No…I place the old photo back in my drawer. It’s all in the past.458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbh22KgBMM
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsMT6lB4v3
I get ready for school and go downstairs to see Nell cooking. 458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFpJouJf2X
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqboZaPBZ60
Nell: “Good morning honey.”
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfS7jP8ha7
Alyson: “Good morning Nell. How’s…work?”
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOs1X3Wrw7m
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8kUHVz4ZM
Nell: “You don’t have to worry about it. We get by and I can handle it.”
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYG0q0fWmFG
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDMMKXQj6G
Alyson: “Why don’t you tell Nao? If all three of us-”
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMxW0RzuHw
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBnzyJH7Xf
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.”
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwkVojLQvsF
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQO6DuP0NxG
Alyson: “Don’t worry Nell, when I graduate at the top I can help out.”
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51bamOcnia
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfUaEzk1dKq
Nell: “You shouldn’t burden yourself Alyson. You should focus on what you want to do with your life, we’ll be fine.”
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡms9OYTQQy2
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgL4wvw9x7
Alyson: “That won’t last forever and besides…it’s the least I can do.”
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ugYMqC7BF
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbhDoMZOHZ
Nell: “Will you…stay for breakfast.”
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXgNBOvHSa
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Vgsh8gH9u
Alyson: “No I…okay.”
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJuRHChf7MW
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZvBifQaE2l
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.
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbrqlrGbvU
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUfcSg4Xixy
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.
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9iSl4XR1mx
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOCltvKK1G0
I finish up and head to another normal day at school. I ace every class but I can’t be too careful.
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQpCWAk4BTl
Always look at the bottom of the class, don’t be like them.458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcyUNMmNgb
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.458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBdNPRqKaT
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTmGcyuUdC
Yes, where Nao used to be….
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSzbDaRDQB
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-
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNnY4tw4fW
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02rt31lWRU
“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.”
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqGWbqhPU4
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcsKsQ2uL8x
“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.”
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBRFPNv2A2
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz06yK32MGA
I look down at the paper and know exactly what to put down. Whatever makes the most money.
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYZHpsk6S8
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDy7jpXkq1e
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.
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQCNFCOW6G
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7BLaik0hg
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.
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Lhzop4IIZ
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ11PJhwpctg
???: “Hey Alyson, how’s it going.”
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2T0j8ZBLD2
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡllMVvRWOby
For God’s sake.
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoEXIK8tyHe
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEaRuHo3g0Q
Alyson: “Trevor, don’t you have more important things to do?”
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38ZnvZShid
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdtzGDWkSQ
Trevor: “Nothing is more important than getting your number. Besides, I’ve been hearing disturbing rumors.”
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctxqI6Jx5T
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbIrOnruQRs
Alyson: “Oh, what rumors?”
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbPSgS0RIqO
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRnJ9W64Nb
Trevor: “Someone, I mean can you believe this, said that you were with a guy at the Crimson Battlefield.”
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJuC03wnXAx
Alyson: “…Do I look like someone who would waste time at a kid’s game?”458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmIx1BGeDO
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsunNYYaOER
Trevor: “No, but I had to make sure. I’ll remember to pay back those lairs later.”
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7IQrJNPga
*Sigh*458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFjniJ5dLKs
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ooJFHqMQi
Alyson: “Why do want me so much anyway?”
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3SBkywL3h
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN04MbUZSVr
Trevor: “Haha, you always ask the same question babe.”
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbjTTY7gE2
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6kIlIP3RaF
Alyson: “Because I still find it hard to believe a battle junkie like you would care about dating.”
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qCJhhiaNa
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3azGr3oFT
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.”
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpoVJX6uP5J
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRfh5d8IZUN
Alyson: “Yeah, and compatibility means nothing in a relationship right?”
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJFjwMRCBC
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoRKNnToKPA
Trevor: “Right!”
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9EToRR8z4
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4OYjeoLQ4h
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?
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhcMUvPa1b
Alyson: “Sorry, I have to go check on my brother.”458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wxDQjisOg
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQVbM2JI4l
Trevor: “Oh, then I’ll come with.”
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYz5yyPvy6k
Why can’t you take hint?458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzo7M57AnlU
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCwwydFYq5
Trevor: “I have business with him anyway.”
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlsALOCy19s
What does he…458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrnijomg77J
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Ys56mDPIp
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.
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQeLDny9fAo
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpC3oPiexU
Trevor: “I’m surprised you care all of sudden.”
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUgEzyGIeba
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZYU8dbRyiq
Alyson: “He was ineffectual before but him acting up now would ruin my image.”
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOIAX3Qy6x
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Nbasuw1V8
Trevor: “Yes yes, perfect queen must remain perfect. I wonder if university would even care about your queen status.”
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvtvOfrkAM
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRSyJEdLTl
Alyson: “Staying queen, a real one, says volumes about my academic and athletic ability.”
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7NcvqfZuwj
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcAGLZXPnw
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.”
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPF2BkcgFYS
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9snPpC7VC
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.
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWy9BMzjwil
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qQX8zCDzF
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.
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYIFVJBcCL
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1aj7gdqLi
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.
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZYLCpFUcf
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIltY8ABVD
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.
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8RVxyD7a3
Alyson: “Nao…”458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5DhEpdDgH
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0mio6Mhnu
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.
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2P4jzcoufx
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ynDM4UE5g
What the hell happened here? What have I…let happen?
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXMAekNwlp
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3U9wfT6lS
Suddenly, the anger in his eyes slips away after a moment. Now he’s shaking too, on the verge of tears.
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe5xpIBBn70
Trevor: “What’s this?”458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRIT7oQIM2X
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFlcK51lGZ
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.
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYGOPI1nzWE
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaD3zIqLU8C
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?
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHw3bk2qU5T
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLzzX6tW3n
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-
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmXf5uN3CT
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpwtAMMzfj
NO! REMEMBER MY TEACHINGS ABOUT THOSE WITH THE GIFT AND THOSE WITHOUT!
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvgPXdNFcd
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.
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUigVmwIi9
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wvZ1VTZ4n
NO! HE’S A DESTINED FAILURE LIKE THE REST OF THEM. REMEMBER WHAT HAPPENED TO HER WHEN SHE TRIED TOO HARD.
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXP6SZw26n
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLuG7UQZGu
…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.
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Np25z5IpI
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8FwCTaLX0J
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.
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLWHHqYgkM
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6eHjhOexvJ
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.
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxHLyqBjUL
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyOao2kBiWy
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.
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4Qc79QKso
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSSaQ9XgHO
But the one I really cared about right now was still here. He’s wounds are terrible but apparently Nao is quickly healing.
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXRCcKlaIK
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCFYibdfNm
Alyson: “Can I stay with him?”
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3tbi0qdX09
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYw9M01lmLe
“Of course. Hey, are you his sister?”
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWLL4wJJO3
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbRPLTUiaAJ
Alyson: “Y-Yes.”
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrU80KYmOS
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxI4R35D2wP
“You must be so disappointed. Sorry you had to have a delinquent brother.”
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiyFLDT6CGW
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFRQfABMmV
Alyson: “…Yeah.”
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvOMRCV9sT
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmUSRHLHGzz
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.
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBc957RpV0
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLYr7kYxwa
Alyson: “I’m sorry….I’m so sorr-”
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8GwGAumOCc
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQSNDA1EseX
YOUR IMAGE AND SUCCESS, LEAVE HIM!
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ552xPhzFEj
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbPe62HYPee
NO! Not yet. Just once, just once! I want to forget about constantly aiming for the top.
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYVTn85tPe
458Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtJ4ssj6nj
After everything I did back then, I finally got a family. I don’t want to lose it now.
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