Without Flaws | Fyodor Academy 1

Chapter 10

Chapter 10

       "I'm not so sure about this," I said to Jules when nobody else was around to listen in on our conversation. I definitely learned my lesson from the last time I spoke about something so private about my life.

       Jules raised an eyebrow. "I'm sorry, did you... Did you just say you're not so sure about this? Did you, Parry Hathaway, say you're not so sure about getting revenge on Malcolm? Revenge is literally your middle name."

       "Actually, it's Steve," I said.

       "That isn't the point," Jules said. "Every time Malcolm does or says something horrible, you never hesitate to get back at him somehow. And what he did to you was the worst thing he had ever done to you. Why don't you want to get back at him?"

       "Because maybe he's right," I said. "Maybe the world would be better if I weren't here."

       "Parry, don't you dare say that," Jules said. "I already told you that you make a lot of people's lives better just because of your confidence. You helped me come out and I had never been so happy. I was miserable hiding my sexuality but you... You showed me that I have nothing to be afraid of. Yeah, I still face discrimination or hate comments sometimes, but it doesn't affect me as much as it does because of you."

       "Okay, correction, maybe things would be better if my parents just put me up for adoption," I said.

       "Parry, come on, that's not true," Jules said. "Your parents love you."

       "They have a funny way of showing it," I said. "Look, I don't want to talk about this anymore. I'm not even going to try getting revenge on Malcolm. There's no point."

       "So you're going to let him get away with what he did?" Jules asked.

       I shrugged. "Why not? Besides, maybe it's best that I start cutting back on the trouble making. I'm surprised I haven't gotten expelled or even suspended yet with all the things I've done."

       "You can't be serious," Jules said. "I don't always agree with some of the things you do to cause trouble but... You can't actually cut back on it. It's what makes you you."

       "Yeah, I'm pretty sure that's not a good thing," I said. 

       "So... You're sure you don't want to do anything to get back at Malcolm?" Jules asked. "Even just a simple prank? Because you did seem keen on it."

       "That was before I thought about it," I said. "I'm tired, Jules. I'm tired of getting into trouble all the time when it's not even working."

       Jules furrowed his eyebrows. "What do you mean 'it's not working'?"

       I sighed. "Nothing. I didn't mean anything. I'm just... I'm going to head to the bonfire area. I need to be on my own for a bit."

       "Parry..."

       I didn't reply as I started heading to the bonfire area, hoping not too many people were there. I just wanted to be on my own, but I couldn't really do that while being on the camping trip since I wasn't allowed to go on a walk by myself.

       Thankfully, not too many people were at the bonfire. A lot of people were either on walks or spending time in their tents.

       I sat down on one of the logs that was furthest away from everyone. My knack for trouble started because my parents would never show up at the school for me. I was hoping it would get their attention and that they would at least have to show up to meet with Mr. McCabe.

       And after everything I had done, they had never made it. There were a few times where Mr. McCabe told me he was going to have to meet with my parents.

       They never showed up.

       Big surprise.

       Someone suddenly sat down beside me and I was going to yell at whoever it was, but I couldn't. Unless I wanted a detention or something.

       And I was serious about wanting to cut back on getting in trouble.

       "I know you like pretending that nothing shakes you, but it's clear that note that was posted on your tent is affecting you," Mr. McCabe said. 

       "It really didn't," I lied. "And you don't have to worry about me getting revenge. I am completely over that."

       "Okay, so it really did affect you a lot," Mr. McCabe said. 

       I sighed. "Maybe it did, but only a little bit. It just... said something about my parents and that's a sensitive topic for me."

       "Well, then I'll make sure Malcolm gets the punishment he deserves," Mr. McCabe said.

       "I never said it was Malcolm," I said.

       "You didn't need to," Mr. McCabe said. "He's the only person that would do such a thing to you. And if it's any consolation, whatever it said about your parents is probably false. I know your parents, you know. And sure, they're busy a lot but they still love you."

       I furrowed my eyebrows, feeling awfully confused. "You... How do you know my parents? I even made sure to register for the school under a fake last name so nobody would assume anything."

       "Because your mom went to the school," Mr. McCabe said. "She was one of the best students that had ever attended there. And I did meet with them both once last year after the beaver incident."

       "How come I didn't know about the meeting?" I said. The only reason why I wanted my parents to ever meet with Mr. McCabe was so they would be at the school and I could see them for once. 

       "It was one through video chat," Mr. McCabe said. 

       "Of course it was," I said. "They're always too busy to even come down here to see how I'm doing. I don't even care if anyone finds out that I have famous parents. I just want to see them again. I bet they won't even come down for the parent orientation that's happening soon."

       "You never know," Mr. McCabe said. 

       "Well, considering they haven't made any effort to be involved in my school life, I would have to say that I do know," I said. "They're never going to come down here to visit me."

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it's okay parry. i'll adopt you and will come down to visit you whenever you want <3

i'm sad guys. my author notes have been so boring because idk what to say anymore :( i blame summer. my life is so boring rn. can it just be winter already? or even autumn?