Survival in Sermont

Chapter Nine

P.O.V.- September

The next few days literally go by in a blur. Everything farther than a few feet ahead of me is indistinguishable. And I can't help but feel stupid. Arson was willing to pay for replacement glasses, but I denied the offer. I'm confused about why. Normally, I'm quick to accept any form of free items.

I think it's just because I was pissed and not thinking straight. That encounter with Arson was the first time I ever acted out in school in my life. I knew from a very young age that I'd have to perform well in my classes and behavior in order to leave this shitty life of mine behind. Of course, I'd have to take my family with me. All I do is for them, and I know if it weren't for them, I'd probably be in a way worse position.

Lucilla's fist collides with my face, bringing me back to reality. Her knee pushes into my stomach, doubling me over. Her foot kicks mine from underneath me, sending me to the ground.

"What's got you distracted?" She asks as she looks down on me.

I don't bother to get up. Instead, I fold my hands behind my head and kick one foot over another.

"Just thinking 'bout how stupid I am," I answer. "Arson offered to buy me new glasses. I said no."

"Aye, stupid whito, why?"

She lies behind me and mirrors my position. She presses her foot against mine. We do this a lot—begin with kickboxing then end with laying side-by-side. Ever since we were young, we would do this. We found this activity as not only a stress-relief but also a fun workout we both enjoy.

"I was upset as hell," I explain then scrunch my brow, "and confused."

As I stood over Arson, my fist beating the shit out of him, a sense of familiarity washed over me. It felt like the whole ordeal happened before. That's half the reason I stopped swinging.

"Why?" Lucilla asks again.

"It felt all too familiar... like the fight...it happened before."

And I reminded myself of my father. I don't mention that part. Lucilla may know everything about me, but she doesn't know my dad hits me. No one's ever gonna be told that.

Lucilla turns over on his side, facing me, and props her head on her hand. I follow suit.

"Lame," she says.

"Screw you, " I joke, flicking her off.

She returns the sign and sticks her tongue out.

"It's almost time for school," I say as I look at my watch.

We have approximately thirty minutes left before the first class starts. I dread school. The only reason I put up with it is so I can get out of this damned city.

"Screw school," she mumbles before retrieving her bag. "I can't wait to freakin' graduate."

"Preach it, Niñita."

I stand up and throw on my school clothes, a black t-shirt and ripped jeans. Niñita pulls on matching jeans and a matching tank top. People will never tell we're best friends. She replaces her running shoes with black stilettos and turns her feet in circles.

"That's better," she says, smiling.

For some reason, she finds heels more comfortable than any other type of shoe. It's crazy.

I watch as she dolls herself up with bold red lipstick, mascara, and long-winged eyeliner. Her makeup is pretty simple, but nonetheless, she blows everyone else out of the part. She has a simple kind of beauty.

"Ok, I'm ready," she says as she finishes adorning herself in gold jewelry.

I pull on my cardigan and we leave for a hopefully good day.