The Competition

Viktor

"Please clean up the room, there are still 2 minutes before the end of class," calls Professor Albert.

The bell rings and the students are dismissed, although red and I continue to clean up my mess. "Well, I will leave you two to finish this," he yawns, waving goodbye. "Sure!" Yelena waves back smiling. "Thanks... for helping me out." Her gaze shifts to mine, holding eye contact, and just in the opposite direction, Yelena makes her way to the desk where she was sitting. "We're having lunch now, would you like to join us?"

I look ahead and see her nod. "Then let's go," I blurt out, not giving her a second look. She's right behind me and is following me like a lost puppy.

We reach the cafeteria when I catch her waving to my sister and Carson. "How was it? Looks like you survived my brother," Natalia murmurs in a whisper. I'm not deaf. I'm literally standing next to her. I sigh and drop my stuff on the seat, grabbing her. "Let go," she complains, and I do as she asks. I'm just trying to help, even though she doesn't seem to like it or anything. Handing her a serving tray, we get our meal in silence.

"Don't even think about us being something. I'm here because I got kicked out and you'll get it in that head of yours, so cut me some slack. Do you hear me?" she says in one breath. What the fuck? She expects me to just sit here and pretend that nothing has happened? What business is it of hers? "Did you hear me?" she calls again, this time dismissing my thoughts. I nod as we make our way back to the table. Carson and Natalia are already eating, no, attacking their food like they haven't eaten in days. I have been telling myself that I am starting to like this girl. Now I feel like I'd have to break down her barriers for her to open up to me? And why would I want to do that? I scoff and take a spoonful of crème brûlée into my mouth. "Is something bothering you, Viktor?" I hear Natalia ask. I look at her and see Yelena's head fixated on her tray, barely eating.

"I'm fine," I give her a small smile. Always the same questions when I'm too quiet. I do have something on my mind. How did Yelena get the scar that runs from her ear to her collarbone? It sure is a profound story. I place my elbows on the table and rest my chin on my tangled fingers. "You're staring," Carson exhales as she lifts her head in confusion. Something is wrong. She's too quiet, almost like she's tired... or even sick. "Are you two okay?"

"I'm fine," I repeat for the second time. She answers weakly, her forehead damp, "I don't feel that well."

"I'll take you to the infirmary," I offer, wanting to leave. Picking up our things, I ask, "Could you please-"
"Just go," I hear my sister whisper. I grab her hand and walk out of the room in the direction of the infirmary. "I can walk by myself," she growls, pushing my hand away. Even after she pushes my hand away, I place it behind her back, holding her steady.

-❦-❦-❦-

I sigh, ruffling my hair, "Are you okay?" She nods. I open my lips to speak, but nothing comes out of them. "Yes?" she cocks her head. "That scar..."