Blood Bath

Chapter 4

MsWalker, the study hour teacher, was in a strange mood. She barked atthe students for not having their worksheets done for the week,yelled at Colton because he didn't dress up, considering he is onthe football team, and then she got upset with Seth because he saidhe had no homework to do.

"Everyone needs to bring work to do. If you don't have work to do, you need to bring in something else to do," she said.

"I did, I brought my laptop and I'll work on my game skills," Seth said.

That was not what she wanted him to say, so she sent Seth to the office.

Colton watched Ms Walker limping back to her desk and understood her foul mood and wondered if she had injured herself.

Seth returned from the office with a mountain of papers to sort. Miss Downer created work for him, which put a smile on Ms Walker's face.

Lacie saw Jenny Stillmore working on the algebra assignment and decided she would talk to her. She asked Ms Walker for permission to study algebra with Jenny, and Ms Walker approved.

"Jenny, do you understand the problems Mr. Sellerman gave us in algebra. I'm having trouble, and wonder if you can help me," Lacie said.

"Sure, Lacie, if I can. Algebra isn't my strongest subject, but I'm getting a respectable grade. So, I guess I'm doing OK," Jenny answered.

Wanting to take every opportunity to get Jenny to open up, Lacie used the algebra problems as a foothold to generate a conversation.

"I saw you with your boyfriend. He looks like a nice guy," she said.

Jenny's face became flushed, and she hesitated. "He's OK."

By her response, Lacie was prompted to ask if he's the one that's hurting her. Jenny's eyes filled with tears as she picked up her books as if to leave.

"Don't leave, I ask because I'm worried. I won't tell anybody, I want to be your friend."

Jenny smiled and said, "I've heard that one before."

After a minute of silence she added, "I love Luke, it's just that he gets upset so easy. I have to be careful. He gets angry, but then he feels bad about it. I think in time he can learn to control his anger."

"Well... if you ever need help, I'm here. I hope it works out for you because the two of you make a great looking couple," Lacie added, trying not to produce any waves.

"Thanks, Lacie. I don't have a lot of friends and most of Luke's friends are older bikers. They're a rough crowd."

Lacie considered inviting Jenny and Luke to the after game party, but decided she better not. She didn't think Colton would appreciate a group of bikers crashing his party.

"Jenny, we can talk later," Lacie said as she went back to Colton's table.

"That looked like it went well," Colton said. "Did she admit that someone is hitting her?"

"Yes and no," Lacie said. "Her boyfriend, Luke, has anger issues, but she loves him and that's the dilemma."

Seth glanced up from his stack of work and said, "How can you love someone who doesn't respect you?"

Colton shook his head. "I don't know. Some girls like tough guys. I think it's the bad boy syndrome."

"That's a bunch of bunk," Lacie said with a note of sarcasm, "You're just making it up. But I guess everyone looks for something different in a lover. I mean, what attracts me to you? It's not money or good looks... or?"