Chapter Text
Alright. January. 201M2016 B.C.
Location? Saint Everglades.
Weather? I feel like I’m getting cooked here.
How do people go out wearing hoodies at this temperature?
Even in the winter, the sun has barely calmed down and there’s no sign of any clouds today. How surprising in this side of the state in this city.
But whatever, it’s no surprise and I shouldn’t be complaining on my first day back to school. As I continue to make my way, kicking rocks and empty soda cans, I inhale the fresh (hopefully not polluted) air as I take in the fact this is going to be my last year of school.
Just a couple more months and I can finally leave all of this behind. I'll no longer be the weakest target for everyone to pick on, all because I'm the only human in this school, and probably the shortest too.
So much has happened in this place, and a lot of those events aren’t pretty to remember. The only nice thing I could say about this school is that the teachers were nice, except a handful. Good thing I left that German elective when I had the chance. Seriously, screw that guy.
There’s no time to focus on that, though, the building finally entering the view ahead of me. It’s high time I focus on what’s important, to pass. I got a new schedule for the classes I’d have this year, hoping the majority of the students I fought last year weren’t in said classes.
Now standing at the beginning of the stairs of the school, I take a good look at the building I’m going to end up graduating from soon. Four stories tall, bushes and vegetation adorning the place with flowers along the side, a big track field with a football field located in the center, and even a baseball field. Honestly, I was surprised this place wasn’t focused purely on sports. There were like, three different teams for this school and most of them hung around in those places after hours. The football team, the trackfield team, hell, even the baseball team.
…Right, the baseball team. I have to be really careful with the members in that. With the way they’re always roaming around the school, I can only hope I don’t encounter any of them in the hallways and only pray none of them were in the same classes I’ll be taking. But, I’d already have to be extremely lucky to only share a class with just one of them.
Let’s just hope for the best today. The majority of them are probably missing.
Arrived twenty minutes early and the doors still haven’t opened yet. As I make my way up to hang out in my corner, I can already see I’m getting those dreadful looks and whispers.
“Sweet Raptor Jesus, this guy still attends this school…?”
“I’m surprised he didn’t get expelled after that last fight he got in…”
“I wouldn’t have been surprised if he did get expelled…”
Along with the whispers and the handful of small insults that were thrown, I finally made it to my corner.
Just… don’t think about it Daniel. People talk shit all the time and it’s a normal thing for you at this point, there’s no need to start a fight over it. Even if I did and somehow managed to escape it unscathed, I didn’t want to see mom’s judgmental side when I got home.
“Ay Dios raptor Mio…”, I mumbled silently. Shuddered at the mere thought of it. One more reason to try and go through this year as smoothly as possible.
I pulled out my phone and checked the time, seeing there were five minutes left. If I recall correctly, my first class should be P.E with Mr. Coach. That begs the question… should I refer to him as coach Coach or just Coach? Eh… just Coach.
With the doors finally opening up, I make my way in with the rest of the students and into the hallways, quickly picking up my pace towards the gym. Maybe it’s the fact that it’s my last year here, but I had never realized how big this place actually is. Getting from class to class takes like, a full three minutes or more depending if you stay and chat with your buddies or go to the bathroom. And as I looked more closely at the vegetation in the hall, I realized it’s all fake, plastic. Makes sense, don’t want the herbivores to keep snacking on the leaves and vines and having to constantly replace them, it’d be a waste of money.
Finally nearing the gym, the hallway suddenly got packed with large groups at either side of the hall. Getting through is a real struggle now, with students either opening up their lockers, chatting outside of their respective classrooms, what have you. The most annoying outcome of them all just so happens to be before me, a group that takes up the entirety of the hallway, walking slow as hell and talking to each other in a line. My progress is completely halted, having to wait for an opening. If there is any, considering their tails are also in the way. Ugh…
Finally with the group splitting up, I pick up the pace again and finally make it to the gym. I could have gotten here earlier but whatever, it’s the first day back and teachers are usually lenient on tardies, especially Coach. Now in the locker room, I quickly change to my gym clothes and make my way out to the field. Once I arrived, I noticed everyone just finished warming up. Was I really that late? Jesus…
“Man, I was starting to wonder if you were actually expelled this time, Daniel. Would have been a real bummer.” I look to my side and I’m met with the chubby Pachycephalosaurus, Coach.
“Sorry Coach- “ I place a hand on the back of my head as I’m met with glares from the rest of the class, the majority of which wear smug smiles seeing I’m the last here. This sucks ... “I-I could have gotten here earlier but- “ Coach cuts me off by raising his hand in front of him. Right… no excuses.
“Doesn’t matter. At least you’re here. And just in time, too. Get in line with the rest.” Coach said, as I do a quick nod and follow his commands, making my way to line up with the rest. As I do, I look around a bit to the line of students. I don’t spot anyone in particular that has beef with me, so I think I’m good in this class. Sweet. After getting in line and still getting some stares Coach stood up from his chair and whistled to get everyone’s attention.
“Alright class, welcome back! I hope you guys enjoyed your winter break! Got some rest, went out in the sun and hung out with your friends I hope! But now, we’re back in this lovely school and I hope you’re ready for your first day back!”, Coach exclaimed with a lot of energy, the rest of the class clearly not vibing with him, either yawning or seemingly wholly uninterested.
“At first, I was planning to have you guys just run laps or do a full series of exercises, but how about we treat ourselves to something better ?” Coach said, as the attention of all the students were quickly encapsulated by his words.
"Oh no…" , I say to myself. I know where this is going.
“Why don’t we treat ourselves with a nice game of dodgeball ?” The coach continues.
"Oh nooo…" I put a hand on my face, letting out an annoyed groan. It seems my reaction is completely different from everyone else’s, everyone excited and happy but me.
“In the meantime…” Coach followed up by pulling out something wrapped up in paper. “I’m going to treat myself something as well.” He said with a wiggle of his fingers as he began unwrapping the paper. A burger? A barbeque bacon burger at this hour? “Alright, get ready and pick your sides! We are doing teams!” He said, as he took a chomp of his hearty meal. I can’t help but think that either one of his parents could’ve been a carnivore. Or it’s a vegan burger. Honestly, it could’ve been either or.
After making my way to the left side of the gym, I did some quick stretches so I didn't pull anything. Everyone, including me, got a ball and got ready for action, anxiously waiting for Coach to blow the whistle.
Man, how I don’t miss this. In this game, I usually leave with a bleeding nose or a mark in my gut. The speed these meteor- ahem - dinos throw are insane. At least I can throw as hard, but it doesn’t help when I get targeted. Speaking of which, I can already sense two on the enemy side looking at me targeting me. Not sure where from, but I can feel it.
With Coach finishing his burger and cleaning his fingers, he took the whistle from his neck and held it with his hand. As everyone got into position, Coach shouted “READY!?” while looking at both sides of the gymnasium. And with the sound of a whistle finally blaring off, hell breaks loose as the room was getting pelted with nothing but flying red rubber thrown at insane speeds on both sides.
It's time to focus, Daniel. Just dodge and throw. Simple, if it wasn’t for the obvious fact a couple balls whiffed, barely missing me. A few too many , in fact. I take a good look and I spot someone who is targeting me, no idea who he is, but it doesn’t matter. Getting ammo from the floor, I aimed at the target, and with my dominant hand, I threw the ball. The rubber hit them right on their snout as he was about to grab another ball, making them fall back and groan in pain. One less threat.
As I go to pick up another ball on my side, I hear a distant but familiar voice from the other side of the gym. “HEY, DANIEL!” Hearing that shout, I immediately duck out of pure instinct, a ball whiffing right past my head and hitting the wall behind me. Looking over at the new threat, my eyes lock on to a certain green stegosaurus. Bastard. I recognize this guy.
“…Luca.” I whisper. This fucker is sharing this class with me. Of course.
“You have no idea how happy I am to see you, tell me, did you missed me?” He said, wearing that shit eating grin.
“Absolutely NOT .” I replied, as I followed up with throwing a ball as hard as I possibly could, which he easily dodged. He was smug about it, as always.
“Pfft, you did miss me! How was winter break? Still have that same ole grumpy attitude?”
“Looks like you still have that dumbass haircut!”, I retorted back. As I’m about to throw another ball, I’m interrupted by a whistle from Coach. Looking over he was giving me that judgmental look with his arms crossed. Right, foul language. I look back at Luca, who threw another ball, one I barely dodged.
“Hey, my haircut looks good!" He said as he proudly passed his hands through it, prideful of the mess he calls his hair. “... You’re just jealous! How surprising of you.” There's a hint of sarcasm behind that statement. This bastard is so irritating, and he’s enjoying every second of it.
This fucker needs to be put out . Ball in hand, I concentrated all my force into my right arm. This has to be it. And with a swift motion, I threw the hardest I could over to Luca. Unfortunately, the bastard saw it ages ago and dodged with that smug look still on his face.
*THUNK!*
“AGH!” A pained scream could be heard for just a moment. The rouge ball didn’t hit the wall, it hit someone . Everything and everyone in the gym suddenly stopped, the war pausing as everyone, including Luca, stood in fear while looking over at the source of the scream. No one dared to move. Why ? It wasn’t like screams of pain were rare here.
With Luca finally having the courage to move, he took a few steps to the side as he looked at me with a thousand-yard stare. Who was that I just hit? Why are they all so stunned? Looking over, I see a tall figure with my ball right in front of them. As soon as I realized who it was, my blood ran cold, in fear like the rest of the class.
A blue Therizinosaurus. Long gray shaded purple hair that reaches down to her shoulders, extremely long and sharp claws, it all checks out. Oh god it was her ... I can’t fucking move!
Not long after this realization, whispers started to circulate around the class, the volume low enough so she didn't hear them while she grunted in pain, gently rubbing her nose with her palm. I can slightly see a bit of red liquid dripping from her hand down to the ground.
“ Oh god, he hit her, he hit the witch… ”
“ Should we bring a medkit…? ”
“A medkit? He’s going to need a damn defibrillator after she's done with him…”
“He’s so dead …”
Dios , what do I do!? Do I jump out the window!? Do I run!? Do I run to the back exit!? Is she going to chase after me!? What are my options here!? Before I could think any further about my escape routes, she looks over to me. Both of our eyes locked in with each other. My blood became colder just by her sight, those green eyes piercing right through my soul.
I expected the worst when our eyes locked. To get met with her wrath, to get met with 8 sharp claws piercing right through my chest, to see her anger for even daring to hit her… But instead of being met with malice, anger, or murderous intent in her eyes, I’m met with… sadness. She is not running towards me, she’s not stabbing me 28 times, she’s not slicing me into ribbons, she’s just…standing there, looking at me.
Coach promptly ran over to her side and placed a hand on her shoulder, quietly asking if she’s okay, to which she just silently nodded. He then gives her a card and motions her to the exit so she can go to the nurse’s office, which she follows through with and quickly shuffles over to the exit, leaving the gym, everyone still in shock.
As soon as she left, everyone started looking at me, still whispering at each other about the fact I hit her.
And soon after, I felt something quickly replace my fear with… something worse. It punched me right in the stomach over and over.
I felt... guilty.
I felt extreme guilt for hurting her. With any other person, I couldn't care less. With any other, I could have hit them and felt no remorse because they were probably asking for it. But with her? She… she didn’t deserve that. All I could see was that she just stood there. No dodgeballs ever came to or from her direction. Like she was just being present for the sake of attending the class, avoiding and being avoided by everyone.
Dios, now what do I do? I could just go along with my day, thinking this never happened... but, I can’t just ignore that, especially when I caused it. If I went up to her, would she be mad at me? Would she ignore me? Would she…-
“Yo.”
My train of thought gets interrupted as a hand grabs my shoulder. Looking over, I’m met with that smug bastard, Luca. “Sucks that you might die in the first week back to school, and in the last year. Just wanted to say it was nice knowing and annoying ya.”
…What?
“The hell are you talking about?” I said, as I slapped his hand away from my shoulder.
“I’m just saying you might be marked for death now. So , I’m saying my goodbyes to you, bro. Before she gets to ya.” He said, as he ran a finger from his eye down to his cheek, mimicking a tear.
“Vete a la mierda, Luca… marked for death?” Really, what is he talking about?
“I’m bein serious! From what I've been told, there’s like, a hundred stories about her. You might be her next.” He said, as he casually shrugged.
Right… the many stories and rumors about her. Like if you made her mad, she’d slice you open and gut your insides out. That if you stare at her she’d cleave your skull open. Even if you stood near her long enough, she’d turn you into a kebab. Y’know… it’s not helping the nerves that a lot of these have to do with getting killed by her and having your insides be pulled out.
Don’t get a mental image of how that would go Daniel, don’t . You've seen enough shit on the internet for being a curious enough prick. Eugh…
Soon after that thought, I start hearing snickering to my side, coming from Luca. What’s on his mind now? “ …I bet ten dollars she’s turning you into a keba- “
“STOP.”
I try to clear my mind. Imagine a bunch of kittens and puppies.
Class resumed, and continued without a hitch. People turn back to throwing balls left and right for a good while longer, until nobody else is left standing. Eventually, the class ends, and we are left to clean up and go about our next set of activities for the day.
With a couple of classes done, I haven’t spotted any other students from the club so far. Unfortunately though, I am sharing some classes with Luca. Not just P.E but math too. As well as lunch… which I suppose isn’t avoidable. He really loves to be a nuisance.
With my lunch in hand and somehow managing to not spill everything on the ground by the stampede of people all around the cafeteria, I sat down at the nearest table to me. I looked around at the other tables and managed to spot the blue therizino all the way in the back, sitting at one of the tables in the corner. Safe to assume everyone is avoiding sitting near her, considering the table is almost empty, save some students that sat on the far end. I can also see she’s holding a tissue on her nose, covering where she got hit.
Shit .
I really don’t know how to approach this kinda thing, what could I say? ‘Hey, sorry I hit your nose really hard and caused you to bleed, which made you go to the nurse and miss the rest of the class, but it’s all good right?’ …No, that's not good at all. Think of a better one, man. ‘Hey, sorry I hit you. Anyways, cya.’ …Yeah, no. God, you suck at this Daniel. How many times have you actually apologized for hitting someone?
Considering my previous fights… not ever, really. Not counting the times a teacher would have me forcefully apologize to someone I fought. I never really meant it those times. I did it to just get it over with and go along with my day.
Before I could think of any other way of going about it, the bell rang, and everyone started to grab their stuff and leave. I take one more look over to where she was. She's already standing from her spot and is making her way to the exit while the dinos that were already near the exit hurriedly got out of her way for her to pass without problem. There goes my chance for today…
I sighed as I grabbed my stuff and made my way out of the cafeteria. As I did, something pokes my left shoulder. I looked over and- Of course, no one was there. I look to the right and see Luca with a smug face with the success that he tricked me. You son of a-
“Are you really thinking about it?” he says, interrupting any further thought.
“…What?”
“ Are you really thinking about it? ” He repeats a bit louder.
“Thinking about what? What am I thinking about?”
“Are you thinking about talking to her?”
“Ah… well yes but- “
“But you’re scared you’ll be turned into a roasted pig on a stick.”
“Really, I don’t need any more ugly mental images, Luca. But… yes, I want to approach her, but I’m not really sure how.”
“Well, it should be simple enough. You have to let her know you are sorry for what you did.”
“...Well yeah, that was already my plan-”
“Yeah, and it’s gonna flop if you go about like this, let me tell ya. And I'm not saying this just to annoy you, but you really aren't ready.”
“I'm not? What makes you say that?”
“Dude. I saw the way you stared at her, you had the most dreadful face ever. It’s easy to see you're still scared of her.”
Ah… I didn't even notice. “I see… then what do I do?”
“Well, a simple sorry ain't gonna cut it. You have to mean it one way or another. Not sure how you're going to word it, but make it feel genuine… Also maybe bring a can of spinach! That could totally help!”
“... I'm not bringing a whole can of wet spinach Luca… but the rest? I got some ideas on how to approach it. I… thanks.”
“ No problemo, mi amigo.” And as he butchered the Spanish language, Luca made his way out of the cafeteria. That was… the most help I’ve ever gotten from him, surprisingly. No teasing today besides the little exchange during PE earlier today.
The rest of the day went on without much problem thankfully. The route I’m taking seems to be working, with no sightings of club members. Maybe they missed their first day back? In any case, I hope it stays like that for the rest of the year. Now that school is over for today, I make my way back home. My house is kind of old, but it’s been kept in good condition by the prior owners of this place. Bushes and flowers in front to decorate it a little, but in some places, the paint is kind of stripping off from the wall. It's not the prettiest, but compared to the other houses around the block? This one is the best. Bias aside, it’s not that far from the school. It’s like, what, a fifteen minute walk? Unlocking the door and making my way inside, I’m greeted with a delicious aroma. Hell yes , my mom is making black beans with rice. Making my way into the living room, my mom spots me from the kitchen and starts making her way to me with arms open.
“Mijo! It’s so good to see you!” Oh boy, here it comes.
Now fully embraced, my mom lifts me off the ground and starts squeezing me in a hard hug like she hasn’t seen me in years. I try my best to return the hug, but Dios I can’t breathe. Carnotaurus' strength is as deadly as they say. Finally letting me go, I catch my breath. Thank God she doesn’t hug for minutes, otherwise I’d have passed out.
“Tell me mijo, how was school?” she said, as she got back into the kitchen and started to serve out the food, just in time.
“Well…ehh you know the usual like last year…” At this comment she stops and looks at me as she furrows. “W-which means it went ok! Nothing… too bad.”
“ Nothing too bad? ” She says, squinting her eyes at me in suspicion.
“Y-yeah! Just uhm… I kinda pulled a muscle in P.E so y'know, my body kinda hurts, heh.”
“…Hmph, pues eso te pasa por estar encerrado con ese telefono todo el dia durante vacaciones, of course your body would hurt. But no matter! Also, do make sure not to leave your stinky gym clothes in your bag.” she says as she puts the food on the table.
Of course, she always puts the blame on my phone, but at least I dodged what actually happened. I don’t feel like getting judged today. “Ok, ok… do you mind if I take my food to my bedroom, I kinda want to lay down as well.”
“Hmm…ok, but please make sure to not make a mess or leave your plate in your room, we keep having to deal with these- *STOMP* -pests that keep making their way in our rooms.”
Rest in peace, little roach. Thanking my mom, I grab my plate and make my way to my room, sitting down on my table and pulling out my phone to watch some videos. Can’t ever miss that. I have a lot to think about for tomorrow but right now I want to clear my mind off of things.
Now with a clean plate and a nice shower, I lie down in bed. I would have fallen asleep by now, but the thoughts of that therizino keep haunting my mind. That look that she gave me… I really can’t stop feeling bad about it. “Eugh, I really hope I don’t screw this up. If I sound honest enough, maybe I won’t get sliced up…maybe.” And with those final words, I slam my eyes down, brute forcing my way into sleep.
…
…
…
…
*BEEP* *BEEP* *BEEP* *BEEP* *BEEP*
“AGGGHHH!”
I shot up from my bed in a panic as I kicked my blanket off me and threw my pillow all the way to the wall, all the while the most obnoxious alarm was going off. Dios, I forgot this is the loudest fucking thing in this house. In annoyance, I slam the top of the alarm, shutting it off for good.
I laid back down for a moment while letting out an annoyed groan. What time did I sleep? It’s so tempting to go back to sleep, but I can’t. I gotta get ready for the second day and not get met with the chancla to my face if mom is still here, which I doubt she is at this hour… but let’s not tempt fate.
As I finally finished getting my clothes on and made my way to the living room, I’m met with a nice sandwich on the table. Indeed, my mom already left for work. Looking at what’s inside the sandwich, I see salami, cheese n’ ham. Hell yeah.
As I left home and started making my way to school, there were a couple of thoughts lingering in my mind, besides homework from the math teacher, which screw you Mr. Hawk. Already homework on the first day back? And other upcoming events for this last year, there’s one that still stood out the most, and one that is still as bothersome as yesterday.
The Therizino I bonked in the nose with a dodgeball. I never meant to hit her, and especially that hard that it caused a nosebleed, that was meant for the smug bastard.
But I can't dwell on it forever. I got in mind on what I want to say and I came prepared just in case. A bit of a failsafe if you will, if the apology wasn't enough. And while I got mentally prepared, the school building started to get into my view, still baffling me the size of the place.
Now getting a bit closer, I couldn't help but notice the fact that many of the students were basically on one side on the set of stairs, at least the majority. All the while whispering and staring at someone that was sitting on the first row of stairs. Which just so happens to be the girl I'm looking for, sitting on one side of the bench that were near the set of stairs.
She seems… in a better mood? I can’t really tell. Her hair is covering up her eyes, and as far as I'm aware, she's just staring at the ground, tapping it with her claws.
Inhale, exhale. You got this Daniel.
As I made my way closer, the majority of the students turned their attention to me, shutting up their whispers as they all looked at me expectantly. I grunted a bit at the sudden change of scenery and how everyone locked onto me, simultaneously switching between me and to her.
I couldn't help but slowly start to feel the environment suddenly become colder as I started making my way to her. My heart slowly started to speed up with each step and my legs were becoming slower and slower, my body essentially begging me to stop and go back, but I was still willing to get closer.
As I finally made it near the bench while she was sitting on the far end, I stood silent for a moment, waiting for her to realize there’s someone near her, but she didn't seem to notice. Alright, I have to make the first move, inhale, exhale…
…
“...He-ARGH!” As soon as I was about to speak, a pair of arms with rough green scales wrapped around me and hoisted me up in the air, carrying me away.
“Hey Daniel! How ya doing bud! How’d ya sleep?”
“Luca!” I yelled out as Luca was carrying me up the stairs while I struggled to get out of his grasp. The hell was he doing!?
While I kept up the struggle, Luca was barraging me with questions, each time finishing one before immediately following it up with another, not giving me any space to respond as we arrive at one of the side entrances of the building. Finally, with one mighty push, I slipped out of his grab and fell to the side.
“OW! What the hell dude!” I sat up a bit quickly as I rubbed the side of my arm, looking at Luca which he simply gave me a neutral look.
“Hey, calm it man, you should be thanking me.”
“Wh- for what? You interrupted me dude, she was right there!”
“And so were like, a shit ton of people, that was not a good spot to apologize there. Plus, you looked like you were actually about to shit your pants man.”
“Oh shut the hell up, I was going to… I was going to…” I was about to follow up with another comment but I couldn't, I let my mouth hang for a bit before closing it. He's right about… all of that. A lot of people were looking at us. And, I did feel like I was about to have a heart attack. It was a lot of pressure…
“Eugh… this sucks so much.”
“Eh, it could've been worse. On the bright side, there’s always P.E and lunch. Maybe some other class you might share with her?”
“I don't share any other classes with her…I think.” I said as I got up from the floor and started brushing off any dirt I might’ve had off of my clothes “Also, side note, don’t ever fucking pick me up again dude, I hate that.”
“I’ll do it again if you start chickening out again like that.”
“...You're such an annoyance.”
“I knowww.~”
Now with the doors of the school finally opening up, we made our way in and now we are on route to P.E. I guess I can thank Luca for earlier, but ever since last year he has been quite the pain in the ass, and he’s super casual about it. At least, he seemed to have toned down. Also, speaking of him, as soon as the hallways started to get packed, I immediately got left behind. He was going through with ease, gently pushing others aside while I'm barely capable of squeezing through a couple of students, not to mention I keep tripping on their tails. I forgot how hectic the hallways always are. At least, much like yesterday, there's no sign of- “OMF!”
My thoughts were immediately cut of as I felt my body slam against someone, their stuff on hand fell to the ground by the crash while I stumbled a couple of steps back “Hey watch it you-” as soon as I got a good view of who it was, I immediately froze on the spot as I’m met by the gaze of another familiar face.
“...Daniel.” she whispered as she frowned
“... Anya .” One of the dinos I really wanted to see the least, and she’s here today.
“And I really thought you got expelled this time, after that shit you pulled last year” she said with a hostile tone as she slowly started to make her way closer to me with a faint growl emanating from her, naturally, I started backing up, making distance between her and me.
As much as I’d love to, I know my limits, I can’t fight a fucking spinosaurus, less so that one.
As I kept making my way back, the attention of the students started to pile on both of us, seeing the situation only one can assume what may happen. “OH SHIT IS ABOUT TO GO DOWN!” some random yelled out, and that was the final nail on the coffin, as soon after, the hallways around us started to get packed up quickly with spectators.
I look back for a moment to see a wall of nothing but saurians blocking my path, no exit, looking back in front of me, Anya was curling up her hands into fists as she started to get closer, there is really no way to talk to her, I’m fucked, no way out and I don’t have anything on hand to even this out.
I'm most likely going to come out with broken ribs…eh fuck it, I’m not gonna go down without a fight maldita perr-
“Hey what’s going on!?” soon a familiar voice yelled out in the hallway as they started to make their way in, shoving students aside to get in the source of what’s the chaos, and to my relief it was Coach, soon as he came into view Anya straightened up, no longer posing a threat as she got a bit of a shocked expression on her face “I said what’s going on here? What are you two doing?” Coach spoke out as his eyes went back and forth between us.
Right as I was about to speak, I felt a hand grab my shoulder by the side as I was quickly interrupted “Nothing! nothing, Coach! Me and Daniel are just talking, making amends! I guess people misunderstood the situation aha! isn't that right друг?” she said, slamming a hand against my back, making me retort in pain as her claws were slowly digging at my skin, almost stabbing. Taking in the hint, I nodded in agreement with her as I made my best smile possible.
Coach looked at both of us in suspicion, making both of us tense up a bit before he finally spoke “You both know damn well you are on thin ice. One more incident and you both know where you're going to land at.”
Just by that we both made one gulp sound as Anya finally let go of my back, Dios her claws are sharper than I remembered “да…Lakers side.” she whispered as she had a somber expression.
Now I personally have never been in that place, but I hear rumors about it often, and that the principal threatened to send me there… It’s another big reason to go through this year as smoothly as possible.
And now considering Anya and most likely the others are here, that’s going to be extremely hard, and dammit it’s barely the second day.
“Good, now go to class, Anya. And Daniel, you do as well and go get your P.E clothes on” soon he turned around to the group of spectators “THAT GOES WITH EVERYONE!” Coach yelled out as finally everyone started to break off and go to class. As I resumed my way, I couldn't help but steal one final look at Anya, who was still staring daggers at me. In response I just gave her the finger, which she mirrors before finally disappearing into the crowd. Now on my path to the locker room, I rubbed the area where she slapped my back, sucking some air through my teeth. It hurts like hell.
But thankfully as the day went on, neither in P.E or in math did I stumble upon another club member. And as much I wanted to, P.E was not another chance to go chat with that girl, but now in lunch, it's gonna be different. Looking at the far side of the corner, she’s in her usual spot. The table was as empty as it was yesterday, with the few sitting on the table doing so as far as possible from her, and a couple of them looking at her direction just to see if she’s moving. At least try to not make yourselves look paranoid, geez.
But I can't say much about that, I'm just as scared, and just thinking about taking a step near her makes my heart jump a bit.
“You’re making that dreadful face again dude.” Luca said, standing next to me with his own lunch tray in hand.
“I just… I don’t know dude… I don’t think it’s going to go well.”
“Well as far as I see it, it’s either go and apologize or don’t, your call man”
I do have the choice to not go to her, I could just ignore all of this and just go on with my day, she doesn't seem to want to murder me so she might leave me alone either way but…
Start taking deep breaths, man the fuck up, atleast fix this problem, and it won’t pile up along with the club shit.A little bit of relief.Why not? I look back for a moment towards Luca, and he simply gives me a thumbs up with a smile before heading to his table to eat.
Looking forward once more, I start to make my way closer to her. I can notice she’s barely even eating her food. She’s just poking at her salad with her claws, uninterested or bored. She’s definitely really low today, and that’s not good.
And now as I'm in front of her across the other side of the table, my heart still races as bad as it did in front of the school, but at least I’m not being set into a downright panic. Alright, you got this. I take one final deep breath as I set my tray of food in front of her, followed by sitting down, the chair making a slight squeaking noise. That seemed to catch her attention as she slightly jolted up and looked at me directly in the eyes, making me freeze in place almost immediately as our eyes locked.
Calm down. CALM THE FUCK DOWN. She’s noticed you’re here, and she seemed to be neutral as soon as she saw you, so let's take a small little step at a time, alright? Start little.
“Hey…”
“...”
“...”
…
Ay dios what have I gotten myself into…
There’s nothing after that, just silence and prolonged eye contact. And as we stared at each other, I noticed she started to frown just a little.
“...How ar-”
“What do you want?” She immediately interrupts me as she places her hands on the table, slightly spreading her claws. Her response was extremely cold. She seemed slightly annoyed. Shit… this was probably a bad time.
“I-I just… wanted to apologize. Not sure if you remember me, but I was the guy that hit you in the nose. In P.E.?” I said, my voice cracking a bit.
“Hmph…” She finally looks away and back at her food, resuming the poking, letting the silence set in as I sit awkwardly across from her. But after about a minute, she sighs and breaks the silence “... Why?”
Why…?
“Uhh… I…” I closed my mouth for a moment to think how to word this down, but she took the moment of silence to herself.
“You’re scared right…?” She said, as she kept staring at her food, not looking anywhere else “You’re scared of me. Scared that I'm going to catch you at any given moment and gut you open, right?” She continued as she stabbed a piece of lettuce. “Or even worse with what I’ve heard…” She placed the lettuce back down as her hands flopped back to the table again. Looking at her face closely, there’s no more frowning or irritation, there’s just…
Sadness .
Shit. Alright, time to speak up. “If I’m being completely honest… Yes, I’m scared of you.” With that comment she frowns a bit more. “But… I didn’t want to apologize just so you didn't kill me. When I hit you with that dodgeball, at first I felt like I was gonna get a heart attack but… afterwards I felt really bad. I hit you, and you didn't deserve it one bit. It was a mistake on my end, and I’m really sorry for that.”
I finally finished off as she slowly looked up towards me, assumedly contemplating my apology. I took the chance to also follow up with the other part of my apology “And well, because of what happened, I’d like to compensate with, uh…” I reached into my bag for something, and gently put down it on the table.
…
…
…
A fucking can of wet spinach. God, why do I listen to you, Luca…
“Uh… yeah, I had no clue what you guys eat in specific, so my best bet was spinach…'' I rubbed the back of my head as she stared at it. Slowly, but surely, I saw a smile forming on the corner of her mouth…beak? I don't know.
As I was running hoops in my head of how I could’ve handled this better for a brief moment, she giggled slightly.
“ Hehe… Thank you… I would need a can opener, but I’ll keep this in my bag until I get home.” She gently takes the can and places it into her backpack with the same flair. I should have done a little more research, but she seemed pleased with it. Her spirits also seemed to be better too.
“Yeah, of course, heh. I don’t think your claws can cut through tin, so uh…” This seemed like a good time to leave, but…
Eh, why not introduce myself?
“My name is Daniel, by the way. It’s nice to meet you, …?”
“Samantha. It’s also good to meet you.” She gave out a small smile as well, and now, the air feels less cold, somehow.