Impaired

I didn't kill him, I swear!

Chapter 4

***

There has always been one weird thing about my dreams. In every single one of them, I'm not in a wheelchair.

By not in a wheelchair, I don't mean on the floor and using my arms to crawl around. Gosh, what a sight that would be, but no. In every dream, I don't have wheelchair because I don't need one. I don't know why my subconscious mind always takes away my disability. Perhaps if feel chained by my wheelchair, an unwanted accessory that I need to be rid of. Perhaps I feel society ties these prejudices and judgments along with those who are wheelchair bound? Perhaps I wish to be a separate entity. Perhaps I don't want to be known as the psychotic girl in the wheelchair. Perhaps I wish to be known as the psychotic girl, period.

Or maybe I just don't like the wheelchair? I don't know, that was some deep stuff.

In this particular dream, I was falling off a cliff. This cliff was not an ordinary cliff. This cliff was made of stone, with sharp edges. It was elevated hundreds of meters above the ground.

Okay, sue me. It was an ordinary cliff. So what? A girl can dream.

Again, I'm so punny.

Anyways, it wasn't very pleasant dream. Horror was bubbling in my stomach as I awaited my doom. The skies were clear and it was nice and sunny. It would be nice dream if, you know, I wasn't falling off a cliff. I had this dream many times before. It was a recurring dream that I got every once in a while.

I was falling and falling, just about to hit the ground when—

Beep! Beep! Beep!

I had never loved an alarm more.

***

The day passed by smoothly. I managed to stay awake during all my morning classes (a phenomenon the will likely never happen again), ate lunch with Jamie, and avoided Max. Other than the stares drilling into the back of my head, I was doing alright.

Up until last period.

I had been minding my own business, snoring onto the desk peacefully (I was asleep), not bothering anyone. Then, out of nowhere, I was called to the office over the PA system. I woke up to the static noise of a woman's voice. She was clearly having a make-out session with the microphone. Her words were incoherent and extremely loud, likely from being to close to the mic. The teacher, knowing Klingon or whatever language the secretary was speaking, informed me that my presence was needed elsewhere. 

I groaned, troubled by that fact that my mid-afternoon nap was being interrupted. I gathered my stuff and trudged out the door.

Once I got to the office, I was redirected to the principal's office. Great, I thought. What did I do this time? I had made sure nobody could see me sleeping in the back. I made my way the Principal Davis's office an knocked on the door. I heard his shuffling around papers, and soon enough he opened the door for me.

"Hello, Ms. Richter. Have a seat."

I bit back a snicker as he turned red from embarrassment. 

"Er, I mean... I have to talk with you." He corrected himself.

Why would he need to talk with me?  I thought. Panicking, I said the first thing that came to mind. "I didn't kill him, I swear! I may make threats in my head, but I never carry them out!"

"As interesting as that is, we aren't here to discuss your latest murder victims." Mr. Davis said, looking amused. "The board has requested that you get a mentor. You know, due to your disability. It is mandatory if you want to remain in this school." He said, looking almost apologetic. "I'm sorry, but it was requested by the school board. They'll be accompanying you between classes and during lunch."

"B-but—" I sputtered. "I don't need anyone to help. I can handle everything myself."

"It's a good opportunity. You'll be able to familiarize yourself with the school and meet new people. They will also give you help on your homework, if you need it."

Stupid stereotypes. Do people think my brain is in my damn leg? Just because I'm in a wheelchair doesn't mean my brain doesn't work. I'm not some helpless puppy dog.

"I don't need help with homework." I protested.

"I'm sorry, Hero, but this isn't up for discussion. The board has made it quite clear that this is mandatory. Besides, it's only for one month."

"Well, who's my 'mentor'?" I asked. Maybe I could have some fun with this.

"I believe you two have already met." He said as he opened the door to let someone else in.

Oh, joy.

Standing before my very eyes was the reincarnation of Satan himself. Reaper of souls and killer of families. He feasted off the fear of his prey, bathed in the misery of others.

I threw my hands up. "Nope, not doing this. Nuh-uh. No way. I'll sell my soul to you, Mr. Davis, if I can get out of this. You're giving this guy permission to stalk me!"

"You think I want to do this?" Max said, scowling.

"With all due respect, Mr. Davis, you're hiring the devil as my babysitter."

"Oh, stop. You're making me blush." Max said dryly.

"See? We don't get along. He can't be my nanny!" I cried, looking back at Principal Davis.

"Don't say it like that." Max said, glaring at me. "Sir, can't I be paired with anyone else? I can't stand Protagonist or whatever the hell her name is." Max reasoned.

"Hero." I snapped. "My name is Hero."

Principal Davis sighed. "I'm afraid there are no other options. Maximus, you need to engage more with the school community if you want to get into the university of your choice. I'm sorry, but this is your last chance."

Huh. I'm being babysat by a jerk for community service?

Max groaned, running a hand through his hair. "Fine. Only for one month."

This is going to be so much fun.

We exited the office together, a scowl still planted on Max's face. He was clearly overjoyed to be my mentor. 

A thought occured to me. "Wait, your name is Maximus?"

He gave me a weird look. "Yeah?"

"As in, gluteus maximus? Oh man, that's rich!" I said, doubling over with laughter. 

"It's not that funny. Gosh, you're like a five-year-old." He grumbled.

"It's really fitting too."

He sighed. "Let's just get back to class."

"Ooh, you're a goody-two-shoes now? C'mon, I don't think I can handle another lecture on the deep meaning behind Romeo and Juliet. They literally couldn't wait five minutes. Usually when you find the love of your life on the ground, you would try to save them, or at least mourn for two seconds. You don't commit suicide!" I ranted.

For one second, I saw the sides of his lips quirk up into an amused smile.

"You think I'm funny! I know you do! Not even brooding bad boys can resist my charm!" I cheered.

He dropped his mouth back into a scowl. Rolling his eyes, he replied "Stop calling me that."

"Okay, okay. Don't get your bright pink polka-dotted panties in a twist." 

He sighed again, something he's been doing quite often. "Let's just go."

I gave him a mock salute. "Yes sir!"

We split up and left for our respective classes. I grumbled under my breath, frustrated with the circumstances.

I couldn't believe I had to spend a month with him.

***

4th chapter is done! Sorry it's kind of short :')

Also tysm for 100 reads! It means a lot to me

As always, leave a comment or vote if you enjoyed this <3

Byeeeeeeee ♥