This chapter is slightly revised.
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Chapter 7

Today, I woke up to the morning sun shining through the cloudy window in my room above my 'bed'. I groaned and sat up lazily, causing my math and literature books to tumble onto the floor with a clatter that was louder than I'd have liked it to be.

Swinging my legs over the side of the bed mattress, I then massaged my temples and rubbed the sleep from my eyes. I looked at the analogue clock that hung on the dirty white wall next to me. I counted the numbers by fives and established it was five in the morning.

"Why would I wake up this early?" I groaned to myself, finding sleep still laced in my voice. "Oh well." I concluded then decided I'd get up since it's scientifically impossible for me to fall back asleep once I'm already up.

I staggered my way to the bathroom, my limbs feeling somewhat aching, and looked into the mirror. I pulled my eyelids up and down, examining the bags around my eyes. It looks like I've been punched and now I have two black eyes.

I tugged out my wolf-tails and pulled off my clothes, which I seem to have slept in, then threw them in the corner of the bathroom. I turned on the shower and stepped in; not even checking for warmth since I knew the water would be cold.

I grabbed one of the many complimentary shampoos that my mother and I took from the motel we were staying at for a couple of days a day or so after we were run out of town by the passionate ones; before we crashed at Lin and Tenzin's house.

After the shampoo, I used the conditioner, which we also stole, to make my hair softer so it'll be easier to brush out the many knots in my hair; the body wash was also lifted, but -although it does a good job in washing your body- it has no scent. So mom and I just use those tiny bottles of perfume that Anne, the lady who works the front desk downstairs, gets for free in the mail.

I turned off the shower then grabbed the towel -that was once again, stolen- that was sitting on the toilet to dry myself off. I dried my hair then wrapped the towel around my chest before I began to brush my hair. Though the conditioner made it easier to take the knots out, it was still quite a task to do it. Every time I dragged the brush through my hair, I'd let out an unnecessary 'ow' whenever I would come across a knot.

We don't own a blow-dryer, so once I was done brushing my hair I used a large desk fan on the 'high' setting as an alternative. It works just as well as a cheap hair-dryer, surprisingly.

I then began to brush my teeth with a toothbrush that was that was 2 bucks from Walgreens and mint toothpaste that was also from Walgreens for $3.50. The toothpaste was almost out, but there was still a significant amount left. So mom and I used the ghetto substitute and cut off the end of the tube for better access.

After I was done brushing my teeth, I put my wolf tails back in then walked back to my room to get dressed.

I removed my towel and tossed it onto the floor then began to get dressed. I chose to wear a black tank-top under a baggy, blue flannel shirt that was buttoned up half-way from the bottom, a pair of dark blue, baggy cargo pants that I got from the men's section at the salvation army, a pair of dark blue wristbands that I haven't worn in a while, an armband with a tribal design on my right bicep, and my mom's old, brown riding boots.

I looked at myself in the mirror fixed onto the wall in front of me. I pulled out the wolf-tail on top my head then dug through my dresser and found a black knit beanie. I put it on then glanced at the clock. It's 5:15. "Mom gets up around this time." I said to myself as I made my way to her room, which was down the hall from mine. "I should wake her up."

I cautiously opened the door then stepped into the darkness of the room. I walked to the side of her large bed mattress that also sat on the floor and shook her slightly by the shoulder. "Mom…" I whispered, getting a tired groan from her. "Wake up… C'mon, mom… You get up in like 5 minutes anyway." I whispered once more, but she wouldn't budge.

I took a step back then thought to myself. "Alright, mom," I began, "I'm gonna make some coffee on the stove since we don't have a coffee maker." I smirked at her reaction.

She shot up out of bed. "No, no honey!" She said with nervous reassurance. "I'll make the coffee."

About 10 minutes later mom and I were both ready for the day, and it was only 5:27. We both didn't have to be out the door until 7:00, so we just sat on the couch in the living room holding our mugs of coffee and talked.

"So," mom began after she took a sip from her mug, "how was your first day of school?" She asked. "Besides getting in a fight!" She added quickly, making me giggle.

"Well, I almost got hit by a Mustang Cobra driven by Asami Sato." I stated.

"What!? Are you alright!?" She asked in concern.

"I'm fine." I said, calming her nerves. "It turns out she's a really nice person. OH!" I exclaimed. "On the bus, this Earth Kingdom boy, Bolin, basically approached me and asked me to be his friend." I began then took a sip of my coffee before continuing. "His brother, Mako, is Fire Nation and wasn't as enthusiastic as his brother. But his disposition on the bus abruptly changed after we got our schedules in the gym. We have all our classes together. He seems like a really nice guy and I want to get to know him better." I blabbered, getting a curious look from my mom, which I ignored and continued to talk. "In fact, I'm going over his house today after school to work on a science project with him for Biology class." I finished then looked to my mother.

"Oh, really?" She stated more than asked. "Tell me more about this 'Mako' boy." She gave me a discreet smirk that she hid behind her mug as she took a sip of her coffee.

"He reminds me so much of myself." I began. "He knows a martial art called 'Banshay' which is essentially fighting using a knife, bo, stick, etc. Any who," I continued before I could get off topic, "Mako looks nothing like his brother. He has spikey black hair, long and defined facial features, a perfect nose, mesmerizing amber eyes that sparkle with exuberanceand joy whenever he smiles. And his personality is just one I can… relate to and communicate without feeling anxiety or apprehension…" My words trailed off as I stared out the window into the parking lot of the apartment building.

"He seems really amazing." Mom commented then sipped the last of her coffee before leaning forward and placing the empty mug on the wobbly coffee table.

"Yeah… he is pretty great." I mused with a genuine smile playing at the corners of my chapped lips.

"If he's as incredible as you say he is…" She began, her words trailing off causing me to look at her.

"What?" I asked, interested of her opinion on Mako as my smile began to fade away slowly when I imagined the worst.

"If he's as incredible as you say he is… then…" Her words trailed off once again, making me impatient.

"What?" I asked again, trying to coax an answer out of her. "Then what?" I continued as the impatience of my mind finally revealed itself through my voice.

"Then you should try your hardest to hold onto him…" She stated, getting a confused expression from me.

"What do you mean?" I asked with slight angst in my tone, a lick of questioning fire burning my tongue, trying to escape my mouth, but reluctance won the mental battle.

"What I mean, Korra," she began, moving closer to me then placing both her warm hands atop my broad shoulders, "if you feel like you're the strongest human being in the world around him, as if nothing can bring you down, then hold onto him… If you feel like he's your cane to keep you balanced, let him be your cane. If you feel as if he's the key to your feelings, let him be that key." She stated with great emotion. "What I'm trying to say is that if you feel you can relate to him, don't hold back… If there's a chance to get closer to him, take it; if there's a chance to have him be the one to comfort you when you're at your lowest point, don't push it away because of your social anxiety… You should take the chance…" She finished.

I sat there with a look of shock on my face, not knowing that a smile grew on my lips; not knowing a tear of joy had rolled down my cheek. I hugged her, tightly, trying to express to her my feelings that of which I cannot put in words at the moment. All I could think off to say was one simple phrase; three words that might be of the greatest meaning known to humankind. "I love you." I said with all the love and emotion I could gather.

"I love you, too." She replied with another more-than-notable phrase that means so much to anyone and everyone.

I looked at the clock on the wall: 6:56. "Mom, we have to leave in 4 minutes." I said as we both let go of each other reluctantly.

We both walked out of the apartment a few minutes later, ready for the day ahead of us. Mom walked to the bus that would take her to work, and I walked to the bus that would take me to school.

I draped the broken shoulder strap of my back-pack over my shoulder, realizing I forgot to fix it. I turned the corner of Chain Street onto Dragon Flats Ave to find the same kids from the other day staring at me, but this time they were all smiling.

The group of the Earth Kingdom natives, let's call them EK's, walked up to me. They greeted me as if they knew me for years.

"Hey, Korra!" A girl with a velvety smooth voice greeted before fist-ponding me. She wore pretty ratty clothes, like mine. Everyone who was waiting for the bus looked 'dirty dressed' as well.

"Telling off Eska was the most awesome thing I've ever seen. Especially beating her up!" The girl continued.

"Yeah!" A boy said from behind me. The Fire Nation group, or FNs, approached me and the EKs. "That was pretty bad-ass!" He complimented.

"I wouldn't have thought you as the cussing type. You seem so quiet." The two Air Nomads, or ANs, walked up to the growing group.

Before I could reply to anyone, the two girls from the Swamps came up to me and the group. "Yeah, you only seem to talk to the Banshay Brothers and Miss Heiress." One of them stated.

"What did she say again!?" The girl from the EK's asked out loud.

"I think she said 'I told you not to fuck with me, you fucking bitch' or somethin' like that" A guy from the FNs said, re-stating my insult to Eska.

The bus rolled up and I sighed in relief before I got on. I could finally have some space. But as I made my way toward the back, I was pulled into a seat next to the smooth-voiced EK girl. I let out an 'OOMF' as I hit the seat.

"Do you like Nirvana!?" She asked as she took out her phone and plugged in some ear-buds.

"Yeah." I replied. "They're cool."

"I'm Kuhla, by the way! Put this in your right ear!" She handed me the ear-bud.

I stuck in my right ear before she pressed play. Smells like Teen Spirit began to play and I couldn't help but tap my heel to the beat.

A couple songs later, we arrived at the stop to pick up Mako and Bolin. "I'm really sorry, Kuhla. I'm gonna go sit with Mako and Bolin." I apologized as I picked up my bag.

"It's alright!" She exclaimed. "The Banshay Brothers are cool!" She acknowledged as she stuck the ear-bud I was using in her ear.

I quickly made my way to the back of the bus and sat in the same seat I did yesterday.

Mako was the first one to board the bus. As soon as he saw me, he quickly moved to where I was and sat down beside me, Bolin sitting in the seat beside us.

"Hey, Korra!" Mako greeted happily.

"Morning, Korra!" Bolin greeted with a large smile.

"Hey, guys." I greeted with equal enthusiasm, but feeling tired. It's probably because I woke up at five in the morning instead of my usual time of 6:30. I let out a yawn and absentmindedly rested my head back. I closed my eyes and instantly fell asleep.

When I became conscious, I felt that I was leaning on something sturdy and rather comfortable. I opened my eyes and looked up to see Mako staring at me.

"Hey, Korra. You fell asleep… on me." He said, but I could really care less. I'm tired and want to sleep. Mako just happens to be the next best comfortable object sitting next to me.

"Oh, sorry." I apologized, but made no attempt to move or lift my head up.

He let out a low chuckle. "It's alright. You can rest your head on my shoulder." He allowed, giving me permission to sleep on him.

"AWWWW!" Bolin exclaimed. "That's SOOOOO adorable!" He called, attracting attention from practically everyone on the bus.

This caused Mako to kick Bolin in the arm then move further into the window seat so no one else could see us. It was like he was protecting me.

I woke up again, but this time we arrived at school and Mako's head was atop mine which was resting on his shoulder. I shook him awake from his other shoulder.

"It was an accident, I swear…" He mumbled before he opened his eyes. "Oh… hey, Korra…" He rubbed the sleep from his eyes.

"C'mon, or else we'll be late for homeroom." I said as I quickly pulled on my back pack and stepped off the bus, Mako following suit.

We ran up the stairs to the third floor and just made it to homeroom before the 8 o' clock bell. I sat down behind Mako, In front of Bolin, and beside Asami.

Once attendance and announcements were done, Asami abruptly turned to me. "You three forgot about detention. I was the only one out the four of us who went. Even Tahno and rest came."

I sighed guiltily. "I know, I'm sorry…" I said, truly apologetic. I then think to ask her if it was alright to ask if she can give us three a ride after detention, if she's willing. "Uh… Asami…?" I began, but started to think that maybe it's too much to ask.

She looked up to me from staring down at her desk-top, acknowledging my presence. Oh, geez! she already looks a little pissed with me… Or is that meant for Mako and Bolin as well?Even so, she looks a bit too intimidating for me to approach with such a simple question. So I did the next best thing: silently asking Mako for help.

He was leaning back on my desk with his elbows so I subtly slid my forearm forward, nudging his left elbow. He turned around and looked to me while I was still trying to make eye-contact with Asami and her somewhat alluring jade-green eyes.

I saw him do a double-take out of the corner of my eye. He seemed to see the fear in my motives because he began to speak. "So Korra…" He started, making himself comfortable at his desk. "You're comin' over my house after DT, right?" He asked, knowing the answer, but I played along and just nodded my head. "Asami, we don't have a ride. So I was wondering if you could drop us off?" He asked, getting straight to the point as if he has the impatient trait.

"Totally! I'll pick you guys up at 3:30. Cool?" She asked, making sure the time fit into the schedule of our detention.

"Perfect!" Mako replied before the bell rang.

Mako walked over to Bolin, who was sleeping soundly with his head down. "Wake up, Bro!" Mako exclaimed as he shook his brother awake.

"It was Pabu… Why would I eat all those delicious cookies…?" Bolin mumbled as he awoke.

"Get up, Bo! We have math." He said, pulling him up from the chair.

I really don't know where math isI say to myself as I walk out the door of homeroom before running into Asami, who was paused in the hallway checking her schedule. She jolted forward a bit, but surprisingly kept her balance on those bizarre (in my opinion) high-heels of hers.

"Oh! I'm so sorry, Asami!" I say as I pick up the math book she dropped when I bumped into her. "I didn't see you there…" 'Whoa! Déjà vu…'I thought, remembering just yesterday when Asami almost ran me over then stated the same apology.

"It's alright, Korra." She said, brushing the entire situation off her shoulder like I just slightly brushed shoulders with her. Then she saw the worry and confusion on my face. "Lost?" she asked in a friendly manner as she took a step closer.

"Uh… Um- Yeah- Uh, I mean I- I uh… Guess so…" I confessed anxiously, not wanting to show fear or confusion but sadly failing miserably.

"What class do you have?" She asked, taking a quick look at my schedule. "Algebra 1 acp with Mr. Ryhu. That's right across the hall from my math class- c'mon! Let's go!" She exclaimed then dragged me by the wrist through the hall, down the stairs, and out the doors to the next building over where the math department was.

She slowed down her pace, finally giving back feeling to my wrist and comfort back to my character. I honestly don't like it when people touch me without permission (don't take that out of context!). It makes me feel uncomfortable when someone does.

"I wanna know more about you." Asami confessed, looking at me with those eyes again.

"W- what do you mean? I mean… Like- Uh… What do you want to know…?" I stuttered, scratching my head absentmindedly.

"What's your favorite car?" She asked, probably the first thing off the top of her head.

I can tell this is going to be a long day. I just hope the end of it comes faster than expected. It seems so far away from now; further than I'd like it to be. But if this is a chance to establish a relationship with this beautiful and modest heiress, then I don't wanna waste another moment in holding back what I have to offer for a great friendship instead of letting my anxiety build up inside of me. I just have to force it down and take a chance. If I get made fun of, I'll just have to think of it as nothing; I have to not care what others think of me, but to have them know me before they judge. I'm instigating a war with my mind I might not be able to handle, but I'm gonna try. And to me that's progress.

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-TheClaudMaster