Heart of Stone [SLOW UPDATES]

Chapter 5

Monday rolled around quicker than we expected. To be honest I didn't really think there would be that much of a change when we faded into the woodwork but I was hoping there would be at least some difference so that we can prove ourselves to the Parkers.

Sunday night we had spent hours on a group video call deciding our strategy for the next week. So Monday morning we all knew our roles. We were going to stay in pairs whenever we were at school so that if someone slipped up, their partner could bring them back in line before any students or teachers saw through our ruse.

Steeling ourselves, we entered the school and made our way to our lockers before class started. It was a strange day that's for sure. For me and Sam it was especially hard not to break up the fight we came across. It was kinda funny too because the other students started to relax when we walked by. The looks of utter astonishment that took over their faces when they realised we weren't gonna do anything were hilarious.

As the day wore on, it was more and more obvious that the boys had spread the rumour very effectively. It was also clear that people believed it. I don't know what those boys said but it was spreading like wildfire. The next couple of days, everyone gave us funny looks when we walked past. Like they weren't sure what to believe. Billy and Jayden came to my house on Wednesday and told me how they had to ignore the pleading looks from teachers in their classes when students acted up. Although we laughed about it at the time, we made note of who would have to be dealt with first when The Misfits made their surprise comeback.

By Thursday morning the school was in uproar. I shuddered in disgust as I walked by couples making out under trees and at picnic tables. Shouts came from what was probably another fight behind the gym. Next to me, Billy turned sadly away from a skinny boy who was being tormented by a group of footy players. Forcing myself to be numb and unresponsive, I stalked away from the boy and into my home room class.

By recess I found myself wishing that it was Sunday already. I felt so guilty. I knew the others felt the same way and that they too were thinking of our motto.

It's wrong to do nothing when you have the power to do something.

I honestly didn't know if I could make it through the day.

That's why when Jayden came looking for me at lunch, he found me in the huge school gym beating the shit out of an old red punching bag that had been hung up in the corner. I had convinced the footy coach to put it up for me the day before in case I felt my temper getting the better of me. Carefully picking his way through the equipment strewn across the wood floors, Jayden walked over to me. I was so absorbed in what I was doing that I only noticed him when he called my name.

" 'Sup man," I pant as we bump fists.

"You ok?" He askes, nodding towards my raw knuckles.

"I will be as soon as I beat Davy Kenneth's arse on Monday," I reply, referring to the incident that had sent me in here in the first place. I give the bag one last punch before walking away.

"Yeah he's a dick," Jayden agrees.

Sitting on the floor, I start eating the food he brought. Leaning on the treadmill in front of me he says, "Don't worry. You just have to get through a few more days."

Only replying with a grunt, I get up and walk to the change rooms to get back into my uniform.

When I entered, the sight that greeted me broke my heart. Curled up on the ground was a young girl crying, a large purple bruise forming on her pale forearm. Rushing forward I fell to my knees next to her.

"Crystal? Crystal what happened?" I ask, my voice laced with worry and concern.

"B-Bailey?" She replied, slowly looking up through her tears.

"Yeah it's me."

"It-it was Gina," Crystal sobbed. "She was saying stuff about...about my mum."

Everyone knew about Crystal's mum. Two years ago Crystal had come home after school to find her hanging in the family garage. Being the oldest of four kids, poor Crystal has had a tough time the last couple of years. She's basically their only parent now since their dad has to work really long hours to support them.

Filled with rage I ordered the frail girl in front of me to tell me exactly what had happened. Turns out this bitch Gina had found Crystal in the bathroom and cornered her, claiming that Crystal's mother was weak and that since Crystal was just like her (they had looked very, very similar) she should do the world a favour and join her mother. She had then pushed Crystal into a sink and left. I always knew Gina was a heartless bitch, but I didn't realise how bad she truly was. Until now.

"I'm sorry Crystal. I am so sorry. I will take care of this I promise. I can't explain it but I can't do anything yet but I swear to God, on Sunday I will fuck that bitch up so bad she will regret ever coming to this school!"

Crystal just looked at me. I could see her eyes full of trust and confidence when she smiled and said, "I know."

I swear that almost broke me. Turning around I ran to a bathroom in a different block to get changed, because I knew if I stayed any longer I would break my word to the Parkers, and all this chaos and suffering would have been for nothing.

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Hey guys I am back!
Sorry I haven't updated in a while but with high school ending and university starting... I'm sure some of you know what I'm talking about. Anyway I'm back now so hopefully I will be able to start updating more regularly. I know this chapter is short but it's harder than I thought it would be to get back into writing.
As usual, please comment any mistakes/typos or plot holes so I can fix them and please send me your suggestions for a cast list!

Can't wait to hear from you guys!
Jack