As the youngest child born to two doctors, logic and facts have always dominated Israel’s world. He was never one to believe in childhood fantasies such as Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, or even the Boogeyman. No, science and logic dominated his young and impressionable mind. For most of his life Israel was homeschooled up until he was 15 due to left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HOCM). Having to always watch from the sidelines as his older athletic brother participated in sports while Israel was regarded as a child prodigy who buried himself in books, theory and science experiments.
His childhood was a lonely one and he found himself envying his brother more and more. Not only for his popularity but his ability to captivate and socialize with others. Everyone seemed to flock to him while no one took a sparing glance towards Israel. Destined to live in the shadow of his brother and parents, Israel resigned himself to living in their shadows until he was 16. Something in him shifted and that’s when the reckless streak started. One could say he had a death wish with the stunts he pulled. Therapists called it a cry for attention - a way to cope. And his parents called it a shit show. Especially, given his love affair with substance abuse. The only long-term relationship Israel Skelton had was with Adderall.
At the age of 18 Israel underwent a heart transplant thanks to his parents pulling strings. Due to his poor choices, if it weren’t for them he probably wouldn’t have gotten it. Nor did he deserve it in the eyes of others. In all honesty his chance of survival had been low. And he did in fact die. Many proclaimed it was a miracle the boy had eventually pulled through and recovered. Others claimed it was God’s mercy that let Israel see birthday after birthday. Israel just claims it was dumb luck and science. God isn’t real. And if he was why would he save him of all people? Israel was nothing remarkable. He was a quiet wallflower. Albeit reckless at times. And that started a reputation for him.
He was an enigma - caused by his muteness after a tragic car accident in high school. And despite eventually gaining popularity and being pretty in the face he also had a reputation for turning down those who approached him romantically. Why? He simply didn’t believe in love. Or anything else for that matter. Instead he focused on his studies. His diligence and near-obsession with his grades and perfection had him breezing through school at record pace. He earned a double BS in Chemistry and Biology then a MS in Genetics. He spends his time as a TA for the Chemistry department - known for being a hard-ass with grading and making “nearly impossible” tests. He is also a tutor in Chemistry and Biology. Throwing himself further into his studies he is currently doing PhD in Bioinformatics in hopes to aid the very conditions that plague him.
Personality-wise, he tends to keep more to himself and tends to hide in the background - even during his fraternity days he wasn’t one to draw attention to himself. Although, some students think he slept with half the science department to achieve his academic feats. It’s also no secret his family donates money every year to the university and funds several departmental projects. But Israel will say his parents had very little to do with his success and he will be quick to separate himself from their legacy. In fact, he succeeded in this and after pulling a few stunts at his parents social dinners they cut him off from their will and left him homeless for half a year. Taking up residence on the couches of other students (and some staff) he found refuge on the mainland with the help of one Effy Fontaine.
Israel is post-grad with a BS in Chemistry and a MS in Genetics A TA for the Chemistry Department & Tutor in Chemistry and Biology Currently working on PhD in Bioinformatics. Living on the Mainland.
