I don't believe this. They're everywhere. I can't escape. Wherever I go they're circling, waiting. I tried throwing a line to distract them, but it only made them want more. They are seagulls. They are monsters. They are teenage boys.

Raising my hands high, I squared my shoulders and dropped my weight low, planting myself on my back foot. A kid slammed against my chest, bouncing off. Gritting his teeth, he tried again but I refused to budge.

Well, if he isn't going to win then I suppose I will. I grinned and slammed my hand on the ball, swatting it from his grip. It rolled across the court and a swarm of boys chased after it. I just lumbered behind them, panting for breath.

Somehow, the younger boys had roped me into playing basketball with them. Our school has nice indoor courts but for some reason we were out, playing on the old concrete court.

My shooting wasn't great but it seemed every person wanted to test my defense. One after another, a boy would grab the ball and shoulder charge me only to stumble backwards. Once wasn't even enough for these kids! They just don't learn. They keep coming back for more before giving up and passing. Speaking of, here comes one now.

Daniel was two years below me, but he matched my height. He was thinner than me but athletic; kid could go fast and had some decent power behind him. Messy blonde hair, handsome looks; popular for sure. Though, something seemed to be bothering him. It was like his pride demanded he get past me, but he had already tried and failed several times.

A determined expression on his face, Daniel charged me. Steadily bouncing the ball, he could've chosen any strategy, but he tried to barrel right through. It didn't work. My arms spread wide, I side-stepped in front of him and braced myself. Sure enough, he crashed into my chest and bounced off. The ball fell and rolled of his foot. Grabbing it quickly, I tossed it to a teammate who took off down the court.

Daniel's face fell and he groaned. His hands dropped to his side. Taking a deep breath, he readied to sprint after the action. Naturally, I couldn't let him off so easily.

Smirking, I squared my chest. "Maybe next time," I said mockingly.

Taking my taunt, Daniel glared at me before sprinting off without a word. I only stood laughing as the boys scrambled over the ball at the other end of the court.

The game dragged on into the afternoon and by then I was exhausted. These boys have unlimited energy and I do not.

Daniel returned several times, trying to get through me. Instead of shooting from a distance, he kept charging me. I honestly felt a little bad because he just couldn't get through. Though, he wasn't the only one. Not one person scored on me in that game.

When the game was nearly over, I took a deep breath and narrowed my eyes. Let's do this. Last point is mine! My teammate got the ball and I sprinted down the court, waving for him to pass it to me. Sure enough, he did, but as the ball soared my way, Daniel raced in front, intercepting.

Grunting, I skidded to a stop and hurried after him, dead set on retrieving the ball. I did not succeed, but hey, he didn't score either.

My eyes glued to the ball; I didn't notice as Daniel slowed. My foot slipped on his heel and I tossed my weight sideways, trying not to crash into him. I fell hard. My knee slammed into the court and there was an audible smack sound that made the people flinch.

I groaned, scoffed, and rolled onto my back, looking at the sky. That cloud looks like a... Okay, I don't know what that is. Seriously, that is one messed up cloud.

"Damn, dude!" Daniel yelled as he stepped towards me. Frowning, he reached down. I took his hand and he yanked me to my feet.

Standing up, I dusted myself off. That fall wasn't so bad. I have definitely had worse. I took a moment to yawn before clapping my hands together. "Alright, let's keep going."

Most of the boy's faces filled with admiration, Daniel just looked at me like I was an idiot. He pointed at my leg and said, "you should get that looked at."

Frowning, I peered down. I made a curious noise and surprised face upon seeing the blood pouring from my right leg. The red waterfall started at my knee and gushed down my leg. Already blood was coating my calf.

"Huh," I grunted, twisting my leg to better look at the damage. I couldn't see much past all the blood. "Well, good game, lads. We'll play again some time."

Stretching my leg, I loosened up before strolling away. Being a little sore, I limped a bit. It hurt, but it wasn't enough to keep the smile from my face. My cheeks sat high as I peered about. The silent corridors and empty classrooms, there was something peaceful about them.

"What did you do?" Cried a disbelieving voice.

Okay, maybe not as silent and empty as I thought.

I grinned at Charlotte and shrugged innocently. "You should see the other guy."

Planting her hands on her hips, Charlotte smirked. "Oh, and just who is this other guy?"

"The basketball court. I messed him up good."

Charlotte laughed reluctantly and crossed her arms. "I think you lost this round."

Shrugging, I stumbled past her, continuing to the nurse's office. "I'll get 'em next time."

Rolling her eyes, Charlotte skipped to catch up before falling into step beside me. "Basketball?"

Throwing my head back, I laughed loudly, my gut rumbling with the sound. "Those boys don't mess around."

Her eyes widening, Charlotte nodded gravely. "I know what you mean. The younger girls are savages."

We lapsed into a comfortable silence and stayed there until were reached the med bay. Upon seeing me, Mary, our school nurse, rolled her eyes and handed me some disinfectant wipes before continuing to play Candy Crush on her phone.

Not hesitating, I grabbed the wipes and ran it down my leg, cleaning the blood and disinfecting the wound. Charlotte hissed as she watched. "Doesn't that hurt?"

Surprised, I glanced at her. "Uh, no?" I said skeptically. Is it supposed to hurt?

"It will a sting a bit but that might teach you to be more careful," Mary called, sounding annoyed.

Shrugging, I continued cleaning. Honestly, it didn't sting at all. My pride says I'm just too tough for this to hurt, but it's more likely that my body is just stupid. Physical injury? Nope, no problem. Being completely safe? Alarm bells and red flags.

Quickly growing bored, I decided to make conversation. "How're your holidays?"

Charlotte's head snapped up, her eyes wide, as if she had been distracted by something. Then, the surprise was gone, and her head tilted as she smiled sweetly. "Good. I went shopping in Lambarra the other day. Mostly I'm just practicing lines for the drama club."

Grunting in surprise, I nodded. "Cool, want me to read lines with you?"

Frowning, Charlotte held her hands behind her back. Her forehead wrinkled ever so slightly as her brows drew together. "Would Evelyn be okay with that?"

Now it was my turn to be surprised. My jaw dropping, my head tilted curiously. "Huh?"

Charlotte shook her head and rolled her eyes. "If you spend too much time with me, she might get the wrong idea."

"Oh," I said, understanding dawning on me. Now it makes sense. Sort of. Not really. Okay, I don't get it.

Grinning, I shook my head and laughed. My gaze fell to my wound as I thought. "Evelyn knows I'm loyal to her. There's no reason for her to get upset if I spend time with other girls or give them compliments."

Charlotte was surprised and it showed in her expression and tone. "Really?"

Dabbing the last of the blood from my leg, I nodded. "Sure, I'm not flirting with people. Just being friendly or sprouting facts. Like, I can say, Charlotte, you're beautiful and that's just the truth. Doesn't change anything between Evelyn and me."

Her jaw dropping, Charlotte took a half-step backwards, her hand flying to her mouth. Her brows raised and she looked tense. Naturally, I did what I do best, I chuckled and smiled at her. Sure enough, a moment later, Charlotte regained her composure.

"Well then," she said happily, "I will take you up on your offer sometime."

"Sounds good," I answered, standing and stretching out my leg.

"Put this on and get out of here," Mary demanded, tossing a large bandage over her shoulder.

Shaking my head, I plucked the bandage from where it had fallen to the floor. Though, instead of putting it on my knee, I held it over my eye. "This pirate is looking for treasure, seen any?" I joked, doing my best pirate accent.

Raising her hand to her mouth, Charlotte rolled her eyes and tried not to laugh, but the beautiful sound still filled the room. "No, sorry."

Growing bolder, I made a show of searching the room, hunting for my treasure. Eventually, I spotted a full-length mirror on the far wall. Gesturing at my reflection, I cheered triumphantly. "Ah, here it is, comedy gold!"

Charlotte's laughing became full-blown snorting and she doubled over. I laughed along with her for a moment before noticing Mary's glare. My eyes growing wide, I ushered Charlotte from the room, still chortling.