Republic of Omisha

Chapter 13: Clay

  He walks into the cafeteria for breakfast. Clay is African-American. He is broad and tall. Taller than Hendrix, standing at six two. He was the second student at this school this generation. He's been here for for five years. Six months less than Ekon, the deceiver. He spent six months with that guy before the next trials brought in a new student, and he hates him.

He hangs out with his group of runners: Brindle, Brooklyn, and Steven. He was the youngest winner of the games, at twelve years old. He isn't prideful- like others would assume. He's also kinder and more down-to-earth than the other runners because he will talk to the hidders-Sandra, Valerie, and Asher- as equals unlike the deceivers or even the runners.

Clay sees the "Clever One" sitting with Valerie at the hidders' table. He decides to sit with them. He doesn't care if the other runners follow or not. He sits in the open seat next to her, giving her adequate space.

She sits up straight and a worried look crosses her face as she scoots closer to Valerie. "I'm sorry, I don't mean to make you uncomfortable. I'm Clay. I get that your nervous- I heard about yesterday. I have some beef with the deceivers too. I'm a runner."

Valerie chimes in, "You're not just a runner, you're the best runner. You are the youngest winner of the trials."

"Wow," The "Clever One" replies, not sounding impressed.

"It's no big deal." Clay almost sounds embarrassed that Valerie mentioned it, or maybe it was the other girl's response.

"So do you have a name, Clever one?" He realized his slip of tongue.

"What?" He sees her face light up.

"Well, we are all nicknamed by the way we won, and you won by your cleverness. That's never been done before. You're the only one."

He watches a grin grow on her face.

Clay found himself feeling uncomfortable, insecure. He has never felt this way before, at least not because of a girl. He began to feel flustered and needed to change the subject. "So, what's your first class?"

"Math, geometry to be more specific."

"Me too. Do you want to walk to class together?" He wonders if he seems to forward. She looks uncertain and turns to Valerie, who nods her head in approval.

"Okay," She says with a growing smile.

They hear the bell ring and head to class. He finds himself watching her as she walks. Thankfully she never looks up at him or she would meet his gaze.

They work through math problems together and she has study hall and agrees to go with him to the weight room. Where they encounter Ekon, and Karma. He turns to Eliza, who looks to feel a mix of anger and fear toward them.

She stands shielded behind Clay as they enter the room. Ekon and Karma stop talking to stare at them. "Aww, don't you two make a cute couple?" Karma teases.

"You, sure move on fast." Ekon mocks Eliza, and Karma lets out a squeaky evil laugh.

"Back off." Clay barks at them.

"Ooh, touchy." Karma snaps.

"That's cute, protecting your little girlfriend. She's the one that couldn't keep her hands off of Hendrix, who is in detention thanks to you." Ekon looks at Eliza predatorily and takes a stride towards them.

Clay feels Eliza step closer to his back and she wraps her arms around him. She's scared, Is what he thinks until he can glances back to see her face flush with anger and panic. He's aware of her breakdowns. All of the students are.

"Stop it, Ekon." Is all that he can say as forcefully as he can as Ekon steps right up to him, looking into Clay's eyes with rage behind his own.

Ekon tilts his head. "We protect are own here, and she is not one of your runners so she has to fight me on her own."

"That's not a rule. That's just usually how fights go down." Clay replies, his voice unwavering.

Ekon is enraged and tries to hit him in the jaw. Clay deflects it and catches his arm. While he pins it behind his back, Karma quickly approaches and lifts her foot to kick his leg in such a way to break it.

To his surprise Eliza takes off charging at her. She throws herself at Karma and pins her to the floor. With one leg across her stomach and her hands pinning her wrist, Karma is unable to wriggle free.

Teachers usually pass the weight room a few time each period to check on the kids. Soon Mr. Jacobs is on the scene escorting the kids to the headmaster's office, near the medical wing.

Mr. Nelson, the headmaster, isn't pleased with the four of them. He addresses the boys first, while the girls weight in the hall with Mr. Jacobs. "Ekon, now you are Eighteen. Clay, you are seventeen. I wish that you would act like it. You two have been fight for years..." Clay didn't care to listen to the rest of his speech. He was just trying to protect Eliza, but he won't listen.