In The Water, I Am Beautiful
#4 of Musical Muse
Just another short tale, unedited, finished just now. I hope you all enjoy! And as always, comments are always welcomed!
In The Water, I Am Beautiful
"Out of the way short-shit!"
Barry grunted as he was shoved violently against the lockers, the ringing of the metal doors sounding through the halls as the other group of furs walked away...laughing as they did. Barry sighed, "Just another typical day..." He rubbed his sore side and looked to the locker he was pushed against. Yep, another dent. Something else he would have to tell principal Whitwell about when he got the chance. That was the third one this month.
Luckily, it was at least his door that was dented, the short otter feeling at least some relief wash over him, though, still mostly pain did. The last time they had dented a locker with him, it happened to be Denver's, the main equine star athlete that decided to use Barry as a verbal, and sometimes physical punching bag. And...the consequences it rendered were nothing short of painful. He shook his light brown furred head, have to think positive somehow.
Quickly putting in the combination to his lock, he opened the dented door before he even heard the footsteps coming down the hall. "Barry!" a female voice rendered, instantly recognized by the otter. He turned his head away from the steel frame to give a soft smile to his one and only friend in the school. "Hey Sam, everything okay?"
"I should be asking you that, what happened?" she queried, opening the locker beside Barry as he sighed. "What do you think? Same thing that happens every other week. Got slammed into my own locker a little too hard and well...Whitwell won't like to hear that another door needs replaced." He rubbed the back of his neck, his whole side still feeling the slam itself. "Maybe I just won't bring it up, don't want to trouble him again. Got scolded rather badly by him last time anyhow."
"Barry I..." Sam turned to him, her lithe wolf form and her striking blue eyes showing all the emotion she put forth: worry. "I hate seeing you get hurt like this. I have tried so hard to talk them out of it. Tried the teachers, Whitwell, hell, even my parents! No one wants to help and I...I feel so terrible. I am sorry Barry." she gave Barry a one arm hug, her other holding a small black case as she let go of the quick embrace. "And, I am sorry to leave so quickly but...band practice you know? I will text you later tonight, okay?"
Barry gave a soft, genuine smile to Sam. "Sure, no problem, go on before Jankowski finds out you're late!" He waved a farewell to her before closing his own locker door, a small duffel bag in one paw. Instead of turning the direction all the other students had to leave for home, he instead turned to the other direction, on a mission. To find Mr. Appleby.
Quickly, Barry left the hall, making his way to the gym. Walking through the practice area for the basketball team, ducking the insults thrown his way, he made his way through the black door in the back. Walking through it, he called out: "Mr. Appleby? It's Barry! Just, coming for the key!"
A large buck came from out of the room, looking over to the young otter with a soft smile. "Ah, Barry! Thought you would be here soon. Something happen?" The janitor buck wiping his greasy paws off on his blue uniform, fetching his gigantic key ring out of his pocket, quickly pulling off his smallest key, handing it to the young otter.
"Just, usual stuff. Another broken locker." the otter muttered, hanging his head as he grabbed the key from the janitor. His side still sore from the shove that happened only 15 minutes prior.
The buck let out a displeased buff of breath, shaking his head. "God, again? Whitwell won't be pleased, simply cause he doesn't understand. You okay?" The buck patted his shoulder, a genuine look of concern on his eyes. Barry couldn't help but smile softly to him. "Yeah Mr. Appleby. Don't worry, gotten a lot worse."
The buck nodded, sighing gently. "Yeah, but doesn't make it right. Wish I could do something about it for you buddy." Mr. Appleby has been there for Barry ever since day one. Said that Barry was "the son he never had". Barry was more than grateful, especially after the first time he got slammed into a locker, much like today. But, a few months ago, Mr. Appleby showed a secret of the school no other student knew about.
Ever since that revealing day, Barry came up with the excuse that he was at a meeting for the chess club. He considered the effect that may have with the bullies, another weapon against him. Though, as he thought it over, he knew it would happen no matter what, so, the excuse was good enough. Plus, if they took the time to open the yearbook, they would know he wasn't on the team.
"Anyways Mr. Appleby, I should get going. I really need this after today." The otter rubbed his neck, his head slightly down as the buck nodded. "Yeah, of course. No problem buddy, go relax, I got you covered." he smiled "See ya tomorrow?"
Barry couldn't help but smile in return, nodding. "As always, thanks again." He shook the buck's hand before going to the other end of the room. Behind all of the equipment was a blue door, one Barry knew very well. Unlocking it, he swiftly stepped it, closing and locking it behind him.
He walked down the beige painted hall, all of the murals and poster hung up reeking with age. Mr. Appleby showed Barry this very hall those many years ago, said that this was a hall of the old school before they built the rest attached to it. They kept this hall for plans but they never came to realization, so instead of bowling it over, they decided to keep it and seal it off. Only the faculty and janitorial staff have keys.
The faint stench of chlorine graced Barry's nose, the smell comforting to him. Like a home away from home. An oasis all of his own. Flicking the light switches beside him, the clicks of the electric lights echoing through the empty room, reflecting off the blue surface of the water: Barry's home.
The otter quickly stripped down to his bathing suit. He wore them under his clothes every day of school, just in case he went to the pool, to take less time. The old bleachers on the side of the pool, the changing rooms long abandoned. It used to be for the water polo team from the '70s. It was meant to continue, but the school found it fitting not to, due to the decline of interest. All Barry knew, was this was all his own. Never to be interrupted.
Quickly, the otter tapped his toe into the water, the cool temperature running through his muscles as he let out a relief sigh. This pool, this water. It made him forget the harmful thoughts and attacks he received so often. It made him forget his short comings, it made him feel beautiful.
Swiftly diving head first into the cool water, Barry swam through the water, the grace only an otter could muster. His tail flicked behind him, acting as a rudder as he admired the vast empty blue around him, diving down further. His footpaws graced the bottom as he closed his eyes, running his footpaws back and forth over the bumpy bottom of the pool as he soothed himself in the cold blue.
The water swayed around his body as he shifted back and forth, swirling around his limbs, embracing him like a lover he never had. Showing him how something with no prejudice could care for him, the one thing in his life that always wanted the best for him.
It rocked him, comforted him, showed him how strong he was, showed him his strength and great traits. His muzzle broke in a smile as he swam around the blue, and couldn't help but think...
In the water, he was beautiful.
Link to the song inspiring for this Musical Muse: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECpcwiUytYI