Chapter 4 - Burning bridges

It took me the whole class to finish the test. In fact, I ran out of time and just randomly circled the last six questions, while Chester James —the smartest in our class had finished the whole thing in less than thirty-minutes and strutted to the front of the room to turn his test, unaware that the rest of the class was staring daggers at his back. Some of them were sneaking answers from him, and while the others were just focused on their test.

After the bell rang, I took my bag and grabbed Claire's arm. I lured her out of the room, ignoring the gazes following our trail. We stopped around the empty corner.

Mark: "What were you thinking!?"

Claire: "I just wanted to help."

Mark: "You didn't help me, you've only put me in a tight spot there, and worst you used your ability on Mr.Jake"

Claire: "It's fine, no one realizes what happened."

Mark: "But I did, I realize what happened. Didn't you see the news Claire, and how dangerous to use your powers right now?"

Claire: "I know. You don't have to tell me"

Mark: "No you don't. If they found out, they will hunt you and treat you as an exile, and it could be even worst."

Claire looked away with his stubborn look.

Mark: I snapped as my tone stiffened. "Don't you get it? you're a mutant and people fear those who are different. That's what you should know!"

Claire: Her brow furrowed with annoyance. "So, that's what you wanted to tell me, that I'm a monster, a mutant? Thanks for the advice but I already know." she frowned. "of all people, I thought you were the one who would understand. I'm just disappointed with you, Mark."

Mark: "Me either. Guess both of us didn't change at all, Claire. " I looked away to avoid her perplexed gaze. "I just can't let you risk you for my stupid problems anymore."

Claire: She insisted " We're always into this. I thought we were tight, We should help each other right?"

Mark: "Things now are different, I'm not a kid anymore. I can now handle myself and...I-d-on't...I don't remember getting that so close to you." I mouthed.

There was a pause moment as her eyes widened in shock. It took her moment for the statement to sink in, or rather she didn't want to believe it.

Claire: Her lips shudder "Come on, D-Don't be like that we're bestfrie--."

I clenched my fist and bit my lips as I interrupt her.

Mark: "No, we're not. you just like to stick around. I have no memory of--"

Claire slapped me with everything. Even her fragile arms lack the strength to harm anyone, yet I could feel it's anger—piercing me inside as it stings my heart.

Claire: She stared me with her cold-blue eyes. "Why...Why you are always like this…Fine! Do what you want! I won't be a bother to you anymore..."

Seeing Claire walks away with tears aches my chest, but this may be for the best. She keeps using her powers for my sake, and I don't think she will ever stop even it's dangerous. I just knew her since we were little and she never changed at all... Things are now different, and again. I can't let her risk her life for my stupid problems anymore.

Few moments have passed since Claire left and I was standing still, I felt both relief and regret on my actions but I want to justify my deed even it was wrong, or I just don't want to feel uncomfortable, but the truth is— even I don't know. Each second are passing by when I saw students are starting to appear in the area, so I started to move as well.

Mark: "Haa…"

I sighed as I put my hand in my pocket and checked my phone. It was already past our break time but because of what happened I decided to skip my P.E class for now. Good thing I took my bag before that argument, or I'll have to get back in class with Claire.

Mark: I scratched my head "Guess I'll go home early today."

I didn't bother to take the stairs. I waited for the elevator in almost 5 minutes, I'm not the only student on the campus anyway. Then the elevator arrived and opened, as I hop in, I saw a girl standing in the corner.

[*That girl... She looks familiar, do I know her?*] I thought.

I tried to classify my thoughts, but there were no such events that led me to remember her.

I shook my head off [*Must be my imagination.*] I thought

The girl was beautiful with a flawless complexion as a model. Her straight, girlishly long hair fell onto her chest haphazardly and hid her large expressive eyes. Aquiline nose and fair skin. She wears the same outfit as my classmates, so I guess, she must be around my age. The only difference is her I.D plate on her chest which displays a shimmering gold and it was carved with "Charlotte Sales"

The girl has a petite posture but she was carrying a pile of papers, you can see her great effort in lifting it, she needs help. But I don't want to butt-in in other people's business. Yet now, I can't seem to look her and felt guilty.

I'm currently on the floor thirty-one, I pushed the first floor below ground —it is where the large parking lot located and the main exit of the campus.

I turned my head, and stared at the girl for a moment. Her face was beaded with sweat, along with parts of her white-blue uniform was the same.

Mark: My conscience took over me and asked. "Tch. Hey, what floor will you bring those papers?"

Young girl: She turned towards me. "Eh? Umm… Second-floor in the guidance office."

[*Guidance office huh?*] I held my chin for a moment then looked to her again.

Mark: "Alright. I've decided to help you carry those, but I won't be staying for too long. I'm not good ties with the school principal."

Young girl: She gave a wry smile "With Mr. Julius? But sir Julius is a gentleman. He has always been kind and understanding, since the first time I know him."

Mark: "Really? Maybe there's nothing to be kind about my situation...Enough about him." I get near over her. "Give me the half of those papers, I'll accompany you until there."

Young girl: She replied "Thank you for your concern. But I think I can manage."

For some reason I've seen my stubborn attitude on her reply.

Mark: "Well yeah you can, but it's not that far, so let me help you." I tilt and forcibly handed my hand, and it took most of the paperwork she was carrying.

Young girl: "Ah." She instinctively reacted.

Mark: "I have no other things to do anyway—besides, leaving a cute girl like these would make me look bad you know."

We went silent for a moment.

Young girl: "Th-Thank you." she stuttered saying.

Mark: [*Maybe she's embarrassed?*] I thought. "Yeah. Don't mind it."

After a brief moment. We have reached the Second-floor. The hall was crowded with faculty members and students, unlike the other floors which are always empty-unless, it's break time or dismissal. It pains to say me this but, It was no surprise for me since I always come here in detention class or either visiting Mr. Julius' office—for an hour of counseling.

When we arrived, she turned towards me and reached out both of her arms to receive the papers.

Young girl: "Thank you for helping me, I'll handle it from here." She gave me a wry smile.

Mark: "No problem, ask for my help anytime."

We about to separate ways when I recognize a middle-aged man walking towards my direction, it was Mr. Julius. His eyes narrowed towards me as common thing for our reunion, the smile carved on her face vanished as we close our distance.

Mr. Julius: "Hello, Mr. Ashe, what brings you here? Is it another counseling in my office?"

Mark: I shrugged. "Not today. I'm just helping this girl over here."

The girl bowed to Mr. Julius as a sign of her great respect towards the man.