marked.

A Good Team

I guess you could say Marco was "eager" to meet up with me. When I looked at my phone, it read 2:57, and he was already in the front of the school before me, leaning against the railing of the front steps. I threw the door open as I hung onto the strap of my book bag with one hand, and holding my skateboard in the other.

"Ready?" I ask, taking a breath. There was still mountains of students crawling out of the school, but I was ready to leave. Why stay any longer than I have to?

"Yeah, but..." He looked at my skateboard. "You skate?"

I pursed my lips and raised an eyebrow. "What? Surprised?"

"Actually, yes." His eyes kept going to my face, then my board. My face, the board. Back and forth.

I shook my head relentlessly and began to walk. "Whatever. But we need to hurry. I want to get there before 330."

I guessed I was walking a little too fast because Marco had to jog to catch up to me. "Where are we going, exactly?" He asked, keeping his eye on me. I forgot about the fact that I never told him. 

"Oh, yeah... My old man, Quinn, needs some help in his store. You know, stacking and unloading the inventory." I glanced down at the concrete floor as I continued. "And I sorta... Kind of... Signed you up to volunteer as well."

"Cool. I guess it kinda worked in your favor when I asked." He said quietly as he observed the streets and people around him.

"Not only that but... It works out for the both of us... We get to-"

"Hey bitch." Another figure called out. I felt a thick finger dig itself into my shoulder, giving me minor pain. I quickly turned around, grabbed the hand by the wrist, and flipped it up. I found it to be Travis. Of course, Travis.

"How's it going, coward?" I reply, digging my nail into his vein. He doesn't react at first, but soon enough, he jerks his hand away.

"Where you going, Inky? Trying to look desperate in front of your new friend? Oh wait, that's right. You don't even have to try." After his stupid comment, he looked over at Marco. "Dude, why hang out with Inky? You got any self-respect for yourself?" He asked. I was already used to Travis, but Marco definitly was not. In a split second, from what looked like a cool, friendly, Marco turned into something I don't see very often. His green eyes sorta darkened, and his lips formed a straight line. I looked down, and could see his fists clenching tightly.

"You got any self-respect to keep your mouth shut? Or do I got to shut it for you?!" He replied, filled with anger and darkness. I saw one fist start to rise close to Travis's face, so I quickly grabbed his arm and held it down. He took a step forward. "What kind of idiot are you?" He half screamed, half asked. "You just don't know when to shut up. Maybe I'll fix that..." When he took a step forward, and Travis stepped back, that's when I knew to butt-in.

"Woah," I said, turning to face Marco, blocking him from Travis. "What's up with you? It's not a big deal." I looked at him, keeping my hand on his arm, holding tighter. When I pinched his skin, his evil eyes darted to me, but now softened. Why did it soften? "Let's go... Please." I pleaded with him. I could practically feel Travis's eyes widen. I swear I also heard his breath quicken, but that my have been my inner wishes for him to freak out. But he stood quiet... For once.

I grabbed Marco and walked away. I could see him turning around every few seconds, watching Travis stand there in awe... Complete shock. I was surprised too, but I knew how to handle myself.

"What was that?" I asked, glaring at him.

He waited a moment before speaking. "It's hard to explain. Let's not talk about it."