Devil on the Rooftop [Book 1]

Chapter 33 - Arisa

If legends never got to pick their names then I had to heed the public's warning. It was clear to everyone but me that I had been eating out of the palms of Hades. If I didn't snap out of it, I would be dragged into the underworld for the remainder of the term. This game I had been playing; this I'll-find-out-how-you-do-it-and-pay-you-back-ten-folds had to stop. I had to forget about revenge and keep my head down. I had to continue to dismiss any feelings Loyal might have for me. I didn't transfer into Jackheights to jeopardize my safety. I didn't learn self defence to run towards danger.

I entered the school cafeteria burdened by my own thoughts. It was busy and segregated by clicks; it had its jocks, geeks, intellects, artists, and cheerleaders all under one roof. The only time they merged was at the serving counter to order today's special: a classic poutine. I didn't have a big appetite but I knew if I didn't have lunch then I would suffer during the afternoon classes. I was happy with my turkey sandwich, celery sticks, and hummus. I tried to have two big meals a day and snacks in between, but after skipping breakfast, I packed myself a full arsenal.

I took a seat by the large rectangular windows and admired the weather outside. The sun was bright and wonderful, and with the snow gone, the flowers were ready to bud and blossom. Goosebumps slid down my spine as I felt a pair of eyes on my back. I turned to find the culprit but it was hard to spot them. It could the freshmen playing cards, the third years from the debate club, the band members fiddling with their clarinets and flutes or maybe it wasn't anyone? Listening to stories about the 'devil' and 'reaper' had clearly done a number on me. I was becoming paranoid; jumpy at the slightest movement around me.

Matilda appeared from the line of hungry bodies. Her friendly face eased my anxiety and I was able to drop my guard for a few minutes. I waved her over and offered the seat across from mine.

Matilda sat down with her watermelon tote and classic poutine. "Hey" she said, as I watched her unzip the bag and pull out of a spork.

"Someone is environmentally friendly," I commented.

"Oh, you have to be these days. I don't know if I'm going to live long enough to have grandchildren."

"We recycle and compost at home, but I haven't taken that extra step to carry utensils."

"And a water bottle," Matilda added, pulling one out.

"Maybe your good habits will rub off on me," I laughed. It must have been contagious because she followed my lead. "I have to say, Matilda. I'm really happy to see you in better spirits."

Her gaze dropped and her smile slowly faded. Too soon? Crap. Maybe I shouldn't have said anything. I wasn't trying to trigger her. I just wanted to check in and make sure she was doing better than yesterday.

Matilda tackled her poutine as I tried to fix my mistake. "You're strong, stronger than Khaleel will ever know," I said.

Her smile retuned but I could tell it was forced. "Thank you," she said. "I think it's time to take a break from boys and focus on myself."

"Yes," I supported. "That delinquent doesn't deserve you. It's a hundred percent his loss. Ugh, just talking about him upsets me—let's change the subject."

Matilda wouldn't allow it. "What did he do now?"

I insisted on helping her forget. "Nothing productive," I said. "Question, what are you doing after school today? I wanted to check out the neighbourhood and maybe grab some ice cream from the mall. What do you say? Do you want to come?"

"I would love to! How about I meet you by the front doors after school?"

"Perfect," I showed teeth.

"Perfect," Matilda muffled with a full mouth. I decided to let her eat in peace and enjoyed my turkey sandwich. This was what coming to a new school was supposed to be about, meeting people, building relationships, and going out to explore together. In a perfect world, there would be no legends, no rooftop, and no losers to rule it.

I spent the next twenty minutes asking Matilda about her favourite clothing brands, where she liked to shop for make up, and if she had any interest in getting tattoos or piercings. To my surprise, she already had both. Matilda said she got her belly button done last year on her birthday, and when her godmother passed away, she tattooed a rose on her ankle to honour her. It was really sweet and it made me like her even more. I made a comment about how her parents must be really understanding to let her do that.

"'My mom would blow a gasket," I added.

"Is she really strict?" Matilda inquired.

"I wouldn't say she's strict but it did take her forever to let me have a cell phone. I think she's just worried that I'll mature too fast."

Fifteen minutes later, we began to tidy up. The cafeteria filled with high-pitched squeals and screaming at the same time; like some pop icon had just walked through the doors. We faced the service line and spotted Zander being swarmed by a group of cheerleaders.

Matilda told me a huge chunk of his fans came out of that click, and to steer clear of them if I could help it. Too late, I wanted to say, recognizing some of the girls from my gym class. My jaw drew to the floor when the line split itself to let Zander skip to the front. The servers didn't even charge him for his meal. I was sure this was the tip of the iceberg. There were probably other, more ridiculous perks and privileges him and his friends took advantage of.

I kept my head down and tried to stay off his radar, the last thing I needed was for him to ask for a rematch. Matilda noticed and asked if I was okay. I quickly filled her in about my encounter with the playboy on the basketball court. "Are you afraid you'll lose if he asks for a rematch?" she asked.

I dropped my head and stared at my empty container. "No, I'm afraid those girls will tear me a new one if they see me blink in his direction."

"That's a bit surprising," she mused, getting my head to snap forward. "You're always ready to confront Loyal and his friends but the fan girls scare you?"

"I can fight Loyal with a clear conscience, but punching people who are deluded about romancing a guy like that? Not as fun."

Matilda's warm eyes softened. "Really? I think emotional trauma is sometimes worse than physical trauma."

It sounded like she was speaking from experience. I didn't want her to think back on the pain Khaleel had surely caused. It was only going to be harder to move on.

"Hello again," a playful voice disrupted my thoughts. I looked over my shoulder and found the playboy standing behind. A flock of vultures guarded him and their fierce expressions landed on me. If looks could kill.

I didn't dare to greet him with them nearby. So, I organized my lunchbox and stood up to leave.

Matilda did the same.

We walked around the table and headed for the exit together.