Middlesex was a relatively small town. Hence why it was no secret that you had moved into one of the houses just a few blocks away from the school. You were like a breath of fresh air to most of the students, something to talk about.

Being such a close-knit community meant that there really was no such thing as a secret. Everybody knew everybody’s business.

And everybody knew the rumours about Donnie Darko — the “schiz”

The cold, damp air of the month of Halloween wasn’t ideal weather. While waiting for your bus, you noticed your attention drifting off to a certain guy who was standing just a few steps away. You hadn’t seen him around yet, and from the way he was looking at you, you could tell he was intrigued. You had been told about him, but you didn’t know it was him. Not yet.

He stood with his brows slightly furrowed together, one hand on the strap of his schoolbag, looking like he was trying to figure you out just from looking at you alone.

After you offered him a smile, it’s almost as if he took that as his cue to say something. “You’re new.” He states, offering a hand and a subtle nod. “I’m Donnie. Darko, Donnie Darko.”