Deadwood Stains

7: Ask

[Ask]

“That's the best joke and worst excuse I've heard so far."

He wiped his tears and straightened his back. Then he gave us a serious stare.

“Okay. Joke time is over. Do not expect that you'll walk out of this mess without your parents knowing." He crossed his arms and let the light fall to his side.

Will mumbled something to Raven.

“But we are not joking! Look at us. We are all soaked. I twisted my ankle! This one's arm is bleeding! " I pointed to Raven's wounded arm.

“Let me see." He took Raven's arms and scuffled.

“And I assume you got this from a monster?" He looked at us suspiciously.

Raven was not responding.

“Silence means yes? Okay, let me get this straight. Cut the lame excuse out. Let's treat the wounds you got from playing around." Peter demanded.

“B-but-"

“It's no use arguing with this man. Let's just hope he can help us get out of this place." Raven whispered at me.

“Stop whispering behind my back. You three ought to be suspended, trespassing like this." He glowered.

“Okay. Okay. We give up. You win, Peter. You can report us tomorrow. Now, can we go home?" Will stated in surrender.

Like I'll return here tomorrow.

“See. It's better if you're telling the truth. But you can't go home yet. Stay here for a while." He turned and walked away.

“Oi! We can't stay here all night!" Will bellowed. We followed him.

“Like I want company of some kids. You can't open the damn gate without electricity. And if you want to scale the walls in this rain, you're free to do so. Reactions? No? Come here." He rebutted as he pushed a door open.

“Why did they build a gate that can be only opened by wire?"

“To keep people out and protect people in? 'Cause, kids, that's what gates are for." I rolled my eyes at him.

The door led us to a  room containing  two beds, a small kitchen and another door that may lead to a bathroom.

“You live here?" Will queried.

“Technically, that's a ‘we'. All security personnel of this school stays here 24/7." He tapped on something.

“Where are the others of that ‘we' then?" I asked in curiosity.

“I don't- None of your business, missus. " He was mystified for a while then snapped at me.

“You two young men can change into one of my clothes down there." He pointed to a cabinet. “And, you. I think you can do something with what Tara left." He went out for a second then returned handing me a skimpy short and a black lady shirt . I was told that there was a lady guard on our school that resigned a few months ago.

He abruptly went out and shut the door.

“Smooth." Will uttered.

A few hours later, a battery-powered lamp basked the  place with an incandescent glow. Sprawled all over the mattress, Will gave a huge yawn. Raven was treating his wounds. I, on the other hand, limped out of the bathroom and tinkered on the small kitchen.

“I'm starving. Got anything there, princess?" The redhead rogue complained. He was wearing white sando and jeans, showing off his toned arms.

Hmm..maybe Peter won't notice that we ate some of his stuff. I'm famined.

“Hands up!" I tossed him an apple. He caught it with no effort. Will's really good at catching things.

“Wow an apple. Surely, this delicacy will satiate my hunger! Thanks." Will sarcastically remarked.

“You're welcome." I sassily replied.

Crunching a huge piece off, Will chewed with vigor. He grimaced for a while and stopped eating.

“Erghh... Doesn't taste like an apple." He threw it on a trashcan nearby.

“That's a total waste of food."

I took some bread and briskly walked towards Raven. I gave him a piece yet he shook his head.

“Not hungry."

“Suit yourself." I muttered. Will raised one of his hands, implying that he'll take it for him. The bread's quite stale.

“So..." The redhead started after gulping on what he chewed. “Can anybody explain to me what the fuck just happened out there?"

We looked at Raven, hoping for a response from him.