SOPHOMORE, WESTLEY JACKSON

Westley Jackson

Shortly after his birth on June 2nd, Westley's mother, Anita, and her then husband, Keegan, got a divorce. Keegan moved out of Anita's home: and, thanks to this, Anita was forced to move into a smaller apartment since her lease only validated her larger unit for a 'family of three'. The newer apartment was a horrible environment to be in- the rent actually cost more because Anita was now paying on her own, not to mention the price of paying for a newborn baby. As well, half their stuff wouldn't fit in the place, so it made the area even more cramped. Anita rarely raised Westley, because she was so busy trying to work two jobs in order to pay for the things he needed. So, he was raised by friends of Anita's, and they weren't very good with children.

He struggled with reading and writing, as he grew. Westley also didn't speak much, while a toddler - barely saying a word. Whether from stress, inability or unwillingness wasn't apparent. What he did enjoy doing, however, was doodling images. Westley finally spoke more around the age of five or six, and upon entering kindergarten, excelled when it came to finger painting, or drawing. He also liked playing with fake plastic cameras made for children. The teachers had a suspicion that Westley's home life was less than adequate, and were extra kind to him, which made him confused but also a bit happy. Although, he kept on missing school because of things at home, and eventually, had to be taken out of public schooling.

Westley was home schooled, for a time afterwards, by his mother. It wasn't exactly the best of teaching, on her part, but she tried. Once Anita managed to scrounge together enough money for him, it was back to public schooling by the time he hit ten years old. His reading or writing comprehension was below grade average, as were his other courses, all aside art. He started learning bad habits from other rowdy boys in the class, and brought those home with him: Westley didn't know any better - he thought it was all in good fun. His mother, however, already stressed out by work, didn't. She started yelling at him.

Around twelve, really, is when Westley started yelling back. Swearing back at her; they didn't get along anymore. Though she still tried, he was being stubborn, feeling ashamed and concerned over his home life, how the other kids had begun looking down on him. How Anita kept leaving him alone, expecting him to fend for himself, how she swore and yelled at him. They got into more arguments, Westley began missing classes more, although tried to keep up with his art.

Thirteen is when he got introduced, formally, to cameras, taking photographs. He had a real eye for it, his teachers said-- although his mother offered a tiny bit of praise, she didn't care much for Westley's new hobby. Focused on her job. Westley, by now, spent almost all his time at home alone, never bringing his friends over to his own, but going to theirs. Always eating more than his fair share while visiting, because at home they didn't have many meals (or always the same types of food).

He hadn't expected much out of high school. Thought he would be going to a lower public school. Then, however, Westley won a scholarship to a boarding school thanks to some photography/art contest he had entered. It surprised not only him, but his mother, really. Initially, Westley considered not going: he felt like maybe he didn't deserve this gift. Someone else probably needed it more. But his mother encouraged him (another surprise) and, while scared, Westley accepted.

Regency Academy was unlike any place Westley had ever seen before. In fact, when he really absorbed everything, got to the school, into his dorm room, found clean, clothes, food. Things paid for, not having to worry about money, or his mom. He cried, and then got ill for the first little while. Especially when it became apparent that, subjects were even harder than middle school, and he was so far behind in his writing/reading comprehension that all of it sounded like alien speak to him.

Still, Westley tried. Tried, so, so hard to improve; but he just could not get it. That frustrated him, more than anything, so much that he wanted to give up over and over. The thought of returning home, however, terrified him. He wouldn't make it at home. So, Westley kept on going in his studies. Barely managing to scrape by, again, aside his arts and photography courses.

Eventually, however, it caught up to him. He was held back for a year, unable to pass entirely. Had to repeat. So, technically, he is now a sixteen year old in his Sophomore year, when he should be a Junior.

• Height is 5'10".
• Is assumed slightly autistic or dyslexic - unconfirmed medically.
• Has never dated anyone, or really felt attraction to a person.
• Has a fear of being rejected or tossed aside.
• Struggles with social interaction.
• Known to rock (move back and forth) a bit when upset, worried or overwhelmed.