The Exception

Chapter VII

Same Thing, Another Day

Cautiously, Mom laid a hand on my shoulder. With a last look of regret, Mom led the way back to the tents. The whole way there I wondered what I'd tell D-tent. How they'd react. I sobbed the whole way, not bothering to look up when boys would stare. I wiped some tears and blood away. I kept my eyes hidden by Squid's hat, which was my only protection from the looks. Most of the boys probably shot looks of sympathy. Go ahead, pity me. Like I care. Right now I wanted revenge. And D-tent, my only friends here.

The pain was starting to key down, instead turning into a strange throb.

So, I didn't die like in the movies. But it still didn't get rid of the irony. How the girl never comes out the hero.

When I find Black I'll kill him, unless my senses kick in, trying to override my instincts. Didn't happen too often, I'll admit.

Mom and I finally got to D-tent. Standing outside, Mom shuffled his feet. "I'm really sorry, Kaden. Would you like me to get the First Aid kit?" I nodded. Dirt from gusts of wind had entered it a bit. He turned to set off for the kit.

"Thanks, Mom," I mumbled. He nodded before walking away.

I stared at the tents doorway for what seemed like eternity. Thoughts spinning like tops in my head, I finally curled my fingers around the rough fabric of the door and walked in.

Everyone stopped whispering and stood up. "Princess..."

I took Squid's hat off and looked up. Everyone gaped at my scratches. Even Zero looked on. "They don't hurt anymore, but..." I trailed off.

"Sorry, chica," Magnet mumbled, "we didn't think she'd get you with the nail polish." I smiled at Mag's sympathy.

"It's all good," I sort of lied. It didn't hurt. At least not physically.

Before I could inquire about the nail polish, Zigzag started talking. "Squid's mad at himself," He added, shrugging, "He stormed outta the Wreck Room like a friggin' rabid monkey." I smiled.

"Only you could find that simile, Zig." I said. D-tent smirked. X-ray looked over the scratches.

"Man, seriously—D-tent didn't think this would happen. The Warden rarely uses her nail polish. Especially on kids. Sometimes she'll use it on Mom or Mr. Sir. But other than that..."

"Why is it like this?" I asked, knowing someone knew something.

"The Warden uses rattle snake venom in her nail polish." Magnet explained.

"Yeah...she was painting her nails. That makes sense. How'd you know, Mag?" I asked.

"I got that too, the first week I was here. I kinda stole a couple things from Mr. Sir's place." D-tent shook their heads. "I can't help it! My fingers are magnets!"

Zigzag smiled. "But seriously, Princess. Are you okay?"

"Yeah. Mom's bringing a First Aid it. I just wish Squid would—"

"Princess!" Squid called from the door. I turned, and, seeing it was Squid, ran into his arms. I buried my face in his neck, his hat clasped tightly behind Squid. His hand went to my back. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have let you—"

"Squid!" I said, looking into his eyes. He seemed to gaze upon my lacerations. "I fought, right? I chose to, right?" He shook his head.

"Still..." My hand went to my visor on Squid's head, pulling it down over his eyes. "Still the jokester, are ya?" Squid smiled. I nodded as Squid's hand went to fix his visor.

"Really, don't feel bad!"

"Someone get the popcorn!" Magnet chirped. I glared.

"Man, don't talk about food like that! You're making me hungry!" Armpit said, elbowing Magnet.

Everyone sat on the floor, just chillin'. Finally Mom came with the First Aid kit. He sat on a bunk with me next to him. He squirted some water first, making me jump. Mom mumbled a sorry. "It's okay," I muttered back.

D-tent tried to converse. I could tell it wasn't working—they were watching Mom like he was performing a Siamese twin operation, and they were connected by the brain. "A little antiseptic," Mom muttered, before applying the cool gel. "A band-aid and we're done!" I smiled, already feeling better. Mom peeled the band-aid apart before softly sticking it over my scathe.

"Thanks, Mom," I said, feeling the band-aid. He nodded.

"No problem, Kaden!" He seemed much cheerier, now that I was cheerier. "Don't forget D-tent! Group talk tomorrow after digging! And Kaden, your bunk'll come tomorrow, in the evening, perhaps." Mom left.

"What's 'group talk'?" I asked.

"The tent talks to Mom about morals and crap," X-ray explained, "It's nuthin'."

"Tomorrow's gunna suck," I muttered, "Second hole, and I'm sore and friggin' beat up."

Squid smiled. "Then it's downhill, remember. Don't forget." I rolled my eyes.

"How could I?" I asked. D-tent laughed.

Squid yawned. "Well, I think it's time to turn in. After all, Princess worried me sick!" I elbowed him, and his raised hands came to his inflicted gut.

"Yeah, I think everyone's tired after that scare," X-ray agreed.

"C'mon, Princess. You can sleep with me tonight." Squid said, taking off his visor.

"With you?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"We don't care," Zig backed Squid, "But I wouldn't try anything, you two—Squid's bunk squeaks in certain positions."

"Zig! You pervert!" I said, slapping his arm. He winked.

"Just embarrassing the heck outta Squid ova here."

X-ray slumped down in his bed. "Squid ain't gunna do anything. I taught him well. Plus, why not? You two are head ova heels for each otha anyways."

I rolled my eyes, turning red. Squid shook his head in disbelief, rubbing his eyes. "I can't believe you two just said that!"

"It's our job. We're your family."

"Quite the family!" I added.

Everyone went to their bunks. I stared annoyingly at the floor as both Squid and Zigzag took off their shirts. "What? You can't keep your clothes on?!"

"I didn't have a shirt on last night, either!" Zigzag defended. "Plus, we've always slept like this. It's hot out!"

"I noticed!" I agreed. "But I don't go strippin' down!" Squid hopped into his bunk. I took off Squid's hat and climbed in.

I laughed. "I'm gunna fall off!" Squid shook his head, securely wrapping his arm around my waist.

"Nah." I smiled, placing my head under Squid's chin. He planted a kiss on my forehead. My hand went to Squid's chest as I fell asleep.

Yeah, sleep. Bad sleep. Nightmares. Flashbacks.

I was eleven. Twelve, maybe. I looked on from the stairs as my Mom and Dad screamed at each other. My older brother, Jake, was at the top, telling me to come back up. He's about sixteen now. He left the family a few days after the scene before me, actually.

Mesmerized, I stared as my mother screamed at Dad, pointing to the door.

It was like someone had hit the mute button on the television. There wasn't any sound, but I knew what they were saying. I had actually been there a couple years ago, after all. I practically memorized this scene.

My Dad, drunk as always, shook his head before storming out of the house. I ran to the screen door after it slammed in my mother's face, watching my father stepping into his car. Peeling out of the driveway with his Corvette, he zoomed out of the driveway with a thunderous squeeeeek...if I remembered correctly.

Feeling Jake's hand on my shoulder, I still didn't take my eyes off my father's car as it got smaller and smaller. He was at the intersection near our house when it happened.

Dad t-boned a pick-up truck as he tried to turn onto the street. My mother screamed, and the three of us ran towards the scene. It looked like one of those scenes you see in those bad movies. But this was reality.

I woke up with a skip of a heartbeat and a loud gasp. I held my breathe when I remembered the fact that Squid was only three inches away. The rest of the night I sat there, praying for daylight. Hoping no one heard me awake. I really couldn't remember if the moisture on my face was sweat or tears. Probably both.

Finally the wake-up call blared and met my ears. I actually cracked a smile. Squid stirred next to me, which was my hint to beat it. I got up and stood with a stumble.

Slowly, D-tent rose to their feet. Magnet being last, of course. Slowly, I got ready. I grabbed Squid's hat (may as well call it mine now) and my water jug. Squid folded his arms. "C'mon, Princess! This ain't no leisure activity!" I fake gasped.

"Oh my God, Squid! They got you! Not you too!" I said with drama.

"Yes, we got him too!" Zig said. I laughed. Squid raised an eyebrow.

"I didn't understand that conversation...but okay..." I winked and set off for the Library. "You know, for four-thirty in the morning, you're pretty giddy...what's up?" Squid asked as we started heading off. I shrugged, pretending the nightmare didn't happen last night. It's normal routine nowadays. "No, really..."

"Nothing...I just didn't get much sleep last night...so I've been awake awhile now..." I said. Hey, it was as close to the truth as I was going to get. I didn't want to worry Squid—or anyone in D-tent. He breathed.

"Whatever...look, I'm here, okay? You can talk to me if you need me..." Squid mumbled. Zig sniffed. For a moment I wondered if he actually knew about last night. But, he said nothing.

"Time to get diggin'!" Was the noise I heard resounding from the Library. I moaned.

"Same thing, another day..."

--end--