Rewriters [Completed]

Chapter 10: A Word of Thanks

Over their next couple of visits to the book club room, Kaleo realised the bond between the regular members plus Julia were stronger than it seemed at first glance. Even though they sat in different groups, they always came together to help each other.

When everyone was present, it seemed as though a dull moment never existed. He couldn't help but chuckle at how they nearly started a pillow fight that escalated so fast that he couldn't even remember what was the argument in the first place. Admittedly, he was rather envious of them. He had never been great at making bonds; it was quite the opposite.

As Kaleo made some revisions to a paragraph he wrote, Akane approached the table where he was sitting with Lysa and the Four Musketeers. When he looked up curiously, Cailin waved in front of his face. "Rule number one in improving yourself, don't get distracted."

"Oh sorry," he said, trying to refocus.

"Hold on, take a look at this first," Irvin interrupted, handing him a piece of foolscap paper.

"Wait, isn't this Akane's?" Kaleo asked. "Is it really alright if I read it?"

"Yes," Akane replied. "It would be nice to have another person's opinion for once."

He nodded and started reading. Lysa, who was curious as well, read it with him. Needless to say, he was impressed. Unlike his style, hers was sophisticated and descriptive.

"It's amazing," he finally said when he found his voice again.

"Thanks. Compliments won't help me improve though."

"Sorry, I can't really think of anything you need to improve on," Kaleo responded apologetically. "But I guess it's quite... um, stiff? Like it's not very smooth to read? I don't know how to explain it."

At the look of the confused faces around him, he ducked his head. "Um, nevermind..."

"I think... he means that it's too descriptive..." Much to everyone's astonishment, it was Lysa who spoke. "I guess it affects the flow of the words."

William's mouth was practically hanging open. "You can talk!"

"William, you are making her uncomfortable," Helen chided.

"Sorry."

Pushing the two of them aside, Akane took a seat opposite Lysa and handed her a pencil. "That's a good point. Can you help me highlight where?"

She nodded hesitantly. The look on Lysa's face was similar to the one she gave Kaleo before filling his notebook with underlines. He gave her a smile to encourage her, making sure to assist in any way he could.

As thanks, Akane made some comments on his work. Unlike Lysa, she didn't hesitate to point out his flaws. He felt slightly crushed but understood where she was coming from.

After a few more revisions, Kaleo decided it was time to take a break.

"You don't have to worry," she said after she read his latest version. "You are definitely on the path to improvement."

"Really?" He was surprised to hear such a nice compliment after all the critiques she made.

"Don't look so surprised," Helen said, grinning. "Akane is actually very nice."

"That's what I told him too!" William added.

"Yeah, whatever," Akane said dismissively.

Kaleo smiled, but he couldn't quite hide the sadness from it. "You all seem very close with each other..."

"Of course," Cailin said confidently. "We have been through a lot together."

"If I remember correctly, you are in different years right? How did you get to know each other? If you don't mind telling me."