Chapter Three
Thanks to my only three reviewers, you know who you are.
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Raven POV
Mundane, the one word that could capture my world perfectly, sighing I got out of my bed and headed towards my bathroom. Since my aunt despised me so much I didn't receive any pocket money so I had to get a job, as a waitress no less. What a brilliant way to spend the break huh? I guess it was no sleeping in for me.
Feeling slightly tired I headed to the kitchen to get myself a cup of tea before heading off to my calling. However when I reached the kitchen I was more than surprised to find Richard standing there drinking straight out of the milk carton, clad only in his boxers no less.
"Oh, hey Raven, how come you're up so early?" Looking slightly sheepish he absently rubbed the back of his neck.
"I have a job. I thought Kori stayed over at your place?" I said while putting the kettle on the stove.
Suddenly I spotted a blush rise onto his slightly pale cheeks.
"Um….. we decided to spend the night here instead."
Unwilling to pry because of the sudden pang I felt in my heart I turned to leave when his voice stopped me.
"So have you finished the project yet? I need an A you know because otherwise my transcript will be messed up and I can't go to the same school as Kori, and speaking of her she needs help with her project as well you can help her right."
The fact that it was a statement instead of a question automatically classified it as an order. The joys of being me, I get to do homework for other people with no benefit what so ever for me, now who wouldn't die for such an opportunity right? Cue Sarcasm.
Apparently having lost interest Richard proceeded to rummage through the fridge, presumably looking for something to eat. Feeling slightly sorry for the guy I headed up to him and took out all the ingredients to make a decent breakfast and initiated an event that would surely make me late for work. However try as I might any excuse to help and be around Richard was reason enough for me to prolong the end of the world even.
As I was beating the egg for his omelet I felt him lean against the stove and stare at me, slightly annoyed because I hate people staring at me I glared at him, when that failed to make him stop I had to resort to physical harm. So I threw a fork at him.
"OW! What was that for!???"
"It's rude to stare."
"I was not staring! I was just thinking."
"Oh, and so the great Richard Grayson does indeed possess some brain cells with which he can ponder. Wow what a discovery."
"Hey I resent that, I do have a few brain cells contrary to popular belief I actually study and I could do great."
"Oh and enlighten me as to why you prefer to have me hand you homework on a silver platter?"
"It's called laziness Raven."
"Ah another discovery made, you never cease to amaze me."
"Oh knock it off, anyways I was thinking, how long have we known each other for?"
"Fifteen years, two months, fourteen days, five hours, twenty three minutes, and fifty seconds."
He just blinked at me owlishly.
I gave into temptation and gave him a smirk which managed to bring him out of his reverie.
"Raven, sometimes you creep me out, anyways, I was thinking we've known each other since you were two and I was three, and that just got me to thinking, you're the only person whose stuck around for that long."
"So……"
"So I guess I just wanted to thank you, for always being there for me, I know I'm a pain in the ass at times," here I gave an unladylike snort, and he glared, "but you've still stuck around even through my parents death and my adoption, you were the only friend who was there when I was poor and when I became rich, I guess I just wanted you to know that I appreciate it a lot." Here he gave me a lopsided grin.
Now just to be clear, I hate hugs, in fact whenever possible I try to avoid them as much as I am allowed but this was Richard and once in a while I let myself indulge and so I wrapped my arms around him and hugged him. This is why I was why I liked, maybe even loved him, because as stupid as he could get and as ungrateful as he was, deep down I knew that he was a great guy and that's why I continue to subject myself to the pain, because I was always rewarded for it.
"What brought on this bubble of sentimentality?"
He just grinned toothily
"I just realized that you won't be there in college to do my homework."
I just smacked him upside the head with a frying pan I was about to use.
A few minutes later a decent looking breakfast was placed in front of Richard as I prepared to leave for my job, as late as I was I figured I could still show up for the last 5 hours of my shift, after all I was only an hour late. Either way a lecture from was boss was worth the hug and speech of appreciation I got. Smiling I stepped out the door only to be pummeled yet again with rain, this I sensed was becoming a routine. Turing around I opened the door and was about to ask Richard for a lift when I saw Kori walk into the kitchen scorn at the breakfast I had taken so much trouble to prepare and dump it into the bin while telling Richard about preparing something special. Richard being the love struck fool he was, agreed all the while knowing that Kori couldn't even boil water.
Angry yet accepting what had happened I realized yet again that Richard was never ever going to be mine and that I might as well stop hoping. I have to learn to let go and I also have to learn to realize that Richard has found happiness with Kori and if that makes him happy, well who the hell am I to stand in the way of his happiness? Answer? No one, I don't matter. So I turned away from the warmth of the house and stepped out into the familiar cold that was slowly becoming my friend. Thank God I'd decided to not to wear my uniform.
Azarath Café
When I reached the café I was surprised not to be called into the office, so instead I took the time to head of into the rest room and towel off and change into my uniform which consisted of black trousers, a dark blue shirt and a white sash. I loved this café, firstly because of the homely feel it possessed but also because it was a restaurant and a bar as well. It wasn't too popular but it still managed to survive, yet I sensed that it was slowly gaining popularity at my high school, Jump City High.
Fastening my sash and making sure my pencil and little notebook were both tucked into it safely, I shoved my wet clothes into a plastic bag and into my backpack. As I turned around I was really disappointed to find my boss standing right there. Apparently I hadn't avoided trouble after all.
"You're late."
"It was raining."
"Cars have been invented."
"Licenses are required."
"Permits are available."
"Cars are expensive."
"I pay you a lot."
"But not enough."
"Point taken."
"But either way hun how you been? You look like a drowned cat!"
"Way to boost a girl's self esteem Azar."
Azar just grinned at me. She was a pleasant woman in around her early thirties. According to her my mother and she were real close, in fact, and she claims that my mother helped her start the café. She was like a mother to me and for that I'm forever grateful towards her but sometimes I can't help but be wary towards her. I always felt as if she was hiding something from me. Something important that she never wanted me to find out about, something to do with my dead parents.
"Anyways Raven, though you're late this time I'll excuse it but I expect you to work extra hours today to make up for it ok? So head off, there are a few customers at table six."
"Got it captain."
Change POV (ZACK/RED X)
Bored as hell I stared out the window of the new café that Jinx had dragged me to. It was called Azarath or something like that. Huh go figure, only Jinx would find a café like this appealing what with the dim lighting and slightly dark décor it was most definitely a Goth café.
Sighing I looked around the table to look at Jinx's friends, they were mine too I suppose.
On my right was Gizmo, Jinx's younger brother. Beside him was Mammoth his best friend. Next was Rorek and Malchoir, a pair of twins that dispised each other. They were my closest friends. I met them in the stupid boarding school I had to go to. They were fighting each other and blocking the door to my room so I just punched both of them. This led to them respecting me because I didn't take any sides so we've been friends since. Sides I want to figure out why they hate each other so much.
Sure the group was small but hey at least we were friends right? Too bad for Jinx though, she was the only female in our little group, but hey not our fault that we were the only one's from the group to leave Blood academy and come here.
Suddenly a waitress walked over and handed out the menus.
"Your orders."
Surprised I looked up to find that same girl I had danced with the night before. Her hair looked damp and her nose was bright red.
"Oh hey Raven, I didn't know you worked here."
Jinx knew this girl? Hmmm interesting.
"Jinx," she tilted her head as a sign of acknowledgement, "would you like to order now or should I come back later."
"I want a double cheese burger with extra mayo! Oh and a strawberry milkshake!"
"The largest subway you have with extra onions!"
"A cup of tea will suffice."
"A cup of coffee for me."
"Raspberry cheese cake for me."
"Rum and coke."
She raised her brow at my order didn't say anything.
I watched her head back to the counter before turning my attention to Jinx who was just looking towards the entrance and waving enthusiastically. Curious as to what had gotten her so excited I looked towards the entrance only to wish that I hadn't. There in all his glory was Richard and his whole gang, but behind them was what Jinx was interested in, Wally. Huh I should have figured the only thing that gets Jinx excited is Wally.
Richard looked towards me and smirked, winding his arm tighter around Kori's waist. I mentally scoffed, did he actually think that broad on his arm was good enough for me? Fat chance bastard, I like woman with class and that girl has anything but class, but still I can't deny that she was something to look at, and hey if it irritated Richard it was worth pursuing her. Then again, she was a two faced bitch so maybe she wasn't worth it after all, and from what I've heard, she's way to easy. Not the way I like my girls, I like my girls to be a challenge, like that purple haired girl. Smirking I looked up to find myself looking into a set of ice blue eyes identical to my own.
"Grayson."
"Xavier, what are you doing back here? Aren't you supposed to be off in some nuthouse somewhere?"
"Oh so you finally noticed I was back? Took you long enough, I'm back to stay and I'll be dammed if I let you get rid of me again."
"Why would I want to get rid of you? You're so insignificant no one would miss you."
"It's just because you can't stand having someone better than you around."
Angry Richard grabbed my collar and lifted me out of my chair. Annoyed I smacked his hand away and glared and Richard, who decided then to shove me into the table so hard that everything to fell off and broke. He was baiting me, and maybe long time ago I would have fallen for it, but right now I got too much at stake to let some prissy boy wonder get me kicked out of town. So I dusted myself off and started to walk away. I don't care what you say or think, I'm not a coward. I'm being the bigger man here and walking away, but what he said next confused me so much that I turned around to see if I could decipher what he was talking about from his eyes. They were obscured by sunglasses.
"Stay away from her, you've forgotten so let her do the same."
Annoyed I moved to grab him and get my answers when I felt a small but firm hand on my arm.
"Excuse me sir but if you want to cause trouble could you please do it elsewhere. I have your order here in a take away cup, now could you please remove your disturbing presence from the café, because you are starting a scene."
Shock seeped through my body, was this idiot blind or what? Richard too was involved; in fact he was the one that started this crazy mess, so if anyone had to be kicked out it should be him. Angry I turned to the girl only to find myself staring into a set of unusual Amethyst eyes. It was that girl from before, Rae-what's her name. Some bird or the other, either way, I found myself starting to dislike her immensely. I hate people who bend the rules to fit their means, favoritism among anyone I greatly disliked, I mean after all we're in this shitty game called life all alone, so why the fuck should we help others and risk our asses over it? And besides any friend of Richard, was an enemy of mine, no matter how interesting a fuck it was going to be.
Grabbing the drink I drowned it in one gulp and gripped her wrist painfully, pulling her towards me.
"You made a big mistake there siding with the idiot sweets, we could have been friends, but as of now? Watch your back."
Tossing her onto the floor I purposely brushed against Kori before walking out of the café
Annoyed I lit up a cigarette and took a deep long drag.
Ahh relaxation, I hung around a couple of minutes waiting for Rorek and Malchoir. I wasn't disappointed.
I waited for them to approach me when I suddenly noticed the huge bruise on Malchoir's cheek that hadn't been there when we first entered the café. Lifting my brow I silently asked the question.
"Malchoir here decided to try patch up with his ex-girlfriend by kissing her, needless to say she's got a pretty mean punch." Rorek sniggered.
Amused as my bad mood started to evaporate we headed off towards our bikes. I turned around to see what was happening and to find out who this ex-girlfriend was but instead ended up seeing Richard fretting over Kori while purple girl just massaged her wrist. As if sensing my gaze she turned to look at me and out eyes locked. She gave me a heartbroken smile before starting to clean up the mess.
I shook my head, fuck man what kind of thoughts are getting into my head. That chick is a major pain in the ass you promised to hate, so don't go off pitying her.
I quickly straddled my bike and felt the powerful hum of the engine beneath me, it was time to forget life and enjoy the lack of thoughts that came from riding down the roads. I closed my eyes relishing the breeze before picking up my front tire and challenging the twins to a race. Needless to say, they accepted.
Raven
Kori are you ok? Kori are you sure? Kori this Kori that, I was slowly getting fed up of listening to Richard fret over nothing, I mean come on, I was the one that jerk had tossed around, not her. Wow I really sounded like a jealous bitch there didn't I?
Careful to hide my expression I turned to Victor with the First-Aid kit.
"Hey dark girl, need some help with that?"
I just nodded.
Victor gently took my wrist and starting pushing it here and there.
"I think he sprained it."
I raised my brow, (can anyone say habit?) that little twerp sprained my wrist? Oh well, at least it wasn't my right hand. I wonder what had to be done now.
"Hey Raven, I'm going to clean it a bit and then wrap it tight ok? So try not to move it too much ok?"
I just nodded, and hid my hiss of pain when he started rubbing disinfectant over the cut where I had hit broken pieces of glass.
When he had finished he packed up the First-Aid Kit and went to see if anyone else needed any help.
Tired I went to Azar to see if she would let me have the rest of the day off, after all being tossed around and cut took a lot out of a girl. Also being kissed by an ex-boyfriend who I had failed to recognize before had given rise to a big bubble of anger that I most definitely did not want to deal with, and besides the feelings acting up inside of me clearly stated that I needed some meditation, hopefully she would understand.
"Hey Raven!" Turning I saw Jinx walking towards me. I just raised my eyebrow in response, silently challenging her to continue, because I really was not in the mood for mindless chatter right now. As if sensing my bad mood, her demeanor instantly turned hesitant. An inner struggle continued but in the end her eyes hardened, she wasn't going to let anyone push her around.
"I was wondering if you wanted to do something, I've been lacking proper female company and was wondering if you were free."
"Thanks but no thanks, I ne-,"
"Oh cut the crap Raven and just say that you don't want to hang out with me ok? I'll get the point."
"Excuse me?"
"Look act how you want, just stop pushing people away, not everyone is out to get you, you know?"
"Oh? And what makes you so sure that you even know who I am and what I feel?"
"I know your type, the angst filled teenager who thinks she's all alone but only is that way because she wants to be. You're the type who wants to be miserable because you think it's cool to be misunderstood, you-,"
CRASH
I could feel the blood trickle down my fingers as my hand rested on the mirror behind Jinx's head. My vision was covered in a red haze and I could barely see or feel what I was doing.
"Don't assume anything, because presumptuous people like you are always wrong."
I could hear the glass crunch beneath my shoes and I stalked towards the door and slammed it close. Still quite angry I took off in a jog towards the playground on the outskirts of town I knew was deserted. With each thump of my feet hitting the pavement, came thoughts of anger and resentment that I had kept bottled up for so long.
'Angst filled teenager? She had no fucking idea what I've been through."
Thump.
'Cool to be misunderstood? I fucking wish someone could be so selfless to try understand.'
Thump.
'Push people away? People avoid me like the plague.'
Thump.
'Self induced misery? I'm not the one who hates feeding me am I?'
Thump.
'Not everyone is out to get me? No one even knows I exist.'
Thump.
'I bet if I was in a major car accident no one would even notice, let alone care.'
Thump.
I mentally scoffed.
'I bet if Kori even sneezed, she would be admitted to the hospital and everyone would be at her bedside.'
Thump.
'Jinx knows nothing; she's just as presumptuous as the rest of them. She can go to hell for all I care.'
As I felt my feet come in contact with grass I slowed down and looked around. The playground was deserted as I had expected, after all it was awfully old and slightly overtaken by weeds and the grass needed cutting, but for me, this was the only place I could remember with happiness, the only place where I could ever remember my mother.
My mother to me was a mystery, a shadowy figure I never remember clearly in all of my memories, except one.
Flashback
Laughter filled the air, it was autumn, my favorite season. I climbed up the ladder and looked around for my mother, she was right there waving at me, smiling at me encouragingly, this was my first time on a slide after all.
I waved back nervously and looked down at the slide; it seemed so long and scary. I gulped nervously. Could I really do this? What if I fell off in the middle, what if I went too fast, how would I stop? That's it I can't do this, I turned around to get off only to bump into a boy my age with silver hair. He smiled at me.
"Hey don't be scared, just think of your mommy at the end waiting for you and it'll be fun, I promise."
I glanced at the slide nervously.
"Are you sure?"
He grinned, "Positive, I'll be right behind you."
I took a deep breath and sat down on the slide, I closed my eyes and imagined my mother waiting at the end with her arms wide open, and I let go. It felt great, like nothing I'd ever felt before, the wind was whipping through my hair and I felt so free, just so free, but most of all, I was happy.
I landed on the sand at the end of the slide and smiled at the boy behind me, he smiled back. I waved and turned around and ran towards my mother.
She smiled at me and bent down to my level.
"Ready to go home already?"
"Can we have ice-cream first?"
Her tinkling laugh echoed around the park.
"Anything you want princess, anything you want."
We were walking back home after ice-cream, and my mom was humming a sad melody, one that I'd never heard before so I looked up to see her ebony hair waving gently around her face. She looked down at me and gave me a pained smile, one that seemed to say that nothing from this point on was going to be easy. Little did I realize that the next day, men in white coats would come to pick her up and take her away from me, forever.
End Flashback
I was about to sit down on the swing when I heard the most curious sound, turning around I found myself face to face, with a pair of brilliant blue eyes.