A Strong Kind of Weak

Chapter 3

I looked at my cracked reflection in the mirror against the wall. Glancing to make sure my dad wasn't around, I lifted my shirt to reveal a large purple bruise in the middle of my torso. I tentatively touched it and winced in pain. I lowered the fabric and frowned at the frayed ends and various holes. Cigarette sized holes. I tore at them a bit so they'd look less suspicious then slung my bag over my shoulder carefully. This meant I couldn't do much fighting until the bruises were gone. Joy.

I quickly left and headed to school before my dad could come back from who knows where. I then remembered I didn't have money for lunch and it would be hard to steal someone else's while still tender. I'd have to find someone easy to threaten, so it wouldn't take much for him to cough up. I had a few in mind.

Once I arrived at school I shoved my bag in my locker and walked slowly to class, despite being late. It hurt to breathe too deeply so I was still short of breath when I arrived.

'Sorry Miss Clarke. Late start.'

My math teacher frowned at me and pointed to my seat. She didn't give me a slip though, which was nice. She was one of the only teachers I didn't hate, but only because I honestly couldn't. She always gave me exceptions and extra help, so in return I actually tried in her class. In fact, I was a little fond of math.

I lowered myself into my seat and took out my note book and pencil case. At least I meant to but I had forgotten my pencil case in my locker. I looked around at my neighbors to see who would lend me a pencil. Anne Marie was sitting next to me, bespectacled eyes on the board.

'Hey, Anne Marie.'

I nearly cringed at the look she gave me but managed to meet her gaze.

'What?'

'Do you have a pencil?'

Rolling her eyes she took one from her pencil case and handed it to me.

'Thanks.'

'Whatever.'

Sighing, I looked at the front and did my best to follow what Miss Clarke was saying about quadratic equations.

---

Despite liking math, I was glad when the bell finally rang. My side was aching and that combined with my lack of sleep meant I was basically a walking zombie.

I stumbled out of the classroom and headed to the bathroom. Once inside, I made sure no one was in there too. Then I cautiously lifted my shirt to check on my bruise. It had spread since I last saw it and was much darker. I knew I should get it looked at but that would cause too many unwanted questions. I just had to hope that nothing was broken and get over it.

I lowered my shirt just in time as the bathroom door swung open and who would walk in but grocery dude. Alex.

"Oh, hey. Nic, right?"

"And?"

"Well. No need to be so snarky."

"Whatever."

I walked towards the door and made sure to bump into his shoulder. In hindsight that might have not been the smartest decision as it sent a twinge of pain to my bruise.

"You okay?"

I didn't even bother answering and left the bathroom.

"Well, see you in history."

I didn't even care how he knew I was taking history.

As I walked down the hall I looked up at the clock on the wall and saw that I had some time until my spare was over. Which meant I could go get my bruise looked at.

I went down the hall to the nurse's office where Theo (he preferred to go by his first name) was sitting at his desk. At first people had laughed at the fact that we had a male nurse, but Theo was very quick to end that by being the coolest nurse possible. He allowed kids to use the infirmary as a sanctuary for those who wanted to avoid unfinished homework and public speaking. He was a sort of confidant of the students and kept quiet about whatever you came in with. Best of all, he kept a large bowl of candy on his desk at all times.

"Nic! Take a taffy. How are you today?"

Theo was about fifty years old but looked younger, with thick brown hair and bright eyes filled with excitement. I took a candy and opened it as I sat on the patient's table.

"I'm okay. I did walk into a table the other day, which was pretty painful."

"Yikes. Let's take a look."

I cautiously lifted my shirt in a way that didn't reveal anything other than the bruise on my stomach. I only came to Theo in extreme cases, so that he wouldn't be suspicious but I was pretty sure cigarette sized burns would raise some unwanted questions.

Theo carefully felt the area and I did my best not to wince. I let out a gasp at a particularly painful prod.

"Hey! Watch it Theo!"

"Sorry, sorry. Well, nothing feels broken but I'll bandage it up for you and get you some meds. That must have been quite a table."

I nodded as he wrapped some cotton strips tightly around my torso and I lowered my shirt as he went to get the pills.

As I took them, he gazed at my ratty t-shirt thoughtfully.

"Well, thanks."

"Wait a moment, Nic."

""Yeah?"

"Well, this may seem odd but I got some clothes for my nephew the other day but my sister thinks it's too 'alternative' for him. You're about the same size and since I have no use for them I was wondering if you would want them?"

I froze. I knew my clothes were ratty but I was not some charity case.

"Thanks, but I'm fine."

I made to go but Theo called after me.

"Wait, here's the bag. At least choose one thing. Besides, that shirt doesn't fit too well over the bandages."

I sighed, figuring he wasn't going to give up any time soon. Besides, he had a point. The shirt I was wearing was a good few years old and with the added bulk of the bandages, was getting uncomfortably tight.

"Uh, sure, I guess."

Smiling, Theo held out the bag and I grabbed the first one I saw. I went behind the curtain to change as quickly as possible then shoved my old shirt in my backpack.

"Uh, thanks."

"Of course. And if you find anyone who wants some pretty stylish clothes, if I do say so myself, let me know."

"Will do."

He smiled at me as I turned once again to the door just as it swung open and that Alex kid walked in.

"Hey, Nic."

I never remembered telling him my name, which confused me, but I just rolled my eyes.

"Right. Well, cool shirt."

He walked passed me and I looked down to see the shirt I had chosen had a graph on it and said 'Friends don't let friends derive drunk'. It was kind of funny, but not something I wanted to wear around school. I quickly sped down the hall, the sound of Theo's laughter behind me.