Array
(
[text] =>

Picture of Mr. White, Aiden's father, to the >>>>>>>>>

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Aiden's P. O. V

My stunt last night had definitely gained my father's attention, that much was obvious from his continuous observation of me before I left for school.

I really need to be careful of what I say from now on, I thought as I drove to school and parked.

I got out and headed to class, meeting up with Kyle, Zack and Mia along the way. Once I reached my classroom door they departed and I knew it wouldn't be long before I saw them again.

I walked in and headed to my seat, seeing that the room was almost empty, meaning it was still pretty early.

As my eyes scanned around, I noticed with a hint of disappointment that Nathan wasn't there yet. In fact, as the day went on, Nathan never showed up. I had all but given up on seeing him today by lunch time.

With a frown on my face I grabbed my lunch and headed over to my new, usual table where Zack, Kyle, and Mia were seated.

"Kyle, do you know where Nathan is?" I asked, placing my tray down on the table and took a seat next to Mia who was talking on her phone.

The reason why I asked Kyle was because Nathan and him had hit it off pretty well since the moment they met. Maybe because they had so much in common, they were even victims of my bullying, not that that was a good thing really. Anyways, there was a high chance Kyle knew where he was, that's how close they'd gotten.

I was jealous of their relationship most of the time, plain envied it and wished Nathan was like that with me, but I never said these feelings out loud or made it effect my newfound friendship with Kyle.

Kyle paused with his fork to his mouth. He set it down and answered. "He had to finish up unpacking and moving furniture into their house. He'll be here for his last periods, or not at all."

I resisted the urge to pout. "Oh, okay." I rested my head on the palm of my hand, my elbow on the table, and picked at my food.

Damn, what now? I thought, wondering why I had asked. Its not like I can do anything about it.

I could feel Kyle's gaze on me and could tell it was full of pity. I didn't need it. "I know his address if you wa-"

My head snapped up so fast as he said this that I felt as if I had given myself whiplash. "That would be great!" I interrupted Kyle and he blinked at me, startled.

"Uh, okay," Kyle said slowly, his brows raised in amusment.

"Wow, eager aren't you?" Zack chuckled and I glared his way in embarrassment.

"Shut up," I said and he smirked my way. Mia let out a laugh from the whole exchange and Kyle had this warm smile on his face. "Anyways, just hand it over."

Kyle eyes danced with laughter as he told me the address, and I made sure to write it down so that I wouldn't forget it. It could be useful for later on.

"So, have you figured out how to gain Nathan's forgiveness?" Kyle asked, serious once again.

My good mood dwindled into nothingness and a sigh escaped, one that said it all, told him exactly how far away I was from having that happen. "No," I said bitterly. "I'm stuck, I can't think of anything that could get him to stop hating me."

Kyle looked thoughtful for a second. "Well, have you tried apologizing to him?" Kyle wondered.

That stopped me cold. "What?"

Kyle looked flustered by my sudden attention, but continued on with his words confidently. "All you've been doing is trying to figure out how to get him to stop hating you by coming up with something big, something that will instantly gain you forgiveness, but why not just start off small. Apologize, and see where it gets you."

Kyle had made a valid point, I had been doing that, but to think his solution could be so simple. An apology, it could work. But it would have to be a good one, not one that is half assed and not from the heart.

This could work, I thought with a satisfied nod.

Start off small, why couldn't I have thought of that sooner, because if he accepts my apology, then that means I was that much closer to gaining his forgiveness, and maybe more.

"Thanks Kyle, I'll do just that," I informed him and he blinked in surprise at my agreeing to his idea.

Kyle then smiled my way. "Hey, what are friends for."

Now, I just need to come up with what to say to him, I thought, and finished up my lunch.

The rest of the school day seemed to go by slowly as I thought about what I was going to say. By the time the end of the school day bell rang, I was in a slump. I wasn't even close to finishing what I wanted to say. I couldn't seem to put my feelings into words, and in the end, knew I was going to have to wing it and hope it comes out the way I want it to.

And in the end I didn't visit Nathan's home. I was too nervous too. I wasn't ready to see him either, knew if I did, I'd screw everything up.

I'll do it tomorrow, for sure, I thought, knowing I needed a day to prepare myself for what was to come.

I knew I was acting as if I was going to confess my love to him and all, but this was a close second to that. If he doesn't at least accept my apology, or show signs of maybe having wanting to, then I'll know its a lost cause, that I should give up on him, for he'll always hold a grudge for me because of what I did -- especially if he shoots me down right away.

***

I woke up the next day nervous and giddy as fuck. I felt as if I were going to burst from how anxious I was.

Negative thoughts ran through my mind and made me feel as if I was going to miserably fail at gaining Nathan's forgiveness. But I wasn't having any of that negativity.

I hopped out of bed and got in the shower. When I was done I quickly dried myself and got dressed, all the while pumping myself up for what was to come.

By the time I got into the car, drove to the school, and parked in the parking lot, I had pretty much convinced myself that everything was going to be just fine. That Nathan was going to accept my apology, that he'll at least have forgiven me a tiny bit and would be willing to let me redeem myself even further. Now all that was left, was to get him alone so that I could talk to him.

Now how am I going to do that, I mused as I headed into class.

Nathan was already there, but he ignored me and pretended I wasn't even there; it was worse then how he usually treated me, at least before he would respond to my presence with a glare or scowl, now, nothing.

I sighed and sat down in my seat next to him, thoughts still on what to do.

Should I try to get his attention first, then ask to see him after class or something? Yeah, I'll try that first.

I tapped on his shoulder. Waited. He ignored the fuck out of me.

Seriously?

Okay, maybe if I pass a note.

He crumpled it up and threw it on the floor, then proceeded to copy down notes from the board.

Are you kidding me, this bastard!

I stopped then when I saw the teacher look up towards me and didn't get a chance to attract his attention and until fourth period came around, the class we have P. E. together, much to my annoyance.

As we shuffled into the classroom, I made sure to grab a seat near Nathan.

Once the teacher started lecturing and was distracted, I made my move, trying a different approach, one less subtle.

"Nathan, pst, Nathan," I whispered. He hardly glanced my way. I called him again, not willing to give up so easily, and finally a response came.

"Can you leave me alone," Nathan hissed, his eyes narrowed my way, "I'm trying to learn here."

"No, not until you agree to talk to me," I replied stubbornly.

"My god!" Nathan let out a curse and seethed with rage, visibly shaking from how angry he was.

He raised his hand, interrupting the teachers concentration, and class, and for a second I thought he was going to tell on me, but I was wrong.

"Mrs. Miller, can I use the restroom?" Nathan asked, his expression desperate.

He really looked like he needed to go, but I knew it was an attempt to escape my pestering.

"Go ahead, but don't take too long, this will be on your test," Mrs. Miller informed.

At the mention of a test, the whole class groaned, their dislike for that one word showing through quite clearly.

Even though this was physical fitness, where we only learn about how to take care of ourselves health wise, and different things we could do to stay healthy and whatnot, we still had to take tests and exams. I always thought the class itself was stupid.

I mean, P. E. is supposed to be about playing different sports and having fun, which is what we did during the first half of the year, but what we have to do now seemed pointless. I don't think I'll even remember a quarter of theses definitions, statistics, fact, and other types of information their giving us.

"Yes, ma'am," Nathan said and left, looking relieved to be free from my presence.

However, the moment Nathan left class, my hand shot up and I frantically waved it back and forth to gain Mrs. Miller's attention. Though, when she saw that it was me raising my hand, she looked reluctant to acknowledge me, as if sensing what was to come.

"What is it Aiden?" Mrs. Miller threaded warily.

"Can I go to the bathroom too, my stomach is upset?" I pleaded and smiled with eagerness.

"You don't look like your in pain," she commented with a raised brow.

I rolled my eyes in exasperation, then moaned as if in pain and hugged my stomach. "Ow, it hurts, it hurts, it hurts, it hu-"

"Alright, fine, just go already," Mrs. Miller snapped, looking annoyed.

I grinned in victory and got out of there before Mrs. Miller decided to change her mind.

Once in the hallway I frantically searched for Nathan. I didn't have to go very far before spotting him heading towards the bathroom. He was rubbing the spot between his eyebrows and looked exhausted. I was probably the cause of this and felt somewhat guilty as I caught up to him, grabbed his arm, and spun him around to face me.

Nathan's expression became enraged when he regained his bearings. "What do you want Aiden? Why can't you just stop bothering me? You know I don't want to be anywhere near you, I can't even stand the sight of you, so why do you keep appearing before me? And get your hands off me," Nathan hissed and stepped away from me, wrenching his arm from my grip. "What gives you the right to-"

"Will you just shut up for a second and let me talk," I snapped and Nathan glared at me for my rude interruption.

He crossed his arms across his chest. "Fine, talk," he said stiffly, his face drawn tight. "But it better be good."

I took a deep breath, then released it. "Look, I'm sorry. I know what I did back then was brutal, and there's no excuse for all that I put you through. I was a fucked up kid at the time, going through a lot of shit, and I had needed someone to take my anger out on, you just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time," I said.

"Oh, so I was just an unfortunate casualty because you couldn't get your life together, is that it? I'm just supposed to accept the fact that it could have been anyone and that what you did was okay because you couldn't help it," Nathan spat out with conviction.

"No, that's not what I mean," I rushed to clarify myself. "I wish I'd never done those things to you. The pain you must have felt, and all you had to endure because of my pathetic self that year, I regret it all, and if I could, I wish I could take it all back," I said softly, my voice pained. "There isn't a day that goes by that I don't regret what I did, even when I tried to forget all about that time, hating all the guilt and grief I felt for doing that to you, it was still there, in the back of my mind, influencing my actions."

I could tell my apology was slowly working, for his gaze would hold the same pain and sorrow I felt. However, I felt like it still wasn't enough, that he needed one more push.

"And I'm sorry you've had to suffer for so long, and I know, and understand why you wish to take revenge on me. However, I'm a changed man. I am atoning for my past now, for however long it takes to do so."

"I don't care if your already paying for the mistakes you made. I want payment of my own," Nathan said, "I deserve that right."

"Yeah, you do, that's why if you still want to go through with your revenge after this, then I won't stop you," I explained, my words sincere. I really would let him do so, even if it meant my death.

"Why? Why wouldn't you stop me?" Nathan asked, his expression unreadable. His eyes searched mine, seeking answers.

"If it could make you happy, then yes, I would gladly let you go through with your plans," I said with a gentle smile.

Nathan opened his mouth, as if to say something, but didn't get the chance to as a familiar voice called out our names, interrupting our conversation and we turned to find Zack running in our direction.

I both despised and thanked Zack at that moment for showing up, because I both wanted to hear what Nathan had to say, and was afraid to hear it.

However, now I had no idea if he would have forgiven me or not. I hoped, of course, that he did.

Zack stopped when he reached us, panting. "Have you seen Kyle?" Zack asked between breaths. I could see the worry in his eyes and knew that something was wrong immediately.

I had a bad feeling about this and shook my head, a worried look on my face. "No, why?"

"He didn't show up for class," Zack seemed on edge.

I frowned. Now that I though of it, I hadn't seen Kyle during lunch, or fourth period either. I had been so preoccupied with trying to get Nathan alone so that I could talk to him that I hadn't noticed Kyle's missing presence.

"I haven't seen him either," I told Zack and his expression morphed into panic, even I was starting to get anxious.

"Can you help me look for him?" Zack asked.

"Of course," I said without hesitation.

"I'll help too," Nathan piped in and I nodded my head in appreciation.

"Where have you searched so far?" I questioned him.

"Most of the empty classrooms, his class that he has with you two, the bathrooms, not much else," Zack said.

"And you have no idea where he could have gone?"

"None. I even tried calling him, but he's not answering," Zack added.

"Okay. And are you sure he's still in school though and hasn't gone off somewhere?" I asked, covering every point.

"No, I'm not sure, but his cars still here, and I don't he'd just leave without at least telling me where he's going," Zack said a bit defensively.

My thoughts ran wild as I tried to think of where he'd go. The roof top? No, doesn't seem likely. The library? Maybe. The office? Also a possibility. The computer labs? Shouldn't rule it out. The infirmary? Could be a definite.

I don't think there's any other places in school he could have gone to. And if he's not in school anymore, then we're screwed.

"Alright, Zack, you check the library, Nathan, the computer labs, and I'll do the office and infirmary," I ordered.

We split up and started searching then. I started with the office first, but didn't find him there. Next I headed for the infirmary, which wasn't too far away. When I entered the room, my eyes immediately landed on Kyle, and the sight of him sent a shock wave through me.

Kyle was covered with bruises: His face, arms, and that was only what could be seen, who knew how bad it was underneath his clothing.

When Kyle spotted me by the door, he tried to hide his injures, but it was too late, I had already seen them.

"Kyle, what happen to you?" I exclaimed and rushed over to his side.

He flinched at my tone and tensed when I came to a stop in from of him, then sighed and dropped his arms limply to his side. "Isn't it obvious?" Kyle asked, his eyes lowered onto the floor in shame.

I scowled in anger, because I could tell exactly what had happened. Someone had beaten him up, and rather violently too, the question was who? However, even as I thought about it, the answer was as plain as day.

"It was Jake's doing, wasn't it?" I bit out through clenched teeth.

All Kyle did was nod his head in response. That was all it took. That small confirmation and I was seeing red.

I knew it was Jake and Jake alone who had done the job because Samuel would never have let him go so far, cause so much damage. It wasn't in Samuel to let that happen, even if he himself bullied people, whether willingly or not. He knew how to restrain himself and knew when to stop.

I gritted my teeth and balled my hands into fists, fighting the urge to punch something, or someone, but I would not have to resist for long. That knowledge was the only thing that prevented me from going berserk that second.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm my raging heart, and texted Zack where Kyle was, then ruffled Kyle's hair in both affection and reassurance that everything was going to be okay.

"Zack's on his way," I informed Kyle and his head snapped up, his expression one of horror.

I sympathized with him at that moment. He was no doubt terrified of what Zack would do to Jake, but if there was anything that needs worrying about, it was what I was about to do to him. Zack probably won't even get the chance to touch him.

The reminder of what Jake had done made all the blood in my veins boil and I began making my way towards the infirmary doors, my steps controlled, filled with a deadliness that I hadn't known I was capable of.

"Aiden, where are going?" Kyle asked slowly, probably seeing the murderous look on my face.

"Nowhere," I said through clenched teeth and opened the infirmary door.

"Aiden, don't do it man, your going to get into serious trouble," Kyle warned, guessing by now my plans.

"Doesn't matter, someone's got to teach that asshole a lesson," I responded and slammed the door shut behind me, cutting off Kyle's next protest.

I didn't stick around long enough to see what he would do, knowing what I was about to do, and headed to the class I knew I would find that bastard in.

To say I was livid was an understatement. I had tried so hard to direct Jake's wrath away from Kyle, acting like the bad guy and make him focus all his anger on me just so Kyle wouldn't have to suffer anymore. However, all that was for not, apparently.

It angered me that I went through all that trouble just for him to spoil my efforts in the end, it was infuriating to say the least.

And he was going to pay the price for his actions.

No one touch's Kyle and gets away with it, well, except Zack, but that's a different story.

Anyways, he's off limits now and forever to any form of bullying and whatnot, and anyone who ever cross the line has hell to pay, and Jake definitely crossed the line.

I reached Jake's classroom in less than a minute. I barged inside, interrupting the teachers lecture, and made a beeline towards Jake, who jumped onto his feet, startled by my approach. But soon he saw the danger that my presence signified and fear flashed through his eyes.

He tried to make a run for it, but he was too late, I was already upon him. I raised my fist, and the next thing he knew, he was sprawled on the floor, a dazed look in his eyes, one hand pressed up against his cheek.

"How dare you hurt Kyle, you bastard!" I shouted, towering over Jake.

The teacher and students shouted in surprise. Some students shoved each other out of the way to head towards safety, not wanting to get caught up in our fight, others stayed and cheered encouragements, forming a circle around us.

The teacher called for security, then tried to break us apart as I began to pummel Jake with my fists, but it was futile. One after the other, Jake had no chance of switching to offense, all his focus on just blocking the blunt of my hits and reducing the damage they caused.

His nose was bloody, lip split, eye already swelling, I showed no signs of slowing. I was on a role, seeing red, unstoppable.

And then he appeared.

"Aiden stop, stop!" Zack shouted and tried to pry me off Jake, but he wasn't strong enough. "God dammit Aiden!"

I ignored him and kept going, but I could tell my time was up, it wouldn't be long before I was stopped, and that happened not even a minute later.

I was thrown off of a now unconscious Jake and onto the floor, where I was held down by two muscular security guards. I didn't bother to struggle, knowing there was no chance of overpowering them.

I panted for breath, my energy spent. I felt sore and exhausted, but even so, I felt extremely satisfied.

My revenge was paid in full. Jake had been punished, granted by unconventional means, but punished none the less for his unforgivable actions.

You reap what you sow, right?

And now it was my turn to pay the consequence for my actions.

The guards dragged me to my feet, each holding an arm, their grip tight, as if expecting me to struggle, to escape. I wouldn't. I was then escorted to the principles office rather roughly.

The principle was waiting for me when I got there, her expression stern, and I knew I was in for a scolding.

In the end I was given a weeks suspension, Jake two weeks for what he did -- I was able to explain my situation to Mrs. Gomez: The reason for doing what I did, and she gladly gave Jake a more sever punishment. However, She couldn't let me off lightly either -- I think she still has a grudge on me because of my past, all the times she's caught me bullying Kyle back then.

Anyways, when that was done she sent me off to class, say my suspension starts tomorrow, and I obediently did what she said, and as I did, I could hear the whispers from students who had learned of my gift with Jake.

No doubt they thought I was insane, suddenly attacking Jake like that, in the middle of class. They had no clue about the reasons behind my actions, so they had come to their own conclusions on the matter, whatever they may be.

I could feel their stares as I sat through the rest of my classes, the heat of their gazes bored into the back of my head, making me uncomfortable. However, I ignored them and kept quiet.

When the end of the school day bell rang, I was the last to leave the classroom. I took my time as I walked towards the exit, feeling somewhat depressed. My earlier feelings of victory and self satisfaction were grinded into the dust, the after effects of me beating up Jake as revenge turning into regret.

I shouldn't have done that. I wasn't thinking straight. Can't believe I got a week of suspension, but I guess its a reasonable price to pay for what I did. Though, its going to put a dent in my plans, I thought and rubbed my temple, feeling a headache forming.

I sighed and scratched the back of my neck, feeling resigned.

Oh well, at least it'll give me more time to figure out ways to get Nathan not to hate me so passionately.

And, speaking of him...

"Aiden," an all too familiar voice called out to me and I paused my decent down the school stairs.

Slowly I turned around, a suspicious frown on my face. Nathan stood there just a few steps above me, a small smile on his face full of genuine warmth.

"Yes?" I asked warily, slightly shocked by his non hostile attitude, and wondered what he could possibly want.

"I forgive you."

-------------------------------------------------------------

V/C/F

No new chapters for a while.

Until next time, peace out.

[text_hash] => cd256170
)