Hey guys hope you're all well. I'd like to thank LilyHemsworth, Skyguy626 and Jk Tolkien for the reviews which they gave. It was made aware to me that there was a slight loop hole in regards to the four men knowing where Alec was and seemingly appearing at the same time as he left the building. For that I apologise as in the previous chapter I was meant to lay a few hints as to why that may be and it will become clear in later chapters as to why the men knew this. I would like to say that as the chapters continue on, some coincidences will occur and will be explained later as they are part of the story, so my apologises once again. Anyway here is Chapter Three of Raindrops. Please enjoy :) Rated T.
Disclaimer: I do not own Life is Strange or some of the dialogue which may be used in this story.
WARNING: MAY CONTAIN SOME STRONG LANGUAGE AND SEXUAL THEMES
The sound of the alarm was all but an annoying blur as Alec hit the top of his clock. His eyes strained as he looked at the time and pulled off his covers in a swift motion. Standing up was normally an action that would be deemed by anyone as a normal process which a person could do subconsciously however, this morning it was the equivalent of climbing up a mountain. Alec's muscles and bones screamed with ache and pain as he placed all of his weight onto his feet. He didn't even want to look at himself in mirror. He just quickly grabbed his shower bag and made his way out the door.
Fortunately for him, it was still quite early in the morning so no one was out and about as of yet, but he could hear the groans of teenage boys as they forced themselves from their beds. He kept his head down and paced as quickly as his feet would allow him to reach the bathrooms. checking that no one was about, Alec pulled the curtain to the side and closed it promptly behind him. He began to strip out of his grey pyjamas and turned the dial on the shower to high allowing the water wash over his head. As soon as contact was made he closed his eyes and let the water and heat soak into his skin. The sensation was almost unbearable, as he felt a release leave his shoulders and head. He leaned against the cool blue tiles to keep himself upright as the pressure began to threaten his legs into buckling. He opened his eyes and let the water pour down his sides and over his eyelashes, his mind starting to succumb back into doubt, insecurity as the thoughts and memories begin to swirl into a hazed illusion. He grabs out and his shampoo and began to scrub the gloopy gel into his hair, massaging his head ever so slightly to release the tension. He cursed himself, as the shampoo found its way into his eye and he was really beginning to think that life was throwing all it possibly could at him. Rinsing his hair and washing his eye, he grabbed out at his shower gel and began to lather it all around his body. He winced slightly as he rubbed his stomach and shoulders, looking down to see bruises forming on his skin. It was ruptured and purple, and all he could think to himself is how this had got to this. Rinsing the last of his gel off, Alec turned the shower off and began to dry himself with his towel. Slowly and carefully he pulled up his boxers and black jeans, followed by his socks and shoes. He then grabbed his grey hoodie and pulled it over his head, wincing as his muscles stretched. He pushed the curtain out of his way and made his way over to the mirror and sink. He was shocked at what he saw. Was that even him? His right left cheek was swollen and consisted of a brown/purplish colour. Above his bruise lay a large gash, the blood from last night had dried into his wound and he didn't deem it too deep to require stitches. His bottom lip was bust, with a small red slit showing towards the side. He was all you could call, a mess. He turned on the cold tap and began to cup the cool liquid to his face hoping that it wash away all his pain and current appearance. Nothing.
"Well it's not as bad as it looked last night" A voice stated.
Alec turned his attention away from the mirror and looked towards the source of the voice. A boy with cheekish smile stood infront of him. He was about the same height as Alec, being about 5ft 11 or 6ft. He had light brown messy hair and light hazel brown eyes to compliment his features. He wore a blue shirt, with a white undershirt underneath and his sleeves rolled up to his elbows. His finished his look in casual style, going for a pair of black jeans and grey converse.
"Well it certainly feels worse. Warren, um thanks for last night" Alec mumbled as he returned his focus back to the mirror.
"Hey don't mention it alright. It's hard being the newbie in places like this. I still get some stick now because I one of the youngest at the academy" Warren soothed.
"Yeah I trust you alright. I can't believe this is what it's come to and its only day two" Alec sighed as he slid his hands off the sink.
"But you've done what no one else has dared to do! No one has ever confronted Nathan. But, I guess is the end result" Warren said uncomfortably.
"Still i'm pretty jealous that you have the strength and bravery to stand up to him. I could never do that" Warren added glumly.
"You will Warren. When the time is right. There's only so much any person can tolerate before it becomes to much. unfortunately for me, I can't tolerate it. I've seen it far too much and experienced it myself as well. I can't keep quiet anymore" Alec explained.
"You're probably right. I dunno, I feel like that day with Nathan will be soon if i'm honest. He's getting to Max I think. Not to the extent he does with Kate but still...I know Max seems friendly and all that, which is she is! But, she's pretty self conscious and shy. I just hope he doesn't do anything to hurt her or upset her" Warren informed.
"All you can do is be there for her Warren. If the time comes, I have no doubt in my mind that you'll do the right thing" Alec smiled.
"Thanks man. Hey you know, instead of being all glum we should actually get to know each other better- and over food. There's a pretty awesome place in town called Two Whales Diner and they do some pretty sick stuff. We can meet with some others and it'll help you get to know people better?" Warren beamed.
"You know what that sounds like a pretty good idea. It's been years since I went there, so it'll be nice to try the food again and like you said- get to know people" Alec agreed.
"Yeah it'll be totally awesome. But don't worry it'll just be a few us. About six probably, that's our usual group anyway" Warren went on.
"Say, it probably won't help a lot but I've got some antiseptic cream in my room if you want to use some? It'll at least prevent your cut from getting infected" He added thoughtfully.
"That'd be great thanks. I'll use anything to help this mug haha" Alec joked. He felt at ease with Warren, considering he was younger he was pretty mature for his age but Alec knew he could also let his hair down and be a goof, which was what he liked about him.
"By the way. Are you going to tell them principle about what happened last night?" Warren inquisited as the two walked into his room.
"No i'll just make something up if he asks or any faculty for that matter. Don't need them making things worse" Alec stated.
"Yeah, seems like a good idea for the time being, but don't struggle alone okay?"
"I won't. There isn't much more Nathan can do to me now anyway. Speaking of which. How did you think his hired goons knew where I was and that i'd come outside?" Alec asked curiously.
"Hmm yeah good point. Seriously though, don't put anything past Nathan. He's got his dads money and the principal on his side. He's renowned for having eyes and ears everywhere. You want gossip on someone? Nathan's already got it. Tsk, wouldn't surprise me if he's rigged the cameras" Warren explained as he handed the cream to Alec.
"That's troubling" A silence ensued the room at that point.
"Anyway thanks again for everything Warren. I'm going to finish getting ready and head over to class, but I'll see you for lunch if you're still up for it?" Alec spoke up.
"Yeah sure, no worries. Here's my cell if you need to message me. I'll keep you posted" Warren replied.
"Thanks, see you later"
"See ya later"
Alec shut the door behind him gently as he began to walk back along the corridor. Just then Nathan walked out of his room and saw Alec coming towards him. He just looked at him and smirked before carrying on. 'Arrogant prick!' Alec shouted internally. He became conscious of his face and pulled his hood up and over as far as he could. Why did he agree to this lunch thing again? Sighing, he opened the door to his room and shut it briskly, before turning to face his mirror. He twisted the lid off the tube and squeezed the cream onto his finger before applying it to his cuts. It stung like a bitch! His cheek and lip cried out in pain as the cream began to absorb into his skin. He threw the tube onto his bed, reminding himself to return it to Warren later and walked over to his wardrobe to put his sneaks on. He doubled checked that he had everything he needed and grabbed his bag on the way out the door and headed to Art.
The walk to the classroom was an uncomfortable one as he tried his hardest to sneak past people without being noticed, his hood being up definitely helped. He pretty much ran through the door and over to his seat before anyone could either recognise him or talk him as he sat down and got out his equipment. He lifted an arm to the table and held his head up as he scanned over his notes from yesterday. He angled himself in the chair so that he was facing more towards the window and away from the human race. He felt a light tap on his shoulder, but he refused to look in their direction.
"Umm Alec?" A gentle voice whispered. He instantly recognised that frail little voice, it sounded quite hoarse today though. Perhaps from the crying.
"Hey Kate, what can I do you for?" He answered as calmly and gently as he could.
"I um- I erm...just wanted to apologise for yesterday. I shouldn-
"Mr Taylor. I'll let you off as it's only your second day but we do not allow hoods or hats to be worn inside of the building" Mr Jefferson interrupted.
'Oh great. Thanks sir. You couldn't have picked a worse time to say this...great now Kate's going to see my face. Why does life throw me so many hurdles dammit?!'
"Yes Mr Jefferson, sorry" He mumbled as he pulled his hood down. The horror in Kate's face said it all as she looked at Alec in shock and worry. Alec could only sigh in frustration as he try to avoid her gaze as best he could.
"Oh my Alec! What happened to you?" She exclaimed as she pulled her chair over to him.
"I'd rather not talk about it Kate, sorry" Alec said solemnly.
"Alec please. Look I'm really sorry about yesterday, I had no right to talk to you like that. It was uncalled for and unfair of me to do that. I'm so sorry" She apologised.
Alec turned to look at her properly for the first time since yesterday and saw the concern and fear in her eyes. She looked genuinely worried and upset.
"Hey it's okay Kate, you don't need to apologise. After everything that happened yesterday, I don't blame you for reacting the way you did" Alec comforted.
"I still feel terrible. I am sorry Alec, you were only trying to be nice. So...um- you don't have to reply if you don't want but...really Alec, what happened?" She pleaded.
"I don't really remember a lot of what happened if i'm honest, it all happened so quickly. But I know it was Nathan's doing. There was four guys who confronted me when I was outside the dorms late last night and said 'Don't mess with the Prescott's' before attacking me" Alec explained emotionlessly.
"Nathan?! He organised this. Oh no! This is all my fault, if you hadn't had defended me yesterday then this wouldn't have happened to you. Alec, I'm so sorry. I've caused you so much pain" Kate whimpered.
"It's not your fault at all Kate, so don't blame yourself. I got involved on my own accord, so this is my price to pay. I don't care what happens to me, I'd do it all over again for anyone. I hate bullies" Alec ushered.
She looked at him sympathetically, looking over his face, at his lip, at his bruise and at his cut. She reached a long slender arm out and touched his face gently, trailing her finger over his cuts. He winced slightly and she withdrew her hand slowly as she continued to watch him.
"Thank you- for yesterday by the way. No one has ever stood up for me like that before. I don't know why the target me all the time, if it's because my religion and beliefs then its just stupid" She spoke up.
"Are you not bothered?" She asked quietly, looking at him curiously.
"Bothered by what?" Alec questioned quizzically.
"By my religion? It seems to be a problem with most people here. Like that's a reason to tease me and if I was atheist then I would be accepted" Kate explained, looking away slightly.
"I have no problem with it at all Kate. What you believe, is what you believe. A lot of people look to something higher than themselves either for help or inspiration everyday, so I don't understand what their issues are someone believing in God. I myself am not a religious person, I used to be when I was younger. But...my faith was tested and I wasn't able to continue believing...Anyway it doesn't matter what I think anyway Kate, you should do what you feel is right. One day we will all be out of this place and moving on with our lives and such problems will become trivial in comparison to things in the future and only then will people realise how they were at this academy. At least you can hold your head high and say you were a good person who stuck to their beliefs" Alec answered honestly. She looked back at him, almost stunned by his response.
"Um...wow Alec. I-I was expecting that answer. But, thank you. That means a lot, really it does. I will always stick to my faith but sometimes I can't help but doubt whether what I believe in is right and think about how much easier things would be if I was like everyone else" She continued.
"Who wants to be like anyone else?"
"Normal is overrated. We only have one life, we should live it the way we want. Fuck what anyone else thinks" Alec spoke.
"Erm sorry, pardon my language" He added quickly and nervously as he felt his cheeks redden. She giggled slightly at his antics.
The class bell rang, signally to everyone that morning was over and that it was time to teach their minds something new. Kate looked at the bell and then back to Alec. He looked back at her as the two stared at each other. She smiled a genuine smile this time and stood up from his desk and pulled her chair back along to her own table and sat down. She quickly scribbled something down on a piece of ripped up paper and passed it to Alec before returning her attention to her notebook. Alec opened the folded piece of paper up and read it. 'Thank you Alec. If you ever need someone to talk to or cheering up, I'll give it a go. My number is on the back if you want it :)' He smiled to himself slightly at the message and quickly added her number to his phone before Jefferson started class. Today was starting to go a little bit better.
The lesson went over pretty quickly and Nathan was no where to be seen so Alec couldn't complain. He had no harassment from Victoria or Taylor so far and he'd officially made at least two friends so far today, so things were looking pretty good. Throughout the class Alec took notice of Victoria and Taylor looking over at him and studying his face. Victoria would whisper something to Taylor and then they would both nod and look at him. Alec could have sworn that Victoria mouthed the word 'Nathan' but he was able to determine whether that was actually said. Alec began to collect his equipment and started transferring his notebooks back into his bag when Mr Jefferson walked over to him.
"Hello Alec, I'm sorry but I couldn't help notice during class that it seems you must have gotten into a scuffle some time between yesterday afternoon and this morning. Care to enlighten me?" He asked sternly as he crossed his arms. Alec panicked as he tried to think of an excuse.
"Erm I went to meet a few of my old childhood friends and we started playing a game of soccer. Thinks got a little out of hand and heated but its nothing to worry about" Alec lied nervously as he scratched the back of his neck.
"Uh-huh and it just happened to be on your face" Mr Jefferson asked seriously.
"Yeah I was playing as goalkeeper. It was all fun and then we got a bit carried away as it had been ages since we'd seen each other" He answered swiftly.
"Hmmmm okay, if you say so but keep out of trouble as that looks painful" He warned as he walked away. Alec breath out in relief.
"Why didn't you tell him?!" A recognisable voice asked frustratingly.
"It will makes things worse with me and Nathan. To be honest as much as I don't like him and will always speak up against him, I'm not feeling up to another round of getting his with a tire iron" He laughed uncomfortably.
"They hit you with a tire iron?" She questioned shockingly. Realisation hit Alec. 'Oh shit, I shouldn't have said that. I can't lie now though'
"Err...yeah which is why I don't want to talk about it and why I'm not mentioning it to the principal. Besides Nathan will probably bribe Principle Wells into letting him of the hook, so there would be no point" Alec tried to reason. Kate didn't seem to agree with it but she said nothing on the matter.
"Well...Warren messaged me before and said about going to get food at the Two Whales diner, he mentioned that he'd invited you. Are you wanting to come?" She asked almost hopefully.
"Yeah why not, it'll be nice. Besides I can drive us there" Alec replied as he pulled out his keys.
"You drive? What car?" Kate wondered innocently.
"Yeah I drive, have been for a while and I drive a jeep wrangler. It's done me proud, worked by butt off for it ha" He informed.
"Well I call shotgun then" She shouted as she grabbed his keys out his hand and ran out the room. His lips moved upwards to form a smile as he quickly grabbed his bag and ran after her.
By the time he got to the car park he could already see Warren and Max stood talking and Kate practically doubled over with her hands on her knees. Max and Warren could only look at her in shock and confusion as this was very much unlike Kate's usual behaviour, she was normally quite refined. She stood upright as she caught her breath and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. She had a small pink blush on her cheeks as she realised she'd been seen in this weird state and quickly went back to being serious as Alec walked over to the group. Warren and Max looked at each other quizzically with raised eyebrows before shaking it off.
"Hey man, great to see that you're coming. Unfortunately Brooke, David and Stella can't make it but fortunately the four of us are awesome enough to be cool company. So we going to get the bus?" Warren inquired.
"I drive actually and I've got my car, so I'll take us down" Alec replied.
"Woah neat. This your ride here?! I'm hoping to get a car in the next few weeks" Warren beamed.
"Yeah good luck with that" Max teased, Warren simply stuck his tongue out. Alec could only laugh, yup mature but goofy alright. He felt a sudden tap on his arm as he looked down slightly to see Kate.
"Um sorry here's your keys" She said coyly.
"Oh right thanks" He took the keys appreciatively as he walked round to the drivers side of the car.
"Sorry if it's a mess. I still haven't sorted my car out since the drive here" Alec apologised.
"Oh yeah you drove all the way here from Wisconsin didn't you?" Warren asked as the three got into the car. Alec noted that Kate sat in the back with Max.
"Wow Wisconsin. I knew you said you were just moving back here but I didn't think from that far" Max stated.
"Yeah it's a pretty long trek" He replied as he started the engine.
He took off the handbrake and pulled away down the drive.
"So you said you moved away from here four years ago, why Wisconsin if you don't mind me asking?" Warren brought up.
'Oh great this question. I was hoping to avoid this for a lot longer. C'mon just tell the truth, well at least sort of' Alec quarrelled with himself.
"It was where my family was. I Needed a fresh...kinda... start I guess" He answered.
"What? You made that decision yourself?" Warren continued on.
"Yeah, it was what I needed at the time, so I went to stay with my grandma" Alec explained.
"Did your parents know?"
"I assume so"
"You mean you didn't tell them?" Kate joined in.
"Kinda, sorta. It's complicated" Alec said plainly.
The group seemed to gather the message that it was an uncomfortable topic for Alec and all seemed to telepathically agree with each other to not press the issue any further. Warren just lied back in his seat and placed his hands behind his head, whereas Kate watched out the window with interest and Max was writing in what he could assume to be her journal. Alec couldn't help but take quick glances at Kate in his mirror, there was just something interesting about her and he didn't what or why. But, the more time he spent with her, the more he felt at peace with himself. She has such a soothing and calming aura. It was a very strange feeling for Alec and he couldn't place why or what in particular was making him feel so weird.
"So what about you guys? I mean you all clearly know each other and have some time, what's your stories?" Alec asked drawing the attention away from himself.
"Well I've lived in Arcadia bay my whole life. I'm an only child and I lived with my parents until I was taken on by Blackwell Academy at the age of 16. I major in science and im a bit of a film geek-
"Abit of a film geek?" Max interrupted.
"Okay. Quite alot. If you want classic horrors then I'm you're go to guy or if you want my mad scientist skills too muahaha!" Warren joked as Max rolled her eyes.
"I saw that Maxine! Why don't you elaborate on your story?" Warren teased.
"That's because I already pretty much told mine to Alec yesterday...right Alec" Max explained.
"Yeah pretty much. Both of us grew up here and then moved away to come back again" Alec confirmed and Max nodded her head in agreement.
"What about you Kate? Care to share?" Warren inquired as he turned his attention to the quiet girl in the back. She was still looking out the window with great interest until she realised the attention that was on her.
"Oh sorry...I didn't realise you were talking to me" She spoke coyly as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
"Um..I don't really know what to say either. Well I-I have lived here all my life. As you're all probably aware I come from a large and very religious family...um so I follow the beliefs and go to church often. I love drawing especially cartoons as they're really cute...um I also love music and play the violin. And i love tea. I don't really know what else to say...oh I also have a bunny- i mean rabbit called Alice" Kate declared, stuttering slightly at some points. 'She really doesn't like attention on herself does she? Well either does Max by the sounds of it. Warren must bring the best out of her' Alec thought.
"Wow you play the violin? Multi-talented ay?" Alec smiled as he looked back Kate briefly before returning his gaze to the road ahead.
"Um..i dunno i guess. I got lessons when I was younger and I've kept it up since then, I really enjoy it. Do you play anything?" Kate asked curiously.
"Nah, not really. I can play at little bit of guitar but that's it. Art is as far as my creativity goes haha" Alec laughed as he pulled into the car park of the Two Whale diner.
"Yes! Food! I've been so excited for this, since forever!" Warren exclaimed childishly as he pretty much ran out of the car for food.
"You've only been waiting about three hours Warren! You're like a kid in a candy shop" Max scorned as she left the car after him.
"I honestly don't know how you've coped with them for so long" Alec laughed.
"Ha i haven't cope with them for that long but I've known them long enough to know that they're good people. Genuine and kind. They're pretty unique in the way in which they bounce of each other" Kate stated with a small smile before leaving the car. Alec followed the group inside.
The Two Whales Diner. It barely looked any more different than the last time Alec was here besides the obvious wear and tear that comes with age. The diner was pretty full for a Tuesday lunch time as most of the booths were occupied by various residents. Truckers sat nearby the counter cradling their coffees as they resisted the temptation to sleep. A booth of mothers in their thirties or forties where sat haunched round a table with their latte's, unable to hold in their giggles and gossip. An elderly couple sat facing each other as they ate their late breakfast whilst holding hands in the middle. A family and their young child sat deciding what to eat as the dad laughed at the young boy's drawing of the family, before the mother joined in too. Alec smiled slightly at the sight before making his way over to his waving friends who occupied a booth right at the end near the jukebox.
"Ha hey i thought you were going to sit with elderly couple for a minute" Warren joked.
"Ha yeah, sorry i was just looking at everything again. This place hasn't changed" Alec replied as he sat down next to Warren and opposite Kate and Max.
"So now for the important topic...What are we ordering?" Warren cried out in fake pain.
"Well if you read the damn menu-" Max scolded as she hit the young man with the menu.
"Hey!"
The group laughed at Warren's antics before all looking at the menu. 'Hmm i really wanted nothing more than to have a large fry up but my ribs and stomach are starting to kill me after last night. I should have asked Warren if he had an medicine' Alec thought. At that point a large woman walked over, wearing a blue dress with a white pinny. She had dark brown hair which was slicked back into a bun and had what Alec could only describe as a very harsh and stern face.
"What can I get ya's?" The waitress pretty much spat out.
"Oh um hi. Could I get the bacon double cheese burger please with a coke oh and an extra portion of onion rings" Warren spoke up first.
"Not going light are we Warren. Could I have bacon and eggs please with coke" Max asked.
"For you ma'am?" She asked as she looked at Kate.
"Oh could I have a chicken and lettuce sandwich with sweet potato fries please. Oh sorry and a glass of water please?" Kate answered shyly.
"Of course. And you sir?"
"I'll just have a bottomless coffee please" Alec replied.
"You aren't getting any food!" Warren exclaimed in disbelief.
"You need to eat something Alec" Max spoke considerately.
"I know but my ribs and stomach are hurting a little bit" Alec explained truthfully.
"I have some tablets in my bag, have some of them with my water and just get something small, like a portion of fries?" Kate said softly as she slid the box of tablets onto the table.
"So a portion of fries too?" The woman asked for clarification.
"Yes please" Warren answered , gaining him a look from Alec.
"Okey doke. I'll just get your drinks lil darlings" The waitress said as she walked away. The group turned to each other.
"Hey man you should have said something if you were in pain and then we could have just arranged this for another day?" Warren said genuinely.
"No it's fine honestly. I think the day caught up with me, i'll feel alot better when I go to bed tonight" Alec informed holding his hands up in defence.
"I'm no expert. But maybe you should go see a doctor to get checked out. Who know's what damage has been done from that asshole" Max added.
"Honestly guys I'll be fine. I'll take these tablets that Kate kindly gave me and see how i feel this afternoon. If it gets no better or gets worse then I'll go see someone okay?" He comforted.
"I'll come with you if it gets to that point. I still feel I'm to blame for this" Kate said solemnly.
"Kate like I said before. It's not your fault at all. I decided to get involved, I decided to fight back and I decided not to tell anyone. You didn't send those goons on me" Alec soothed.
"Yeah this is that cowards fault and he'll get his karma" Max piped up.
"Your drinks kids. Food'll be over shortly" The waitress interrupted.
The group grabbed their drinks and Alec nursed his coffee like a child, half of it was gone after the first gulp. Kate pushed her glass of water across the table and eyed Alec to take the tablets. Alec looked at her briefly dumbfounded, until she ushered him with her eyes to take them. Getting the message, Alec opened the pack and popped out two little capsules, fiddling with them in his hand before swallowing them with the water.
"Thank you" he said gently as he gave Kate the tablets and water back.
At that point, four plates made its way over, all sizzling with deliciousness and warmth. The group practically salivated at the site of the food, you'd think they'd never been fed as they all picked up their cutlery and dug in with quick pace, especially Warren as he shoved his fries and onion rings into the burger too and squished it down as far as he could to create a monster patty. Alec just sat quietly picking at his fries slightly before taking a swig of his coffee, closing his eyes and leaning back trying to relax. Kate noticed this but chose not to say anything. They ate in comfortable silence.
They arrived back at Blackwell after filling their stomachs with food and drink an made their up the steps to the courtyard. The autumn leaves were still falling and the sun was still as vibrant as the other day but there was more of a chill to air and Alec felt it as he tightened the straps on his hoodie and placed his hands into his jean pockets.
"Hey guys, thanks for this morning it was really enjoyable but i'm stuffed now. I'm going to head off to the science labs as i need to prep for my experiment this afternoon. I'll catch you's later" Warren said as he waved and headed into the building.
"Well i suppose it doesn't hurt being early to class does it?" Alec asked rhetorically as the two girls at his sides nodded in agreement.
They began walking along the path to the main campus building when a familiar figure made it's way towards them with slicked back hair and a smirk on their face. He walked through the group, shoulder barging Alec during the process. Alec turned to look at him.
"What is your problem?" Alec asked with annoyance.
"Now Alec, whatever do you mean?" Nathan spoke sarcastically.
"I bet you feel really tough sending people to come do your dirty work huh? Can't face me yourself" Alec replied bluntly. This struck a nerve as the smirk that was previously on his face disappeared.
"You dont know shit!" Nathan snapped.
"Who do you think you are strolling in and pretending to be part of something you're not" He continued.
"I'm not pretending to be part of anything. I don't want to fight Nathan but I won't let you talk or hurt people the way you do. I don't know why you do it or why you have an issue with me but if you have a problem then say it to me. Not sending your goons on me"
"You think it's that easy to sort do you? No one makes a mockery out of me Alec. I can be very persuasive and have a lot of access to information. Information which may be costly to you" Nathan spat. Alec gritted his teeth in frustration.
"Nothing gets by me. You here. Nothing" He finished. A stare down ensued for all but another ten seconds before Alec turned briefly and walked towards the building. The two girls paced quickly to catch up to his brisk speed.
"Holy shit...that was intense" Was all Max could blurt out
"Are you okay Alec?" Kate asked.
"Yeah I'm fine" he replied perhaps a little too harshly.
"Let's just get to class and get this day over with" Alec stated.
"No kidding" Max said as she caught up with the young man. The three made their way into class, ignoring any attempts of conversation or recognition before taking their seats and getting out their notebooks. Mr Jefferson entered the room shortly after and made a quick start to his class.
"Hello, good to see you all again. This afternoon we are going to be looking at the term innocence, what defines it and the controversy surrounding it" Mr Jefferson introduced.
"What are your thoughts on 'innocence'?" He prompted.
"I think innocence is a façade. We try to kid ourselves that we can remain impartial to particular things in life but the truth is that we lust it and seek it, desire and passion is motivates us and pushes us forward" Victoria answered with a few looks towards Kate.
"Interesting thoughts Victoria. Anyone else?...No...What about you Alec?" Mr Jefferson pried. Alec looked over at him with a vacant expression, he hadn't really thought about it and wasn't really paying any attention and was hoping not to get any. Yet here he was.
"I think innocence is a good thing" He stated.
"Really? and why is that?" Jefferson asked with curiosity.
"Innocence is a wonderful thing, it's pure and honest. It doesn't try to disguise itself as something else, it is what it is. Innocence allows us to have curiosity, ambition and motivation. When we are innocent, we're naive, like children. We believe the world is right and that bad things can't happen to good people. It marks morals and views, we know in our hearts what is good and what is bad. A lot of people say that we are born innocent, but i don't believe that. I believe we inherit various things in life which we can't control. We inherit our looks, our identity, our history but not who we truly are inside. We are shaped by what happens to us and we decide that through our actions. Thinking about the future...is-strange and unnerving, we can't predict the future which is why I'd rather be innocent to everything, to concepts and be who i am, the person i am morally. Innocence should be left to be pure so that it can grow into a beautiful thing" Alec explained, fiddling with his pen at the end.
"Hmm very interesting. So you don't believe innocence should be captured and manifested?" He inquired.
"No. Innocence should be left to be innocent, to be care free. It shouldn't have society gawk at it and diminish it's potential and valuable. The world is messed up enough" Alec replied.
"I see" Mr Jefferson mumbled slightly.
"Innocence has always been a controversial issue for a long time. A photographer named Hamilton was under scrutiny for his work on young teenage girls, particularly for capturing them nude. Many complained of it being child pornography but others believed it to be beautiful. You see, when a young child looks at their body or at someone else's, they don't sexualize it like we do now as adults. They aren't aware of lust and temptation and are ignorant to mature topics. So are we not right to capture them at the height of their innocence and purity?" Jefferson asked.
"I don't agree. Innocence should be left untainted by the corruption and evil of the world" Alec spoke up.
"You sound so sure?"
"That's because I am"
"Your views are quite negative?" Mr Jefferson continued.
"I prefer the term realistic"
"That's quite the impression on life. Do you consider yourself innocent?"
"I consider myself aware of reality" Alec finished, placing his pen on the table.
"Makes for a good discussion don't you think. Regardless i think that's enough for today, we shall continue this on tomorrow morning" Mr Jefferson spoke up as he made his way over to his desk.
The class bell rang and students began packing up their bags. Alec cared for nothing going on around and quickly grabbed his things and left the classroom. The corridors were lined with students meeting each other for conversation after their lessons, discussing tonights plans. But Alec could think of nothing more than shutting himself off in his room and going to bed. The past two days had taken their toll on the young eighteen year old and the topics of conversation that had occurred where all a bit too heavy and deep for him to cope with any longer. He needed to be with his own thoughts. He'd make a nice hot chocolate, take his tablets that he forgot to take this morning and read a book before hopefully falling asleep. He barged his way past the students of Blackwell Academy and pulled open the doors to freedom.
So that's the end of Chapter Three. Hope you all enjoyed. Apologies in the delay of this chapter but I had some university assignments to complete, I can procrastinate no more! Anyhoo hope you've all had a nice weekend and happy valentines day, please review and give me any constructive feedback as i like to know where I'm working at. I'm hoping to explain a little more information and get into the story more in the next few chapters so please persevere with me. Bye bye :)
