Because of Samantha | Original Novel

06 - Because of Conversation

I didn't see Aaron at all today. Because of this, I ended up sitting at a lone table in the back at lunchtime. It was a pretty lonesome spot, especially without anyone to talk to, but I manage just fine in solitude. Watching people being complete, insolent children is entertainment enough, I guess.

Speaking of which, I could see a crowd beginning to form at one of the center tables. Our school had seen its fair share of fist fights and otherwise, but it's always a lunchtime treat when it actually does happen. I crane my neck a bit, trying to see who was in the middle of it all. Of course, with my luck, I can't see anything.

"Pretty nasty fight, if you ask me. I was right next to the table when it happened."

I whip around, not noticing a girl sliding in the seat behind me. I've never seen her before, but the ID clipped to her graphic dinosaur shirt showed me that she, too, is a senior. She was short, and Asian, with a severely short haircut. Her slanted eyes shone behind a pair of round glasses.

"I used to sit at that table," she informs me casually, pointing above everyone's heads. It was like she was used to talking to everyone, as if she knew them. "I was kicked out yesterday, though. Don't think I'll be returning."

"Oh," I mumble.

I come upon the realization that the table over there, was the table full of the school's rich and beautiful students. It suddenly makes sense that there's a fight going on over there - those kids were the ones who always asked for attention.

"I'm Kim," the girl smiles.

"Sam," I reply.

I flick my bothersome bangs away from my face, trying once more to maybe see who was over there. I could see one dark guy - he looked Indian - staring over in our direction. He was probably looking at Kim, because when I moved out of the way of his line of sight, he didn't turn his head an inch. Kim looked solemn. Could he have been one of those old friends she used to have?

By now, the school police patrol - Mr. Gillespie - was charging over to the scene of the fight. Some nerd must've reported it to the authorities. He disappears in the midst of the crowd, and attempts to break up the fight. This would be the one opportunity I'd have to see who was in the fight.

You can only imagine the look on my face when I saw a very bloody Aaron dragged out of the ring.

***

It was four o'clock, which meant school's been out for two hours. I was sitting around on the bench outside of the office, certain that Aaron's mother will be showing up soon enough. I didn't want to pry - okay, maybe I did - but I was more concerned about whether or not he was okay. He looked bloodier that I've seen him, even after that Taekwondo incident.

As predicted, Mrs. Peters opens the door moments later. Mrs. Peters is a plump, blonde, rich and successful lawyer, but to me, she's always been Aaron's Mom. She recognizes me instantly, and immediately makes her way over to me.

"Do you know anything about this fight?" she asks me.

"Nuh-uh," I shake my head. "But there was lots of people."

Mrs. Peters clicks her tongue. She's a fun-loving lady, don't get me wrong. However, she holds high expectations for Aaron, especially after his older sister made it into Yale. Since then, Aaron's been held under her strict and unyielding expectations. Countless times, Aaron's called me on my cell phone, practically screaming on the other end about how terrible it is to have his mother breathing on his neck constantly.

The door opens, and a very shamed Aaron slumps on out.

"In the car, young man," Mrs. Peters snaps, "And take Sam with you."

Aaron glances towards me, and without a single word uttered between us, we both make our way out to Mrs. Peters' brand new Lexus model. I slide into the back seat, and just for the heck of it, Aaron sits back there with me as well. I glance at him, taking note of how ridiculous the bandage on his nose made him look. He looks at me as well.

Then, we both simultaneously start laughing.

"That bandage looks hilarious!" I breathe, slapping my thighs dramatically.

"That fight - most elegant - it was hilarious too!" Aaron adds on, clapping his hands.

We sit there, laughing hysterically. It felt... strange. My eyes crinkled at the corner, my mouth wide open, laughter pouring out from my lips. I haven't laughed so hard in such a long time. I guess I never noticed that I stopped laughing as much. It probably started after my father left.

"Sam. Sam. I can't believe I got in a rumble with the rich kids."

"You rocked that rumble, though you got a few scars, now, didn't ya," I laugh. "What was that fight even about, anyway?"

"I bumped into Marcus Collins," Aaron says simply.

Marcus Collins is the school's star Quarterback. If you don't know a thing or two about popular, hang around Marcus, and you'll figure things out quick. He's the most assertive aggressive guy you'll ever meet. One breath out of line, and he'll throw you into next week. Most of his friends were probably made out of intimidation, but that aside, I'm amazed Aaron got off with all of his limbs intact.

"Sam, I have a feeling things are beginning to turn," Aaron states out of nowhere. "Just promise me you'll stay the same, alright?"

"Sure," I sigh.

I wonder what he means by that.

***

Hey guys! Sorry for not updating sooner - I've just been real busy with school lately. I'm in an honors math class, and if I don't keep up my A's, I'm kicked out. It's sort of stressful, but I'm getting by, and soon I'll have more time to update.

This chapter is dedicated to InsaneFangirl221b, because she's one of my dearest and closest friends, and she also loves this book. I'm so happy my writing makes people glad to read it. It means a ton! <3 Thanks for reading, and I'll see you soon!