The Crimson Monster

Being Pushed

I sighed. "Even if you say that, it's like asking for the impossible. I've never studied a thing in my life."

Arlene raised her voice, getting annoyed. "Don't give me that crap! You did attend primary and middle school right? It shouldn't be that hard to catch up."

I really wasn liking this conversation. "I didn't." I whispered.

"What?"

"I didn't go, to primary or middle school. I don't have much of an education."

Arlene stayed silent.

I sighed tiredly. "Can I go now?"

She gave a nod and I left the washroom.

"Yo! Long time no see."

I turned to see a blue headed guy with flopping bangs match my pace. Jordan.

"We met yesterday."

"We did didn't we? How are you?" He smirked.

He clearly wasn't here for a friendly chat. "What do you want? Just tell me so we can get this conversation over with."

His smirk widened. "In a bad mood, are we?"

"As you can see." I yawned out. For the first time since meeting her, I was starting to see Arlene as an equal.

She always just wanted to talk and all that crap. She was a person who just, didn't hold much importance in my life. But that clearly wasn't the case for her. At first I went along with her just because she seemed like a person who liked irritating me. But she viewed me as a friend, she was sincere.

I smirked, feeling disappointed in myself. How did I not notice? I once had friends I'd sacrifice everything for if I needed to. I suppose if you talk about presently, I'd do that for Mason.

"Hey! You listening?" Jordan pressed.

I blinked once. "I'm sorry, what?"

"I said I want you to join the street fighting club."

I stopped in my tracks. Did Mason put him up to this? No. No, he wouldn't do that. Mason would never get someone else involved in this.

"I refuse."

"I had a feeling you would say that. But I'll make you....

"She'll join!"Arlene came up from behind us and hit my back. "I'm Arlene. She'll join the club. I'll make her."

I raised my voice and clenched my fists. "I said I won't. Don't make me repeat myself."

"Where are you going?" Arlene and Jordan asked simultaneously.

"To the rooftop." I replied.

"You can't! We have class!"

I ignored her. I'll decide what I can or can't do.

Pushing open the rooftop doors, I saw Mason's fimilyer back looking up at the sky.

I felt my anger drift slowly away. Mason did that, he sorta had a calming effect on me. Since way back.

"What do you want? I can't think you came to enjoy the fresh air."

Mason smiled his sad, disappointed smile. I hated doing that to him, being the cause of his sadness.

"I was waiting for you."

I sat on the floor. "You could have called me."

He sat next to me. "What happened was indeed your fault."

"I've never denied that." I flinched at the mention of that incident.

"But." Mason continued. "You don't have to punish yourself."

"Of course I have to punish myself! It's the only way I can live!!" Tears fell down my cheeks as my body racked with heavy sobs. "I'm sorry Mason. I'm so sorry."

"Shhh." He embraced me in a protective hug. I cried more due to his touch. "I know." He whispered into my ear. "I know."

I took a while to collect myself and wiped my tears with my sleeves, pushing out of his embrace.

"It's time to move on Katelyn. Didn't you come here for a fresh start?"

"I did. Which is why I won't street fight again."

Mason sighed. "That's not what I meant and you know it."