chapter 7

After I told Erica about myself being the captain of the track team, she became speechless. So we ended up walking to the gym class without a word after that. There wasn't any awkwardness, I think she was really surprised. When we got to the gymnasium, I took her to our teacher Mr. Fisher. Ok, before I go on, I have to say this. So, you know how we imagine our gym teacher to be that athletic guy or that one alpha male in the weight room? Or maybe the movies portray that? Who knows? Anyways, that's not Mr. Fisher at all. He's this short skinny white guy that looks like he still wears whitey tighties and wears these eighties looking glasses. And his socks and short shorts when he changes into his gym clothes. I can't help but crack up each time. 

Completely off-topic that I almost forgot to do a quick recap. Ok, so after taking Erica to Mr. Fisher we went our separate ways. I mean we must, I can't enter the ladies changing room. I hope she'll be alright, I just hope she doesn't run into that entitled girl. 

Like I've said before I don't really associate myself with a lot of people. I hope I've said that before. So, I'm not going to introduce all these people. Half of them I've never really had a conversation with. Plus we only have a few months till we graduate. Speaking of that, a Harem King is in this class. Oh, speak of the devil.

"Aaron. Word is you're hanging out with the new transfer student. From what I've heard she's pretty...well do I even have to say it."

Jeff Samuels. Harem King number two. Damn, if there is one word, to describe this guy. It's that he's a pervert. A pretty face pervert. Although, he lacks class.

"So what is it to you? You're not jealous of me, are you?"

"Me? Jealous? Why would…"

"Why would you answer a question with a question? It's a simple yes or no answer. No need to procrastinate and make a scene. You're not an old man hard of hearing. Right?"

"Are you disrespecting me?"

"I'm not answering your question until you answer mine. If you're not going to, then that will be all. I need to change."

Bullies. I don't like bullies, not one bit. Pretty much everyone knows not to get on my bad side. I've only ever gotten into one fight in school. That was a long time ago in tenth grade. Who was it again?

"Hey, you little…"

"Can you not stand so close while I'm changing into my gym clothes? We're both guys. It's a bit creepy."

Of course, everyone in the locker room chuckled after I made that comment. I wasn't trying to be funny. It's basically a bully who tries to set up a scene where he thinks he'll be the main star. Instead, I usually turn them into a laughing stock. The best part is, it's only started with "why answer a question with a question." The moment they feel a shed of pride is taken from them or rather looked down upon. That's when you have them hooked. Some would say reverse psychology or a great way to manipulate the situation. Nope. When someone says "well do I even have to say it" with a ton of bravado or with their "big balls" over their shoulder. Immediately go after their pride.

They'll completely lose all sense why they started with you. If they end up going back to the topic that started it all. It means they forfeited. 

"Well, just knowing I have plans to get close to her."

"You didn't even answer my question. But go-ahead Jeff she's all yours. If you can win her over."

"You watch and see. Come on guys let go."

After the show, everyone left the locker room. Jeff took his little boy band with him. Why do they even follow him? Only two people remained. I looked over to see the long hair dude sitting there. 

Ah, I remember now. The fight in tenth grade. Harem King number one. It's been a while with a backstory. Let's start here.

← Flashback 

"Look, I told you I don't like you like that."

"Why not? It's not like you have anyone else you like. Come on say you'll be mine."

[J: Slaps]

"You jerk! Keep your hands off me. Just because you can go around sleeping with every girl you can get your dirty little hands on. It doesn't mean I'm easy as well. I hardly even know you anyways."

Huh. Was that Jasmine that just went by? And it looked like she was crying. I wonder what that was? Wait, isn't that Marcus? Hmm. Looks like a couple's dispute, I better head to my last period class. This doesn't concern me. The last thing I want is to be involved in something scandalous. 

"Hey, you."

Did he just call my name? Wonder what he wants.  Man just got a chill down my spine.

"Um...yes?"

"What did you hear?"

"What do you mean what did I…"

[M: Grabs, slams against locker]

"Don't freaking play stupid with me. I'm asking what did you overhear me and that girl just talking about?"

[A: Grabs hand]

"Hey, you're ruining my school uniform. And to answer your question I didn't hear anything. So I'll give you a few seconds to get your hands off my uniform."

People started to come outside of their classroom after they heard the loud slam from the lockers. Of course to their surprise, they were wondering why I was caught in a physical altercation. Then Marcus whispered something in my ear as he walked by me.

"Meet me at the gym after school."

"I'm not meeting you anywhere, I hardly know you. Besides, why should I listen to someone like you?"

"Oh is that right? Well, either way I know you'll come, I have my ways. Well, what the hell are you all looking at huh? The show is over."

I stood there thinking about what he said. I brushed it off as an empty threat. So I decided to go on about my day. It was my last period class English. After school was over practically everyone left. I kept asking myself why I stayed back. It felt as if something was telling me to stay. But what was the reason? I asked myself a few questions. Was I really planning on going to the gymnasium? Was I looking to get into an altercation? It's not like me at all, but something was eating me up. I decided to wait for thirty minutes. After scrolling through my phone I headed to the gymnasium. What's the worst that can happen?

When I got there the gymnasium was empty. Not a single soul in sight.

Seriously, what a letdown. Huh, what was that? I thought I heard something coming from the girl's locker room. It must be my imagination. Besides, I can't just get up and walk there. I'll be labeled as a pervert if someone is in there.

So, I grabbed my bag and started to walk home. I hope Jasmine isn't upset. I didn't walk home with her today. 

 The next day at school I found out something tragically happened to Jasmine Moore. Rumor has it she got beat up in the girl's locker room by a group of girls. She got sent to the hospital. She and I just happened to start walking together when we head home, but we're not that close. So I decided to ask around which hospital she was at and I would go and visit after school. It's the least I could do. 

And then came gym class. Just before I entered, I heard people talking about something. 

"Hey, you heard right? That it was Marcus and his crew that sent Jasmine to the hospital."

"What no way. I know he's a dog and everything, but he wouldn't be that low to hurt a woman." 

"But it's true. Apparently, he was trying to hook up with her and she refused. He didn't like that one bit."

"Wait, are you saying he beat her?"

"No, I'm not saying that. I'm saying he had his crew just beat her up. He never participated. Although I heard he was waiting for a guy named Aaron."

"Aaron? Who the hell is that?"

"I'm not sure all I know is he was waiting for him."

"Aaron. Hmm. Wait you don't mean that smart and fast kid Aaron Wheeler from the track team?"

"Yeah, that's him. I remember now cause my friend said something happened between him and Marcus in the hallway during class. Well, get this. They found out that she had a crush on Aaron. When Marcus heard that it was the same guy he was waiting for. That's when he had them drag her to the girl's locker room."

"Dude, no way that's just crazy. How do you know all this?"

"Well, I overheard a few guys that were a part of it talking about it. The craziest thing is they think a group of girls did it. So, there is no connection."

"Wait, something doesn't add up. How and what was Jasmine doing there in the first place?"

"I'm not sure, but…"

I have never felt so angry before in my life. But I walked inside the locker room and the boys immediately became silent. I must keep my cool. I've never shown my other faces in school, but I know today will be the first. I knew which class Marcus got out of when I'm heading to my English class. I'll wait then. 

I remember for the rest of the gym class all I could think of was hurting a few people. I know in my heart it isn't right to seek and commit violence. But I let the anger cloud my thoughts and in doing so I broke someone's classes during gym. It was dodgeball on Fridays. I felt bad. For the remainder of the day, I had a gloomy and emotionless vibe. Fewer people looked at me and for once I was enjoying it. I didn't have to say hi or stop and talk to them about the same things. No subjecting myself to others I don't know just because I'm on the track team. It felt good to be ignored because now I could focus on one problem only. 

Skip a little ahead. I'm in History class and next is English. The clock. Oh my God, the clock. Why is the clock so slow? Come on, move faster. One minute, why is the hand on the clock moving so much slower than usual? Was it always like this? Have I been missing things like this since I take my time on my assignments? Does it go fast then? Today I just got done earlier. It's like a force made today easier for me. Is this some type of punishment? Is something trying to tell me I need to think this out more? Thirty seconds remain. This agonizing never-ending dread will be the death of me. I just need to…

"Aaron are you alright?"

Crap I was so focused on the clock I didn't realize I was shaking my legs so loud. Everyone was staring at me. Just please stop, stop making a scene all of you! What is so interesting when anyone talks to me is that all of you must be so invested in me. I'm just a normal person like all of you. I study and work hard to be decent in how I am. I'm not special. So please just fuc...

"Aaron, are you ok? Sweetie, you've been shaking and sweating. Do you need to see the nurse or anything? You don't look so well."

Five seconds remained. Come on bell, ring.  So I don't have to answer her. I've never been disrespectful to a teacher and I don't want to be. But I don't want to talk. I can feel myself slipping. 

"Hey, Aaron are you ok?"

[Ding, Dong, Ding, Dong]

I quickly grabbed my bag and was the first one out of the classroom. I've never run fast out of the classroom before. I began running in the hall while it was still empty. I slammed the door open to the set of stairs and lunged myself up to them. Skipping multiple sets of stairs I was on the next floor in seconds.  I'm not going to miss this chance. The moment the hallway starts to crowd I yell at the top of my lungs. 

"GET THE HELL OUT OF MY WAY!!!"

Everyone, there was surprised to see who it was. That's right it's me, the popular Vice-Captain of the track team. I don't care about that status. There is only one thing I care about at this moment. I'm going to knock Marcus Liebel out and that's final!!!!!

End of Episode 5