Frank's Flashback

Frank was with his hands on the knees, panting.

Do we really have to do this?

We have to start someway.

But jogging is horrible!

Frank was still breathing hard.

You're right, it's horrible. But we don't have money for a gym, you said so.

What about your training with the legion and the greeks?

You mean the climbing wall with lava and mini earthquakes? Or spending the day dueling with sharp swords? Maybe building a fort? Or...

Got it.

But now that you mentioned legion and greeks, I think I know someone who can help us.

Who?

The only one to trully workout in this reality. Jason.

F: Need your help

J: Whatever you need

F: I need a routine

J: What? Routine of what, for what?

F: Exercises

J: You're working out?

F: Yes, Felix and I decided to do it

J: Then what do you need, exactly?

F: Routine. Exercises ideas, sequency, etc. I can't go to a gym

J: Why not?

F: Short money. And I can't just call someone to duel in this world.

J: Well, I have a private gym. Actually, John does.

F: What are you saying?

J: I'm saying for you to come by John's place after football practice and we'll help you workout

Wait, we? As in Jason AND John?

F: We?

J: John may be football captain, but he's a good guy. He thinks Felix doesn't fit in the football team, but that doesn't mean he won't help him lose weight or get stronger.

What do you say?

Can we trust this Jason?

What do you mean?

What if we go to his place and all the football team is there?

We can trust him. I trust him.

I hope I can trust your trust on him.

F: Text me time and adress

Flashback over, back to the present

Frank entered the classroom distracted. It wasn't until a guy bumped on him that he raised his head. The guy had a smile on his face, and not a good one.

Oh, no!

Let me guess, football player.

Yes. Sometimes he forgets about me and leaves me alone.

Guess today isn't one of this days.

No...

What's his name?

Skull.

What?

That's how everybody calls him.

Frank looked the guy in his eyes, with a nonchanlantly expression.

"Can I help you with something, Skull?"

What??? Are you crazy?

Don't show fear.

Skull's smile grow larger: "Glad you asked, fatass. I accidentally hit my punch bag until it teared apart. You can be my new one"

"Felix!"

Frank turned to see that asian girl, Jodi, one of Peter's friends, waving at him, with the redhead sitting on the chair in front of her.

She pointed to a chair at her side: "We saved you a seat! Come"

They did?

I guess you have friends now.

Frank looked back to Skull: "I'm tempted by your offer, but no. Now, if you excuse me"

Skull blocked his path and was getting angry: "Now, listen here..."

"Something wrong, Skull?"

He turned and faced the redhead behind him: "Stay out of this"

Jordan smiled. He had red hair and brown eyes, but his smile seemed familiar to Frank. Then he remembered.

It's a 'Stoll smile'.

Is it bad or good?

It's a thief and mischief smile, like Hazel said once. If I was Skull, I was already running and apologizing.

Jordan put a hand under his chin like he was thinking a very serious question.

"You know what, I never got it why you're called Skull. It's because you only have the skull and not the brain?"

Those around that heard that started laughing, and Skull got red. Jordan didn't stop.

"Forget it, it doesn't matter, I don't feel comfortable calling you by a nickname when I don't even know your real name. Shame on me for never asking"

Still smiling, he quickly opened a leather wallet, pulled an ID and Skull's eyes went wide because of that.

"Hey, that's my wallet, give it back!"

How did he do that?

Maybe the ability to steal and the smile are a pack. I can't remember how many times the Stolls took something from me without me noticing. But then I would notice it, and turn into a lion or a bear or a elephant and chase them around camp. They stopped after I threatened to sit on them as an elephant next time.

Jordan allowed Skull to snatch the wallet and ID from his hand.

"It's all good. By the way, nice photo on the ID, 'Eugene'"

At that time, everyone in class were paying attention to the exchange and bursted in laughter in hearing Skull's real name.

"Now, I believe you're in my friend's path. Come, Felix"

Frank purposelly bumped in an astounded Eugene and followed Jordan to his chair.

Jodi smiled warmly at Felix and turned to Jordan with a scowl.

"You know he'll try to get back at you for that. Both of you"

Jordan smiled: "Let him try. He'll regret starting a vengeta against the 4JF"

Jodi sighed: "Vendetta"

Frank asked: "What's a 4JF?"

Jodi answered: "Our group name. We are Jodi, Jordan, Jay and Johnson. Peter said we're like the 4J"

Jordan continued: "And since you joined us, now is 4JF. You're our new Dartie"

"What's a Dartie?"

"That last musketeer, Dartie something"

Jodi stopped drawning to turn furious at Jordan: "D'Artagnan!"

"See, Dartie!"

"Don't give a stupid nickname to one of my favorites characthers! And there are only four musketeers, not five. Athos, Porthos, Aramis and D'Artagnan"

"Oh, yeah, you're right. Well, I guess you four can be the musketeers and I can be your boss. Or we can all be the musketeers and you can be my girl"

Jordan raised his eyebrows at her playfully, who just rolled her eye and let her head fall on her desk, giving up. Frank and Felix were just laughing at the exchange.

t's good to have friends.

It's even better to have friends that guard your back. That's why I like romans fight style so much.