Paint It Black

Joey slumped down into his desk. His eyes were glazed over with pain. A few of his classmates looked at him with concern, but he ignored them. Most of the time, people quickly shot him looks, but then turned their heads not wanting to get involved in his personal hell.

I see a line of cars and they're all painted black
With flowers and my love, both never to come back
I see people turn their heads and quickly look away
Like a newborn baby it just happens ev'ryday

Joey shook his head and tried to ignore the fog that was creeping in, dimming his vision.

** FLASHBACK **

"You worthless son of a bitch!! Are you trying to poison me with this shit?" Joey's father, Michael, hit the table with such force it knocked the freshly prepaired meal from the table. "I ought to beat the life out of you for this."

Joey hung his head. Whenever his dad was drunk, it was pointless to even try to please him. Joey had spent his whole day out of school prepairing this meal. It had been perfect, untill his dad threw it in the floor because he didn't like it.

Suddenly, Joey felt the life being choked from him, his father's large hand wrapped firmly around his throat. He clutched at it, trying desperately to loosen the grip. His heels banged at the walls of the kitchen and his father finally let go. The room was dim, almost dark to Joey, as he tried to breathe again. Before he'd caught his breath, booted feet began to kick at him.

I look inside myself and see my heart is black
I see my red door and it has been painted black
Maybe then I'll fade away and not have to face the facts
It's not easy facing up when your whole world is black

Joey warded off the blows the best he could, and shakely got to his feet. He raced toward the door and made it out. After a few moments, he was out in the dark night. He took off running in any direction he could, just any way to get him away from home. He banged on the back door to the Kame Game Shop.

Yugi and his Grandfather opened the door, both looking rather worried. Joey took a step then nearly collapsed on his friend. Both Yugi and his grandpa helped Joey into the back part of the shop then Yugi went to shut the door. Joey stiffly stood up and pulled himself up the stairs into the living room. There he collapsed on the couch, sighing with relief that he was now safe. He wondered how long it would take for his father to begin lashing out on his friends in order to hurt Joey.

No more will my green sea go turn a deeper blue
I could not forsee this thing happening to you
If I look hard enough into the setting sun
My love will laugh with me before the morning comes

Yugi sat down on the couch, next to Joey and held him gently. His soft, amythest eyes were glazed over with tears. A sharp crash sounded downstairs and was soon followed by the piercing wail of the burgerlar alarm.

** End Flashback **


Three days ago, Joey thought to himself. He winced as he moved, totally unaware of the blue eyes that were fixed on his every move. He raised his hand for the teacher to take notice of him.

"Yes, Joey?"

"Miss Lindsey. I think I need to go to the nurse."

Miss Lindsey nodded and filled out a pass. She carried it to Joey's desk and handed it to him. She watched as the blonde teen stood, then began to wobble. A dusky auburn haired teen shot out of his seat and caught Joey as he fell. Instantly he fished out a cell phone and called an ambulance.

His soft hands stroked the messy blond hair from Joey's face as a small trail of blood trickled from Joey's lips.