Pulling Reeds

Criminal ways never fade

For the next week, I stuck by the rules. Well, kind of. I snuck out but came back before 11 and hung out on the roof of the house where it doesn't slant. Otherwise, I lay in the gardens where there is a small bench hidden from view. 

Cason's been acting like a complete dick. He's been glaring at me and humiliating me as much as possible. 

'Oh, look, the poor girl,' he hollers as I walk down the hall towards my locker. He's convinced everyone in school to think of me as 'benefit girl' as well because apparently I'm living off his riches. 

'Oh look, the arsehole can put together a sentence,' I snap, opening my locker and grabbing my books. Josie and Luke have pretty much been my friends, and I like Sam's company when he's not trying to always make out with me.

I've pretty much figured that Will's the sort of person to just go with the flow. He won't stick up for me nor make fun of me; he's pretty annoying. It's like he's scared of his brother. 

Olivia made up with Cason the night they fought. Ever since then I haven't seen them apart. Like a leech, Olivia always has a hand on Cason's shoulder of waist or arse. She's been doing especially spiteful things in the bathroom but I've managed to threaten her with my fists that she won't even think about doing anything when Cason isn't around. 

'You don't belong here,' she scowls. I shut my locker. 

I whack my shoulder against hers. 'Trust me, I know.' I clench my teeth and walk off. 

Someone holds out their foot and I stumble over it. Reclaiming my posture I stand up. Olivia is laughing with Cason. 'Don't do it, Clara.' Josie warns, pushing her glasses up her face. They make fun of Josie, too, but she doesn't have the courage to stand up to them like I do. I bet Cason's never even got into a fight before. 

'What did you just do, bitch?' I ask, stepping up to her. The laughing dies down and people stop talking to look at us. 

'What did you just call me?' She flips a blonde strand behind her shoulder and Cason scowls. 

I raise my chin, 'a bitch. Can you spell that? It's O-L-I-V-I-A.' I smile. 

'Cason?' She squeals, hitting him on his chest. 'Do something!' 

'Yeah Cason,' I provoke. 'Do something. Hit me. I dare you.' I raise both my eyebrows as a second taunt. 

Will stands between us, ever the pacifist. 'Guys, let's not do this here.' He tries to calm us down. I push him out the way. 

'Stay out of this, Will, before I knock you out too.' I growl, clenching my fists. I want to hit something, someone. Man or women I don't care. I want to knock someone out. 

'Clara!' Luke shouts, weaving through the crowd. 'If your gonna fight Cason he's gonna lose and get hurt.' He warns me. 

Cason looks at his brother, 'I won't hit a girl!' 

I align our chests. 'Oh, you're scared? That's fine. You should be.' I taunt, looking up at him with wide eyes. 

'I'm not scared nor am I weak. Stop encouraging her, Luke!' Cason is outraged and I'm hoping it's enough for him to swing at me. 'I will not let benefit girl hurt me, she's only ever been fighting against homeless people for trash food!' 

I swing. My punch is pretty hard, a pent up hit from all the frustration I've felt since I've been here. I make sure to keep my fists clenched as I aim for his perfect little nose. Everyone around us gasps and I ignore them, hitting his jaw. I steps back, shocked. 

He tries to defend himself, raising his fists and swinging back aimlessly. I hit him where it hurts and he goes down. Hard. 

'Don't ever call me that again you dick! I will not let you do this any longer! Fucking idiot!' I feel hands grabbing my arms back and I struggle against them, trying to kick Cason's legs.