The Tainted Rose

Chapter three

Some people know when to quit and some don't. Which one are you?

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"Do you think you got what it takes to play softball? Come on down to the field for the tryouts, tomorrow after school."

"Hey Aiden, what do you have there?" James asked me as he pointed to my hand.

"Nothing, just this flyer." I responded

"Softball team, huh? You should totally try out tomorrow. I know you're a good center field and first batter." I wasn't sure I wanted to go, but something about him telling me just made me think about it.

"I'm not sure, but now that you said it, I'll think about it." I replied while looking directly at the flyer.

(Bell rings)

"Well, see you in class professor." I said while turning and walking to my next class. Science, not my favorite class but manageable. We were experimenting mixing up some chemicals. While every body was working in pairs; I sat alone in the back of the classroom. After everything that happened I became a loner since my mom and I were always on the move and my so called "friends" on the other school pushed me aside after the event with my stepfather.

We were supposed to mix chemicals to try and make something out of it, no one except me could achieved the goal. While everyone tried different things, I was mixing the fluids trying to make something useful.

"Aiden, I see you're very focused. Have you done anything?" The teacher interrupted me.

"Ummm no, just a lot of failed attempts." I answered while looking at her directly into her eyes.

"Oh well, you keep trying then." She then continued with other students.

"Ohhh, I will. Don't you worry." I whispered to myself. It was a complex mixture to get right, especially for someone like me who isn't very good in chemistry, but I was able to make hydrofluoric acid. You know the acid that eats through anything like in the movies.

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At lunch, I went to the corner where Ashley always sits and this time I gathered enough courage to at least approach her. I stood in front of her with a weird smile.

"Did you come here to make fun of me too? Go away!"

I wasn't going to bully her like the others, I just wanted to talk to her but I was so nervous that I couldn't get that creepy smile off my face.

"Uhhh... Ashley? I didn't come here to make fun of you. Look, I know that James thinks that you should be in twelve A..."

"Who are you and why do you care?" She was guarded at first, did not trust anything I said.

"I... I'm new here and I just want to help you." I confessed.

"Help me with what? What are you talking?" She looked straight into my eyes and for a second I found myself dumbfounded by the beautiful sight.