Chapter Seven: An Unpleasant Meeting
Freddie hit the ground with a thud.
"Get up," The leader growled. It was surprising his leader showed any anger at all. Mad Dog was on the ground beside him, both in tremendous pain, "I said get up!"
Both were hauled to their feet. The Good Wolf steadied himself. It was important to show only loyalty, not weakness.
"You two have only been set on the world for less than a week, and you're already fighting?!"
The leader glared at the boys. Good Wolf tried to speak first, "I didn't start it."
Mad Dog beside him tittered, "Yeah, but you didn't end it, and ending a fight is more important than starting one."
The group was scheduled to meet, but each of the members was late for different reasons. In the corner, keeping silent was Prairie Dog. He was slowly sharpening his knife, "What next?"
The leader sighed. This had been a total disaster, "Alright, it's time for your initiations. Each of you is to cut links with your past-violently. By this time next week, I'll know who you have to kill to get ahead around here. You two have punishment after school. You go first Good Wolf."
Freddie bowed his head in shame. He had known this was coming, but could not hope but feel intense fear for Carly. What if he was ordered to hurt her? Or kill her? At the Institute he had been pounded into believing that his affection was a weakness that interfered with his drive. It was time for him to recognize that and move on. He cupped his fist and nodded his head obediently.
The Good Wolf had to sever any feelings for Carly Shay, and soon.
Chapter Eight: A Beat Down
"Did you see his muscles?" Carly giggled out, for, like, the fourth time.
"I know," Sam encouraged, "I'm so glad you finally found someone!"
Carly shut her locker door, "Freddie isn't here yet…"
Sam bowered her head in annoyance, "And… that's another reason to hate the little nerd. Dude, you are dating Hot Pants Dance, what does it matter if Freddie isn't here yet? You see me missing any sleep over the little nub?"
Carly let out a sigh of exasperation, "You saw him Saturday night!"
Sam shrugged, "I was bombed, and so was half the party. Alright, so two boys went at it, what else is new?"
"This isn't funny, Sam, I think he was really hurt. Oh, there he is, Freddie! Freddie, over here!" Carly went up on her toes and waved. He walked past. The girl turned to her friend in confusion, "What just happened?"
Sam was surprised too, "I think… the boy just ignored you. Wait, that's impossible. Freddie is incapable of ignoring you."
The two thought for a moment, and they decided that their friend must have brain damage. The day was quite uneventful; Freddie ignored the girls, who, in turn, were too busy in their own world to notice. Still, Carly was worried about Freddie, so she kept a subtle eye on him the whole time.
During lunch, Jonah, Freddie, and a new kid all sat together. Carly was on the edge of her seat with fear, but no punches were thrown. She insisted she and Sam had to sit closer, just in case. The blond scarfed down more food, uncaringly. At the end of lunch, Carly heard Jonah whisper, "You gonna pay, Good Wolf." And he walked away.
Carly could not relax for the rest of the day. She could not tell Principal Franklin, what would he do? And Sam had no interest in dealing with Jonah or Freddie. After the bell rang, Carly followed Freddie. It was hard following him. He was aware she trailing him, but ignored her. Once he got to AV club door, she let out a breath of relief. Her friend was safe… for now.
Moments later the door reopened, and Freddie stepped out. Jonah walked up and dragged him into an empty classroom. Violent sounds resonated from the doorway. Carly peeked in and saw Freddie being beat up. But this time, he was not defending himself.
Blood flew from his mouth, eliciting a sympathetic gasp from Carly. The beating continued. Jonah was merciless, using an open palm to keep from bruising his victim.
"You think you're so hot?"
Smack.
Carly started to tear up. Why wasn't he defending himself, and why couldn't she move? Finally, it ended with Freddie alone on the floor. Silent tears streaming down his face, just like hers.
Jonah put his foot on Freddie and spit on his enemy, "Don't you forget who's in charge!"
Carly ran.