the summer after eighth grade year was supposed to be exciting for carmen. however, one night changes everything for her. in a way she would never expect
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☮︎⋆˙❀⟡☾𓋼𖤓⟡𑁍˙⋆𖦹
After some contemplating, the four of them nervously approached their teacher's desk. Their teacher, Mr. Payne, greeted them with a warm smile. "What can I do for you kids?"
"Erm, Mr. Payne, sir, you know every second that you could let us out early would really increase our chances of survival," Mitch said nervously rubbing his neck.
Mr. Payne leaned forward, crossing his arms on his desk. "It's like our sergeant told us before one trip into the jungle. Men," he said loudly making the kids jump. "Fifty of you are leaving on a mission. Twenty-five of you ain't coming back." The kids shared glances, making Mr. Payne smile to himself. Mitch mumbled a response, making them turn away.
They all took a seat, letting out sighs. "Well, looks like my life is over," Mitch said as he rested his head on his hand. Carmen placed her hand on his shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze.
"You'll be okay, Mitch. I'll talk to Pink, make sure the boys go easy on you."
"Good luck with that," Tommy cracked making Carmen shoot him a death glare.
"Seriously, don't think about it." She removed her hand, placing it in her lap.
Soon enough, the bell rings, signaling the end of class and the beginning of summer. The four kids shot out of their seats, bolting through the classroom door. They ran to the front door, not caring to stop at their lockers. They pushed open the front door, running towards the parking lot. Carmen followed behind them, keeping watch for the seniors.
As they ran to find Pentico, Hirschfeilder dropped his books, causing him to stop and pick them up. The rest of the kids run to the car, terrified to be caught. Pentico, who is sitting in the driver's seat, pushed the door open. "Come on! We gotta go!" Carl took a seat in the front, making the other three squish together in the back.
"Hurry up Hirschfeilder, or we're gonna leave your ass!" Carl yelled out the window.
Just then, the sound of Benny's loud engine filled their ears. O'Bannion rolls down his window, sticking his head out with a shit-eating grin. "Shooowee ducks on the pond."
Hirschfeilder finally gets in the car, frantically slamming the door. Pentico presses down on the gas, hard, sending them flying out of the parking lot. Benny's truck isn't far behind them, riding their ass the whole time. As they go like a bat out of hell down the street, the sound of paddles hitting skin echoes through the air.
As Pentico continues to drive, Mitch turns around. He moves the hair out of his face, O'Bannion entering his sight. Carmen mirrors his actions, turning to take a look. She nervously bites her lip as she realizes how close they are. "Shit," she muttered under her breath.
Pentico takes a sharp turn, causing Carmen to fall into Mitch. Her cheeks go red as his arm falls on her, pushing her closer to him. "Shit, I think we really pissed them off. Just drop me off at my house. Are you still with me?" Carl turned around, looking at Mitch.
"Yeah, I guess."
"Me too." Carmen looked at Carl with a smile. She moved her hand, grabbing onto Mitch's. She interlocked their fingers, making his body go stiff.
"This is my house." Pentico pulled over and the back door opens. Just as they got out, Benny parked his truck, letting O'Bannion out. As the three rushed towards the door, O'Bannion wrapped his arm around them, pulling them into his chest.
"Nice try freshmen. I tell you what. For being such brave little kids, I'm only going to issue each of you five licks. Alright, grab a pole. Let's get going." He lets go of them, making them scramble across the yard. "And don't think you're off the hook just because you're Floyd's sister." He winked at Carmen.
"I don't think so, creep." The front door opened and out came Carl's mom with a shotgun. "You three get in the house. And you," she says pointing the gun at O'Bannion, "get the hell of my property." The kids ran into the house, shutting the door behind them.
"I'm sorry, ma'am. I was just escorting your son home from school. There are some ruffians about and..." O'Bannion began, trying his best to suck up to Mrs. Burnett. Before he could finish, she turned around, making her way back inside. "Oh, and Mitch, Carl, we'll be seeing each other again." As he turned to walk away, the two boys peeked their heads out of the door, taunting him as he leaves. However, he turns around. "Oh, that's it. I fucking saw that you little sack of shit. You two are fucking dead. You hear me? You're fucking dead." He stormed off the lawn, steam shooting out of his ears.
The two boys closed the door, both wearing proud smirks. "You guys are such assholes," she joked with a laugh.
