No…I place the old photo back in my drawer. It’s all in the past.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNsPJIbSZq6
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZMvCxVFR7
I get ready for school and go downstairs to see Nell cooking. 430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1w0rLf3D8o
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJXx406DHs
Nell: “Good morning honey.”
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5RGyiq8fB
Alyson: “Good morning Nell. How’s…work?”
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlb2cmMWzdA
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomiReRjAHd
Nell: “You don’t have to worry about it. We get by and I can handle it.”
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaISofr3g5b
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUJ1GHlENq
Alyson: “Why don’t you tell Nao? If all three of us-”
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfztHWHauIY
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94jal6EUyo
Nell: “I’m not blind, I know that there’s something going on with Nao. I don’t know what it is but won’t burden him with this too. I didn’t want to do that to you either but…*smile* you just don’t take no for an answer.”
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4MINrJYKXC
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK906LGQlPV
Alyson: “Don’t worry Nell, when I graduate at the top I can help out.”
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡskhgEKijkQ
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDe9Ko0P2pB
Nell: “You shouldn’t burden yourself Alyson. You should focus on what you want to do with your life, we’ll be fine.”
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUEBNrXxmRK
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdhnfOH8M6
Alyson: “That won’t last forever and besides…it’s the least I can do.”
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6ilWdKNoU
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeg4m8MX8RM
Nell: “Will you…stay for breakfast.”
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqW7WdCkU6
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlww3dgHSaZ
Alyson: “No I…okay.”
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVjBmUE5IX
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ29jO4sP89
She beams a tired smile and I return the gesture as best I can. We eat a quick meal together, just the two of us. I don’t know why I don’t do this more often.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbmZDU900de
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdoKHlKiott
I really have been focusing too much on work and my image. But it’s for a good cause, I should do more. I enjoyed that relax day with Alphon and sleeping in but I can’t make it a habit.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPWquT5vfY
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9eLqM51zn
I finish up and head to another normal day at school. I ace every class but I can’t be too careful.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1ey5Lir1D
Always look at the bottom of the class, don’t be like them.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNibEaP45Zy
Always look at the bottom of the class, don’t be like them.
Always look at the bottom of the class, don’t be like them.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEO5CEkndAd
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXlcHQvPQTw
Yes, where Nao used to be….
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfz3iOFqizB
No! He’s still down there, it’s only a matter of time before he realizes his mistake. People can’t escape from where their born abilities put them. That can’t…otherwi-
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRBn5luZJu
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJsSV48guHz
“Excuse me class, I have an announcement. You’re seniors and you’re about to graduate so it’s time for you to start thinking about university or a job.”
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4nydOIo9T1
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPndPpQKTiS
“Here’s a paper that you’ll give to your counselor. Place down your top 3 universities and top 3 dream jobs. Afterward, your counselor will help you achieve those goals so be truthful.”
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVaQsBQEg2
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRhq6v3XSf
I look down at the paper and know exactly what to put down. Whatever makes the most money.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbv7q6wDpE
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6l2hjAf57r
Class ended shortly after and it was time for lunch. I took some study materials, can’t be wasting time so close to the finish line.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGv0vcgreXq
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjBKBKKC1T
I look around and notice that Nao is gone again. He’s off the black list so why is he still with those bottom dwellers? Didn’t he learn his lesson with Anton, stop trying to shake the boat idiot.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0Qvq2Ft93
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfHPWMFaXSm
???: “Hey Alyson, how’s it going.”
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnTBuYGuMh
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJH9VXqZM8X
For God’s sake.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgAWea5spH
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL64Gle8wCn
Alyson: “Trevor, don’t you have more important things to do?”
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVwxjQn3VN
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cxKei9lKL
Trevor: “Nothing is more important than getting your number. Besides, I’ve been hearing disturbing rumors.”
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJ7uScv5TZ
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOQ6e2N4C4
Alyson: “Oh, what rumors?”
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTBtPknCFs
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9GDxkw5i9
Trevor: “Someone, I mean can you believe this, said that you were with a guy at the Crimson Battlefield.”
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDq0q7TOQb
Alyson: “…Do I look like someone who would waste time at a kid’s game?”430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdzpqAwHo0
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRgFPWSkiTH
Trevor: “No, but I had to make sure. I’ll remember to pay back those lairs later.”
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIUEnX1gq6
*Sigh*430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKzMh3g5xG
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAiDSmj0Jpd
Alyson: “Why do want me so much anyway?”
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7ZTFDZUbC
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtw7WwYtvs
Trevor: “Haha, you always ask the same question babe.”
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPajTHA8n5d
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxAarcowtIa
Alyson: “Because I still find it hard to believe a battle junkie like you would care about dating.”
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvo2D9EbLRJ
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTguA2QAleO
Trevor: “You’re hot, I’m hot. You’re the queen, I’m the king. I never dated, you said you never dated. It makes sense to me.”
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡluLDWiN6YZ
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyNkjItM4P0
Alyson: “Yeah, and compatibility means nothing in a relationship right?”
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPRWMquZkI2
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1soXFP514b
Trevor: “Right!”
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1NXiQrBLk
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHRiFYjveV
Sarcasm Trevor, will you ever learn it. As I cup my head in annoyance, I notice Nao running outside the cafeteria like a mad man. What is he doing now?
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWs34jz87wB
Alyson: “Sorry, I have to go check on my brother.”430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuF3t7e6PaS
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhNZsOOiyG
Trevor: “Oh, then I’ll come with.”
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlX2vO8qBd3
Why can’t you take hint?430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbNh0acZbR
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCmzsaQqJP
Trevor: “I have business with him anyway.”
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Lk9SaJJSR
What does he…430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFeNTL2bZi
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQpdkTufTm
Whatever, it’s between them. As long as he doesn’t fight Nao I don’t care. I leave the cafeteria with Trevor in tow following Nao’s trail.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYgSKKjPTe
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQG3g39jNas
Trevor: “I’m surprised you care all of sudden.”
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡedPoBUUysL
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxNci6XeEK
Alyson: “He was ineffectual before but him acting up now would ruin my image.”
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvEIFTunjXY
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCjXEQBWEI
Trevor: “Yes yes, perfect queen must remain perfect. I wonder if university would even care about your queen status.”
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1QkKYfkhz
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXbRcHDDaG
Alyson: “Staying queen, a real one, says volumes about my academic and athletic ability.”
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbC0H2nA3jI
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY9QNfuE1jw
Trevor: “If you say so. I’m sure they’ll still see you like Deanna but who am I to judge. All that stupid stuff annoys me anyway.”
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSw9cey7hM8
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡboxVhnOfmL
If it wasn’t for your ridiculous strength, you’d be like just like those bottom dwellers. You have no right to insult my hard work.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0i323KHqBC
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUat6odOdKT
I try ignore his presence along the way to wherever Nao is. Eventually, I follow the likely trail outside and to…a group of students. I push past them a bit worried if those bullies went too far but…it was worse.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKY96vrr6vK
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Pb6VOcN5R
Nao was covered in blood, but not his own. The Black Listers and 3 bullies. All bloody and broken with only Nao standing. Despite the mumbling crowd, Nao doesn’t stop what he’s doing. As if the outside world didn’t exist.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXNVByMwjK
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHiwOA2nZH
He was on top of one of the bullies and beating him into…nothing. Could that even be considered a face anymore? There was only a mound of flesh and bone where a human face should be. I feel…sick.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXlKSdnbkF
Alyson: “Nao…”430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfvSE9RFAv
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8IGiHfaNw
At the sound of my voice, he finally looks back, and his eyes…I can’t stop shaking. The anger and hate are tangible from all the way here. It threatens to consume me if I look any deeper.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzxAPNEM2z
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirVLiA83P2
What the hell happened here? What have I…let happen?
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxa3XKjP2Y
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTok3imJbH
Suddenly, the anger in his eyes slips away after a moment. Now he’s shaking too, on the verge of tears.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5dQd5ZPjJ
Trevor: “What’s this?”430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4Mqd7emyt
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1v57XY3xp
His words break our eye contact. I look at Trevor and I instantly know what’s about to happen. I…can’t watch anymore. I run away from the bloodbath not knowing what to do.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMirt2V5FIW
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1sU63X6MV
I travel aimlessly, not knowing what to make of what just happened. Nao looked taller and actually beat up those bullies? How did this happen and why?
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhd0KjklVK
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0K8GAPii5
Was he pushed too hard? I never wanted it to come to this. I didn’t know it would go this far. Did I make a mistake? If Nao could do that then maybe-
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHFlTjCGM4
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTRuU04bwz
NO! REMEMBER MY TEACHINGS ABOUT THOSE WITH THE GIFT AND THOSE WITHOUT!
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxL1filF3CC
Well, maybe he does have the ability? Yes, that’s it! I just misjudged him, I had to have made a mistake. Just because Nao was lazy before doesn’t mean he’s a failure, he hid his ability. He’s even doing better in class.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGItjTegvSN
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyO3XFjgPH0
NO! HE’S A DESTINED FAILURE LIKE THE REST OF THEM. REMEMBER WHAT HAPPENED TO HER WHEN SHE TRIED TOO HARD.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Gv7vZDTdW
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡByqBhzpqWk
…You’re right mam. Your words are always right. That was just a fluke. But even so…I won’t let Trevor break my brother.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8i2Ly2XIg
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq69q2jJebf
I run to the nearest teacher and force them to come stop the fight. I rally more nearby teachers along the way just in case Trevor doesn’t back down.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqUNAQEViS
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0y0FZNLaJg
When we get back to the fight, both Trevor and Nao are hurt. But Nao…he’s much worse off. As soon as Trevor backed off, Nao collapsed hard. I watch the teacher carry the wounded to the nurse’s office and disperse the crowd.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQAYDnrZFEQ
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmzW2I24Zl
I follow them all the way to the office where they laid Nao down. They patched everyone the best they could but the wounds were severe. The one Nao was on top of had to be sent to the hospital.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiC4RIb3n9Z
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeodiPt2Bku
But the one I really cared about right now was still here. He’s wounds are terrible but apparently Nao is quickly healing.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwpRfWNHlR
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDnggm6nk3
Alyson: “Can I stay with him?”
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpW5knFz8Ps
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ39KBSM8RC
“Of course. Hey, are you his sister?”
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCmjAk8gEF
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAusltbrIhS
Alyson: “Y-Yes.”
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRHxQfU7nH2
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjH2SMZV1FS
“You must be so disappointed. Sorry you had to have a delinquent brother.”
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9ceLXtW3F
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqhNIEkiwl
Alyson: “…Yeah.”
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfibVmI5FtJ
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6qCPsvI9f
I sit down beside the bed and wait for the nurse to look away. I push Nao’s hair away from his eyes and caress his face.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHoa30P8PV
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmw1SsOLcrT
Alyson: “I’m sorry….I’m so sorr-”
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7vbN5co28
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLA2y9wWta
YOUR IMAGE AND SUCCESS, LEAVE HIM!
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtmab9w86y
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CBEboPDlr
NO! Not yet. Just once, just once! I want to forget about constantly aiming for the top.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMlYUev2CQ
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJatQzkIU0
After everything I did back then, I finally got a family. I don’t want to lose it now.
ns216.73.216.210da2
