The Difference Between Us

{9} A night with Scarlet

L O G A N

"Scarlet?!" I stared at my seatmate who was looking at me unfazed. The silver moonlight bounced off her red hair, making it shine like polished ruby and her green eyes were glowing– literarily. They were glowing in the dark, or should I say under the moonlight, like she was some magical creature. I pulled my headband over my left eye instinctively since I was not wearing contacts. It was a good thing I wore the headband or Scarlet would have found out too.

"You...and I thought I was crazy." She said emotionless as ever and not giving a damn about why my headband is over my left eye. If I like anything about her, it is because she minds her own business. We were walking side by side aimlessly at mid frikin' night! I'm surprised she even let me walk beside her since she's always so sensitive to touch and proximity. I know because I've received numerous black eyes for poking her when she wasn't listening in class and thanks to that, I had fan girls trying to tend to my injuries each time it happened.

The silence was comfortable unlike what I had expected but I suddenly became curious as to why she was awake at this time. I know she's a fearless daredevil to be able to go out alone at this time but I can't help but to ask why, so I did and I got a reply and not silence this time!

"I was banned from bike race." She answered. Wait, isn't that illegal?

"That's exactly why I was banned."

Did I say that out loud? She must've been caught and thrown to jail for that.

"I've been to jail and back more times than you can count. I spent more time in juvenile center though."

Is she telepathic?

"If you want to say something in your head, try not to open your mouth, that works." She stated matter of factly and void of emotion as usual.

"For you to be jailed, you must have done something really bad, right?" My curiosity got the best of me as I asked.

"Yes. Murder." She stated blankly and my breathing stopped for a while. She did what?!

"Tch. Is that what you expected me to say?" She clicked her tongue, her voice hinting a bit of annoyance.

"I was framed for doing drugs. It happened last year when I ruined boss' business. I guess that was their way of getting back at me."

"Boss?" I question in curiosity. It is rare for Scarlet to open up like this so I'm using the very opportunity.

"I was in a gang, then I exposed them for weapon smuggling and they framed me for doing drugs." She shrugged as if it was nothing. I noticed how she was tapping her hand against her thigh, she did that often but I didn't question it.

If she was in a gang, how is she roaming around freely? I guess I am just the one over thinking the gang issue. It could be a group of hooligan teenagers for all I know.

We continued to walk until I thought of another question I felt I should ask.

"Why aren't you so friendly?" I asked. According to the orphanage matron, Scarlet was a cheerful girl. I wonder what made her change and become a rebel. She doesn't answer but continues walking which I kinda expected from her. I guess making friends doesn't just come easy for her especially because of her reputation.

'We are so different and yet the same.'

"Why can't you sleep?" I changed my question.

"What about you?" She replied. Tsk tsk, replying questions with questions is a bad habit, she should know that. I answer her anyways.

"Nightmare. You?" I asked again.

"Insomnia." She answered truthfully. I didn't think Scarlet would be the type to have insomnia since she sleeps most times in class. As we were walking, she almost walks straight into a night lamp pole as if she did not see it there. Before she did, I dragged her back and turned her to face me.

"What?!" She questions and aggressively yanked her arm from my hold.

"You were walking in to a pole. I should've let you hit your head, that would be better." I defended. She frowned and turned toward where the pole is and raised her hand to feel it.

'What is going on?'

She frowned harder and rubbed her eyes while mumbling some curses. Is she sleepy already? Was it sleepiness that made the pole invisible to her?

"I have to go home." She stated blankly. "But I need your help." She added as if commanding me. I agreed nevertheless and walked her to her house which was not that far from Ayo's and my home. Shelia lives on the other street with Sharon and April, and that's all I know.

"What happened back there?" I questioned. I didn't really expect an answer though, it's not like she'll tell me anyway. Although she did tell me about her past not too long ago. Like I predicted, silence was all I got as an answer. I walked her to her house and bade her goodnight which she didn't return.

As I was walking back to my house, I stopped at Ayo's house but I just stared at the building. I wanted to trust what Nata told me the other day.

-
It might take time but they would come around, just like Sean and I did.
-

Would he really come around or will he be like the others?

I walked home and changed my clothes to comfortable clothing. Scarlet didn't bother about the fact that I covered my left eye which was lucky for me. I don't know what she would do if she finds out about my identity. I sighed as I closed my eyes to sleep.

'I wish my father wasn't my father.'

***
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