Malediction

4 - Warning

Skyler and I changed into our gym leggings and loose fitted shirts, prepared for the onslaught of sweat that was upon us from Mr Richmond. It would be ruthless, he would push us to our absolute limits despite our complaints and begs for mercy.

"Why do we love Tuesdays again?" Skyler sat on the cement sidewalk, pulling her Nike joggers on.
"Because even after the slaughter, we feel better about having our cheat days" I reminded her

"Speaking of, what's for dinner tonight?"

I laughed, removing myself from the space between the change room block and the physical education buildings.

"I'll meet you out there" I called before walking into the open air of the track field.

Two classes had joined, standing as one on the outskirts of the field, stretching, chatting, preparing themselves for the reckoning of Mr Richmond and Mr O'Neil. They were known for their brutal fitness regimes. It was intense, but well needed.

"You shouldn't have done that" A deep voice broke through my absent stare as I stood alone, my hands on my hips, soaking in the slow breeze over my bare skin

My head snapped in the direction of the face, lingering on the tall man beside me. He was looking forward, his eyes - as usual - directed far from me.

"Okay" Was all I could manage out, watching him, motionless

"I can take care of myself, I don't need you in mine or my family's business" He snapped coldly, darker than I'd ever heard his tone before, even with Matthew

I shook my head "If you don't want to involve yourself in anyone's business, then that's fine, but Andy, allow him the chance to live a normal life" I defended the young boy, despite his apparent distain of me

"Stay away from me, and stay away from my brother" He warned venomously with a sudden glare, his eyes finally meeting mine, almost causing me to flinch before storming off.

Spending an hour within constant sight of a man that appeared less than pleased with my existence wasn't an easy thing to do. I had helped him, I was trying to help his brother, why were they being so rude? Why were they making it harder for themselves? My thoughts ran wild, only frustrating me more. 

I forced my anger as much as I could into the workout Mr Richmond had set. It had my heart pumping, my adrenaline rising. For once, I was grateful for the hardcore exercises, burning my emotions out in an appropriate, safe way.

"You look tired" Skyler noted as we slumped in the library, books scattered on our table from our attempted study session. Skyler and I always spent our free periods in the library, only there never really was studying. It looked genuine if a teacher happened to walk past, but in reality, we hadn't read a single full page from any of the opened books.

"I actually put effort in during gym today" I mumbled, one earplug inserted into my ear, thumping music

"Why?"

"Letting out the stress I guess" I answered

"He's really getting to you, isn't he?" She assumed, watching me as she leaned her chin on her arms, which rested crossed on the table

I leaned my head backwards so my neck folded at the back "I just don't get it" I groaned

"You can't let it get to you, we may never know" She shrugged casually as I returned my eyes to her from the ceiling

"I have to sit beside him in history Skyler, I love history, and as long as he is there, I can't enjoy it, how am I going to do that for the next 6 months?"