I made my way back home. My heart was pounding, my legs were shaking.
I lived in a below average apartment, just near the outskirts of the city. The stark difference was like a wave crashing into me. Normally I was happy to be back home, the dim lights, cluttered desks and messy room was always a thing of joy to me. But not today.
I took of my bag and set it down in the corner, as I made my way to the desk to study. I slipped on a piece of cardboard, my face crashing down on my chair. Angrily, I picked up the cardboard to pelt it out the window. Curious, tuned it over when I felt the slippery plastic on the other side. I sighed.
"What is this doing here?"
An old picture my dad and I took right before he passed. I was in school uniform, and he was in a hospital gown. Tears flooded my eyes as the memories came back. To the old days. Where all this pain began.
"Hey Alex!" I heard.
"Yo! What's up?" I responded. However as I turned back a hand hit me, hard. I should've known. It was some boys from grade six. It was customary that as a grade four boy, I should know my place.
"Going around here beating our boys, huh? Today we'll teach you a lesson"
But why? When I was stronger? Who gave them the right to touch me?
In a flash, a fight broke out. All seven of them rushed me instantly.
"This is the ninth time! Why are you in my office again this week? Answer me, boy! Matter of fact, hands on the wall, now!" the principal screamed, as he took off his belt. He promptly delivered nine strokes, but I was in his office in and out, so it didn't hurt.
That's right. I was a punk. The son of a rich man who knew nothing but power. My dad often screamed at me when he found out I fought in school, so he ordered the principal to deal with it 'however he can'.
I walked out of there, my head high as I was praised by my juniors and colleagues. It didn't mean anything to me though. They just lick the feet of those stronger than them. That was the day I met her. That day, I saw the new transfer student, a pretty looking girl who came from the city, like me.
"Did her dad send her to the countryside to teach her a lesson like me?" I thought to myself.
I want her.
A knock on the door woke me up from my daydream. It was the landlord. As custom would have it, I didn't answer, stopped moving around, and even stopped breathing.. He ended up leaving after a while, as he normally does.
I checked the time on my laptop. 10:30 pm. I ran to the corner where I normally slept, m eyes shutting as I counted sheep.
I dragged myself up as I made my way to the shower. This morning was dull, the sound of bird songs and roosters were missing. I quickly got ready and made my way to work. Buses and railway were too expensive, so I had to jog there.
I arrived at work, sweating frantically, worried I was late. I looked up to the big clock on the wall next to the elevator. 9:01.
I practically ran into the elevator, punching the button to go up. People around thought I was crazy, but it didn't matter. This was the only job that accepted me, and I needed money. I took my equipment from the upstairs locker, and even forgot to check in. I ran to her office, hoping she was not there.
She wasn't. I breathed down. I got to work and cleaned up the room hastily. I looked out the window to make sure I didn't see any white cars. I sneaked my way out the room.
"Lexi?!"
My heart stopped as my head turned over my shoulder. It was her.
She had her assistants all around her, and she was wearing a suit. We walked gracefully to where I was. She brought down her sunglasses and tilted her head to the side while eyeing me. She tossed me a suitcase.
"Help him put it on, and drive him to the airport. Make sure he doesn't look this sloppy." she said as she walked passed me, not even taking a glance at me.
"What the hell is this?" I angrily murmured a little bit too loud.
"Oh, what was that? Say that to my face. Do you usually come late to complain? Maybe I should blacklist you. Then you wont ever get a job in this city. Dont get me wrong, I'm not doing this for you, although I know you'll stay. You need the money."
She threw a stack of bills on the ground.
I picked them up, and shut up quickly.