The Paladin: Lazarus

Chapter 3

Monday

January 31st

I walked through the STC halls, scrolling through my messages with Samantha with a stupid grin on my face. I didn't know why I was so happy. We were just talking again. It felt bigger though, I'd gotten my friend back. And not just any friend, a partner, someone who I could rely on. My happiness must've drawn the attention of the parasite of joy known as Tyler Deckard, as he changed trajectory just to intercept me. After Alicia and Alex had left the picture he didn't have to worry about his father's job, so it gave him carte blanche to torment me in any way he saw fit. He stole my phone, reading over my messages.

"Whadda we got here, a little pig? Oh, Samantha Anderson, are you back together with Raggedy Sam? I gotta say, I liked Alicia the friendly ghost better," he tormented.

"Probably because Alicia didn't beat the piss out of you on Thanksgiving," I replied, snagging back my phone. He shoved me against the lockers, pressing my stitched and bandaged back against the hard metal. Seriously, this again?

"You better watch yourself little pig. Now that her daddy's in the big house and my father is representing a new client, you ain't got some fortune five hundred guardian angel watching over you. So this is the part where you apologize for being a little shit, and hope I accept it."

"You sure it's not the part where you kiss my ass?" I retorted. He grabbed me by the scruff of my jacket and forced me against the lockers once more. Why do I instigate when I know I can't fight back?

"Hey, Tyler, don't you have something better to do than pick on kids?" I heard from down the hall. Finding the source of the voice I found a familiar face.

"We were just playin' around Courtney, right Book?" Tyler assured, getting me in a headlock, giving me a friendly noogie. I pulled my head out and pushed him away with a dirty look.

"Just playin', huh?" she questioned, walking towards him. As she approached I noticed vibrantly colored flyers that she held close in her arms. -liams for Mayor, I read not being able to make out the first bit.

"Yeah," he insisted.

"Yeah okay. Let me remind you that I know your mom, and your sister, and I'm the one who takes Fitzy on those extra long walks he needs. So don't let me catch you pulling this shit again or else you're gonna be hearing about it," she warned. He let go of me, putting his hands up as he headed off to his next class.

"Thanks, really saved the day there," I said, making sure my stitches hadn't gotten caught.

"Its fine, seems like I'm always running around making excuses for that little shit and my punk ass brother," she informed. I gave her a curious look. "I'm Courtney Williams, you probably know my little brother is Max," she introduced, offering her hand to shake. Realization dawned on my face as I put two and two together. "Call me crazy but I feel like we've met before."

"Booker Kelly," I replied, shaking her hand. "And no, I don't think we have, maybe in passing or something."

"Well you let me know if he bothers you anymore, okay? That way I can set him straight," she assured.

"You take previous infractions?" I joked. She snickered with a slight smile.

"I know he can be a real piece of work, but he's a good kid after you get over his very, very rough edges," she made clear.

"I'm gonna have to take your word on that one," I scoffed. Once again I noticed the flyers she was holding, if nothing else for their brilliant color. "Hanging those up?" I asked, pointing to her stack.