The Brains and The Rebel

Chapter I

I woke up early this time and I got ready for school. Once I got there, I felt my stomach drop. Owen was waiting outside the school's door, looking around. I watched him for awhile since he hadn't seen me yet. His face wasn't malicious, but rather tired and serious. I wonder what could make him so tired, could he be partying all night like stereotypical kids do? Or was there more than meets the eye. 

I took a deep breath and walked to the doors, holding my books. I tried my best not to look at him as I handed him his work. I heard him walking over to me as I pulled out the assignment for him. And when I got it out, he was towering over me. I felt intimidated, but I didn't show it.

"You finally did it this time, shrimp?" He told me, his voice was raspy.

"U-uh, yes, sir...Here" I handed the work to him.

 "Good. I'll see you around...You're lucky I give second chances..."

After that, he walked into the school. I looked at my watch, a gift my mother got me for my birthday, and it read 6:45 AM. Why was he going to school so early? I mean I come here to read the books before I'm pummeled outside before school officially starts. Something in my body told me to go my separate way, while the other me wanted to know what was wrong. Even if we aren't friends anymore, I still care for him. I worried that if anyone finds out that he was the one who bullies me, he get expelled.

I swallowed my fear and enter the lion's den. I left my stuff in the library and walked around the school. It was quiet and no one was around except for a few janitors and teachers. They usually leave me alone since they believe 'Oh he's a smart kid, he'll be fine.' or ' He's a nerd, what's he going to do?' I looked around to see where Owen could have gone until I went over to the locker rooms, I heard the sound of rushing water coming from it. I took another deep breath and enter the locker rooms, inside there wasn't anyone. 

At least, I didn't see anything first. It was steaming and it was fogging up my glasses. I took them off and wiped them, just for them to get foggy again. I just left them off and looked around still, then when I turned around I bumped into something. I couldn't see well, but well enough to know it was someONE. 

I looked up at the figure, "Uh, sorry..."

"What are you doing in here...?" A familiar voice said in the same raspy voice.

"I-I didn't know it was you..." I stuttered.

"Who the fuck would it be!?" He growled.

"A-ah! I'm sorry, I-I was just worried!" I said, closing my eyes, thinking he was going to hit me.

Then nothing happened, I opened my eyes and he was still standing there. I flustered because I felt ridiculous thinking he was.

He let out of a sigh, "You're lucky I'm too tired to deal with your ass. If you're gonna stay in here, at least find me a towel..." He said.

"I-is your voice strained? Why are you-"

"I.Said.Find.Me.A.Towel." He growled once more, getting close.

I just then realized he was naked and flustered more, then nodding. I felt around the room for a towel and when I did I handed it to him. He took it gingerly and walked slowly to the shower where the steam was coming from. With that, I walked out of the locker room and steady my breathing. 'You're lucky I'm tired'...? Is he not a morning person? I shook my head, I need to get my stuff before school starts. I headed to the library, wondering about that first time we met.

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I was sitting on the bench in the front office, with the boy in the black t-shirt next to me. The boy's attacker was in the Principal's Office, telling his side of the story. I looked around, avoiding the boy's gaze.

"...Why did you help me...?" He asked me quietly.

"Huh?" I replied.

"Why...did you helped someone like me...?" He asked me again.

"U-uh...I just thought I had too...Like something told me to stop you and the other kid from fighting..."

He chuckled, "Well...Thanks, I guess." 

"I'm really sorry...I-"

"You weren't fighting me...So don't be sorry..." He interrupted me.

I nodded and looked down, then I thought for a moment. 

"Would you...like to be friends..?" I asked him.

"...Why do you want to be friends with me?"

"Cause...I believe that you have some good in you..."

"Gee thanks." He said in a rude tone.

"I-I didn't mean it like that! I just think-"

"It's fine, " He said, "I know you mean well."

"So...Friends?" I asked.

"Sure..." 

"What's your name? I'm Jonathan."

"Owen..." 

"Well...It's nice to meet you, Owen."

"Nice...to meet you too..."

I smiled to myself, thinking that this friendship would last.

It never did.

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I sat in the library, eating my lunch quietly when Owen walks in. I shivered to myself, why is he here?! Is he looking for me, is he wanting to fight?! I stayed to myself as he passed by me, heading over to the librarian. I went back into my book, trying to hide my face from him. I heard a few steps and someone pulling a chair across from me. When I looked up, Owen was leaning back in his chair looking directly at me. I clear my throat and closed the book.

"Did something happened?" I asked him.

"Nope. Came in for a book, then I saw you." 

Crap, this is what I get for sitting next to the front door. I looked at my book, "And what book are you looking for?"

"The one you're reading, obviously." He said and took the book, opening the pages and reading.

Even without my help, Owen would still be one of the smartest kids at school. I don't understand why he's wasting his time on me and not his work. 

"I-is that all?" I asked him.

"No. I need you to do an essay for me in Spanish. About homelife and all." He said without looking away from the book.

"Why can't you write your own home life?" I grumbled.

"What did you say shrimp!?" His growled, his eyes locking with mine.

"I-it was nothing!" I said, feeling timid.

"Better fucking be. Otherwise, we got another fight on our hand." He said, going back to the book.

I took in a deep breath and hid a sigh. I managed to get away from getting pummeled for today. I decided to get started on homework and Owen's I did mine first before I did his, so no one would suspect I was helping him. After an hour or so, the bell rang and I handed him his homework. He looked at me and smirked, putting it back into his bag.

"Damn Shrimp, you're quick." He said and walked out the Library. 

I sighed and headed to my next class. I began to wonder why he asked me to do that, why not use his own family? Was something going on? Were his parents alcoholics or something? I began asking questions I had no answers to then I made up my mind. I was going to confront him, no matter if he hits me or not or push me down, I want to know why he does this?

I held onto the door handle to my classroom and took a deep breath.

This time, I'm going to be in charge.