Chapter 60: Scars

Opening the door after his talk with Sara.

Michael: "…" Looking around his surroundings to see no one around. (Looks like no one's home? Strange Sayori should be home by now.) He looks at the time. (Club is long over and yet she's nowhere to be found.) Heading to the kitchen to sit down. (What do I do now? Sara changed for the better, but wants me to leave the Literature Club? What should I do? It's obvious that I should pick this, but my body on the other hand. My bodies yearning to be with hers.

Her soft skin, her scent and yet … the club has always been there for me. They supported me and yet here I am thinking of ditching them for what? For pleasure? I'm disgusting, fucked up, and more. Monika told me how she really felt and I did nothing but turn away when she never did the same for me. She must really hate now. Can't blame her, if she or the others were to find out that I'm seeing Sara again, they will surly hate me.

For the time being, it's for the best to keep this a secret. Yeah keep it a secret, a secret love affair.) "Tch!" (Go away. Now's not the time to feel my lust, but I need it. Maybe I should sneak off after Sayori goes to sleep and meet up with her again. Assuming Sayori spends the night. I don't see her anywhere.)

*Ding Dong*

"Speak of the Devil. That must be her? Why would she need to ring the doorbell when she has the spare key?" The answer to his question was answered when he saw Sayori carrying a lot of bags full of hot steaming food. "… Huh?"

Sayori: "Oh MC, sorry, but can you help me? I'm hands are full."

Michael: "Uh, sure?" He takes some of the bags off her hands. "Sayori, what the hell is all this?"

Sayori: "It's dinner."

Michael: "Ok, but why this much?"

Sayori: "I kinda … I kinda went over board when my mom gave me money. Heh, heh." She says nervously.

Michael: "Well I guess it's enough to last us two days."

Sayori: "Are you doing ok?"

Michael: "Yeah why do you ask?"

Sayori: "Well you missed club activates."

Michael: "Yeah I was feeling ill, but I'm feeling better."

Sayori: "Ah that's good to hear. Anyways let's eat dinner together. I have a lot to tell you."

Michael: "Alright then." And so they went to the kitchen to eat. While they eat Sayori would tell him everything that Monika said at the club. She told him the tasks they are assigned and that they will be working hard to make the Poetry Performance better.

Sayori: "And that's basically it."

Michael: "I see well, I'll do my best to help you all again."

Sayori: "Hey MC."

Michael: "Yeah?"

Sayori: "Got any ideas for a new poem?"

Michael: "No I'm still working on that, but I guarantee that I'll have it ready for the performance."

Sayori: "Well that's good to hear. I hope to hear it when you're done, but you shouldn't have to work on it alone. You have us to help as well."

Michael: "Your help?"

Sayori: "Yup! Don't forget I'm the Vice President. If you have any troubles you can always ask me anything."

Michael: "No thanks."

Sayori: "What!? Why!?" He chuckles at her expression.

Michael: (What do I do? Who do I choose? My emotions or my body? My love for the club or my lust for Sara? I need to pick, but it's hard for me to choose. When she goes to sleep I will find that answer when we meet again.)

Meanwhile at the top roof of an old looking building.

Ronald: "So you're up here again?"

Johnny: "It's the only place where I can be at peace."

Ronald: "Are you sure you want to go through with this?"

Johnny: "I already told you a million times. I am. I don't care what happens to me afterwards. If it means getting back at him."

Ronald: "Yeah, but what about your deal with Sara? The way it sounds, it's sounds as if she wants Michael for herself, so is us meddling really necessary?"

Johnny: "Not my problem. The deal was to give her info about him. She never told us not to fuck him up. Whatever happens is her own damn fault."

Ronald: "And what about the others? What if the girls get caught up?"

Johnny: "Not my problem. They chose to be with him they chose to die with him if it comes up. I don't care what our school will think. I'm just so tired of it all. You understand where I'm coming from right?"

Ronald: "I do."

Johnny: "He humiliated me in front of my teammates and because of him I got kicked off the Wrestling Team. He's the root of all my problems. I remember the happier times I had. Where did it all go wrong?" Ronald doesn't say a word.

[Home – Three Days Grace]

"My family used to be peaceful. We used to be a loving family. My mom would clean, cook, and work at home. My old man would go out to work for a construction site, as for me, I used to enjoy playing games. It didn't really matter what game it was; video games, board games, card games. I'm always down for a good game, but now the good times are over. My home destroyed by one man.

A man my mom met after dad and her got into a fight. I don't remember what they argued about, but it was enough to drove my mom away, away to another man. I know this because whenever they do get into a fight, they would always make up the next day, but this time it was different. When I got home from playing at the park nearby. I heard noises, I didn't know what it was, but it soon clicked into me since I was old enough to know about it.

I thought my parents made up, but in truth she wasn't doing it with dad, but with him. The bastard himself Raphael Connor. I didn't know who he was at first, but I could never forget the fear in my mom's eyes when she saw me. All she said to me was not to tell dad, so I kept my mouth shut just as she said, but soon enough he found out. They argued more and fought. I was scared, so I hid. That was until I heard screaming.

When I heard my mom I ran out of my hiding spot and went to see what was happening. It was then I saw my dad forcing himself onto her. He asked if he was better than Raphael, but she would just say no, not good enough, or she'll just straight up lie to his face. This angered him more and he would just keep going. Despite all this it just kept on going. Raphael would just show up and fuck my mom only for my dad to come home and rape her after.

It was only a matter of time until my dad would start hitting me, only to make himself feel better. To this day I can still feel his fists on my face and body. The scar he left me after they both had a divorce. Upset about it all, he took a knife and cut me on my chest. It was also during that time I found out more about Raphael. The fact that he would sleep with multiple women, single or married.

I hated him, I hated him so much that I wanted revenge, but unfortunately it was too late for me to get payback. My dad still angry about it all, hunted my mom. It was then he came home drunk and told me what he did. He raped her one last time before killing her with a smile on his face. Shocked I couldn't respond. Even when the police came and arrested him. That was when they put me in the orphanage. That was the last time I saw both my parents. But that was also the time I met you Ronald."

Wiping away some tears building up. "Do you remember what you told me? When we first got to know each other."

Ronald: "I do."

Johnny: "Then tell me?"

Ronald: "You asked how I ended up here and I told you it was because of Raphael Connor. It was the first thing we had in common. We both hated him with a passion and would do anything to get back at him."

Johnny: "That was when we both found out he was sent to prison. Our hopes to get our vengeance gone only to for us to find out he had a son."

Ronald: "That being Michael. When we look at him we see his dad. That was when both decided to get our revenge, by making him pay for his dad's deeds."

Johnny: "He can try to hide his face all he wants, but he's no different than his old man."

[Song Ends]

Ronald: (I wonder if that's true at all? We see him as his dad and yet he protected Monika when Johnny and his gang attacked them. He could've easily ran away, but instead he chose to fight and protect her. They may share the same blood, but both are different. I don't know what to think any more and I feel Johnny doesn't know either?)

Johnny: (Michael be prepared to pay for your crimes. It was because of you that I was kicked off the Wrestling Team. The only thing I had left of true happiness. A man such as me, the captain losing to a punk like you.) He looks to the sky. (I miss it all already. The cheering crowd, the attention from the girls. It all helped ease my trauma, but now they all hate me. I'll make you pay for it all. No matter the cost.)

Ronald: (When I think about it more clearly. The both of them are the same. Both Michael and Johnny. They both suffered and yet they both chose different paths. Johnny wants revenge for the past while Michael looks to the future. I know this when I saw him. The new look he had wasn't just to be different, it was meant to be a new start, but in the end I will standby Johnny's side no matter what. Even when I think this is wrong. That is my choice.)

Later at midnight after Sayori fell asleep. Sneaking out of his house quietly.

Michael: (Where is she? She told me to come by at this time, but I don't see her anywhere. She better have not made me sneak out for no reason. Calm down boy. Now's not the time. I still have to give her my answer. I know what she said is wrong and she's done horrible things to me in the past, but perhaps she has changed?

She didn't pressure me to give her an answer as soon as she asked, but has given me a week to decide, but what do I do? I don't know what to think anymore? I care for my friends, but a part of me still loves her and yet …) He thinks about the girls in the club. (What a worthless boy I am. I'm the definition of a beta male. I tried so hard to change and yet I made no effort and when I did I revert back to who I was.)

Sara: "You made it."

Michael: "Sara"

Sara: "Still addressing me so coldly, well that's fine by me since I'm about to warm you up."

Michael: "How so?"

Sara: "Look around you. This park is empty, there's no security, everyone's asleep, and those who are night owls are at work. We have this entire park to ourselves and I don't know about you, but even at night it's pretty warm." She sits next to him. "We're in our own little world."

Michael: "You're right about that."

Sara: "Now then." She gets on top of him. "How about we do some very risqué things here?"

Michael: "I have to be home soon, so you better let me have some rest." He places his hands on her butt.

Sara: "Don't worry. I'll make sure you're just as energetic as before." The two start kissing before they get down to real business.

Early morning just as he made it home before Sayori wakes up.

Michael: (I need water. I'm dehydrated as hell.) Making his way to the kitchen. (That was some night. She said I would feel energetic, but I just feel more exhausted than ever.)

Mom: "Made it home?" Her son almost choked.

Michael: "Mom?"

Mom: "You're up early than needed. It's Saturday, you don't have school today?)

Michael: "I know, I just need fresh air."

Mom: "Bad dream?"

Michael: "Yeah, did I forget to leave a note for you?"

Mom: "You did. I got worried when I saw you weren't in bed with Sayori."

Michael: "Try to word things better, a lot can be taken out of context with that statement."

Mom: "Oh dear, well you better get some rest. I'll be heading off to work."

Michael: "K, don't overwork yourself."

Mom: "Yeah, yeah, bye son." She leaves the house.

Michael: "That crazy mom of mine." (I should go to sleep. I feel like I could pass out at any moment, but ah fuck it. I'll just sleep on the couch. I'm too tired to walk upstairs with these.) Later that very same day. "Let's see here? Maybe if we do this instead?"

As the weekend comes and goes, the day of the Festival draws near. During those two days of no school, everyone began their work for the Poetry Performance. Monika would work on the designs for the pamphlets while her parents remain absent. Not caring after what her mom said to her, she kept to herself and worked. In the meantime, Yuri would begin designing concept designs and gathering materials to work on the decorations as she wants to do better than the previous ones, now that she has more time to work.

During this time, Natsuki would start drawing ideas for the cupcakes as last time she had to design them in the last minute. Having more time, she worked hard coming up with ideas not realizing she hasn't been eating or drinking much. Her dad had to constantly remind her to eat by leaving her a plate of food or sometimes shoving it into her face. While all this is occurring, Sayori would do the same as Monika. Coming up with ideas for designs and practicing her performance with Michael.

The four of them would work during the day and rest during the night. While the fifth leaves for the night to meet with another. Holding each other tightly as they kiss with no witnesses around but the stars themselves. The weekend came and went with everyone attending classes again. Getting ready for another day of school, Sayori brushes her now mid length hair and attaches her light blue head band.

Sayori: (MC already left again. Wonder if he's getting enough sleep? He's been acting strange for a while now? Wonder what's up? I should really ask him what's on his mind? I'm starting to get really worried.) She glances to his bed. (I'll ask him later when we meet up again.)

Later during lunch, after getting away from the crowd again. Monika heads to the restroom to freshen up knowing the boys won't follow.

Monika: "Oh lord can't they just leave me alone and go ask the others?" (This is really getting out of hand.) She looks to herself in the mirror. (I wonder if he'll come by this time? I haven't seen him since that night when I threw myself at him. I need to apologize for what I did and said to him. I had no right to do that sort of thing. I just let my emotions run wild.

This week is the final one. After the New Year's Festival is over on Friday, Saturday is when Zack leaves. After that the school will hold an election next week. Despite the others running against me, it's more between me and Todd. Knowing the girls of our school they're going to vote for him while the boys vote for me. The real problem is there's more boys in our school than there are girls.

I can't quit either. If I quit then my parents will disown me. I'll bring shame to them and disappoint everyone in my school. The teachers are already praying that I win. What can I do about that? It's best not to think about it too much. I'll just worry myself more if I do. For now I need to focus on our Poetry Performance. I need to lead my club to success. I can't fail them again.)

She slaps her face. "Okay let's get to work." With that settled she left the restroom and attended class as the bell rang ending lunch.

Later on during club activates.

Natsuki: "Jesus Crist what a boring day." She stretches her body as she enters the club room. "Sayori?"

Sayori: "Oh hey." Sitting in the middle of class alone as the others haven't arrived yet.

Natsuki: "Where's Michael?"

Sayori: "I don't know. I tried looking for him during lunch, I tried calling him, but all he said was he needed to be alone."

Natsuki: "You didn't talk to him this morning?"

Sayori: "No, lately he's been leaving the house early in the morning. Earlier than usual."

Natsuki: "Wonder what's up with him?" (I think I know the answer to that?)

Sayori: "I don't know, I'm hoping to talk to him soon. We still need to work on his poem."

Natsuki: "You live with him. Don't you work together at home?"

Sayori: "We did and when I read it, it was reeeeaally bad, like first day bad."

Natsuki: "He went back?"

Sayori: "Yeah and I don't know what to do?"

Natsuki: "Well I'm sure he'll be fine. Probably having one of those days?"

Sayori: "Day? More like days."

Natsuki: "Not going to respond to that." The door opens suddenly.

Monika: "Ah, you're all here." She enters with Yuri behind her.

Natsuki: (Didn't think those two would come together? You don't see them that often.)

Monika: "Has Michael not come yet?"

Natsuki: "No he hasn't."

Monika: "That's three days now. Well nothing we can do about it."

Natsuki: (Nothing we can do about it?)

Monika: "Sayori, have you been able to tell him about our plans?"

Sayori: "Sure did. He said he'll do his best. We were even able to practice this weekend. Though right now his poem is …"

Monika: "Say no more. I trust that you'll help him out and hopefully he'll come by so we could offer our aid to him."

Sayori: "Yeah sure."

Monika: "Well then, since we have a lot to work to do. We won't have any more free time until we finish everything."

Natsuki: "Aw man."

Monika: "Sorry to break the news to you, but we can't afford to waste time. So everyone gets ready to work."

Everyone Else: "Yes Mam!"

Monika: "Okay so hit me. What did you all manage to accomplish this weekend?"

Sayori: "I worked on designing pamphlets and me and MC worked on our poetry."

Monika: "Good, what did you come up with?"

Sayori: "Here's my drawings of them." She shows off five designs.

Monika: "Ah, I see. Well then since you have them here I guess it's for the best to show you what I managed to finish." She shows off her twenty designs.

Sayori: "Woah"

Monika: "Overkill I know, but I want to put more effort into them you know?"

Sayori: "That's cool. That just gives us more options since we want to have them different and unique."

Monika: "You catch on quickly. Yuri, how are those decorations coming along?"

Yuri: "I created rough drafts of them and managed to gather all the materials I would need."

Monika: "Can you get them done before Friday?"

Yuri: "If I were to have some assistance then yes."

Monika: "Very well and you Natsuki? How are the cupcakes coming along?"

Natsuki: "I brought some with me today." She shows off a tray with six cupcakes. "I decorated them all differently so you can all pick which one would be best."

Sayori: "Aw they all looks so good." She starts to drool.

Monika: "Amazing, they all look great. I'm not sure what to pick between them?" She looks at each of them. Each of them designed differently with the use of the frosting; an animal design, literature inspired such as a book design or poem, colorful ones, and a plain looking one.

Natsuki: "I made whatever came to mind."

Monika: "When do you plan to make more?"

Natsuki: "I was thinking Thursday, so they can be at their freshest. Like you said last time."

Monika: "Hmm? Do you think you can make all of them?"

Natsuki: "I can, but I'm going to need some extra hands."

Yuri: "It must've been difficult to make so many last time?"

Natsuki: "Well it would have been if it wasn't for Michael helping out."

Yuri: "Oh I have forgotten that he helped us all last time with our tasks." She stares at the cupcakes. "N-Natsuki, if I may? I could volunteer to help you make them?"

Natsuki: "That's fine by me. Anyone's better than Sayori. She would just eat them all."

Sayori: "Hey! That's mean. I would never."

Natsuki: "You say as you eat one of them right now."

Sayori: "What? I'm hungry."

Monika: "Well now that's settled. We better get to work. Today we're practice our performance. Tomorrow we'll bring whatever we need to work on our projects. It would be easy to do it during club hours rather than at home. Sayori and I will work on the pamphlets, Natsuki and Yuri will work on the decorations. When Thursday comes by the both you can leave early to work on the cupcakes."

Sayori: "Sounds like a plan."

Natsuki: "Fine by me."

Yuri: "V-very well."

Monika: (I hope Michael shows up. These task could be a lot easier of he showed up, but … stop thinking about it. Just let him be. The four of us can handle this on our own.) "Alright let's get to work."

Everyone Else: "Yes Mam!"

While they all begin their work, on the other side of town, just leaving someone else's house.

Michael: *Sigh* (Talk about exhausting. Wonder how the others are doing?) He looks at the time. (No point in me dropping by. By the time I get there it would already be over.)

As he walks away, staring from her window.

Sara: "He's thinking about them is he? Why that bastard. He should only be thinking of me. I went through a lot just to get him back and this is how he treats me? I gave him my body, I was nice to him, I gave him a choice and he still thinks about them? Tch! I'll show him. I'll show him everything I can do for him even if I have to use force. Not the first time I did all this, but this time he'll never want to leave me."

Later on at home.

Sayori: "Honestly! You could have at least tell me where you went!"

Michael: "…" He stares intently at her.

Sayori: "What?"

Michael: "The world must be ending?"

Sayori: "Ending? What's ending?"

Michael: "You're actually scolding me like an adult. This doesn't seem right?"

Sayori: "Hey! I am an adult! Look at my figure if you don't believe me."

Michael: "Stop before people get the wrong idea." (What does she think this is, an ecchi story?)

Sayori: "Well we already started working, so here's the plan for this week." She tells him everything that Monika said because I don't want to repeat it again. I'm too lazy. "And that's it really? So how's that poem of yours coming?" Talk about a change in subject.

Michael: "I redid what you asked, but I'm still having trouble."

Sayori: "Strange? You were doing so well before, but now you're back to where you first started when you joined the club. What happen!? Where did the development go!? This is worse than when a character goes from level hundred to level one!" You know the one.

Michael: "Don't remind people."

Sayori: "Well looks like we have lots of work to do. You ready to get back to full power again?"

Michael: "Please don't tell me we're going to have a montage?"

Sayori: "No because we don't have any music playing in the background."

Michael: "Wait you hear it to?"

Sayori: "Hear what?"

Michael: "Let's just get to work already."

Sayori: "Ok!"

With everything settled the two of them began their own work as the Festival draws near. While they work, laying on her bed Natsuki goes through her phone to see the names of her friends in her contact list.

Natsuki: *Sigh* (I wished I had forgotten to go get my Manga. I can't stop thinking about what I heard on Friday. When I left the club and forgotten to take one of my volumes with me, I headed back hoping Monika didn't leave. It was lucky that I made it or so I thought when I heard Yuri was there too. I never noticed Monika had feelings for Michael?

I knew Yuri does I mean it's obvious, then again she's always shy, so that isn't new, but to think she would kiss him twice? That's a shocker right there. Ah Yuri why can't you just be more bold? You like him and you're just letting someone else take him from you? I can't stand this anymore. I need to confront her about this. I don't care what she has to say about it. I'm telling it like it is.)

She dials Yuri's number and waits for her to pick up. "Come on pick up damn you."

Yuri: "Y-yes may I help you?"

Natsuki: "Yuri!"

Yuri: "W-what is it?" She says shyly.

Natsuki: "Listen I know you're busy and all with the decorations and all, but can we meet up today? There's something we need to talk about?"

Yuri: "W-well if that's what you like then okay."

Natsuki: "Cool, meet me at the park as soon as you can."

Yuri: "O-okay?"

Natsuki: "Late"

Yuri: "Y-yes goodbye." Both hang up.

Natsuki: "Well that was easy, but now the hard part is about to begin. I don't know what's going on, but if this keeps up I think the club might not be around any longer? Seriously what the hell is wrong with all of them?"

End of Chapter 60