We walked through the hallways, a strong aura hanging in the air. I kept patient, as I waited may weeks, for this opportunity.
"What did you do?"
"You think I know? I'm still trying to figure out why I was greeted with a sword." I answered Kyle.
We got to the courtyard, Jamie to my left, and Lola to my right. Kyle stayed just a few steps behind me, taking notes frantically as he always does.
Adriana took a seat on the bench, with Jamie and Lola to her sides. She did not smile.
"What are you doing?" she asked me.
"Trying to figure out a good reason as to why a dear friend of mine drags me out at recess with her two goons. I'm struggling" I balled my fists and looked at three of them.
I could see Kyle staring at me, his wide eyes filled with a mix of disbelief and something darker, his hand clamped tightly over his mouth as if he were holding back a storm of emotions. The tension was palpable, a heavy silence hanging like a suffocating fog, wrapping around us all.
Just then, out of the corner of my eye, I spotted Adriana rising to her feet. Her expression was ice-cold, utterly unreadable, and in that moment, time seemed to slow. The air crackled with anticipation, each breath a countdown to the inevitable. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest, a frantic drum echoing in the stillness.
Without warning, she closed the distance between us, her movement swift and deliberate. And then, with a sudden and shocking clarity, her palm connected with my face—an explosion of pain and surprise. The world around me spun as I staggered back, Kyle's horrified gaze the only thing anchoring me to reality. I could taste blood, bitterness mingling with the sting of betrayal, as murmurs rippled through the yard, the drama unfolding in a way that would leave its mark long after the moment passed.
As I clutched my face in my hand, all I felt toward her was hostility. I stamped my foot on the ground, holding myself back with enough effort. I grunted, squealed as my body refused to listen to me.
"Something is wrong with you, and I just proved it. I know you, you wouldn't hit me, I cant see that intention in you. That something is speaking to you, controlling you. Unless you fix this, you'll keep getting out of hand and we'll have to let you go. Show me, show us that you're more than a disrespectful, war hungry idiot." Adriana expressed as she held an intense gaze.
As I blinked away the stars dancing in my vision, I saw Kyle's expression shift from shock to something else—an unmistakable flicker of fury. He clenched his fists, his knuckles whitening as he fought the urge to spring into action. The tension in the air thickened, crackling like fierce lightning, and I could almost feel the weight of his internal battle pressing down on us both.
I took a deep breath, my chest rising and falling rapidly, trying to rein in the tempest brewing within me. I could feel the muscles in my jaw tightening, the muscles in my arms trembling as I struggled against the instinct to retaliate, to charge at Adriana like a bull. I closed my eyes for a heartbeat, a silent plea for calm, perhaps hoping to find some remnant of reason amidst the chaos that surrounded us.
"Don't," he warned, his voice low and strained, barely above a whisper. It was as if he were trying to convince not just himself but everyone, especially me. I could see the battle raging in his mind—the desire to defend everyone clashing with the knowledge that acting on that impulse would only escalate the conflict.
He shook his head slightly, as if trying to shake off the dark thoughts trying to take hold. With a flicker of resolve, he stepped before me, separating Adriana and I, the tension in his posture still evident but tempered by an unwillingness to let anger rule us both. His eyes locked onto mine, searching for guidance, for reassurance that this wasn't going to end up in a fight, that we could somehow navigate this jagged path without losing ourselves in the process.
"Let's just talk this out," he said, forcing the words through clenched teeth, his breath shaky yet resolute. But I could see, buried beneath the surface, an unyielding fury, a protective instinct pulsing like a vein. In that moment, he was a storm held in check, vibrating with suppressed emotion, wrestling with the fear that one wrong move could unleash havoc. And the weight of it all hung heavily upon my next move.
As I breathed down, my anger reduced, I stumbled again and again, with my heart drumming as hard as it could.
"Are you alright?" I heard.
My mouth moved, but no words came out. Just an empty gust of air.
"Kyle, take him out of here. Bring him back when he's regained himself."
With that, the three of them disappeared. Kyle helped me up, as I limped along, my muscles still sore.
"Take me to teacher's lounge, I'll handle myself from there. And, thanks. I'm pretty sure if you did not, things would have gotten messy."
"Its nothing man. Just what happened to you? You gave off a lot of murderous intent back there." he replied, still confused about what just happened.
"I'm trying as hard as I can to figure it out. It doesn't make sense to me at all"
We walked for a while in silence, the echo of our footsteps balancing against the backdrop of the bustling school corridors. A mix of muffled conversations, laughter, and distant ringing lockers filled the air, but it felt as if we were in our own world, insulated from the prying eyes that seemed to scrutinize our every move. Some students whispered, glancing our way with curiosity; others shot looks of sympathy toward me, their expressions a mixture of concern and intrigue.
Despite the chaos surrounding us, my mind was whirling in a different direction, replaying the moments of tension just moments before. I felt grateful to have Kyle by my side; he was often my anchor in storms, and today was no exception. As we navigated the crowded hallway, I could sense the heat of embarrassment creeping up my cheeks, an unwanted reminder of Adriana's harsh attack. Kyle walked tall beside me, a protective force as we maneuvered around clusters of students, but I could also feel the weight of his own emotions simmering just beneath the surface.
Finally, we reached the office door, the polished wood standing as a portal between the chaos of the school and the respite I desperately needed. I paused, glancing at Kyle, whose face reflected the concern that lingered in his eyes. "Thank you," I said softly, my voice slicing through the silence that hung between us. It was a simple expression, but it held so much more—a gratitude for his unwavering support, a quiet acknowledgment of the unspoken bond we shared, especially in moments like these when everything felt chaotic.
"Just take care of yourself," he replied, his voice low but firm. "I'll let the next teacher know you're sick." His gaze was steady, a reassuring calmness that settled my racing thoughts. As he turned to leave, I couldn't help but notice the way he squared his shoulders, an instinctive stance of protection that resonated with what kind of friend he truly was—a loyal companion ready to face the world for me.
I nodded, appreciating his willingness to stand up for me, but the weight of the situation was still heavy on my heart. As he stepped into the office to inform the secretary, I gazed out the window, taking a moment to gather my thoughts. Behind me, I could hear the distant murmur of students, their laughter spilling into the hallway, but at that moment, I felt cocooned in my own bubble, processing the emotional turbulence sparked by Adriana's sudden outburst.
"You okay?" Kyle's voice broke through my thoughts as he returned, a sliver of concern now etched into his brow. I nodded, forcing a small smile, reassured by his presence. "Yeah, I think I just need a moment to breathe," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.
He placed a supportive hand on my shoulder, the warmth of his touch grounding me further. Together, we stood there for a moment, the noise of the school fading into the background, allowing me the space to regain my composure before stepping back into the fray of school life. I would face whatever came next, but for now, in this sanctuary among the chaos, I was thankful to have someone like Kyle by my side.
As soon as he left, I went down to Miss Anne's office. Surely I could take refuge there.
I turned the knob, and the door was open. I went in. It was neat and tidy, cleaner than I keep my stuff, for sure. I limped to the shower, and took a bath before I laid on the bed to sleep.
"I hope she understands"