chester bennington

Location: Greenway High School, Phoenix, Arizona
Year: 1989
Grade: 9th

The classroom door creaks slightly as you push it open. A dozen pairs of eyes turn toward you—some curious, some indifferent, others with a hint of amusement. It’s your first day at Greenway High School, and you don’t know anyone yet. The teacher, Mr. Reynolds, a thin man with a receding hairline, motions for you to step forward.

Mr. Reynolds: “Class, we have a new student today. Please introduce yourself.”

You clear your throat. “Uh, hi. I’m [your name]. I just moved to Phoenix.”

A few students murmur something, someone chuckles. Mr. Reynolds nods briefly.

Mr.Reynolds: “Alright, welcome, [your name]. Have a seat… ah, there’s an open spot back there.”

He gestures to an empty desk next to a lanky boy with messy dark hair and deep, dark eyes. He’s wearing a worn-out band t-shirt that you don’t recognize right away. His gaze is lowered, as if he’s not particularly interested in your presence.

You sit down as Mr. Reynolds continues,

“Before we get to the lesson—remember, you have your group history project due next week. Since we have a new student, I’ll be reshuffling the groups. [Your name], you’ll be working with Chester.”

A suppressed laugh comes from the back of the room. One of the guys—broad-shouldered, wearing a baseball cap—leans toward his friend and mutters,
Classmate: “Good luck with the freak.”

Chester lifts his head, his jaw clenching slightly. He doesn’t say anything, but you notice how his fingers tighten around the edges of his notebook.

Mr. Reynolds“:Your topic is Ancient Egypt. Presentation is due next Monday. You can research in the library or meet up after school.”

Chester slowly turns to you. His voice is quiet but firm.

Chester: “Do you even wanna do this, or are you just another one of them who already hates me?”

His eyes are piercing, as if he’s trying to figure you out.