The Last Night

Resolve

Chapter Fourteen

"The last night I saw someone so resolved was when I saw my dad trying to save someone."

^~^

At the moment, it's currently 3:57 in the morning, and I still can't get to sleep. I've just been staring at the ceiling. How productive. Boredom is killing me. Well, at least I didn't get any weird dreams tonight. I sighed and stared at the ceiling again.

I'm seriously worried about those ugly wretches. They clearly intended to kill Ame. I won't stand for that. I hope they rot in hell. They're about as bad as those serial killers. I really didn't think they'd have the guts to try and kill someone. And to think they're only high school girls. Stupid clowns. Well, whatever. They can rot in jail for attempted murder. I could care less. They were obviously jealous because I've been ignoring them. I should just go out and tell them to stop bothering me and those around me. Mostly hinting at Ame. I don't wanna give her more trouble to add onto all the stress that's already been put on her.

Earlier, she looked like she was finally able to relax. I think she had fun mocking Caden for his 'kick me' sign. The 'kick me' sign is such an old trick, but I have to admit it was pretty amusing. Good job, Evan. Caden didn't even notice until several kids had kicked him.

Well, I guess it was karma for eavesdropping on us. I wonder if he heard us. That would've been bad. He still strikes me as suspicious and dangerous. He could be working for the enemy. He might just be a spy. But what are the chances of those villains hiring a high schooler?

I sighed. My body won't be able to function properly if I don't get some sleep soon, but I can't. I rolled onto my side.

I can't stop thinking that some evil person is just gonna pop out of nowhere and kill someone. What if people from class get involved? I wouldn't mind if it were one of the Clowns, but I guess I'm on okay terms with the rest of them. It's better if none of them die. It'd save a lot of people from grief too. I can only imagine how many family members would be pained to see their loved one go.

That time I saw a girl lose her mother made me realize something: one dead person affects the living they leave behind. I remember feeling really bad for her. Ame's mom died, and she resorted to cutting because a ton of things that affected her negatively happened afterward. Everything started after that catalyst. It makes me realize how lucky I really am. I don't want anyone else to have to go through that pain. Anyway, I'm determined to make her stop. It's not good for her.

"Erik, you're still awake?"

I turned to see her sitting up. "Yeah. Couldn't sleep. Have you been awake the whole time?"

She shook her head. "I woke up a few minutes ago."

"Shoulder hurts?"

"Kinda."

"Here." I pushed the painkillers on the bedside table closer to her.

"Thanks."

She tried opening it but couldn't. I held out my hand. "Pass it." She gave it to me. I opened it then handed the bottle back to her.

"Thank you."

"Welcome."

I know I'm usually the type of person who wouldn't do things for others unless there was something for me to gain, but I want to help her in any way I can. I want her to get used to having someone there for her.

"You should go back to sleep. You'll need the energy for tomorrow," I said, laying back down. She did the same.

"Not until you do. You haven't slept, right?"

"I'll be fine. Anyway, you need to recover."

"I'm staying up," she said, stubbornly.

"Go to sleep."

"No."

"Whatever. Do what you want. I probably won't even be able to sleep until it's time to wake up."

"Fine by me."

We were silent for a few minutes.

"I'll try to talk to the Clown Clique tomorrow about what happened today. I'll tell them to stop bullying you so you don't have to get hurt anymore," I said.

"You don't really have to. Hurting is inevitable. You can't live without getting hurt."

"I guess that's true, but I'm still going to. I'll take care of one of the problems you have to tackle."

"Are you sure?"

"Positive."

"Okay, then. But, even though I was sure they intended to hurt me from the start, I still provoked them," she admitted.

"You did?" I didn't think she was the type to do that.

"Yeah, I kinda told them something that made them angry."

"What'd you say?"

"So May told me to stay away from you, but I refused. She said you 'belonged' to them; I told them you weren't an object. When she said the rumors about us dating weren't true, I asked her 'what if they were?' Then I called them low and pathetic for ganging up on me."

"Oh, my..." I found myself smiling, which turned to stifled laughter, which turned into laughter I couldn't stifle anymore. "That's amazing! You sure told them!" I am not an object! Stupid Clowns. I can't believe they don't see how foolish they're being. I calmed down after a few moments. "So then they beat you?"

"Pretty much."

"Ame, be more concerned about yourself," I scolded. "What if I wasn't able to find you in time?"

"I would've died and wouldn't be able to stay with you and Luke anymore." I'm kinda happy she named me first.

"Right. But we don't want to lose you so don't be so reckless."

She paused. "If it came to having to protect you, Luke, or my sister, I'd easily give my life so I'm not promising anything." Not the answer I was expecting, but still happy I'm one of the people she'd give her life for.

"Then at least say you'll be more careful."

"Fine, I'll be careful," she said, though a bit reluctantly.

"Good." Knowing that she'd be more cautious is relieving. I smiled. Thankfully the lighting was dim enough that she wouldn't be able to tell if she looked my way.

While processing what Ame said had occurred earlier, I realized something.

"You basically told the Clown Clique the rumors were true?"

"I said it in a roundabout way to agitate them, but I guess you could put it like that."

"My goodness, Ame."

"It was worth telling them off," she said, bluntly. "But I won't let them win." I heard something akin to determination in her tone. "Whether it be the clowns, whoever wants me dead, or even my parents, I won't let them win. I'll struggle and live. I won't let them kill me. The people that want me dead want me dead for a reason. Though I don't know what that reason is, I can't let them win."

"So that's your resolve," I said, glancing at her.

"Yup."

The last night I saw someone so resolved was when I saw my dad trying to save someone.

A few years ago, I was walking around the hospital and wandered into a hallway that was for employees only. I obviously disregarded the sign. Anyway, I walked in and came upon one of the operating rooms. My dad was desperately trying to save someone who seemed like they'd die at any moment.

I'd never seen his expression like that ever before. He seemed more determined than he'd ever been. I remember wondering if he was like that when operating on all his patients.

If Ame's resolve is to struggle and live, my resolve is to support her and make sure she doesn't die.