Chapter 4.2- Eric's pov

Eric's POV

You must be thinking that I'm bipolar or something, with all of these sudden changes in my mood.

What can I say, I guess today is just really not my day!

I enter the gym field and immediately Mr. Black Richardson, yes Richardson, this asshole is my father's brother, walks up to me. I meet him with an angry scowl on my face.

"Mr. Richardson!" He shouts, "Thank you for deciding to bless us with your presence. Would you care to enlighten me as to why you are so late?" The bastard says with a smug look on his face. I'm trying my best to not punch it right off. "Patience Eric, don't punch him, patience," I think to myself.

"I was in the principal's office," I snap bitterly at him. I'm clenching my fists so hard my knuckles are turning white.

"Okay, very well. You can join the students who are still running. I want six laps and you better start now because class is almost over. Dismissed!"

Pfft, six laps, like that's hard for me. I keep a straight face and go and change into my gym outfit. When I return to the field a lot of people are still huffing and pugging trying to make it, suckers. Some of the faster, better runners are already sitting in the bleachers looking bored out of their minds. I see Carter is sitting alone busy with his phone.

I start to run, first slowly, then faster. I love this rush I get whenever I'm doing physical stuff. And more importantly it helps me clear my mind, helps me forget what a shitty day today has been so far. I complete my laps easily and run toward Carter. While I'm talking with him I get distracted by the feeling that someone is staring at me. I look around and find the same pair of chocolate-brown eyes I've seen in the hallway, boring into me. I don't back out this time but the girl does when her friend nudges her.

Everyone starts to head towards the showers so Carter and I do the same. I'm still angry because of the situation with my dad and the principle, but the feeling of wanting to punch every living thing in my surroundings has passed a bit. I realize I can't harm these student who have nothing to do with my problems. That just wouldn't be fair to them.

When we're done showering Travis is already waiting for us outside. Without saying anything we walk up to the cafeteria. As we enter all chattering stops, as usual. Everyone is shamelessly staring at us, especially me. Probably because by now the entire school knows I'm not having the best of days. I return the stares and everyone quickly goes back to minding their own damn business.

I'm not hungry, I'm never hungry when I'm angry, so I just pick up a soda from the vending machine and walk up to our regular spot in the corner. I like sitting in the corner, it gives you an overview of the space and you're not in the middle of all the mindless chattering.

While I'm sipping my soda and thinking about how fucked up my life is Travis and Carter are talking about today's race, not paying much attention to me. One thing I like about them is that they know when to give me space. I gaze over the heads of the students till my eyes land on that same girl. She doesn't look like any of the other girls in the school, she's not dressed like an absolute slut in tight, short dresses. She doesn't seem wear mountains of make-up, something I hate. She doesn't seem like the kind of girl that dresses to impress guys. She just wearing a simple pink top and regular jeans. It looks nice. Okay I don't have much knowledge about dressing but she looks different for sure. But why am I checking her out?! God dammit Eric, get a grip!

"So, what are you guys talking about?" I ask Traver and Carter, trying to make some conversation.

"Tonight's race," Travis answers.

"And Friday's party," Carter adds. I don't know anything about this party.

"Who's party?" I ask.

"Randy, the guy's crazy. Who parties every single day?" He replies. And he's right, Randy's completely batt shit crazy. He's a total sucker for parties, girls, sex, drinks. It's the only thing he does nowadays. His parents died of gang related crime, poor guy, occupational hazard I guess. But his parents left him a fortune and he decided to waste it all like this. I don't care though cause his parties are one of the best in the area.

"It's his way to forget everything. May it be crazy but at least it's helping him," I snap back a little too harshly. Both stay silent. I know they too have problems in their lives. But they have people they can fall back on. I don't have anyone.

Carter's phone breaks the silence. He gets up and walks away to attend the call. Travis looks at me with a worried look on his face. I know this look, his going to be sentimental again.

"Look Eric, I don't know what's exactly going but don't let any of it get inside your head," He says. I open my mouth to answer him but Carter is already coming back with a mischievous grin on his face.

"I've found something direct your anger at," he said.

"And what is that, may I know?" I ask.

"We are going for the fight," he responded excitedly, arousing an irritated look by Travis.

"Did you fell on your head? Did it really made you crazy this time?" He asks.

Carter rolls his eyes, "Not a real fight my man, a practice round. Just for fun!"

"Care to elaborate?"

"James is in town!" Carter shouts out so loud that he gains the attention from nearby tables. James is an old friend and he's a great hacker, he really is! We met him in Florida when we were send there on some business by our leader. He helped us. It'll be great seeing him again. It's been a long time.

"Does he have work to do here?" I ask.

"I don't have that information but you can ask him yourself. I told him to meet us for a drink after school," he replies way too enthusiastically.

"Okay, we get it brother. Stop acting like such a fangirl," Travis says.

"Did you just call me a fangirl?" Carter says sounding deeply disturb. Travis shrugs and they start bickering. I sigh, sometimes they do really behave like teenage girls. I leave them to it and make my way to the exit. When I turn to see if my friends are following me I collide with something, someone. My entire shirt gets disgustingly stained with sauce and whatever remains of someone's lunch. Everyone stops talking. I hear a gasp from the person that's in front of me and my first instinct is a punch to the gut. But when I look at the person I change my mind. It's the same girl I spotted throughout the day. You don't hit girls Eric I repeat in my head, trying to keep my temper. First the talk with my father, then his threat and the asshole principal mixing himself in my business and now this. I'm losing my mind. Before she can say anything I grab a water bottle from a nearby table and empty it above her head. Without saying a world I exit the cafeteria and slam the door shut behind me.

I'm way too angry and frustrated to continue my day at school so I call James. I tell him to meet me at the Fighters Club. I know at this time of the day the club will most likely be empty because the real fights start at night. No one can enter the club without the owner's permission but they wouldn't dare to refuse me entrance. I change into a new shirt, I always keep one in my locker for safety, and head to the club.

James was happy to meet me. He seemed to be in a good mood when he enters but when he sees my face he knows there's something wrong.

"I guess you're here for a cool-down fight," he said with a smirk.

"Ready to loose once again?" I too had a smirk on my face.

"We'll see," he said as we both entered the ring.

Once in the ring James takes on his cool demeanor, a strong contrast to my rage and anger. We start to circle each other, both waiting for one of us to make the first move. My technique is to let my opponent make the first move. Let your opponent think he has the upper hand. And he does because he curls his fist and aims for my gut. I dodge but he has improved since last time we fought and he kicks me right in the ribs. It was a hard blow, I have to do my best to keep a straight face. Never show your opponent weakness. I quickly recover and plant my knee into his stomach, holding him there as I repeat the move. I guess he practiced a lot because he breaks free form my grip. We keep punching and dodging away at each other knowing that neither of us is going to back out voluntarily. We're both breathing heavily and as I'm trying to catch my breath he takes a big swing and hits me full in the stomach. The blow throws me on the ground.

"What happened Eric, had a fight with your daddy?" He teases and I lose it. This guy really knows how to get on somebody's nerves.

I quickly stand up and run up to him, kicking him hard in the stomach. He is dazzled by the sudden attack and I take advantage of that. I curl my hand into a fist and aim for his nose. I hear his bones crack and blood starts to spurt out of it. I guess I broke it but I don't care, I can't stop now. I continue to punch and kick away at him, on his face, in his stomach. He tried to dodge and protect his already busted face but he wasn't very successful. Soon two pair of hands were on my shoulders trying to hold me back. I tried to push them of off me but they had me tight.

"What the fuck are you doing Eric?! Are you trying to kill him?!" It was the voice of Travis. I turn around and see he looks at me like I'm some wild animal. I somewhat come to my senses and slow down my breathing. Carter is already helping James get up. His face and clothes were covered in blood from his nose. I can already see the bruises forming on his cheeks and there was a cut on his lip.

"You fought well," I say as I pat him on the back.

"Dude what the fuck?! I was not ready for this. You broke my fucking nose!" he moanes, his face scrunched up in agony.

"Hey, I didn't offer to fight. You wanted this," I replied cold. Maybe it wasn't fair but oh well.

"Yeah, well... That doesn't mean you can ruined my handsome face. Think about all the girls who are dying to see this million dollar mug,"

"Oh please, I did those girls a favor. Saving them from a man whore like you," I say.

"I'm hurt, I didn't raise you like this," he says as he brushes away his imaginary tears. Carter and Travis stood flabbergasted as to why James wasn't angry, why he wasn't trying to beat the hell out of me, or at least scold the shit out of me. But that's just James, he never gets angry.

"What" James and I ask in unison.

"Aren't you going to kick his ass?" Carter asks.

"I will, but in our next fight. It would be quite stupid of me to try and do that right now, in the state I'm in," James replies.

"But he just smashed your face, aren't you at least a bit angry at him?" Travis says.

"Oh please, he'll be fine, it's just a minor injury. And besides he's had worse," I clear out.

"Yes, I'll be fine. I'm a strong man guys," James too clears the air.

"I guess if you say so," they both reply.

"So what was all this about anyway?" James asked me, curiosity dripping from his voice.

"Nothing, just got out on the wrong side of the bed" I shrug.

"Well, it's not just that I think. But it's okay if you don't want to talk about it," he says," but you should thank me for being your punching bag, and not some random person," he says proudly.

"Yeah, whatever," I reply.

"But how did you know I was in town? I didn't think I was that famous?" He asks, trying to raise his eyebrows changing his mind when he feels his broken nose.

"I'll take credit for that, I have little birdies everywhere," Carter said proudly.

"Is there any specific reason you're here?" I ask.

"No, I guess I just wanted some relieve from my hectic life, thought I'd stay with some old friends. I expected a little bit of a warmer welcome though," he says, trying to give me a smirk but failing miserably. His face has already swollen up quite a bit.

"You're most welcome to stay with us James. But I'm afraid live isn't really any less hectic around here," Travis says.

"Uhm... is that really why you're here?" I ask, trying not to sound too disappointed.

"Yeah. And thanks for the offer Travis but I'm afraid I have to decline. I'm staying with my uncle, " he responds.

"I didn't know you had relatives here?" I ask confused. He never told me.

"I guess you don't know that much about me, do you?" he says, and he's right. Other than that he's a good hacker and that our leader trusts him I don't know much about him. It's the gang life for you, everyone has their secrets.

"So what are we going to do next? After I get myself fixed up of course. I heard there's a big race tonight?" he somewhat tries to grin.

"Yeah. There is!" Traver and Carter both confirm.

"Great! I guess I'll see you guys there tonight. I have to go now, when you called I was just on my way and they're expecting me, cause I'm gonna have to make a little detour to the GP," James says.

"That's cool with us. Catch you later dude!" Travis says as he cautiously gives him a bro-hug.

"I'll walk you out man," Carter says.

"I'll see your ugly loser mug tonight!" I holler as they leave the club.

"You can go home," I say to Travis.

"What about you,"

"I'll take a nap or maybe practice some more. You don't have to stay here with me. I'll meet you tonight" I say, ending the topic. He still looks unsure but he nods anyway and goes off.

I'm left alone with my thoughts. Now that my stress and anger are gone all I can think about is what I've done. That poor girl, she must think I'm some arrogant, cold-hearted asshole. I think it might have been my fault too. I wasn't looking where I was going. I should probably apologize to her.

Whoa dude! Where are your thoughts taking you? When did you started to care about what people think of you? And as a reminder your with The Daggers, Daggers don't apologize. You've done so many bad things in your life, way worse than this, and you've never felt the need to apologize. You've beat people so badly they were on the edge of death. Why do you care about what some stupid girl thinks?

My thoughts are interrupted by the sudden ringing of my phone, it's Lucy. Instantly a big smile forms on my face.

"How's my pumpkin doing?" I ask

"I helped gran to make some cookies!"

"That's so amazing my little helper, were they good? And how was school?"

"Yes! And school was okay. Teacher made us paint something,"

"What did you make?"

"I made us. I drew you, me, mommy and daddy. I miss you Eric,"

What should I reply to this? I know she missed her family but this is no place for an eight year old. Especially not for her. So I just reply;

"I miss you too, pumpkin,"

"You're coming this weekend right?"

"Yes. Of course."

"Okay, great! Eric, gran is calling for me. Bye and she said to say take care,"

"Okay bye pumpkin. And tell gran I will,"

With that we both hang up our phones. My mood has actually changed to happy right now. I can feel there's a big smile plastered on my face, all because of her, my pumpkin.

I changed into my normal wear and walked off to my black Mustang. I lay down on the back seat and make myself comfortable. It's time for a quick nap.

When I wake up it's almost evening. Racing time! I buckle up and take a deep breath. I only have to win this one more battle. With this in mind I race towards the track.

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