I opened my eyes, feeling my face, that still hurt to the touch. Note to self, do not get in between Tyler and his fist. I did not expect to talk to him for a while or see him and Reiner most likely were in some sort of hospital or something. I shrugged it off and just breathed in slowly. No sense in reeling in the past for now. I wanted some breakfast.

I showered and cleaned up before making my way down to the school cafeteria. I received a few looks as I walked, more than likely due to the large bruise I had covering a large portion of my face. I was lucky he didn’t break anything. It also threw me off as if people stared at me this much with just a bruise… I wonder if this is what it's like to have actual scars. Or I am overthinking it and it is just because of the fight. It just feels weird. At the same time I guarantee word spread fast about the incident.

I got some pancakes and hashbrowns from the line and found a vacant seat. I slowly nibbled on them, not as hungry as I thought. Mostly because of my feelings right now, without a doubt.

I just poked at the fluffy pancakes and stirred the hashbrowns around. I sipped on the milk and looked around at the few students actually here. None of them looked my way or really seemed to be sentient. Must just be from a long day yesterday… for different reasons than my own I would assume.

I returned to my room without caring about much for the day. Like usual I had no plans and was just going to take the day as it comes. I grabbed my phone and figured I would talk to the only guy I can.

Hey bro. You there?

>yo

What are you up too?

>chillaxing

Cool.

>everything good mate? not like u to be textn me this early

Just school things. Plus I am bored.

>so i am the last resort huh?

No.

>2nd to last?

Bingo.

>u dont agree with that man

lol sorry man. I was just wondering when you wanted to try and meet.

>uhhhhhhhhhh

Is texting that really something he needs to do? Just take the few seconds to think...

>how about next month around the first or so? works got me pinned

Sure. We can figure something out.

>ill text ya l8r need to run

Alright man. Peace.

>l8rs

I put my phone back on the table and just laid in bed. What to do now? I was not really feeling like playing Dungeonz without Tyler and the others as games with friends were always the best. Maybe if I just go out and walk around something will come up. According to my past experiences, something is bound to happen.

I got ready to leave and left for the city to see what to do. I wonder if they have an arcade or something. Would anything even be open on a Sunday? I shrugged. A lot of places tend to be.

I began just walking about the pathways through the town, not seeing much that was interesting. Not many people were out right now and the smell of the food and other places made me hungry but I held off since I just had breakfast about an hour ago.

I found a library and decided to stop in and see if there was anything interesting inside. I opened the door to feel a nice breeze of air conditioning which felt great as it was a little warm outside. The smell of books emitted everywhere and I felt a strange sense of tranquility.

Only two clerks were behind the desk and completely ignored me as they were both on their phones. Half of the people inside were on their phones too and it kind of made me chuckle to myself.

I saw a friendly face towards the back of the library with a group of people. I should try and meet some new people since it seems some of the old friends… well I do not need to think about that right now. I made my way over to the group of people. Toni waved to me.

“Hey hey! Claude, come over here!” I waved back and tried my best not to look too nervous or crazy.

“Hey there Toni.” There were about five other people here, three of which left the moment I showed up. She stuck her tongue out at them.

“Eh, who needs them.” She laughed. “What’s up? Didn’t pick you as the bookworm.” No one said anything about my bruise, maybe they are more reserved. I noticed she had a book on her lap as she was sitting on top of the back of the couch.

“Likewise.” I replied sarcastically, getting a laugh from her and her friend.

“Haha, true. I tend to enjoy sports more but I read in my spare time too. OH right! Claude, this is Dulce.” The girl waved at me.

“Hello Dulce, nice to meet you.” She nodded. Wait, was she…?

“Same to you Claude.” I did not recognize her clothing but it seemed like a uniform of some sorts. “May I inquire what it is that brought you here?” She asked while I was eyeing her. That hair and those are unmistakable.

“Oh, just bored is all. Figured I would check out the place.” Dulce tilted her head slightly.

“So you are new here?” Dulce questions. Toni scratched the back of her neck.

“Hey Dulce, might wanna tone down the questions girly. Don’t want you driving him away too.” I laughed in response.

“It is fine. Sometimes it is good to get to know someone. I am new here. Transferred in at the beginning of this year.” Dulce also eyed me up and down.

“You seem to lack any external injuries, besides that bruise, and seem to hold yourself proper, what brought you here?” I then realized this was probably the question she initially wanted to know. Toni huffed and started reading, not seeming to want to be involved.

“Oh. I will be honest. I am not certain.” I decided to swap around and question her. “What is that uniform? It seems different from what I have seen.”

“I attend the University of Vanderhall. Vanderhall Academies other branch. It is a school for the prestige.” It seemed to fit her well as she was very clean and trim plus the way she talked was different. Her neatly braided silver, and her makeup seems to make her pink eyes pop out.

“Yeah Dulce and I met a while back during our early teens.” I got an image of Reiner in my head after thinking about a prestigious school.

“Can I ask you another question?” Dulce nodded.

“Sure.”

“At the University, did you ever meet someone by the name of Reiner?” She pushed her glasses up, looking deep in thought.

“Yes, a rather stunning gentleman, and quite kind at that.” I was astonished, no way we were thinking about the same guy, granted he was a bit suave looking to be honest, but he is a dick.

“In a wheelchair?” I blurted out without thinking.

“Hey now! These questions are getting ridiculous!” Toni interrupted. Dulce waved her off.

“As Claude mentioned, it is good to get to know people and about things. As for your question Claude, Reiner did not have a wheelchair during his stay at the University, but after the accident he was moved. I never spoke to him after that.” Toni instantly seemed engaged in the conversation more.

“Hold up, Dulce?! Is this the guy you mentioned before?! No way! Reiner?!” Dulce rubbed her neck looking out of her usual character and a bit more like Toni, which showed they both must have spent quite a lot of time together.

“He was smart and handsome, any girl would give him a try.”

“Wait, the Reiner that just got into a fight not even a few days ago, was considered handsome and nice?” I said again not really caring at this point.

“Yes.” I scratched my chin.

“Did he change or something? Do you know what happened?” A sly grin came across her face, causing me to regret my question.

“How about we talk over lunch?” I took my phone and checked the time, it was about one.

“Sure.”

We made our way out, after Toni checked a few books out. Toni and Dulce talked while we made our way to that sandwich place I ate at before. It again was nearly empty besides an old couple.

We were promptly seated, orders taken and we're ready to eat in a few moments. This place had great service, or they are just bored out of their wits. Which I can completely understand.

“Getting back on track to your question, Claude.” Dulce broke the silence. “I do know some tidbits of what happened to Reiner.” I slowly ate my sandwich while I listened to her tell the tale about Reiner and this accident. “Reiner was always top of the class. Early to everyday lectures, 100% on all tests, quizzes, and exams and extremely friendly. I originally met him when I asked to be his study buddy.” She took a sip of her coffee.

Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.

“This is going to get intense.” Toni said, looking like a little gossip queen, completely in her element.

“Things went on as usual, I just got help from him and he would enjoy my company. I thought things were going to go on from there. We were both clearly enjoying ourselves, why not have continued to move forward, I thought.” Toni again interrupted.

“Did they?!” Dulce sighed.

“You know the answer to that.” Toni leaned back, clearly saddened by her response.

“Oh yeah.” Toni giggled and went back to eating.

“We had a small falling out after he didn’t show twice to our study nights. He ignored my texts and calls and unlike me, I pressured him into talking.” She rubbed her arm. “I don’t want to get into details, but his father was abusive and a few things happened at home.” I was able to put things together.

“Something happened to make him lose his legs and his temper?” I questioned, but seeing her reaction made me know I hit the hammer on the nail.

“Preciously. Now if we could… change the topic please.” I felt bad, thinking the guy I grew to detest, had such a tragic backstory. I can only imagine how many others are here for the same reason.

“So how’s Whitney, Claude?” I nearly spit my drink everywhere.

“Huh? What?” This got a chuckle from Toni as most likely intended.

“Come on now. This is highschool and we are all girls. Word spreads. And that word spreads quickly when two lovebirds come together.” I crossed my arms.

“I have no clue what you are on about.” Toni grinned looking to tease me more.

“Not into the blind girls then? How about ones missing an arm? Maybe smarties?” She said the last bit with a long drawn out look toward Dulce. I put my head on the table. “Haha! You are too easy!” She taunted.

“Enough, sheesh.” I turned to look at her, head still on the table. “You are a handful.” She smiled.

“Thanks,” Toni says, puffing out her chest. I shrugged, leaning back up.

“Not exactly a compliment, but sure.” Dulce began eating her sandwich.

“All jests aside, how are you fairing here, Claude?” Toni inquires. I shrugged.

“It is different, I won’t lie. It is very hard to get used to as well. Everything is so… different.” Toni laughed.

“Everything… or everyone? It is a lot to take in huh? One minute I have two arms playing volleyball and the next thing you know I am in the hospital and months later here I am.” Dulce hit her shoulder.

“It was a lot more than that.” She sighed. “But I suppose the reader's digest version is much nicer.” Dulce’s phone went off while she was going to talk again. “Oh sorry, I need to take this.” She excused herself and left. If Toni leaves too for a phone call, I will be angry. I keep having dinner interrupted with people… is this what it is like to be unwelcome or something? I laughed to myself.

“Hey Toni, mind if I ask you something.” She nodded as she took a drink.

“Go for it, sweetie.” I ignored that last bit as she cooed.

“Have you ever been in a relationship?” She grinned, clearly taking this the wrong way. Yeah not the best thing to randomly blurt out.

“Is that an offer?” I gave her a serious look. “Fine, fine. One more thing, is it about Whitney?” I gave her another mean look. “Alright, sorry. I can be playful, my apologies. But yes, I have an ex-boyfriend. Complete asshat though. Don’t know why I fell for him.”

“What is it like to be in a relationship? Is it just like a really good friendship?” She rubbed her chin and studied me closely. I don’t even want to imagine what is going on inside of her head.

“You know, it is kind of the opposite.” I tilted my head a bit trying to figure out what she meant before she actually told me.

“It is?”

“Yeah, it is more like, with friends, you can have as many as you like. You can do what you want when you please and saying no isn’t the end of the friendship. From my experience, you are almost in prison together. You both have to make plans together, do things together or else you aren’t seen as trusting or cheating or something stupid. To be honest I am probably not the best one to talk to. I went through a rough first and only.” She laughed. “But I don’t let it get to me.” Really now? After that little episode? I could tell by her voice it irritated her but no sense in continuing it.

“That is good, you seem like a great person and really strong.”

“You like volleyball?” She asked out of the blue.

“Sure, I played that and tennis back in middle school with some friends.”

“By my flat we have a court, you should come by sometime and we can play. I don’t have many people who still enjoy taking the time, so if you can rally some guys, it would be great.” I then was reminded of Tyler and Reiner. I hope Tyler is okay, and after what I heard from Dulce, I kind of feel bad for Reiner too.

“Sounds cool.” Without a second thought, she slid her phone across the table to me.

“Copy that number, we can keep in touch.” I did just that and Dulce came back.

“Sorry, I need to run!” She tossed me the money for her food and Toni did the same before the two left in a rush. Well luckily I wasn’t pinned with the bill, but I felt bad now they both didn’t finish their meal. Whatever. I went back to my dorm.

I was rather bored and just looked at Toni’s number on my phone. The significance was insane. This was the first girls number I have ever gotten. To think as well it was just some spur of the moment quick thing too… Am I overthinking this? She was even the one who gave it to me without me asking… is that better than me asking for it? I have no idea… What if Whitney found out? Would she be mad? Does she even have a cell phone? Oh man why is this suddenly seeming like such a bad thing.

I decided to just mess around on Dungeonz, for it would make me feel better and give me something to do. Being left alone with your thoughts at critical moments in your life can only make matters so much worse. I logged on and was greeted by someone I did not expect at all.

Tyler.

>Yo Chris my man! What’s up?!

This can’t be real. Someone had to be on his account. There was no way this was the actual Tyler. Did he have no remorse for what happened? Does he not care about the stunt he pulled and how it affected everyone? I felt bad ignoring Tyler, but I didn’t know what to say or do.

>>Chris, it is Sarah. You alright? I am sure Tyler just messaged you too.

Sarah was on too. This could be a good chance to get to the bottom of things.

Sarah? What is going on?!

>>No one told you? Well this is probably for the best that I tell you. You are Tyler’s friend after all. He is staying with his cousin for a week or so to recuperate. He is a special case. Sorry to be so blunt.

But does he not remember or care about what happened?

>>I know you got punched, Reiner was put in the hospital and security is on high alert, but it is hard to say this, but let this just slide. Tyler wasn’t in his usual condition. He didn’t have his medications and after hearing about the last of his last family, I am sure it was hard.

Well I learned about Reiner.

>>From Dulce I am sure.

Yeah, you know her?

>>Look, we need to talk, are you busy?

>Chris you there man?

I’m sorry Tyler, you might be able to forgive and forget, but I need answers.

Yeah Sarah, where do you want to meet?

>>At the fountain, we will go from there.

I logged off before she did. I did not want to talk to Tyler just yet. Time to get some answers and figure some things out. I gathered my things and went to the meeting spot. Sorry Tyler, but I need to know things first before I even try and understand what you are and what happened.

Sarah stood looking at the sky, which was slowly darkening. Dusk was coming, so I wondered just what Sarah had in mind. All of this chaos I just wanted to end so I hoped she was going to do just that. I just wanted the old life back. I hate this school and how hard it is to adjust, just as I was, this all happens.

“Hey.” She said, tossing her hair back.

“Hey.” I simply responded. She sat on the edge of the fountain and I sat next to her.

“Everyone here has a story. Each and everyone also is very sensitive in their own rights. I have come more accustomed to my fate, but many others try to push theirs off.”

“I assume you mean Tyler.” She nodded, looking a bit uneasy.

“Tyler is very unique, as I am sure you have noticed. He suffers not only from being bipolar, which he is graced with, it is acute, but he also has severe depression. This is why he always tries to be loud and happy. He doesn’t want others to know or to feel the way he does constantly. After his sister's episode, his mindstate took a turn for the worst. Stan actually reached out to help him.” I was shocked to hear that.

“Stan really did? That is amazing.” She leaned forward a bit, playing with her skirt.

“Stan may be rather limited in his speech and manners but he is by far the kindest person I know.” She paused for a moment, seeming to collect her thoughts. “Sometimes those who can empathize are those who will reach out, regardless of circumstances.”

“According to Dulce, so was Reiner, kind that is.” As if the lightbulb went off in her head she turned.

“I do not know all the praise she has given him, mind explaining?”

“Well I went to the library and met her for the first time. She talked about Reiner and her own past. I think they were once love birds… or moreover she was attached to him but he didn’t feel the same way.” Sarah looked to the ground.

“I know the feeling.” She looked at me. “I am lucky to have found someone though.”

“Oh, you have a boyfriend?” She smiled.

“Yes, his name is Blake.”

“I am glad for you. Must be nice having someone.” I said not thinking, getting a chuckle from Sarah.

“I think you have someone and just don’t know it yet. But to be straight and clear with you, relations are much harder and worse than most can imagine. There are fights, disagreements and trust issues. I won’t go on as I am not one you need to hear these things from.” She pulled her phone out and put it away quickly. More than likely just checking the time.

“Need to take a call or something?” I offered to ease her.

“Yeah, I need to text Blake real fast. I sort of left my dorm without telling him.” I laughed.

“It is no problem.” As she texted him, I looked around.

Seeing the campus slowly darken, the misfits of this school go about their ways, a sight I do not know if I will get used to. I looked to the sky as a few stars began to appear. There is a tranquil beauty only moonlight can cast over the world. A comforting dark blanket.

“I love the night sky.” Sarah said, breaking my thoughts.

“It is a gorgeous sight.”

“I always imagine every star is a friend or family member, shining at you.” I did not like the sound of how she said it. She had an edge.

“Yeah, I see what you mean. Feels nice to imagine you always have someone to look up to.” I paused for a second. “Unless the night sky is cloudy!” I joked, not getting the reaction I wished. I hoped I didn’t hit a bad nerve for Sarah, she just stared at the night sky. Sick joke, timing, need to learn timing.

“Yeah.” She finally responded after some time. “I am sorry to drag you out here. But to end this little chat, just be strong. Be as strong as you can. Everyday here is survival, a trial of sorts. Each and every one of us has our own issues to deal with, do not take it upon yourself to help them through it. Just offer a shoulder to lean on and nothing more.” She got up and I did too. She surprisingly hugged me. She did not let go either. This was extremely awkward.

“Sarah?” She didn’t seem to be crying or anything.

“You are too nice. You are too naive. You are too trusting.” She held my arms and stepped back smiling. “That is why you are you though. Don’t change, Claude. Ever.” I felt a bit embarrassed by her compliments and the close vicinity of this all.

“H-hey.” She laughed.

“It is getting late and I have a dinner date with Blake. He just got off work. Just remember what we talked about!” She bolted off. I rubbed the back of my head. That just happened.

I returned to my room and slumped down on my bed. I had a few missed messages from Tyler. I didn’t want to deal with it right now. I would tomorrow. School begins once more. Let’s do this.