Diving In
He walked so swiftly she had to practically run to catch up. His legs were impossibly long. She felt so small next to him.
He turned a few corners until they came to the gymnasium. He pushed one of the heavy doors. It swung slowly until it gained momentum and slammed open with a bang. The sound made Tea jump. He went into the gym, and she followed.
He opened another door. It led to the room where the new gym teacher kept the balls and the jump ropes.
"Kaiba." Tea's voice was soft as the light that fell in Jacob's Ladders from the high windows. "What is it you want me to do?"
Kaiba turned to her. "I've already given you eleven dollars," he said quietly. His voice was hoarse. "I was under no obligation to do that, particularly to someone who disrespected me in front of my peers."
"I said I was sorry, and I meant it." A part of her wanted to get on her knees and beg him to let her go, but another part of her was terribly curious. "I can give you your money back."
"No." His voice was a growl. "I don't want it. I want you to get in here."
He was so close he could grab her arm and toss her into the room. She dared to glance quickly behind her. If she tried to run, he could catch up to her in three strides on his long legs. If something bad happened, she could kick him in the crotch, or punch him, or poke him in the eye, or bite him. That would buy her a little bit of time.
She hesitated. Kaiba touched her shoulder and drew her into the room. She allowed him to guide her in. Right when she set foot in the room, she knew something was going to happen, something incredible and horrible.
Kaiba slowly reached over her head and pulled a string. A bare light bulb flickered, a weak heart struggling to keep life pulsing through the body of the room. Kaiba closed the door behind them both. Tea looked at the ball rack, the valley ball net lying in a hemp puddle, and the slanting pile of foam filled mats in the back. She could smell the sweetness of plastic and the dusty musk of the mats; she could hear Kaiba breathing through his nose behind her, could feel the heat rising off his long body.
"Close your eyes," he whispered. "Don't open them. Keep them shut."