang.
Y/n had always been thankful for her last name when it came to presenting because she knew that presentations always went in alphabetical order. But there was a catch. Sometimes the teachers liked to switch it up now and then, going from the back of the alphabet to the front, but even then she was still safe. Since her last name was Leonard it didn't matter what order the teachers went in, for she was never first. But there was one problem. This was the second day of presenting, and judging on how many people went last time she knew she would be presenting second.
The second bell rang signifying that the transitioning time was over, and everyone made their ways to their seats. Mrs. Jan had also come in at this time with her all too familiar positive attitude. Mrs. Jan always looked on the bright side and had a peppy attitude about everything. Y/n always swore she reminded her of a kindergarten or 1st grade teacher. "Alright class, who was last in the last class?" she asked sitting at her desk
All the boys immediately responded while pointing, "Lester." "Yeah, Lester went last."
"Okay, then..." She looked around down at her paper, her fingers scanning the names. "...Morgan is next." Y/n could barely pay attention to Morgan's presentation of her website for she was too worried of what people would think of her own.
"And that's my presentation, so yeah" Y/n snapped out of her thoughts when she heard this. After the clapping was done she was called up. Y/n felt numb again, as she walked to the front and pulled up her website. Her mind pounded thoughts into her as she started using the board, her back still facing the rest of the class.
Once she pulled it up onto the screen, she turned around, her mind going blank. "Alright Y/n you can go now." Mrs. Jan said. When Y/n spoke her breath was shaky, her voice fast, and a bit quiet. "Okay, is that all?" she asked glad that it was finally over until his hand shot up faster than a bull-it bill in Mario Kart. Y/n let out an exasperated sigh before speaking through gritted teeth. "Yes, Joey" This was the last thing Y/n needed right now. A Joey question.
If there was one thing Joey was famous for (other than being the class clown) it would be asking questions no one knew the answer to. Therefore, getting points knocked off their grade, but luckily fate was on her side today, making the alarm go off, ending her presentation. Y/n was excused back to her seat without saying a single word. The rest of the presentations went by in a blur.
There was only one thing on Y/n's mind and that was 6th period. Unfortunately she still had recess and lunch. Lunch wasn't so bad (as long as the monitors didn't curse at the children), but recess, she mainly spent alone. Which was fine, except sometimes she wished she didn't hear or see things the way that she did. She wishes she could have someone to talk to that understood the thoughts that ran wild in her brain. And of course she found herself wishing the same thing as she walked on the gravel path. She walked past the gossip girls, past the kids hiding in the corner, past the sports boys. She took in the colors of the new spring flowers, thinking they would make good sketches in her notebook. She imagined how the flowers would look like in a wilted state. While pondering this she bumped into someone. She heard the clash of the pencils that scattered the ground.
"Oh my gosh, I am so sorr-" she looked up her brown eyes meeting another pair of browns. But these ones were darker.
"Hi Y/n, heh, I guess I've paid my tax, huh." He picked up a couple pencils along with Y/n.
Y/n put her hands on her face after she stood up. "Oh god, you didn't actually have to do that-that was just a bad joke."
He let out a light chuckle in response. "I know, but I still felt kinda guilty for not paying you back." Kiel (the boy) was of course referring to the time when all the boys at his table got in trouble, so he tried to sit at her table. And as a lame joke she and her friends told him he had to pay a tax (which was a pack of pencils. Y/n didn't necessarily mind hanging out with Kiel, for he wasn't like the other boys. Kiel was really good at art and he had a bit of a quiet soul. Sometimes on days like this, when they just so happened to run into each other, they would usually walk in silence together. And that's what they did.
Lunch was the same crazy normal that it always was, but as soon as the bell rang Y/n made a dash for her locker. Quickly, she got out her things and went straight to class, to her seat. Y/n felt like it took hours before the second bell rang, but when it did she felt a wave of excitement wash over her. She went with Tea to get the board they had been given for the project, to bring back to the group. The group was composed of Annika, Ethan, Tea and herself. But the only problem was that Ethan had left early for a dentist appointment and Annika left for some family issues, leaving only Y/n and Tea on the project.
"So I was thinking," Y/n began. "if the next ramp we have is at a 30 degree slope, then that will allow the marble to go through the funnel with a tube at the end at a 70 degree angle, giving it enough force to knock down the cup with the 'fish food' and onto the mini conveyor belt that I've been building." Y/n started drawing out a sketch in her notebook while explaining the idea to Tea.
"Okay.." Téa looked like she was trying to form the plan of the design in her head with the little time they had and the lack of group members. "...That sounds like it could work. You finish the conveyor belt and build the funnel and tube, and I'll work on finishing putting in the screws and the angles of the new slopes."
"Alright then, let's get started!" Y/n exclaimed
~~~~~ 30 minutes later~~~~~~
"Uuuggghhh! I don't get it. The circuits work and the motor is on and moving, so why isn't the belt moving?" Y/n whined to herself. She was starting to get frustrated, for she hadn't even started building the funnel and tube with the right measurements because the conveyor belt wasn't moving. AT ALL. She had triple checked all the wires and even added a second motor since one was too weak.
"Oh my god, Y/n look!" Téa shook Y/n's arm making her look up.
Y/n looked around to see what her friend was talking about, and to say she was shocked was an understatement. She was down right scared to the bone. They were letting Draven use the saw. Draven! Of all people they could have chosen from the group, they had to pick the shortest kid who's the most accident prone in the class and uses his bare fingers to test if hot glue is dry.
But of course that wasn't the worst part. The worst part was that Draven was trying to cut a stick they accidentally glued to their board too far out and Logan was the one holding it still for Draven. What on Earth did Logan do wrong to deserve the punishment of fearing for his life because a student might accidentally cut off his fingers.
"Oh god, I feel so bad for Logan" Y/n put her hands over her mouth, no longer paying attention to her previous project. The class was still freaking out about the fact that Draven was even wielding a saw, not paying attention to the deathly scared look on Logan's face.
Once Draven was down cutting Lee made a comment that made inspiration strike Y/n.
"You know you'll have to push the stick in more on the board or else it's going to be useless when you use it." Lee said while sitting up on the edge of a lab table.
"What do you mea-" Logan started to say, but Y/n cut him off.
"Wait, say that again?" she asked, the gears in her head starting to spin, trying to make sense of her problem.
"I said they needed to push the stick in more or it's not going to be use-"
"That's it. Right there. Stop talking." The two groups stared at Y/n for a sec as they saw her retreat to the supply closet. Now it was time for them to be shocked. Y/n came out carrying a power drill and some corks from old wine bottles (don't ask why the teacher had them).
Once she got back to their table she laid out the supplies paying no mind to the others looking at her for she was still zoned out, forming a plan in her head. "I wonder...." She mumbled and plugged in the drill making a hole in each one of the corks. The rest of the groups were still working on their projects, running tests, while the other two were not-so subtly watching her.
After about 10 minutes of Y/n playing around with a power drill and corks (along with the conveyor belt), There was a low hum and Y/n could barely contain her excitement. Unfortunately for Téa, being the first one approaching her to congratulate her, was shaken back and forth into oblivion as Y/n explained her thought process behind her actions.
"Okay, okay I get it. You made it work. Now can you stop shaking me because I might actually puke." Tea said with her eyes wide.
"Oh, sorry." Y/n took her hands off her and suddenly became self conscious of where to put them, but she was doing an internal victory dance.