𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙁𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙚𝙧'𝙨 𝙂𝙞𝙧𝙡

Ch. 3 - The Night It Began

I left class fuming. My shoulders were tensed, cheeks flushed, and my hands were tightened into fists. If some passerby were to turn an curious glance towards me, they would literally see steam jetting out of my ears.

And to think I thought he was attractive...

In one period, he managed to go from a shameless flirt, to an argumentative dick and a wide variety of other words I'd have to wash my mouth out with soap after saying.

Our little grudge match lasted twenty minutes! What's worse is that the whole time he seemed every bit amused with my frustration. Mr. Coleman was too busy teaching us Shakespearean language to notice anything!

I contained my silent fury all the way to Faye's locker, where it was unleashed in full force to my poor friend. Being the great girl she is, Faye talked me back into my usual calm state. She didn't seem all that surprised hearing of the demon spawn's treatment of me. She was actually more astounded at how I fought back with him.

"I didn't know you had it in you Patience!" She cheered, slapping me proudly on the back. "I guess a kitten's gotta use it's claws at some point!" Faye winked at me.

I was just as amazed myself. I wasn't used to fighting against people anymore. The old Patience was the one with the sharp tongue. But the new Patience, the one Jack has specially trained, kept her head down and knew exactly when to shut up.

Apparently that was not the case today.

The rest of the day went on as normal as ever, disregarding a few impressed nods from classmates who disliked Dean.

I got home after school and immediately went to do my chores. Vacuum the floor, wash the dishes, wipe down the counter....just the usual. While I was hard at work, my uncle rested comfortably on the living room couch, staring at the television.

Also the usual.

It's not just any TV show, of course not. He's watching boxing, most likely trying to relive his glory days.

Jack used to be a boxer. Nothing major, just minor boxing leagues and matches. But the man was good, and he loved what he did.

Until he abruptly stopped it all, right before Angela left him. The situation was a mess and I know she had disapproved of his career the entire time. She never brought it up in front of me, but the judgmental glances she made when he came home sweaty from a fresh workout were clear.

I guess no matter how much I want to pin part of the blame on her, I know I can't. Having a boxer as a lover is probably one of the most terrifying relationships ever. I remember how the poor woman would always worry about either Jack getting hurt badly, or how well he could keep those precious boxing talents at bay if his anger got the best of him.

If in her position, I would have done the same.

I pulled myself out of my thoughts and quietly receded into my room. Its always felt a little safer here. It wasn't, but that's just how I percieved it.

I tapped my pencil against my large white desk as I tried to decipher the many complicated problems on my math homework. Nearly twenty minutes had passed and I was still no farther than question three. My futile attempt to work in peace was interrupted when heavy footsteps came stampeding down the hallway.

My heart stopped.

"Patience!" Jacks voice thundered through the hall. The hulking figure busted through my door, and I immediately sat up to clearly show him I was listening. Being ignored was not acceptable for Jack.

"W-what..." I stuttered to get my words out. I couldn't I even complete the sentence.

"Have you forgotten how to speak?"