Together
Chapter Four
Death the Kid
Monday at school. Halfway through second period. I sat on one of the benches in the school parking lot. Snow floating delicately from the clouded sky, wishing to get to the ground and rest easy as if the sky itself was so surely suffocating.
I didn't know why they were in such a hurry. It wasn't much better down here anyway.
Despite the cold winter air, I sat there in a black t-shirt. My biceps sneaking out the sleeves and displaying themselves to the world as if they were of some importance.
My arms were what supported me as I rested against my thighs. My back arched as I leant forwards to stare at the icy cold ground. A young, pale boy with golden eyes and black hair staring back at me as if he lived down there in the depths of melting snow.
"You'll catch a terrible cold." The sound of Medusa's voice crept up from behind me.
"I don't care."
The bench creaked as she sat down beside me. "You don't now anyway."
She popped open her cigarette box and pulled one out, eager to place it to her lips. She didn't hesitate before clicking her lighter to light it's end. But as the wind caught hold of it's flame, it burned out.
I heard her curse beneath her breath and click it once more. Resting the box on her lap she covered the flame with her palm, lighting it's end once more.
I watched her from the corner of my eyes, taking lugs like her life depended on it. And judging by the way she held back her head to exhale out the smoke - I could see that her life did.
She waved it beside me. "Want one?"
"I don't think teachers are supposed to be handing out drugs to their students."
"Well," another lug. "I'd hardly call you a student, Kid."
I raised an eyebrow. "Why, am I being expelled?"
"Well," ash melted the snow beneath her. "I'd like you to consider it as a long term vacation."
I tried to fight the urge to smirk - I really did. "So I'm being expelled."
"I tried to prevent it Kid. I promise I did."
As I turned to face her, I saw the look of concern she had for my well being. Her amber eyes looking as if they were filled with worry but at the same time regret. Like she knew there was something more she could've done.
I chuckled. "Oh well, it's not the worst thing to happen to me."
She remained silent. Her cigarette decaying ash as the wind picked up around us. The snow melting as the ash singed against it's icy surface, creating more puddles of meaningless water.
"It is cold, isn't it?" I asked.
She nodded, lugging once more on her cigarette.
I smiled. "I haven't felt cold like this in a long time."