ALIVE - The Story of a Never-Could-Be

Chapter XI: [Monster]

"We cannot correct the past," Ernest said. "What happened, happened. It can't be changed any-"

"I forgive you," Dery said. "If it means that things are going to change for the better, I am willing to forget about it."

"Dery, are you sure?" Lando said.

"See, that's why I said you are naïve," Ernest replied. "You think you are the only one hurt at every moment! I did a mistake at the time. I did, we all do. You played the victim and then I got all the blame. But I had no other choice. I couldn't just stay still and do nothing while... while..."

"While a loser hit you," Dery completed. "Now that's your problem. These are the two things that separate us. If we give up both of them, we can change."

"I don't know," Ernest resisted. "I am not as flexible as you when it comes to changing. Now shut up. And remember to talk to Joy tomorrow. This is your last chance."

"Why don't you talk to her Ernest?" said Lando. "Considering how you speak about her it's certain that you've got a liking for her. Here's something you two have in common. For God's sake, both of you suck with girls."

Ernest made a step forwards towards Lando.

"I think I understand why he was chasing you before."

"Oh, crap," Lando said while backing off.

"I think you should think about it thoroughly before opening your mouth, YOU BRAT!" and Ernest starting chasing after Lando, leaving Dery standing there alone laughing at them.

"Come here, you!" Ernest kept shouting and chasing Lando through the alleys.

Lando continued to run away from Ernest when suddenly someone blocked his path.

"You... What do you want?" Lando asked with a serious tone.

Ernest checked the other way and two other masked guys had blocked the path. He tried to escape the trap but both of them grabbed him from his hands and put him down.

"Ernest! Leave him alone!" Lando ordered them.

"Do what they tell you, Lando. It's no use resisting them." Ernest said.

"Unfortunately, it won't be that easy." Said the leading guy. He then clapped twice and two other masked people commenced from nowhere. "Show him what he deserves."

*   *   *

"Way to go!" shouted Igor in excitement. "Both of us aced the Maths exam. Congrats Dery."

"Congrats to you too Igor!" said Dery and they both shook hands. "But if we keep getting the same scores on our exams our rivalry will end in a draw."

They both laughed.

"That's true," Igor said. "It would be pointless. How about next time we start the exam 10 minutes later."

"Limited-time, hm," Dery said. "I like it. Fine. So be it!"

"Just what the hell are you guys? Math monsters?" Andrew yelled. "If you find it that boring to complete exams then at least help the rest of us."

"Hahaha, you know we are not going to do that," both of them said at the same time.

"Come on, come on. Don't be so selfish Dery," Mathew said. "It hasn't been that long since you first came to this class. Don't forget what I told you." He finished and left.

"What did he tell you?" Andrew asked.

"N-Nothing," Dery said and left after Mathew.

"Don't be a nerd. We hate those here!"