Jackson had long since given up on making friends when he realized that the only high school in his town had less than two hundred kids and no one was like him. You'd think it'd be impossible to be an outcast in a town this small where everyone knew everyone but nothing is truly impossible, is it?

He had no friends, no sibling, and his mother was too busy to spend time with him. The only company he had was that of a stray cat who came around every once in a while. It's not that he didn't know what friends feel like. He had some back in elementary but they'd all since moved away. He missed them sometimes but he was also happy for them. They got to escape this hellhole of a town. He didn't know if he'd ever get the luxury. He was born here and he might as well die here.

It was a Friday evening after school, Jackson was walking home. "Clementine? Clementine, Kitty!" He called out as he peaked into the alleyway where the cat usually hid, waiting for him. Maybe she was already home. He shrugged and continued on his way. He slowed down as he saw a moving truck in front of the house right across from his. Was someone moving in? No way. Maybe the driver was just taking a break and would continue to the next town over. Surely no one in their right mind would move to this desolate town. And that's when he saw Clementine, in someone's arms. Someone he didn't recognize.

The guy seemed to be around his age. Just from the way he was dressed, he could tell he was from the city. What was he doing here? And why did the cat look so damn comfortable in his arms? He almost flinched when the stranger looked up at him. He was half expecting to be ignored but the kid instead gave him a small smile and a wave. He took a deep breath before slowly approaching. "Hi, um... Sorry, that's my cat." He mumbled. He knew it was a lie, she was a stray but he was a bit possessive. Plus, he didn't even know this guy. He knew everyone in this town. Blame him but he couldn't help but be a little careful around the newcomer.