When Two Skateboards Crash

"Haunting Violet? Isn't that middle school-ish? But it is a nice book." Surprised a gang member would actually read and start a conversation, I decided to carry on the conversation.

"Yeah, I read it in middle school but because I like it so much, I decided to read it every year."

"Ha, that's the most common reason. Anyway, I need a payment from you." Now, why he said it was very confusing. I had just met the boy and he needed me to pay him something. Him, reading my expressions quickly, laughed and spoke again.

"I was the one who saved you from Saturday."

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Chapter 4

Arielle POV

Shock.

No, no surprise or gratitude. Only one emotion. Shock.

However, I did not look like a fish with a gaping mouth. I just had big eyes on my face staring at him as if he killed my favorite cat, which I don't have. Although, I should be thanking him, I couldn't believe that a gang member saved me. What happened to the motto, "No shit to others." After he said that, though, other boys started questioning why my reaction was like that and what the new guy did.

"Eh, um... You see, um... Thank you."

After a series of stuttering, I finally thanked him, getting over my shock. I genuinely smiled showing him how thankful I was for his action on Saturday. However, what he said before reminded me that he, even though saved me, was a gang member, a bad boy. Hoping that he wouldn't think I wasn't escaping, I quickly stood up grabbing my book and my bag and started fast walking out of the library.

At the right time, the bell rang saving me from having to escape their presence. All the gang members didn't have classes with me but I wasn't sure about the new guy. When I went to my first period, I sighed with relief as none of the gang members were here.

That continued until lunch. I was thankful for no disturbance from the gang. However, I spoke too soon as do other girls in cliche books. There I was having such peaceful lunch with my friends, waving and saying "Hello" to others, who greeted me on their way to their seats. I had to go to the bathroom as I was drinking too much coca cola. Suddenly, I was pushed to the wall with the guy's arms beside my head.

"I'm sorry, but I don't want to give you a payment. But I will thank you million times for the Saturday!" I screamed wanting to get away from him as quick as I can.

"What? What did I do on a Saturday?"

Looking up, I saw Octavian instead of the new guy. Realizing what I said, I quickly apologized and told him I mistook him for someone else. Octavian wasn't the smartest and the sharpest guy ever but he knew that something happened on Saturday and he wasn't there to play hero.

"What happened on Saturday? And who did you just mistook me for?"

Obviously, I was too embarrassed to say the events that took place on the Saturday but knowing him, he wouldn't give up. Therefore, I took the easiest way out. Lying.

"Oh, I was about to fall off the stairs but the new guy caught me just in time... And I mistook you for him."

Although it wasn't easy to lie, which explains all the fidgeting and nervous glances to anywhere but Octavian, I was able to convince him a bit. However, unlike what I thought, he wasn't very satisfied with my answer.

"What is your relationship with Blake?"

Believing that Blake was the new guy, I considered what our relationship is. He saved me from troubles but he wanted a payment, so I wasn't going to consider him a hero. Then again, he wasn't my friend, either. All he wanted was probably to get his payment from saving me. I told Octavian what I thought our relationship was.

"Acquaintances?"

It was strange how Octavian was really bothered by that guy and how he is suddenly talking to me. I personally didn't believe that opposites attracted, only maybe in cliche dramas. My mind wouldn't abandon the thought and went to the first conversation Octavian and I ever had. He said that I would have to pay for his "damage." As if reading my mind, Octavian said the same thing I was thinking of.

"Oh, right. You still have to pay me the damage. Well, I'll take this as the payment."