Residue

3. Him

The next day, she went to school as normal. It felt empty without the company of her mother. "Maybe mother wast better than solitude," she thought to herself.

Ephedra did not have friends. They would stop her from achieving well in school so she could go to university and get away from mo-

Oh, she's gone.

Her mother's body has been handed over to police custody and she was having an autopsy.

She had her earphones in and sat on the bus to school. It was raining and she stared out of the window and she bit her lip as she allowed her heart to crack.

At school, she thought it was best not to tell anybody about the events of last night. Not that she had anyone. Not a single soul.

In English, her assignment was that she had to write about love. The teacher said it could be about any type of love they have ever experienced and everyone had to read it out to the class; if not they would fail instantly and it counted as twenty-five per cent of their final English grade. Ephedra needed to do well since she wanted to major in English.

How? She had six days to write an essay on something she has not felt in over twelve years.

In the hallway, she was putting books in her locker and getting out some more for her next class. Just as she turned around, she suddenly saw a fist hurtling towards her face. She stood there letting it come. She prepared herself for the impact and closed her eyes.

It never came.

She cracked an eye open. The fist was caught by a tall, lean muscled being. It was so fast she thought she was dreaming. Her eyes were wide.

A deep, baritone snarled. "Hitting someone when they're not even ready, how low can you get?"

He shoved the perpetrator back.

"Why are you sticking up for a murderer?!" The broad-shouldered football jock shouted on purpose to grab everyone's attention.

Not a single eye was not centred on Ephedra. She put on an indifferent face and shoved past both of the boys. She walked as quickly as possible and ran until she reached the girl's restroom.

She made sure nobody was in any of the stalls. She rarely looked in the mirror, so when she saw her caramel complexion and obsidian eyes, she thought her whole existence was ironic. Ephedra. Everyone around her will eventually get sick of her - she wouldn't be surprised if they died. She tied her long, black tresses into a high pony tail. She splashed water on her face.

She heard shuffling at the entrance of the restroom. She heard someone clear their voice.

''I don't care what people think, I'm coming in!'' The boy who stopped the fist came in and Ephedra was absolutely mortified. She nearly screamed but he covered his large hands over her mouth trying to get her to calm down.

She struggled against him and kicked him; aiming for the middle of his legs. She heard him wheeze as he doubled over, holding onto her wrist for support.

''Calm d-down! I won't hurt you! Jeez, my nuts!'' He looked really flustered.

''Let go of me.''

''You know how to throw a mean kick, I'll give you that,'' he said as he straightened up.

''I didn't ask for whatever you intend to give me.''

They just stood there looking at each other before he burst out laughing. She found his laugh pleasant to listen to.

''Why are you here?" She had to be direct.

"I came to check if you're okay, you silly goose!" He grinned, patting her head.

"I am okay, thank you for your concern. Do not pet me, please."

Scratching the back of his neck, he said, "Right, sorry. Gee, do you mind if I converse with you outside the female washroom?"

Ephedra was first to leave the restroom, making sure the coast was clear and that he waited for five minutes, the strange boy caught up to her.

"You have three minutes to tell me why you helped me and what you want from me. Fifty-seven, fifty-six..."

"Why wouldn't I help someone innocent and who was in danger? I don't want anything from you. Do I look like Swipey the Fox?" Ephedra vaguely understood the reference originated from a children's television programme.

"I do not understand why you answered a question with another question, however I believe that response would suffice. What is the name of my saviour?" She said it so matter of factly, the boy blushed and laughed nervously.

"Not sure. My name is Elijah Matthews. What's your name?"

"I'll discontinue the countdown," an uneasy feeling settled in Elijah's stomach, she was still counting down? "I'm Ephedra Alastor."

"Ephedra Alastor," a thoughtful look crossed his eyes. "Ephedra, Ephedra, Ephedra..." He kept repeating her name.

"That is strange. Please refrain from doing that in my presence."

He smiled. "Ephedra is a very beautiful name. I've decided I am going to be your friend."

"I refuse."

"I didn't offer. By the way, why'd you speak so formally? First thing as your new friend I'm going to give you advice about - take that stick out of your ass, it's time to enjoy life, baby." For the first time in Ephedra's life, her stomach had butterflies that did not follow physical pain or nausea.

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Who is this new boy who is making Ephedra have butterflies in a good way?

Read on...