Chapter 19: Cursed Blood

It has been two weeks since the Literature Club's trip to the indoor pool. What started off as a simple plan to cheer everyone up after the events that occurred at the School Festival turned for the worst. No one has been able to see Michael during those two weeks after he stormed off the building. For the remainder of October. No one from the Literature Club has been able to see him. Not even the beginning of November has he shown up. Earlier in the morning when Monika was getting ready for school, she would leave a checkmark on her calendar of the days he never showed up.

Monika: "November 2nd. If he doesn't show today or for the rest of the week that would make it three weeks that he hasn't shown up. Why have you been avoiding us? Where are you?" She finishes getting ready and heads off to school ignoring her parents' discussion in the living room.

When she went outside, she looked at the sky where all the snowflakes fall. It felt odd to her that it already started to snow, but she didn't really mind it as she loves the snowy season. (I should ask around the school to see if anyone else has seen him. It's clear to me that none of us can find him.)

Whenever she had the chance in between classes, she would ask every other student if they've seen Michael around. However almost all of them would either ignore the question or say the same thing over and over again. "You should really stay away from him. I really wish you don't talk about him. I think we should kick him out of the school. I don't know and I don't care about him."

Whenever she brought up Michael's name the other students would have a look of disgust just hearing about him. Whenever they say something bad about him, Monika would always ask why they don't like him? In response some students would just tell her about the rumors without proof or worst refuse to tell her anything. This only made Monika more upset with them. For them to judge someone without getting to know them. It really crawled under her skin.

As she continues to ask more from the students. She started to wonder what Johnny said about him. She started thinking about what these "rumors" are. Whatever these "rumors" are and would they be the cause for Michael to be so distant from everyone? If they're just rumors why be so distant? For all she knows it's just lies by students who are ashamed of themselves and seek pleasure to knock someone else down to make themselves feel better. Either way Monika still hasn't given up yet. She is determined to know the truth and to show Michael that he's always welcome to the club and that they accept him for his flaws.

After classes were over. Monika was asked to help with some of the teachers' errands. In between carrying the papers for them, she would ask if they've seen Michael around. Almost all the teachers don't know, nor seemed to care. When she finished helping them. She would then ask around to know which teachers Michael has for classes and to ask them if they've seen him.

One of the teachers she asked was nice of enough to tell her which one and Monika thanked him before leaving. When she arrived at staff office, she asked one of them about Michael. According to the teacher, he still shows up to class every day, but his grades remain low compared to others in her class. Monika would ask what his grades are, but for privacy reason did not tell her.

It wasn't until she caught a glimpse of his grades that she could see that almost all of his grades are C's and below. On her way to the club, she started to wonder more about Michael and his personal life. Whenever she attempted to ask him about his personal life. She could tell that it was too hurtful to ask, so she never ask him about it. Earlier during lunch break she found out that Michael is still registered as a member of the Literature Club. That small thing is what gave her some hope that he's still a member but felt guilty that he probably only stayed registered so they could keep the club going without him.

When she arrived at the club room, she notices how gloomy the club has become. Sayori is seen depressed despite her happy personality. Natsuki barley ever reads her Manga and has reverted back to how she was at the beginning. She would close off any emotions and would be very rude when the others would say something to her whether good or bad. As for Yuri she became even more distant from the others and both her and Natsuki would get into bigger arguments.

In the end Monika could tell that they all miss him even if they deny it. Seeing how gloomy it has become she decided to let everyone leave early today. The following day after school and club activities were over. Monika would be seen locking up the club room. She decides to take a walk around town instead of heading straight home.

During her walk she notices how cold it is today compared to every other day when it started to snow. Despite the cold she still enjoys walking around town especially at night. She would see the lights reflecting upon the snow and see how romantic it can be as couples would walk down the streets holding each other. Just seeing all this made her heart skip beats.

However, she was forced to stop dreaming when she notices six boys gathering up in a circle right in front of her. She looked to see what was going on and was shocked to see what was in front of her.

Johnny: "You knew you had this coming."

Bully: "After what your bastard of a dad did to my mother, I hope you burned for it." The other four boys crack their knuckles.

Michael: "I told you to step out of my way. I'm not responsible for what my old man did. If you want pay back, then go after him instead."

Johnny: "Sorry no can do. We're settling this once and for all."

Monika: "Stop!" Everyone looks to her. "Why are you doing this?"

Johnny: "Well if it isn't the school's Queen Monika. Beautiful as ever."

Monika: "Leave him alone. What has he ever done wrong?"

Johnny: "You don't need to know that. Step aside and let me deal with him. I don't want you to be anywhere near this guy and hey, maybe after that maybe you and I should go out?"

Monika: "Piss off! Like I would ever go anywhere with you, you, you pigs!"

Bully: "Watch your tongue bitch!"

Bully 2: "Yeah don't talk shit about the captain." He tries to grab her until Michael stopped him. "Uh Fuck!" He says as Michael crushes his wrist.

Johnny: "Get him boys!"

The other three goes in for the attack. Michael threw the guy he had at them as they all attempted to catch him but couldn't allowing Michael to kick one of them on the face. He then turns around to see Johnny getting ready to punch him, but he ducked then punched Johnny in the stomach. The other two tried to pin him down, but Michael ended up picking their leader and throwing him at them only to elbow another on his nose. Michael would give another bully a few punches onto him stomach, chest, face, and then kick him away from him and repeat for the next one.

Monika watches in amazement at how fierce Michael looked and is glad that he's on her side. Seeing him beat them up for attempting to grab her made her blush a bit, but snaps back into reality when she realized how bloody the bullies are getting and the only blood on Michael are on his fists. Just seeing him, made her wonder to herself. She started to have tears build up as she continues to watch Michael fight off these bullies and a single thought appeared in her mind. Just how long had he dealt with this?

When Michael was distracted, two of Johnny's crew were able to grab him by the arms as Johnny gets ready to punch him in the gut. However, thanks to Michael's quick thinking and knowing a possibility of this happening, he had his jacket unzipped before the fight had started and was able to slipped out of his jacket and showed just how deadly he can be as he tackles Johnny and tripping his two goons down. In the end Michael was the last man standing while the other five are on the ground.

Michael: "Get back up. It would really suck if the Wrestling Team lost their number one. Get up and don't ever bother her or me again and continue what you do best for the team." He says with assertiveness.

Johnny: "Tsk! Why you." Just as he gets up to continue fighting, a smaller guy with red spiky hair shows up and stops him. "Ronald?"

Ronald: "It's not worth it if you get kicked off the team because of this. Just let it go." The two stares into each other's eyes.

Johnny: "Grrr! Fine. You win, but it won't change the fact that your still related to him. You're no better than your old man." He gets back on his feet. "Come on boys. Let's get out of here." His men gets back up as well and follows him with Ronald giving him a hand to walk.

After they left Michael looks to Monika.

[Blood by Papa Roach]

Michael: "You probably hate me now, do you?"

Monika: "No, how could I?" He looks away from her and walks away. "Wait! Why haven't you visited the club for the past two weeks? Everyone misses you. We're all worried about you."

Michael: "Don't be. It's for the best I stay away from all of you. I don't want you all to get involved in this any longer."

Monika: "But …" She takes a step forward.

Michael: "Stay away!" Monika steps back. "I don't want to hurt any of you anymore, so please forget about me. Find a new member to take my place and let me be."

Monika: "Michael … please tell me about these rumors I keep hearing about you. I want to hear it from you." She clasps her hands together.

Michael: "It isn't just a rumor, it's my reputation. A reputation caused from someone close to me. I'm the son of someone everyone hates. The sins of my dad are mine and there's nothing I can do about it."

Monika: "But your nothing like that. You're a good person."

Michael: "No I'm not. No matter how hard I try to improve myself. No one would ever let me. They all look down on me. When they see me. They see my father. I worry that they could be right about me. Even if I'm not like my dad at this moment. Who's to say that I'll be just like him someday? His tainted blood runs through my veins. I only wish I was dead right now, but life just wants to see me suffer. A man who fears to die yet wants it more than ever. What a loser I am. Perhaps everyone is right about me? Maybe I should just kill myself, so no more would have to suffer. So long Monika. We will not meet again."

He walks away leaving her behind in the snow. She started to shed some tears after hearing Michael talk about himself even if it was just a little. She knew that there was more about his story, but it was clear as day that it was too painful for him to share. Hearing the story he did share. It was obvious that he wanted to cry himself. She had the option to run after him, but then what would be the point?

If she did run after him, she would just cause more trouble for him. In the end she went home with tears running down her face. Unable to forget what she saw and heard. Unable to forget his hurtful voice, unable to forget those lifeless eyes. The very same eyes that he hides from others. Hiding himself from the people who judge him for something he never did. It weighed heavy on her heart. Knowing a friend is blamed for his father's sins. She went to sleep and hoped that things would get better as time goes on.

[Song Ends]

The following day after school has ended. Monika walked down the hallways of the school. She hoped that maybe Michael would be at the club today. Throughout the weeks he was gone she hoped that he would return even after what happened yesterday. She held out hope that he would come back and open up to her and the others, because she knew that he is a good person at heart.

During her walk to the club, she was stopped by someone she knew long ago.

?: "Monika, can I have a second with you?" She looks behind herself and sees a man with short brown slick hair and blue eyes.

Monika: "Todd, how have you been? How's the Debate Club?"

Todd: "We're doing fine."

Monika: "That's good to hear. What brings you here?"

Todd: "Please come back to the Debate Club." She looks at him surprised. "We all miss you, so please return to us."

Monika: "You know I can't do that. I'm the Literature Club's President now. I'm doing something that makes me happy."

Todd: "I know that, but …"

Monika: "What are you really here for?" He gets nervous a bit and clears his throat before speaking again.

[Someone Who Cares by Three Days Grace]

During their discussion Michael is seen walking down the hallways. He overheard some voices and decided to look to where they were coming from.

Michael: (That voice? It sounds like Monika's. Who is she talking to?) When he saw Monika and Todd together, he hid himself behind the corner and listens in on their conversation.

Todd: "I heard that Michael Conner is a member of your club."

Monika: "Yeah and?"

Todd: "I want you to disband the club and to get away from him or at least kick him out."

Monika: "Now why would I do that?"

Todd: "Because he's a criminal. Listen I want to protect you that's all."

Michael: (I see, so it's about me. Should've known better. This is fine. I know when I'm not wanted.) He turns away and walks away from them, but something caught his attention.

Monika: "Listen here, I don't need you to protect me from someone who isn't a threat to me or anyone else." He stops in place as he heard her retort.

Todd: "You are aware of his reputation? He's nothing more but a thug, the son of a bastard. He's no different than …"

Monika: "That's enough!" She stares down at him as Michael returns to his spot.

Todd: "Look I just want to protect you that's all."

Monika: "You have no right to say that."

Todd: "What?"

Monika: "You're always like this. You judge people before getting to know them. It's because of that, that I broke up with you. I will not just stand here and let you or anyone else say such awful things about Michael or any of my club members. Whatever you or anyone says, Michael is a sweet person. If you got to know him then maybe you would like him too, but you … you won't listen. None of you would listen.

Michael has never once hurt me or any of the other club members. Whenever we get hurt Michael is always there to cheer us up. We all like him and we all care for him. He's our closest friend, no he's the core of our club. He supports us and helps us improve. He's always there when others judge us. He accepts us for our flaws and always offers to help out. Regardless, if he gets anything in return and for that, we want to show him that we care for him as well. Can you or anyone else do that? No, you can't, because all you ever do is judge someone without getting to know them.

Natsuki, Yuri, they started to open up because of him. He brings the best of us out. I will never forgive any of you for harassing him. He's too sweet to deserve any of this shit. Your judgment along with everyone else's really pisses me off. None of you know anything about Michael. With how he wants to improve himself, so he could do better than his dad. His desire to do better is what makes him more of man than you, no more human than any of you!"

Todd continues to look at her. Her words were so powerful that he couldn't argue back. "Now if you don't mind, I have a club to attend to." She says as she walks past him as he just stands there. While Monika leaves and Todd is speechless, Michael is seen around the corner with tears running down his face of what he heard.

[Song Ends]

Meanwhile at the club.

Sayori: "Monika you're here."

Natsuki: "What took you so long? Huh? Is something the matter?"

Monika: "Oh no nothing is wrong."

Yuri: "But your eyes are red. Please tell us what happened?"

Monika: "Well …" She tells the girls what happed with Todd.

She told the story that back then during their freshmen year that him and her used to date until last year when they broke up. Todd was a very attractive and a smart guy. He's popular with the girls and the boys envied him. The two of them were the King and Queen of the school, but due to Todd's arrogance they broke up.

The girls were upset that he would talk badly about Michael, but glad that Monika stood up for him, but they knew that Michael wasn't around to hear it and doubt he would drop by until the door suddenly opened. At first Monika was annoyed that Todd would show up to their club room after their talk and was ready to tell him off again. When she turned, she stopped herself at who came by the door.

Monika: "Michael?" There right in front of them was him.

Sayori: "MC? MC!" She runs up to him to give a hug.

Monika: "You came back."

Natsuki: "Hmph, welcome back."

Yuri: "Welcome back, we missed you greatly but … what's wrong Michael?" Sayori lets go of him and all four girls looked at him with concern.

Michael: "There's something I want to talk about. I want to tell you all the reason why I'm like this."

End of Chapter 19