How to Be a Goth in Five Easy Steps - Chapter One

"Um, is there something I can help you with, hon?" a little old lady at the front administration desk inquired, as she quit typing something with her keyboard for a couple of seconds.

"Um...yeah...for starters, don't call me hon!" Cade thought in the back of his mind. "I need a withdraw signature form so that I may get the ball rollin," was all he opted to say out loud, however.

"Withdraw forms? What for? You're not thinking about an equivalency degree, are you? Not everyone accepts those, you know! It's much smarter just to stick it out and get your diploma!"

"Equivalency degree? What are you talking about? Do you ask this to everybody that comes in for a withdraw form; and why the hell do I actually have to stoop to your level to explain myself? My dad got a new job up in Spokane. The new company that just hired him is gonna pay to move us up there, and I'm transferring to a school up there to finish my diploma!"

"Oh? Well, at least it's a relief that you're gonna finish. Do you know what you gotta do to complete this form?"

"Not really. What, do you think this is, like, a routine procedure for me? What do I have to do to complete it?"

"You first have to take it to the library to make sure that you don't have any outstanding charges, and check in any books that you might have checked out on your account. Then, you gotta take it to the secretary and lunch ladies to make sure you're all clear there. Second to last, you're gonna take it over to the counselor and get her approval for your transfer. Finally, you must get this signed off by all of your teachers and turn in your textbooks. Once this is has been signed off by everyone, the last steps are for you and one of your parents to sign it, and to bring it back here before you take off. You got that?"

"Yeah, I do. I'll do it as soon as possible if it means not having to deal with bitches like you anymore. I'll have it back to you by the end of tomorrow, since, of course, that's my last day of class, and we're leaving two days from now."

"Okay. And Cade, I wish you all the best of luck, wherever you're going to finish school."