the latter | andrew clark ✅

seven

"That's very clever sir, but what if there's a fire? I think violating fire codes and endangering the lives of children would be unwise at this juncture in your career, sir," John states. His tone is formal yet sarcastic, everyone watching Andrew and Vern move the magazine rack.

A moment passes before Vern hollers, "Alright, what are you doing with this? Get this outta here for God's sake! What's the matter with you? Come on!"

"You know the school comes equipped with fire exits at either end of the library."

"Shut the fuck up for a minute," Jamie orders. Brian nods obediently, noticing the look across her face.

"Get back to your seat!" Andrew follows orders, sitting beside Claire. "I expected a little more from a varsity letterman!" He turns to the Benders. "You're not fooling anybody, you two! The next screw that falls out is gonna be you!"

It seemed like Vern had gotten the last laugh, but when do the Benders back down from a fight? "Eat my shorts..." he mumbles, while she mumbles, "Eat shit and live..."

"What was that?" Vernon questions, taking steps towards the duo. Both look at each other, John with a grin while Jamie still is angry at him. He raises a brow, making her give a quick nod before they turn to Vernon.

"Eat. My. Shorts." Their voices intertwine with each other. Jamie's voice is deeper, probably because she's trying not to strangle anybody.

"You just bought one more right there!" Vern growls.

"Oh Christ..."

"Great..."

"You just bought one more right there!"

"Well, we're free the Saturday after that! Beyond that, I'm gonna have to check our calendar!"

"Good! 'Cause it's gonna be filled, we'll keep goin'! You want another one? Say the word, just say the word! Instead of going to prison, you'll come here! Are you through?" he questions.

"Hell no!" Vernon turns to Jamie.

"I'm doing society a favor!"

"Who gives a fuck?"

"That's another one, right now! I've got you for the rest of your natural born life if you don't watch your step! You want another one? "

"Is it cool if I step on your balls then?" Jamie wonders, crossing her arms over her chest.

"That's another one for both of you!"

"Cut it out!" The Benders turn to the voice, finding Claire mouthing "stop." Well, she cares about John, not Jamie, it's so noticeable. Jamie's sight slowly moves to Andrew, who has a look of disappointment and pity on his face. It makes Jamie bite her tongue, forcing her eyes down to her lap.

"You through?" Vernon questions. Jamie doesn't answer, keeping her eyes down while John continues.

"Not even close, bud!"

"Good! You got one more, right there!"

"Do you really think I give a shit?"

"Another..." John glares at him. "You through?"

"How many is that?"

"That's seven for John Bender including the one when we first came in and you asked Mr. Vernon here whether Barry Manilow knew that he raided his closet. And five for Jam-"

"It's eight and six now. You stay out of it!" Vern orders, shutting Brian up. "I got you two for two months. Two months, your mine."

"What can I say? I'm thrilled!"

"Oh, I'm sure that's exactly what you want these people to believe. You know something, Bender? You ought to spend a little more time trying to do something with yourself and a little less time trying to impress people. You might be better off."

A quiet sigh passes Andrew's lip, turning to look at Vernon with an annoyed. Something catches his eyes though, seeing Jamie's fist on the table. A small, almost unnoticeable pool of blood forms underneath it, seeing as her nails are digging into her palm. The wraps around her knuckles are crimson too, looking soaked like a sponge.

"Alright, that's it! I'm going to be right outside those doors. The next time I hafta come in here...I'm cracking skulls!"

With that being said, Vern walks off, the door shutting behind him. John still tries to have the last word, yelling, "Fuck you!" Silence comes around once more. John sighs dramatically, turning to his sister. He sees her arms being hidden by her jacket, the thing tossed on the table but ignores it. "Thanks for the help," he scoffs, turning his head and body away from her.

A shaky breath passes her lip. Her nose twitches as she bites her tongue, pulling her nails from her palms. She hisses quietly, feeling blood seeping from the wound. And the cloth against her knuckles doesn't help, creating a strong stinging sensation. She forces her eyes away from her jacket, her brown eyes connecting with Andrew's blue ones. His eyes glance down at the jacket. Jamie shakes her head, biting her lip and forcing her eyes from his.