Chapter 4: Some Assistance
The start of another day. I woke up, showered, had breakfast, and took my bike to school. I parked it in the usual spot, walked to the building's entrance, but already I was sickened by the sight of those dumb jocks in their letterman jackets loitering around with Sonic, my once best friend. I tried walking past them, trying my best not to even take the smallest glance at them, but for some reason that never works, because before I even knew it, they were already blocking my way.
"Yo, freak boy. Ya got our homework?" Knuckles asked.
Whoa, hang on. Lemme get this straight: you just handed over 40 advanced math problems that are meant for 3rd and 4th year students, to me, a 1st year student, less than 24 hours ago, and you expect them to be done by now? Are you kidding me!? Were you dropped at birth or something!?
…argh. As much as I wanted to say that straight to his ugly face, it's probably not a good idea. So, I just responded normally.
"Umm… you literally just gave them to me yesterday."
"Yeah, so? Ya done with 'em or what?"
"Gimme a break, it's not like they can finish themselves. I'll need some time."
"Man, are you for real!? We didn't give 'em to you so you can procrastinate, y'know! I can do that myself!" Jet said. Heh, at least he's self-aware.
But, actually, y'know what? Screw it. It hasn't even been a few periods and these scumbags already managed to ruin my mood. I'm getting really sick of sucking up to them. I don't even care whatever happens next, I just wanna get all this anger off my chest.
"Well I'm so-rry. I had no idea you bunch of dumb jocks cared about homework so much!"
That… probably wasn't such a good idea, but at least it felt good letting out all that-
"UGH!"
Okay, never mind. Bad idea. That just earned me a gut slug, courtesy of Knuckles' ridiculously large fist. It hurt so much to the point where it got me down on one knee and coughing.
"Huh!? What's that!? Ya wanna say that to my face again!? Come on, dork! I dare ya!" He shouted.
"N-no no, I'm sorry," I said, slowly getting back up while still holding my stomach.
"Good. Ya better get to it if ya don't want me getting angrier."
"Yeah, and I guess ya won't be havin' lunch today, right?" Vector said.
"H-huh? Why?"
"Well, duh. 'cause you'll be busy doin' our homework. So fork over your lunch money."
Aww no. Now I know you're definitely joking. First you punched me in the stomach and now you're robbing me? Alright, that's it, I'm about to-
Ow… ow, ow. Okay, the pain in my stomach just reminded me not to act like an idiot again, so I just took however much it was that I had and slapped it onto Vector's open palm. He looked at it and went:
"What, that's really all ya got?"
"Ugh, yes, that's literally all," I said while emptying my jeans' pockets. "Now leave me alone."
"Man, there better be more next time. If not, this next one's gonna hurt even more," Knuckles said as they all walked away.
Sigh… I've only just walked into the building and I already got my gut slugged and my lunch money robbed. Just wonderful. I wonder if things could get any worse.
And y'know what else, though? Just like yesterday, I hate how Sonic just stood there when he saw me getting punched. I'm starting to believe he's completely forgotten me. It's like he doesn't even care at all. I bet he probably enjoyed seeing me being treated like that. Same goes for all the other kids who just stood by, watching it all happen. I mean, come on! Did any of them even think that they should do something about this!? Are the kids in this place really that apathetic or are the bullies really just that much fearsome?
…bah, whatever. I better get to class.
I entered chemistry class and saw that Charmy's already there. I sat next to him and immediately he noticed something's up with me.
"Hey man, what's up? You alright?"
"No, I'm not. I just got punched in the stomach and robbed outta my lunch money. How does that make me alright?" I said sarcastically. As much as I don't wanna come off as rude, especially to Charmy, I was still sour from what happened earlier.
"W-what!? Who did this to you!?"
"Oh I dunno, the tooth fairy? Who do you think, huh!?" I snapped at him and the entire class stopped to look at me. Oh boy. I've really done it, haven't I? So, I sighed before quickly apologizing to him. "L-look, I'm sorry, okay? It's just that it's only been morning and things are already going south for me."
"Nah, that's alright. I had days like those too, I get it," he said. Good thing he doesn't get ticked off easily. "By the way, they took all your money, right? So how about I treat you for lunch today?"
"Really? Wow, thanks, but uhh… that's fine, you don't have to."
"Huh? Why? Come on, don't be shy. I had a big breakfast this morning anyway. Hehe!"
"No, it's not that. I can't go into the cafeteria or they might beat me up again. I'm supposed to be doing their homework during lunch so I'll have to go to the library to get some reference books."
"Whaaat!? Man, that sucks. Or… maybe I can buy you a sandwich and bring it to the library. How's that sound?"
"Uhh, I don't think they let people eat in the library. It just doesn't sound right…"
"Nah, they'll let you. The librarian's really easy-going. I see some people do it all the time."
"Oh, really? Well, if you say so… thanks again, man."
The lunch bell just rang. I went to my locker to pick up their books and headed to the library while Charmy went to the cafeteria to get me the sandwich he promised earlier. He didn't have to go through all that effort, really. I don't like being someone else's burden, but he insisted that he helped me. I'm glad to have him as a friend.
Anyway, I went inside and browsed a bit for some junior and senior calculus books. I found some and went for the corner where the computer was last time. I sat down and start trying to solve the first problem while looking for info on how to do it from the reference books I've picked up. This isn't new for me, really. Like I said, I've done some homework from time to time for my past bullies, so I'm used to it. But that obviously doesn't mean that I like doing it. I mean, I'm okay with studying and all, but only when it's for the sake of my curiosity, not because someone else couldn't be bothered because they're too stupid or lazy to take care of their own responsibility.
After a while, I noticed someone quite familiar sat close to me. Doing the homework was starting to get a bit tedious (yeah, just shows you how hard the problems were, and I'm a guy who actually likes math), so I decided to take a break, sit next to them, and talk for a bit.
"Hey, you're the girl that left the tech club yesterday, right?"
"Huh? O-oh yeah, that's right."
"Why'd you leave, though? If you're okay with me asking, that is…" She sighed a bit before explaining.
"Silver and I made a deal that I can only skip basketball practice once every two weeks because it's clashing with the tech club's gathering. If I skip too often, they'll kick me out, and I worked hard to be the only girl in the team. In fact, I'm still in probation up until now."
"Really? Wow, that's impressive."
"Thanks. But yeah, I actually never wanted to be the tech club's vice president in the first place, but Silver said he was really desperate. He said he asked his classmates, the entire school council, but still, nobody wanted to help him. So, I guess I just felt bad for him and I agreed to step in."
"Ah, I see. Poor guy… by the way, did you say student council?"
"Oh yeah, we're both a part of that. That's how I got to know him. Y'know before the tech club existed, he was always actively proposing to the school council for it to exist. He finally got it this semester, but…"
"Yeah, too bad, though."
"Yeah… oh wait, sorry. I trailed off for a bit there and forgot to introduce myself. I'm Blaze, 2nd year. What's your name?"
"Miles Prower, but you can call me Tails."
"Tails, hm? That's… interesting. Is it because of-"
"Aaaaanyway, what are you doing here? You're skipping lunch too?" Phew. Close call. I believe that's not an important topic to be discussed, hehe… Thankfully, she was quick to notice why I changed the topic.
"O-oh, right. Sorry. Well, not really. I brought my own lunch here," she said while showing me her lunch box.
"Ooh, so they do let us eat here?"
"Yeah, as long as you're not making too much of a mess, that is. I kinda don't like the cafeteria since it's always so crowded and noisy. Not like here. Anyway, what are you here for?"
"Well, it's kinda embarrassing, but uhh… I'm doing homework. Someone else's homework."
"Huh? Lemme see," she said, taking one of the books and looking at the name on the cover. "Aww no, they got you doing this for them?"
"Hey, you know them too?"
"Ugh, yeah, how could I not? Bunch of asswipes," she said while rolling her eyes. I couldn't agree more.
"Yeah, I know, right!? Do they make you do their homework too?"
"Well, no… but they're all a bunch of perverted creeps. Every time I walk by them, they'd try to woo me over and call me names like I'm some sorta slut or something. Disgusting."
"Eww! Really? W-wait, does that mean Sonic does that too!?"
"Especially Sonic. He's always the one to start while the other three would follow. That dumb jerk probably think he's hot just because he's QB. Well, he couldn't be more delusional."
Oh, wow. I can't believe it. Sonic really has hit rock bottom. I mean, harassing girls? Really? And I thought him smoking was the worst.
"By the way, why'd you ask Sonic in particular? You know him or something?"
"Y-yeah. Believe it or not, we used to be best friends back in elementary when we were in this other small town far away from Emerald Coast… well, at least until he moved outta town without saying a word 5 years ago. He used to be a decent guy, y'know. He'd stand up for weak kids who can't stand up for themselves."
"Really? It's… kinda hard for me to imagine Sonic being like that once… no offense."
"None taken. I can see why you'd think that with the way he is now. It's like he's a completely different person, y'know? I mean he won't even recognize me and just does nothing whenever I get bullied! Me, his once best friend! Can you imagine?"
"Ouch… that's… pretty sad…"
"Yeah. But still, I wonder if the old him would come back some day and realize what he's doing is wrong."
"Y'know what, though? I'd say forget him. He's a lost cause." To be honest, hearing that phrase made my spine shiver a bit.
"H-huh? Really? W-what makes you think that?"
"I think it's hard for people like those to change again once they've hit that low of a stage. So, maybe it's better if you move on and find some new friends. I'm sure there's plenty of other, better people in this school."
"W-well… okay then…"
I… I guess she's right. What if Sonic really is a lost cause? What if that's the way he'll always be from now on? Aww, the thought of it… I can't… but… then something else crossed my mind.
"Hey, wait a minute… if Sonic and his cronies really are that bad, then how come the school hasn't done anything about them?"
"Huh, funny. That's a question I've been wondering about for a long time too. I mean, it's true their names are often called on the PA to the principal's office, but I don't think I've ever seen any of them doing detention or any of that sorta thing. And I've seen some of my classmates mow the lawn because they slept in class or always come late, but bullying weak kids and harassing girls? That's fine, apparently. I guess Dr. Robotnik is just… selectively strict? Who knows?" Hearing that slightly weird name made me raise my eyebrows.
"Wait, Doctor who?"
"Oh, Dr. Robotnik. He's the school's principal. A really old guy too. And yeah, about his name… I don't know either, to be honest."
"Huh. …o-okay." And… that's when I realized we've been talking for quite a while. At this rate, my- I mean, their homework's never gonna get done and Blaze is never gonna finish her lunch. "…anyway, I think I should get back to doing the, uhh… homework. Nice talking to you, though."
"O-oh! S-sorry, I must have distracted you. I wish I could help, but I'm afraid the material's too advanced for me to understand."
"Yeah, even you think it's way too advanced. What about 1st year me?"
"Haha, yeah… sorry. Oh! Maybe I can get Silver to meet up with you after school and help you. How's that sound?"
"Really? That'd be awesome! Thanks, Blaze."
Just then, Charmy showed up with a pack of sandwiches he bought from the cafeteria.
"There you are, Tails. Here's your lunch."
"Oh, cool. Thanks. You sure you're okay with this? What if I pay you tomorrow?"
"Hey, no need. Just take it! What are friends for, anyway?"
"Haha, okay… thanks again, man."
But just as I was about to take the sandwich out of its packaging, the bell rang. Great… just perfect.
"Oh, come on!" Blaze and I shouted almost at the same time because she didn't get to eat her lunch either. We looked at each other for a while, looking surprised, and laughed it off. Good thing the bell's loud ringing managed to mask our shouts, otherwise the entire library probably would've shushed us right there and then.
So, that was kinda disappointing. I had to store my lunch in my locker to eat after school and no progress was made on the homework. But at least I had a decent chat with Blaze. I got to know a lot of things I didn't know before, especially about Sonic. Y'know, I'm still thinking about her advice and how she said he's a 'lost cause.' I mean, I guess she's right, but… at the same time, I still don't wanna believe that. Or… maybe I just need time to accept that the old Sonic is gone? I don't know! It's all just… confusing!
…ehh, I best not get too fixated on that for now, I might lose my focus in class.
Around 3 hours had passed and the bell rang again. I went back to my locker to pick up my lunch and the books and then met Silver at the library, just like Blaze promised. We sat at our usual spot in the corner and started getting to work. But even with someone as smart as Silver helping me, everything still felt kinda difficult because of one very annoying factor: the jocks' awful handwriting. Silver and I would waste minutes arguing whether it's a 1 or a 7, a 5 or an S (even though it's very unlikely that they'd use an S instead of an X for a variable, but still, who knows?), and so on; not to mention Knuckles' and Vector's problems were the hardest since they're both 4th year students, so we decided to save them for last.
After about an hour, we finally managed to finish Sonic's and Jet's homework, which leaves us with Knuckles' and Vector's. But it was getting late and I don't feel comfortable keeping Silver here for too long when he might have something else better to do at home. So, we decided to call it quits for today and go our separate ways. Silver said he'd gladly help me again tomorrow at the same time and place, which is great. Now I know this is starting to get a bit cliché for me to say, but I'm glad to have met such good friends in a short amount of time. Although it feels like I've only been on the receiving end of their favors lately. I wish I could somehow pay them back for all their valuable help.