CHAPTER 29: I'm Stupid

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[The common belief is that Freestone Academy is the best on Kalida has been the truth for a long time, but these days their superiority has been in question. Recently, they have been defeated again and again by their neighboring rival academies in academic competitions, combat conventions and even in Indon games.

Is this a sign that their reign of dominance is about to end?...Excerpt from: THE INSIDE STORY]

[George's POV]

As I walked back to Alistair's side of the room amid the glares of Josephine's faction, I was lost in thought.

This isn't the first time someone has warned me about Alistair, could they really be right? That can't be right!

But when I actually think about it, I haven't asked Alistair any personal questions and neither has he. Why do I think we know each other?

No, this is bad. I'm getting drawn into their conspiracy theories, I can't do that. How can I just forget everything that's happened just because of something people say?

When I made it back, Alistair came up to me. He looked agitated.

"Did they say anything to you while you were there?"

His words, for some reason made me feel irritated.

"No hello, no how was it, just 'did they say anything to you while you were there'? Can I at least be asked if I feel better now before the interrogation?"

"I'm not in the mood for jokes, George. Just tell me what they asked you about or told you."

My irritation grew.

"You really want to know? Fine, I'll tell you what they told me. They seem to think you're just using me, but there's no way that's true, right?"

Alistair face took on an expression I'd never seen before; anger.

"Damn it George, do you really believe them?"

"I don't want to, but for some reason, I'm now remembering what's happened in the past."

Our blowout was now attracting attention from the people in our group and the others around the room. They moved towards us.

"Stop it with the nonsense. You being manipulated right now, can't you see that?"

"Can I see it? I know what I see, and it's all the things that don't make sense."

Alistair rubbed his forehead.

"What things don't make sense?"

"For one, the first time I fought Alex, you didn't show up even after I had been beat to a pulp. Explain that."

Alex commented from the side.

"Yeah, explain why you didn't help him out even after I beat him until he had a pig's head."

I turned towards Alex.

"Shut up Alex. This doesn't concern you."

He raised his hands in apology with a mocking look on his face.

"Sorry, sorry."

I turned back to Alistair.

"So?"

"What do you mean, so?"

"Explain."

He shook his head.

"Why do you think I have to explain to you?"

"You said we were similar. Furthermore, you said we were friends. Don't I at least deserve an explanation?"

Alistair shook his head again.

"I think it's time I tell you something, George. The reason I didn't help you out back then is because you were a hot potato. Why would I help you if I would've been beaten just like you? The only person I look out for is number one."

Number one? Then what were the times when you saved me? Like in the showers.

"What does that mean? Did you never save of me of your own volition?"

Alistair seemed to getting more and more angry. His voice kept getting louder.

"GEORGE! I'm really getting tired of you! Do you really want to know why I helped you out those times? Do you really want to?!"

I felt a sinking feeling in my gut.

"I do want to know. Please tell me."

Alex chuckled by the side. We both whirled around and screamed at him.

"SHUT UP!!!!"

Alex had a disbelieving look on his face as if to say, 'what did I do?'.

"George, this whole time I've been tired of you and to think all I had to do to get rid of you was to tell the truth? Why didn't I do it earlier?"

"Alistair, just tell me the truth!"

"You want to know the truth, I'll tell you the truth. I've been using you since day one! I've never seen you as a friend, you have been a tool and nothing but a tool."

So it's true? Everything they told me was true?

It felt like everything I had been through since I came here was all just a lie.

Alistair continued with his rant.

"In fact, the reason you're still alive is because of me! Me! I kept you alive all this time! You should be thanking me for using you as a tool!"

My depression quickly turned into anger at his words.

"I should be glad you used me as a tool? Who do you think you are?"

"Who am I? I feel like I'm someone who's playing with you like a toy! I must say, you've been very amusing at times. Like when I 'saved' you from Alex in the showers."

"Are you sure you want to tell him?"

Alex spoke again from the sidelines

"Of course I want to tell him. Why wouldn't I?"

"Tell me what? Don't tell me you have some more secrets to use to crush my entire belief even more than you already have?"

"Sarcasm doesn't look good on you George."

I sneered.

"Don't try me. You really want to get it."

I looked at Josephine who had been watching from the side the entire time. She averted her gaze.

She doesn't want to get involved, does she?

I smiled to myself. In the end, I'm all alone aren't I?

"You know what, keep your secrets. I don't want to know."

Alistair looked surprised.

"What's this? It feels like there's something different about your voice. Have you finally come to terms with the truth?"

I nodded.

"Yeah, I don't think I want anything to do with any of you anymore. You're all just looking out for yourselves."

"Seems you're finally learning."

Alistair called out as I walked away.

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