Par
Chapter #01 - The Cyborg Child
Written by: CS-Masyet
Larissa

When I started my first year of high school, I thought it would be totally different than junior high. I hoped it would be full of mature students, who would work hard to prepare themselves for adulthood. Or at least college.

"Hey, we're going to have a new teacher!" "I heard he's a really famous scientist." "They say he looks like Santa!"

I'm in my last year of high school, and they are as riled up as ever. It's like nothing has changed...

--

I didn't get why everyone was so excited. The new teacher was most likely going to be as boring as every other teacher we've had. Especially since this is a Science class. I admit it was a bit odd to have an old guy teach at the girls' side, though.

When the new teacher finally came in, everyone quieted down (alleluia). He was surprisingly normal looking; not that it was a bad thing. He held his arms to his back, like he needed to hold his spine in place or something. He looked healthy though... for an old man.

"Hello, class. I am Dr. Gulf, your new Science teacher. You may call me Mr. Gulf if you'd like."

A student raised her hand almost immediately after he finished saying that.

"Um, yes?"

"Can we call you Mr. G?"

He chuckled. "I suppose that would be alright." He cleared his throat and said, "If anyone has any other questions, feel free to ask."

"Is it true that you're a famous scientist?" Another student asked, without raising her hand.

"Well, I suppose I am. For my field, anyhow."

"What's your field?"

"Enginnering Technology. I help make machinery and the like."

"Like microwaves and light switches?"

"Yes, but I mostly make more complex stuff then that."

Now everyone started to talk at the same time. "Is your job hard?" "How much do you make?" "Your lab coat is cool!" "What your I.Q.?" "You really do look like Santa!"

"Please everyone, one at a time! ... Excuse me, Santa?"

Everyone started to laugh. I had no idea what was so funny. Neither did Dr. Gulf apparently, as he just stood there confused. I kind of feel bad for him for having such stupid students.

--

After all the pointless questions, he started to talk more about his other job. Since it had nothing to do with the actual class, I didn't really pay attention to it. I looked around the room to find something to focus on so I wouldn't fall asleep. And out of the corner of my eye, I spotted something strange.

There was a little boy looking through the window outside the classroom. Was he lost? Was he looking for someone? Who knows.

Apparently he noticed me staring at him, because right when our gazes met, he hid his face immediately.

"What a strange kid..."

"What strange kid, Larissa?"

"It's nothing, Hilary." Hilary. She's been my friend since my first year in junior high. She's really smart and is nice to everyone she meets. She's also the only sane peer I've got.

"Whatcha guys talking about? Tell me! Tell me!"

"It's none of your business, Jel!" Jel... Ever since the start of high school, she's been in all my classes. And man is she annoying; she's like a flea. She's always butting into my conversations, always following me around, always calling me to hang out (I'll kill the person who gave her my number), and always acting like we're best friends or something.

"C'mon La-La! Tell me! Tell meee!" Jel repeated, like a broken record.

"Would you shut up already?! Mind your own business!" If there was a word that was a mix between nosey and annoying, it would suit her perfectly. "And don't call me La-La!"

"You're mean..."

"Excuse me, ladies in the back." Dr. Gulf cut in. "If it's not too much trouble, could you please quiet down a bit?"

"Tell that to her." I responded, now with a massive headache.

"Sorry, Santa!" Yes, she's the Santa girl. But I'm sure that was obvious.

"Alright, on to the lesson..." Gulf started to say, before a creaking noise interrupted him.

"Was that the door? Now who could that be?" He asked. "Come in!"

There wasn't a response, as the door remain ajar.

The old man waited a bit, then decided to go to the door to check for himself who was there.

"Oh, it's you. Come on in, don't be shy." He said to whoever was hiding, then brought him in.

I knew it.

It was the little boy from earlier. He apparently knew the Dr.. Of course the class was curious about him, as they continue to babble to each other. They were apparently deciding what questions to ask him.

You do this now?! It's obvious what the first question should be!

"Who is that?" Hilary asked him.

Thank you, Hilary...

"This is Par, my nephew. He lost his parents, so he's staying with me." Gulf turned to Par. "Say hello, Par."

"U-um..." Par said quietly. "H-hello..."

There was silence for a moment, but then...

"KYAAA!!!" All the girls screamed randomly. "He's sooo cute~!"