A Debt Unpaid (Original)

Walter

"I'd love to..."

As those words rang into my ear, for some reason, I felt the burden lighten up.

I don't know if it's pity, or she doesn't know me and is taking this stranger a chance. But, I don't really care.

Opportunities are meant to be taken.

"Ah, ok then." I forced a smile, just to show I am absolutely no threat, and lead her down the stairs.

I didn't dare look back, simply relying on the mismatched footsteps echoing against mine as I went down. I can't really face her, just not yet.

We headed out of our building, and right away, a strong autumn breeze greeted me as I left the college department building.

I risked a quick look back. Angeline was there, just got down from the steps. She glanced my way, but I quickly looked away, and continued down the corridor.

We walked quietly, past the little kids playing tag around past us. Students we crossed were walking against and along with us, but I didn't notice their presence. I only glanced to my side, following where Angeline would go.

Silently, she lead me to the side gate. She greeted the guard with a smile, and peeked outside the gates.

"It seems they aren't here yet," she told me.

"You're going to be fetched by you're service?"

She shook her head

"No, my parents will fetch me."

Her parents....

I tried my best not to let any memories resurface. But, there's one thing I'm sure of: I don't want to see them just yet.

"There's a waiting room around here. Let's wait there." I told her, leading her to the metal gated room.

Inside was a simple, pale walled room with benches on three corners for students to sit. But, usually at this time, around 2/3 of the space was occupied by bags of all kinds.

I found a small space in between a power rangers backpack and a guitar case. I made enough space for her to sit, but when I offered her to sit, she simply placed her bag down.

"I wont sit. I'll just stand. How about you?"

"No, I can't..."

I trailed off. My mind recalled something. For years, I've always wanted to return this to her, and now is the only chance I'll get.

"Hey, ahm, Angeline?"

"Ah, yeah?"

"Well...I really hope we get to be good friends." I again forced a smile. My cheeks seemed to ache a bit, making me realize how long its been since I've last smiled.

Angeline just looked at me, a bit surprised at first, then returned with a bright smile.

"Sure, I'd like that." she replied, in a joyful tone.

Her smile...

Somehow, it lightens my chest a bit to see that.

"Ah, also, I think you forgot this."

I placed down my messenger bag, and unzipped the zipper, pulling out a small sized notebook, with a small silver lock at the side. I handed it over to her, but she took it with a questionable look in her eyes.

I hesitated at first, but found the courage to say it.

"Its from before you left, its you're-"

"ANGELINE!!!!"

Suddenly, someone interrupts me, shouting with an all too familiar voice.

A chill ran up my spine, as I forced my neck to turn.

There, my eyes came upon another person I never wanted to see.

Her hair was similar to Angeline's, but slightly longer and a bit more dull in color. Her face, if I didn't know, would have been mistaken for her sister.

It was her mother.

"Mom, you're here! I would like you to meet my classmate..."

"No! Get away from that man!"

She shouted, closing the distance with large steps, then forcefully tugging Angeline by the wrist, away from me.

Her eyes glared into mine, and seemed to pierce right into my soul.

Hell seemed to be a better alternative at this point.

"But, why? Is something wrong? He's just-"

"EVERYTHING, is wrong Angie. Look, I know you're new here, but there are just some people you must never speak to-" she glanced my way, still gripping tightly to her daughter, "-people like him!"

Angeline looked at me, strangely, with confusion.

How does she not understand what her mother meant?

"But, mom? I don't even know him yet."

"And, you must never." she raised her voice again at her, and pulled her forward, towards the gate.

"Go ahead to the car." she said coldly, picking up Angeline's bag and tossing it to her. It looked like she threw it hard, cause Angeline was pushed back a bit when she caught it.

"Mom, but-"

"Go! Angeline!" She shouted in fury, pointing out towards the gate.

Students around were all looking at us, whispering, mumbling things about us.

My feet seemed to be frozen in place. I wanted to get away, run as far away from here as possible.

Of all days, why today.

Angeline, still a bit confused, hesitantly left the gate, out of sight.

Once she was, her mother looked her way for a few more seconds, before turning her sights onto me.

Her eyes, like a predator that had caught its prey, I tried to avert her gaze, but couldn't.

I can't...

My heart started to thump in my chest, hands got clammy, and goosebumps started to run.

Move!

I told myself, but I wouldn't listen.

Move!

I told myself, pleaded, but my eyes wouldn't let go of her glance

MOVE!!!

*pack*

Before my mind could register it, I felt a sharp sting on my cheek, as my head was pushed to the side.

The sting grew into pain, and only then have I realized what happened: Angeline's mother slapped me.