Photograph [Maya Hart]

04 ~ massacre

"Here comes Harley and Cassie," Riley said to Maya as Harley and Cassie walked past them in the hall.

They stopped when they heard them.

"You two are still in the hole?" Harley asked.

"Uh - huh," Maya said.

"Where are the rest of your friends?" Cassie asked.

"They went to see high school," Riley said.

"And you aren't with them?"

They shook their head.

"Why is that?" Harley asked.

"Because the seniors want us to learn something," Riley said.

Harley and Cassie glanced at each other.

They walked down to the hole.

"Guys, is being in the hole worth losing friends?" Cassie asked.

"They made their choice and we made ours," Riley said.

"Ya need to stop talking about them, kid," Maya said to Riley. "They're gone. Done - zo. Kaput."

Harley smiled a little, wanting to chuckle.

"Everything changing," Riley said, gloomy. "I lost my friends and you're a mobster. And Cassie and Harley are being nice to us for no reason."

"Well, you guys are the only people we know," Harley said.

"And we're looking to make friends," Cassie said.

"New friends?" Riley said, her mood changing quickly.

"I mean, if you want to," Harley shrugged.

"Yes, please, new friends," Riley said.

"Did you stop thinking about 'em?" Maya asked.

"For that moment, yes," Riley said. "I wonder how everybody else is doing except them."

Harley and Cassie glanced at each other.

Harley leaned against the wall and slid down to sit.

"Are you guys going to sit with us?" Maya said.

"Why not?" Harley shrugged.

"You're friends left you and we're your new friends," Cassie smiled. "Might as well join you."

"Thanks, guys," Riley smiled. 

Harley and Cassie smiled at them.

***

Mr. Matthews wrote Massacre on the chalk board.

"Why 'massacre?'" Marly questioned. "Why do you got 'massacre' up there? Why can't you just teach us names and dates?" 

"Marly Evans and what she learns today!" Mr. Matthews announced. "That's the name and date I care about. All of you and right now, are you listening to me?"

"Mm - hmm," Marly said.

"Good," Mr. Matthews said. "It was patriots who founded our new land and it was patriots who fought for it. Why do we remember the Alamo?" Mr. Matthews pointed at Farkle and Smackle. "Farkle, Smackle, a duet. Go."

"The Alamo was a small, isolated fortress," Farkle said, standing up, "with a handful of patriots inside who felt it was important to stick together and fight for what they believed in."

Harley glanced at Riley and Maya, who were looking at each other.

Farkle turned to Smackle, who stood up as Farkle sat back down.