Chapter 57
Henry sat at the table, fuming. The aroma of the fried noodles was unbearable, and he couldn't stay any longer. With a scowl, he stormed out of the kitchen.
His chest felt like it was about to explode with anger, but he couldn't show it. He had to keep it bottled up. Stepping outside, he took a deep breath of the fresh country air, trying to calm himself before heading to the boys' dormitory and lying down on his bed.
The anger he had swallowed stayed trapped in his chest, making it rise and fall dramatically as he lay there.
He lay there brooding for what felt like ages when Gabe came to get him. "Henry, dinner's ready."
Without looking at Gabe, Henry snapped, "Eat what? Get lost!"
He wasn't a pig or a dog to sit in that kitchen and eat his plain bread while pretending nothing had happened.
Gabe hesitated, then left without another word, returning to the kitchen just as Summer and Logan were leaving.
Taking a seat at the table, Gabe informed the others, "Henry's not eating."
Everyone looked miserable. Mike, one of the male residents, said, "It's not just Henry. None of us can eat after this. It's just too frustrating."
Jack, another resident, agreed. "You think you're frustrated? Imagine Henry. Just a couple of weeks ago, he was the only one getting fried noodles. Now, it's Logan. And Logan made sure we knew it, too. He was definitely rubbing it in."
Grace, seething with anger, added, "What's wrong with Summer? Is she out of her mind?"
If she had made the noodles for Henry, they'd have been envious but not angry. But seeing Logan enjoy them was infuriating.
Lily chimed in, "I don't get it either. Logan barely acknowledges her, yet she's fawning over him, making him fried noodles. What does she expect to gain from him? Does she think he'll somehow make her life easier?"
Despite their anger and frustration, there was nothing they could do about Summer's actions.
Charlie sighed, "Let's just eat. Our bread's getting cold."
With a heavy heart, they started eating their plain bread, the aroma of the fried noodles making it even harder to swallow.
***
Logan and Summer returned to their dorms after dinner. Logan walked in, saw Henry on the bed, and ignored him, going about his business.
But Henry couldn't ignore Logan.
Watching Logan for a moment, Henry finally snapped, "Do you think this is funny?"
Logan, his demeanor icy and arrogant, didn't look at Henry. "I think it's very amusing."
Henry sat up, eyes blazing with anger. "What's your problem?"
Logan looked at Henry coldly. "What do you think my problem is?"
Henry's fists clenched. "I told you to stay away from Summer. Do you understand?"
Logan laughed derisively, "Who do you think you are? Just because some fools call you their leader, you think you're in charge everywhere?"
Henry's fists tightened, ready to strike, when they heard Summer's voice from the door, "Logan, I'm going to pick some wild vegetables. Do you want to come?"
Henry's fist froze mid-air, his anger interrupted.
Both looked towards the door to see Summer peeking in.
Logan quickly responded, "Yes."
He stood up, leaving Henry seething on the bed.
Henry watched Logan leave, his anger simmering. Summer didn't even glance at him, her focus entirely on Logan. When Logan stepped out, she followed him, and they walked away together.
Henry's fists stayed clenched, frustration boiling over. He felt like he was hitting a wall every time, his efforts met with nothing but resistance.
***
Summer and Logan grabbed their sickles, put them in their backpacks, and set out.
The days were getting longer, and it was just dusk as they left the yard. Summer's thoughts lingered on the kitchen scene.
As they walked, she said to Logan, "Your performance back there was over the top."
Logan replied, "You don't understand. That's exactly the point."
Summer looked at him and asked, "Aren't you worried they'll retaliate?"
Logan turned to her, "Why would they?"
Summer realized he was playing dumb and decided to drop it. She was happy Logan had gotten under their skin, even if it meant a bit of risk.