Powerless

38. Back To Class

For the first week back it was just me, Roman, and Emile. Doctor visits every day and meetings with the school board. Anything remotely related to my diagnosis, I kept Roman out of. The school was informed of my Mental strain and asked to work around it. Such as, if they needed to ask me something, it had to yes or no, or with two given choices. That way even lying, I could answer them. It was difficult. To be honest, part of me wished they didn't ask me anything at all.

I hated lying. I hated the idea of being deceptive. I never even told anyone I was back. I couldn't bear the idea of deceiving my friends. I practically went mute around Roman. I know that can't last. I need to be open about things. It just... how? Now that this has happened...

I stood there in front of the classroom door silently freaking out. Classroom 101. In that room are my friends... my peers. Men that bullied on me for being powerless. Men who now know I'm not. I wanted to hide back behind my mask and gloves and forget this ever happened but Emile sternly advised me against it. Suppressors are tricky things. And with my mental strain, I will no longer be able to wear one. Unless I wish to make it worse. So... my scales are in view. I was having anxiety just walking to here. People would stop and stare at me. People who didn't know the story or what happened at the resort. People who only everyone knew me as Cassidy the powerless freak.

I shook my head and reached out for the handle feeling the cold metal against my skin and I frowned. It's now or never, right? I slowly opened the door and cringed as the room went totally silent. I looked around to see all these faces and I started to shake. Why did I do this?

"Cassidy, I'm glad to see you in class again." Mr. Sanders smiled as I tried desperately to avoid eye contact. I took a deep breath and handed over a note I had written and his eyes went dark. "I see. Well then, how's Logan?"

"Logan?" I looked over to see Logan peak his head up in confusion and I laughed a little. The note was simply stating I wanted support. Not from Roman... or Patton... for reasons. But Emile said I had to rely on someone, someone I could trust. "Would he even be ok with that?"

"Why don't you sit by him for today and we'll see how things go from there ok? Trust me though, Cassidy. Logan is a good person to have by your side." Thomas handed me the note back and I frowned. I looked away and nodded at nothing in particular as I slowly made my way to the empty seat beside Logan. He looked over at me confused and I just stared at my hands. Why did I even come here? Was I ready for this? Thomas cleared his throat catching everyone's attention back to him. "As you can see Cassidy Winters has returned to class after his unfortunate stay at the hospital and I am sure so many of you have your questions. But I must implore you to not ask him any..." I cringed. I could hear the double meaning in that statement. Don't ask me questions because I would not be able to answer them honestly. I clenched my fists tightly till my knuckles were white and Logan glanced over concerned. "Let's let him get back into the swing of things on his own and instead focus more on your lessons."

"Cass..." I tensed up and Logan hesitated before sighing and looking ahead. I groaned in thought. I need help. The only way he's even going to be able to give me an answer would be if I asked. I just... I have to swallow my fear and... "I'm sorry, I never made to the hospital." I looked over to see him frowning and I got confused. "T-To visit you... I never got the chance."

"It's..." I stopped causing him to narrowed his eyes just staring ahead towards the teacher. I wanted to tell him it was ok. I wanted to tell him I wouldn't have even known. I wanted to tell him I forgave him. But I knew if I tried... All I would do is lie. I laid my head down on the table and took a deep breath. "Logan?" I handed him the note from before with even looking up. It was the only way I could explain without talking... without lying. I felt him take it and I slowly looked over to see him reading it. I know I saw note but to be honest it more of a list. Things I need, things that happened... An explanation of what happened and a basic description of what Emile told me I need to do. As he continued to read his eyes grew darker and I frowned. Maybe this was a mistake. I shouldn't expect him to just be ok with it. I mean it's Mental Strain.

"Jesus Christ, Caz." I tensed up, looking away as Logan finally spoke. He handed the note back over to me and I glanced back to see this serious expression on his face. "Whatever you need."

"Really?" I was confused. Logan hardly even knew me. He just smiled and nodded. "Thanks..." I heard someone scream and turned to see Roman's desk on fire. Roman was standing there with his hands up looking guilty as hell. What the heck, Roman? This hasn't happened since elementary! I narrowed my eyes and felt the air around me grow cold as I let some energy build. Not a lot... barely noticeable but Roman still glanced back with worried eyes. I flicked my wrist sending a small gust of freezing wind towards the flame and watched as it surrounded in like a tornado slowly suffocating it till it was out. I should really change out my mimicry when I got the chance. Nothing good ever happens when I have Roman's power. At least this time I managed to help him. Again... "Mr. Sanders may I be excused?"

"Any particular reason why?" I narrowed my eyes and sighed. As Logan started to pack his stuff up too.

"No." Thomas nodded and I jumped up to leave just as Logan finished raising his hand too. Thomas nodded at him too and Logan ran to follow me out of the class. I didn't even bother looking back at the others. I didn't say hello or goodbye. I didn't want to see their smiles or there frowns. I just wanted to sleep. I looked over to see Logan walking beside me and I sighed. "Why'd you follow me?"

"Because I said I'd help. I want to know more about what's going on and I'm sure there are things we can work on..." He spun himself around and started to walk backward that way he could face me while he spoke. "...besides, I love a good challenge."