Laughter, that sweet sound we get from the joy in our lives. We can receive it and give it ,in many ways. Jokes, for instance are the ones we strive to get laughter from. That is the way we want it, and that is the way we perceive it. Though there is the dreaded way that we receive laughter. Embarrassment, the key component where we make a fool of ourselves, and the reason why we think others feel above us. In ways, this could be life in a weird, messed up, and evil plan.

First part of the plan, is to make the object feel as useless and powerless against life. When the object is at its lowest, that is when you can manipulate it's mind into anything you'd like. You could make it believe it was living in a world of sunshine and roses, even if there is smoke and dust floating around them. The mind has always been tricky when it comes to reality. The mind has always loved the creative, and fulfilling life of thoughts and dreams. One day the mind will completely forget reality and be oblivious to anything around it. Though who cares right? As long as the mind finds happiness and shelter in it's made up world, right? So what does it matter?

The matter is when reality smacks you in the face and you don't recognize anything, and you are alone in a world you aren't familiar with. You are stuck in the world your mind has lied to you about and you are suffocating in it, trying to find your dream island once again. Truth is once you see the reality you are trapped in, you can never go back no matter how hard you try.

Valance Sterling, "A pretty name for such a pretty girl", my parents would always say. I'm just a normal girl compared to everyone else, so being considered beautiful is at the bottom of my list. I'm very unpopular in school, but I'm no outcast if that's what you're thinking. I'm not hating the idea of not being the center of attention all the time. In matter of fact, I actually like it. I've always had trouble getting along with people so I don't mind it at all. I live in a society where flowers mean the most for your status. If you weren't the pick of the day flower ,your life wasn't going to be as special as you'd think it would be. Let me tell you about this world's history before I start my story.

Every person in this world has a flower bud ontop of their head, starting from the first day they were born. As that child develops, the bud would develop as well. In this world, what came out of your bud determined your status. For instance, everyone's bud blooms into a flower on their 15th birthday. So whatever that flower was, it would tell people what person you are and have many job openings for you. For example, if you were a sunflower you'd get the offer of learning buisness to become a executive or even a CEO of a company. Sunflowers are very wealthy and receive alot a dough once they bloom.

Though of course there is the Lily-Of-The-Valley buds. Which in fact, is the most highest ranked flower you can be. There are only 5 known Lily-Of-The-Valley buds, in history. They are treated like queens and kings once their flower is seen by the all powerful government. I wouldn't want to be one, in my opinion though. Sure I'd love all the respect and fame, but those buds never get to see their family ever. They will be too busy living up in the white castle, and signing documents day and night. They don't have fun at all, and they aren't even allowed to speak to anyone without permission from the pretegious court. I kinda feel sorry for them, and I wish the world wasn't like that.

At the bottom of the chain are the wilted flowers. Those are the flowers of people whose hearts have gone rotten since their childhood. The system of our society shuns them to the point most kill themselves. Who can help it though? If you are seen with a wilted, it counts as a act against the kingdom. It's hard for them to find any work with that rule being passed around. This usually ends up with them starving to death, or going broke and turning into beggars. I always look at my friend's buds and always wonder what I'd do if they turn out to be wilted?

....I can't lie to myself.....I know for a fact I'd leave them by themselves to die. Just as long as I'm safe I wouldn't care..... Maybe it's all the scary stories I've heard about the wilted, or even the government breathing down my neck at the very thought. Either way, I'd rather them than me. Or that's what I had myself believe?......

I'm watching the marathon of "Oh my golly buddy". The whole plot of that tv show was just plain stupid, but my little sister seemed to love the show so I endured it. We were both sitting on the orange couch that was sorta circular, as my sister, Lilian, was braiding my long rosy blonde hair. I was the only one in my family ,other than my dead grandma, that had rosey blonde hair, and green eyes with golden spots all over them. I have a little face with freckles on my nose, and arms. My height didn't help as I was 5'2, and my body was gaining a little weight. I was told I was skinny, but I'd say average is closer to my body than anything else.

My sister, on the other hand, had rosey cheeks that always puffed up when she smiled. Lilian, had always had this gorgeous hair that no one could ever hate. It was like this silvery brown that shimmered in the daylight. I remember when my parents were furious when she came home with a pixie cut. My laughter couldn't be held back a single bit. Her eyes are as shimmery as the stars in the night sky with a dark blue surrounding it. Some would even say they were black, if they had just met her. Lilian was just a little shorter than me, most likely because we were 3 years apart. Lilian's physique was quite built ,and very skinny.

I listened to the ticking of the clock before my gazing eyes seemed to fall upon it. My body jumped up as I couldn't risk to be late for High School, especially on the first day. I was about fourteen at this time, and tomorrow was going to be my 15th birthday. Of course, I was extremely excited for the day, but at the same time it was terrifying. Just thinking about my life completely being planned out by the start of tomorrow was crazy, and almost mind blowing!

My mom was in the kitchen talking to my dad about something, and it seemed serious. They immediatly smiled their shiny white teeth, like they were the perfect buds when I walked in. I wanted to ask what they were talking about, but I decided to give them their privacy. My mom and dad were both roses, and they fell in love at their job. I always find their love story quite funny actually. They were both matchmakers for a living, and yet it took them 5 years to notice they were both flirting with each other.

My mom had that lovely long hair length that you could do anything with. Though the sad part was, it was amazingly curly. To the point a straightener got stuck in her hair, and it didn't even make a dent to make the whole situation worth it. The surprising thing about it all, was that my dad fell in love with her, because of her brownie colored curls. Everytime he compliments her curls with everything she wears, her blue eyes roll all around. When I was about 5, I had always thought her eyes would fall out of her head, because of it. My mom was ,how do I say this, plump in some words. Or, from what the kids say these days, thiccccc! My mom has always been one of the shortest people in the family, but she beats me by two inches. That is why I wear heels sometimes, just so I can have that moment of being taller than her.

My mom smiled at me as she already knew what I wanted, and what I was going to say, just by looking at me. "Dont worry I'm coming! I'm coming!" She kissed my dads stumpy haired face goodbye, before rushing out to the car. I had soon followed her after grabbing my polka dot book bag.

My dad was there to wish me off with a kiss on my forehead. He was always so loving compared to his muscular,and threatening appearance.
He had silver hair which he wore proudly, without a single regret. He was always into that "Experiance comes with age", bull crap. He wanted to show off his age, so people would treat him with respect. We don't tell him the only reason they respect him is, because he looks like he could kill you. I love my dad, but he can even scare me sometimes.

I rushed off to the car and hop into the front seat. The car was so fun, the leather seats felt great, and the seat warmers were the best on cold days like these. We were in the middle of fall, and it just gets colder and colder everyday. My mom has her long sleeved t-shirt on ,and a puffy vest to cover it. Her pants were long and boot cut, they almost covered her black boots as well.

My mind was up in the clouds before the car started to shake motioning me to the thought that we were moving. Today I wore my pink sweater with the Black Eyed Susan bud on it. I got this sweater as a Christmas gift from grandma. I wear it almost everyday....it makes me feel closer to her. My blue skinny jeans were usually really tight compared to my liking, but I dealt with it. On my feet, I'm wearing my rainbow converse I wear with everything. I cant help it, they are just so comfy!

The car stops with my surprise added to it. Was I really thinking this long about clothes? I faced palmed as I was developing into a fashionista. I respect others by choosing that path, but for me it's not that exciting. I had something more exciting planned for the future. Everyone has a flower bud on top of their head that will determine what groups they will be in, and who they will become. I have desperately wished for my bud to bloom into a black eyed Susan. My dream ever since I was little, was to serve as a cop for justice. I know I'd never be as lucky to become a sunflower, and have money fall at my feet, but because of my terrible luck I have learn't to keep my dreams small. That is our society, because your bud is the only status you have in this world.

My mom wishes me good bye as I get out of the car. I have never felt so nervous in my entire life. My mom drives away as I watch her car leave from my veiw. A strange gulp goes down my throat, as I take my first step into the school. This high school wasn't that big, and yet held dozens of classrooms all filled to the brim with teens. Me? I was put in Miss. Flexes classroom. I had visited the class during the school's open house with my mom, so I knew exactly where I was going.

My head went into the classroom before my body did, and it didn't even take a second to see teens goofing around and throwing paperballs at eachother. I walked into the classroom with my head held high. My dad always said "Walk around with confidence and no one will ever see your fear." I sat down in a blue chair in the back close to the window, hoping to God he was right.

I was sitting next to a boy that I had seen before, he lives in the same neighborhood as me. I never really talked to him, mostly because he kinda freaked me out. His hair was as black as a raven's wing. His skin was a glossy tan, as golden specks lined around it. I had heard from my mom that it's a family heritage thing. Though, since he was adopted into the Fedrick's home, he stuck out like a sore thumb, even compared to them. His eyes were baby blue, and maybe the only thing I liked about him in fact. Though I'm even surprised I had gotten close enough to determine his eye color, because he scares everyone away including me. His name was James, but barely anyone bothers to even care about learning his name. He might have intrigued me enough to have me remember it.

"Valance Sterling" The blonde haired teacher said with such care and sweetness. Miss. Flexes was amazingly beautiful, and anyone could see that. I could even catch James taking a glance at her once or twice, and I couldn't blame him. Her skin looked so smooth, I thought her chalk would just slide out of her hand. She had two gorgeous diffrent colored eyes that really pointed out her figure. Green and blue were looking around the room making sure everyone was in their seat, as they settled back up onto the board. She was wearing a dress that matched with her flower perfectly. The flower, on top of her head, was a pretty pink Bongolia meaning knowledge and deep thoughts. This could tell me alot about her. By my guess she is a very sensitive person, with kindness that reached through the stars, her thoughts are not to be taken lightly, and her mind is well trained.

"Valance? Is valance here today?" Her voice sounded the name once more, making sure she was saying it correctly. I jump up as I raised my hand "I'm here!" I say finally realizing she was calling roll. I could hear slight laughter sounding from the front of the classroom, and I sat down clearly embarrassed.

Class had commenced the second everyone was announced present. Miss. Flexes was supposed to be teaching us English today. Her kindness on the other hand, may have given students the thought of taking advantage of her. I sat in my seat as the others cried fake tears if she caught them passing notes, or being disruptive. If I was her I wouldn't be so easy on them.

James was being quite silent, more than he usually is at least. I think it was, because his birthday was coming up too. His bud would bloom and his life would be a open book from there. I took a closer look at him and noticed fear on his face. He was holding his head and mumbling a few words I must have missed when I first had looked at him. I tried leaning closer in to get a better shot at hearing him, but the bell rang and I fell out of my chair from being startled.

Once again I could hear the laughter from before, but this time it was louder and bigger than earlier. I wanted to curl up into a ball and cry, every second they spent laughing at me. The more I felt like a pathetic piece of trash. The thought got bigger and bigger with every passing second, until I heard a smooth, and concerned voice. "Hey, you need a hand?" The voice sounded almost tired, annoyed, and even empathetic all at the same time. I look up to see who was the owner of such a voice that had called out to me. My eyes widened in shock ,as I saw who the nice vocals belonged to.

It was James.....