Here's another one! Just thought I would post this one while I work on the sequel to INK vs SOK. Oh yeah disclaimer: I don't own INK Invisible Network of Kids only the characters that have originated in my mind. Yeah no one can use those. Anyway moving on to the more interesting stuff, read and I hope you enjoy it. Tell me what you think in a review. Thanks :)

High School Mayhem

ZERO

The celebrations have begun and everyone is happy. I'm not, but apparently I don't count as "everyone." It's our graduation from Pinkerton Primary. We're off to high school soon. Someone's parents walk past me smiling happily. I walk over to a bench and sit down. Newton is talk rapidly to his dad and his dad is answering back with enthusiasm. Newton looks like he's had way too much sugar, he probably has. Trixie is calmly chatting to her parents about her achievements and high school. Both Newton and Trixie got selected to go to the same school. It's one of those really smart schools, which suits them perfectly. Then there's Vin. About a month ago his parents turned up. He was right they were working for the CIA. He's been out of school for weeks catching up with them. They look like him, a lot. He has his father's eyes and charm, but has his mother's blonde perfect hair. Not that I've noticed. Anyway they're talking to Mr. Soper. Vin doesn't appear that pleased, but shrugs it off. Finally there's me.

Poor weirdo. Of course my dad didn't turn up. That would require effort and to see me. No he decided to be busy today. Figures. I watch everyone else and in the pit of my stomach something putrid clenches me. Sadness, no never, then again as long as it's not fear I don't care, sort of. I bring my knees up and hug them. No one here will care. I spoke to soon. Vin, Trixie and Newton have left their parents to talk to each other and have sat down beside me. Trixie rests a hand on my knee. I bring them down, but don't make eye contact. She's about to say something when I hear a car pulling up in front of the school. My head snaps up. I don't know what to feel, confusion on so many scales, fear, happiness that he actually came, or anger? All off them over come me, however they evaporate when someone else's older sister steps out. I slouch and shake my head.

"How could I have been so stupid? He's never coming." I grumble under my breath.

The others exchange glances. I catch Vin looking back at his parents. I sigh I know what they want.

"Go. I know you want to go back to your parents, all of you. It's not about me this is for you guys. Go and enjoy it, trust me." I say

"But Zero, we can't just leave you here?" Vin says

"Don't worry I'll go hang out with Mr. Soper. Either that or I can go and torment Macbeth. Yeah that sounds fun; I still have half a can of itchy spray." I say standing

I force a fake smile onto my lips. The others nod and run off. Mr. Soper asks everyone to come into the hall for a speech and certificates. I follow everyone inside and sit next to Vin and his parents. Mr. Soper gives the usual speech, which for once I listen to. Then he calls out names. Each time a kid comes up on stage, their parents go berserk. Great this is going to be embarrassing. He's going in alphabetical order, so I'm last thanks to the Z of Zero. Thankfully Vin would have gone after me. Newton goes up and I cheer. Mr. Soper is saying something about each student.

"Newton is the smartest kid here. On many occasions I've been proved wrong by him. He poses very intriguing and interesting questions. Newton always has an invention to show no matter how bizarre."

A couple more and then it's Trixie. Her extended family cheers along with me.

"Trixie is the chess master of Pinkerton and has a lot of authority. She's dedicated and smart. Trixie loves a good challenge and I can't wait to play another round of chess with you even though I haven't won a single one yet."

I glance around nervously, still no sign. Van is called and she gets the biggest cheer apart from Trixie. Then Vin. His parents stand like the others with me and yell our lungs out. He goes pink on stage, but his eyes were on me when that happened.

"Vin has the best looks and heart. He's always ready to help anyone in trouble. He's admired for not only his charm, but his friendliness. He's been through a lot but now everything has come together. He's coped extremely well and brightens everyone's day."

I can't help but smile through all of that. It's absolutely true. He beams down at everyone. We make eye contact and I give him a wink of encouragement. Instantly he goes back to being red in the cheeks. I sigh. My turn.

"Zero."

My name is called and everything is silent except for a few claps. I hang my head. He's never coming. Tears threaten to fall. Everyone's looking at me like I'm a specimen under some microscope. I glance down the line of kids. Van snickers, but Newton, Trixie and Vin all show sympathy for me, they even look hurt. I look into Mr. Soper's eyes.

"He's not coming." I say only loud enough for him to hear.

"I'm so sorry Zero…"

He hands me my certificate. I'm on the very edge of tears. Why do I care? I never have before?

"Zero has been through a lot. I don't even know the full story. She's a fighter and a survivor. She may not want to admit it, but she is a very loyal person that sticks to her beliefs. She's the guardian angle of Pinkerton. Zero protects, that's who Zero is."

I smile to my self. Guardian angle? I glance around the crowd. Their faces either show distaste or sympathy. Then I see him. At the back in the shadows, I'll know that leather, trench coat anywhere. Mr. Soper is about to say something else, but the man begins to leave. Oh no you don't.

"Dad!" I scream and literally jump off the stage. He breaks into a run and so do I. Am I really that repulsive?

"Dad, please!" I scream as he zooms across the courtyard.

I can feel eyes on my back as everyone watches me bolt from the hall.

"STOP, for once in your life stop and listen! Dad!" I scream

It's no good, he's too fast. He jumps into a car. I continue to run. The window rolls down, just a bit so he can yell at me loud enough for everyone to here as he pulls away.

"Damn it Zero! You ruined everything!"

I stop dead in my tracks tears streaming down my face. I thought…I thought wrong. The car screeches away. I cry out to him one last time. I want to go after him, but Mr. Soper's hand rests on my shoulder. He pulls me close to him and makes soothing sounds. I wipe away the tears, which show weakness. He tells the parents and kids to go back inside. I hear the bustle of people but also running feet. It's my friends, but right now I don't want anyone to see me like this. I shake my head and Mr. Soper holds up a hand. I hear my friends stop running but I can't see as my face is turned into Mr. Soper's stomach. We begin to walk away. Once inside his office I break down. He sits me down in a chair as I continue to cry. After what feels like forever I calm down enough to tell Mr. Soper he should go back to the others.

"It's okay Zero I'm sure everything is under control."

"I've ruined everyone's graduation. I'm so selfish." I start to cry again.

"No Zero, they'll understand."

"Can I stay here for a bit longer?"

"Of course." Mr. Soper says

"Please go back Mr. Soper, I will feel even guiltier otherwise." I cry

"Okay I'll come back in a bit to check on you. Do you want to see your friends?"

"Yes please, but only if they ask to see me."

"Got it." With that he leaves.

Seconds later Vin rushes in followed by Trixie and Newton. I'm still crying, with my knees up to my chest and my head resting on them. They hug me and I break down yet again. So much for being tough and not crying. They hold me tighter until I calm down enough for them to talk to me.

"Zero, we're so, so sorry." Newton says

"It's not your fault, I just thought…"

"We understand. Do you need anything?" Trixie asks

"No thanks. I'm sorry. I've spoilt everything! He's right."

"No! No Zero." Vin says placing a hand on my back "When we came back inside the adults came up to us and asked us if you were alright. They were worried, some even felt guilty. We told them to keep enjoying the day and they nodded. They understand, Zero. It's not your fault"

"Thank you. I thought that we were alright. He rang me and…I don't understand. Am I really that horrible to be around? Why does he hate me?" I break into tears again.

Vin hugs me and tries to sooth me. I grab hold of his shirt. He doesn't seem to care. I pull away and stand up slowly. I walk to the door and open it. The light blinds my stinging eyes for a moment before I go out into the cool afternoon breeze.

And there you have it the first chapter. I will post the next in a week or so depending on school. So see you then.