Only Through Pain [Collab with kayfiles]

Chapter Eleven [ZiaRenee]

Kitra had remained silent throughout the encounter. She was both amazed and terrified of the ferocity between the two. Kitra hadn't meant to cause any harm. She was just curious. She had never seen things in someone's face like that. She had only wanted to touch one. Eric had been furious. He acted tough and cool, but it was apparent now and at the first meeting that he had a very high wall separating him from everyone else. Kitra hadn't meant to burst through his guard. She was filled with deep regret. She thought she and Eric might even be friends, but now, she wasn't so sure.

When Sophia tried to force an apology out of Eric, Kitra thought she should speak up. She had been out of line in trying to touch a stranger. Kitra's eyes darted back and forth between Eric and Sophia and she felt the pressure rising. The argument was reaching a boiling point. Eric's face was fuming with anger and loathing. Kitra opened her mouth to speak, but it was too late. Eric's hand came flat across Sophia's face, her cheek bearing a red copy of Eric's hand.

Kitra had caused this. Her stupidity and curiosity had caused this feud. She hadn't meant for this to happen. Sophia was trying to defend her and Kitra's naivety earned her a red cheek. The guilt of what she'd done seeped into her mind and she felt the hot tears sting her eyes. Kitra looked up at Sophia, ready to apologize, but she was busy glaring at Eric who looked distraught. Kitra felt something tug at her heart when she stared into Eric's face. He looked so sad. So regretful. As if he would turn the world upside down to take back what he'd done. There was something in his eyes. Kitra could see it. He may have a temper, but deep down, Eric didn't want to hurt anybody. Kitra knew it. She knew what it was like to look into the face of a demon determined to bring pain to others, and Eric looked nothing like that. Kitra thought she should apologize to him, too, but a nurse boy was already pulling him away.

Kitra turned back to Sophia, her mouth hanging open as she desperately scrambled for something to say. Should she apologize?  Should she thank Sophia? Should she even speak at all?

It was unbelievably silent in the room. Everyone was staring and Kitra felt uncomfortable. She wasn't very hungry anymore.

Kitra hesitated before reaching across the table and gently patting Sophia's hand. The gesture felt out of place and a little silly, but it was the best she could offer right now. She managed what she hoped was a reassuring smile and rose off the bench, motioning for Sophia to follow.

"Um, I'm not hungry. We can leave if you'd like." she croaked out, avoiding Sophia's gaze as if she were a child who had done something naughty. "I'm, uh, really sorry about that. I didn't mean to-" she began, the words tumbling out of her mouth too quickly. She lifted her head and caught sight of the mark on Sophia's face. It was fading, but it still drove a hole through Kitra's chest. What had she done? Her first real day and she was already causing trouble. Kitra felt the tears spring back into her eyes and she tilted her head down, her hair falling around her face. "I'm sorry. Thank you." she blurted out as she started walking towards the gym.

The other teens shoveled food into their mouths and hurried off after the dramatic duo. Kitra felt the blood rush into her cheeks and she made sure not to look at anybody. She didn't want anymore trouble or embarrassment.

Once back in the gym, Kitra quickly noticed that Eric wasn't there. But the instructor was. He stood in the center of the room, setting up little dartboards and archery targets. When he noticed all the kids had returned, he barked for them to help set up the rows of targets. Kitra obeyed, thankful everyone would be too busy setting up to pay her much attention. 

In strode Benjamin, clad if another brilliant blue suit. He peered around the room and Kitra knew instantly that he was already aware of what went down moments ago. Still, it did not diminish his enthusiasm. He beamed at everybody and gave an appreciative nod towards Greg who grunted back a "Hey" in response. All eyes fell on Benjamin.