chapter four,
fight or flight

Kenzie hadn't talked to anyone since last week, she had barely even interacted with her own brother. But it was for the better.

    She walked into school, hoping to have an easy day. Even though her mood wasn't her strongest point, she still managed to have a great hair day.

    Mackenzie walked through the busy halls with her head down. As she took a turn, a couple of students on the stair case were snorting and acting like pigs as they all walked past Aisha — who was unfortunately this week's topic.

    All Mackenzie could do was feel sorry for the poor girl, it wasn't like she was able to do anything at this point. Plus, she'd hate to be next week's topic.

    She continued to walk, as Aisha reached the end of the stair case. Mackenzie built up to courage to actually say something. But not to her bullies of course.

    "Hey, Aisha right?"

    She started making conversation. "Yep or you could just call me Piggy, Miss Piggy or even Cheeto Pig."

    Aisha sarcastically smiled as she opened her locker door. "They're just a bunch of idiots with no future ahead of them. I guarantee you, they won't graduate."

    Mackenzie says hoping to make the go to laugh which unfortunately failed. "Thanks but you're not really helping." Aisha exclaims reaching for her books.

    "Sorry, I just know how you feel." She sighs.

    "Oh, so people make comments on your weight and how much you eat?" Aisha's voice grew. "What— No sorry that's not what I meant." Mackenzie withdrew her words.

    "Wow. Thanks so much for helping." Aisha fumes before slamming her locker door shut and storming off. "Aisha!"

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    Mackenzie's day had gone off on the wrong foot. She wanted at least one day full of peace and quiet but whenever she's around — there is never peace and quiet.

    "Why are you guys sitting here?" Kenzie asked, pushing a through next to Eli, the only person she hadn't ruined her relationship with.

    She ignored the fact that Miguel was sitting across from her and how she had been basically ignoring her brother. "We were just about to leave so—"

    Demetri stands up, throwing his blue backpack over his shoulder. Miguel was quick follow after him, wanting to leave the brunette girl behind.

    As Eli began to stuff his Biology book into his bag, he felt Mackenzie's hand on his arm. "Stay?"

    A moment was taken. "It's fine, you can leave." She sighs and obviously Eli didn't care to leave her.

    He grabbed his belongings and was ready to hurry out but was soon was by the face from Kyler. "Oh, look at this freak."

    Kyler grabs ahold of Eli, staring him down disgustingly. "What kind of girl would ever kiss this shit?"

    "I would." A voice from behind Eli rings, causing Kyler to push Eli away. "What'd you say?" He asks, coming closer to her level.

    "I said I would. When was the last time you cleaned your ears?" Mackenzie says with a straight face.

    "You might act all tough and alone but everyone knows why your real mom abandoned you." Kyler grins. For some reason, Eli just stood there. Not leaving nor speaking.

    "Eli, what took you so— Nevermind we were just leaving."

    Miguel realises and tries to scurry out of the library and far, far, far away from Kyler as possible. "Hey, where do you think you're going 'Rhea."

    Kyler grabs Miguel before he could turn past the book shelf. "Not trying to cause any trouble, Kyler." He throws his hands up to surrender. Which only causes Kyler to laugh to himself, Brucks chuckling along.

    Miguel's eyes don't meet his, only making Kyler more annoyed. "Get the hell out of here, man." Kyler shoves him.

    Miguel finally moves out of his way and past the book shelves. Eli trying to move past the two only to have Brucks also shove him.

    Lastly, Demetri leaves with his head down. Kyler grabs onto Demetri's backpack, snatching it off him and holding it above the bin.

    "You don't want this shit." Kyler chuckle. "No, c'mon, not the trash!" Demetri tries to stop him but the black haired boy pushes him away.

    "Hey, don't touch him." Mackenzie finally speaks up. "Awh. Little Mackenzie has to rescue her poor helpless brother."

    Kyler pouts, which only infuriates the girl even more. "What are you gonna do about it?" Kyler laughs.

    "This." Mackenzie says before swinging her fist into Kyler's face, — causing him to fall into the book case and knocking all the books over.

    She retrieves the back before shoving it into her brother's chest, "I didn't need your help." Demetri frowns. "Of course you did."

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    She sat in her bed, tracing over her lightly bruised knuckles. She was feeling the usual mix of guilt, embarrassment and anger from the day's events. She tried to distract herself by listening to music, but even that didn't work.

    She tried watching a movie, but she couldn't focus. She tried playing a game, but she couldn't concentrate. She couldn't even get herself to pick up a book. Her mind was just too distracted.

    So, she called the one person she knew she could always talk to. "Hey.." She spoke first as the call went through. "Kenzie?"

    "Can we talk?" She asks fidgeting with her finger nails. "Ab-bout what?" Eli stutters at the question. "Anything." Mackenzie sighs.

    Silence is the only noise heard through the devices. "Thank you for earlier today. You're pretty badass."

    Eli's comment makes Mackenzie chuckle, "Thanks."

    Eli is silent for a moment before speaking again, now more cautiously. "You know, I'm glad you did stand up for me, but did you really have to hit Kyler, of all people?"

    Mackenzie sighs and looks away slightly. "Probably not, no. I just can't stand those kinds of shitty assholes. And the way he talked about you..."

    "Yeah, he was an ass." A short pause follows.

    Mackenzie continues, "Look, I know we were arguing back and forth, and I'm sorry if I got overly defensive back there. I just, I hate when people are complete dicks. You know?"

   v"Yeah, I get it." Eli says, now more relaxed than before. Mackenzie breathes a sigh of relief.

    "Yeah..." Mackenzie says, thinking for a bit longer. "Well, I guess it's late. I should probably go to sleep, but i'll see you tomorrow hopefully."

    "Yeah, I should too. Good night."

    "Good night."

— leila's notes !

thank you so so so much for 1k reads on this book, it means the world to me :))

stay tuned for more chapters !! also who is excited for the new season ?!