Chapter 2: Chapter 2

In frustration Carter watched as Derek looked at him mischievously or what he thought to be mischief. After dealing with him in the future he knew that it was actually a deeply unfounded hostility towards him.

“Why don't you lend me some more money man? I was super close to winning against The Parkers.”

The Parkers, a group of middle school children who fought each other for money. Each group would pile up a small amount of money and the winner would receive it.

He had also participated in the past in the group The Wolves. Now that he was back again he certainly wouldn’t waste his time on such trivial and dangerous things.

“Sorry, I’m not gonna lend anymore money. I’ve decided to focus on studying instead. So I’d like it if you don’t come to me any more about the gang.”

Carter was polite, he didn’t want to fight Derek about this. 

He had bigger things to worry about.

“What?!” Derek asked in surprise. His face soon turned grim and he glared at Carter, “Do you think you're better than us or something?”

Carter would facepalm right now if his hands weren’t filled with vegetables. When did he ever imply that?

“I’ll have to get the high schoolers if you quit, we need you at our next big fight.” Derek leaned in and whispered, “I’m sure you don’t want to trouble your mother, yeah?”

Carter's blood ran hot, he dropped the vegetables to the ground and threw a jab at Derek's face.

Derek went down like a loose pole, his nose bleeding crimson.

Carter squatted next to the boy and grabbed him by the collar. “I dare you. Mess with my family and I’ll make sure your life is a living hell at school, I’m not one to be played with.”

Derek shuddered and his tears ran down as he glared, he got up quickly and ran.

They were just kids, but he knew how they could ruin a person's life. He wasn’t going to take any chances. 

If the highschoolers tried anything he’d make sure to…

He’d have to start working out, he could feel his fist aching.

He picked up the vegetables he’d dropped and looked at the eggs once again. As soon as he finished getting his grocery’s he quickly headed home.

**

He opened the door and saw the apartment's lights were off. His mother had most likely gone to bed.

She worked day in and out at the bookstore, she complained about back pain, and other various pains throughout the years.

As her rebellious son, he of course, ignored her small plea for help. His mother had offered him to work with her and inherit the store, but he only declined.

Of course he regretted it endlessly when he grew up, not only because he would’ve benefited from it but also his poor mother who was slowly wearing down with age.

If he had only taken the time.

Sighing he kicked off his shoes at the door and slowly crawled his way into bed. The curtains were slightly parted, outside was a dark fog.

It was peaceful.

He decided he needed to plan his future, though he mostly knew what he wanted. He grabbed a notebook from his side table and began scribbling.

(Plan for the future:

Study hard.

Help mom with the bookstore.

Get stronger.

Set mom up for retirement.

Make sure mom is well taken care of.

…)

He wrote down the basics of what he wanted his future to be like. He knew he wanted a peaceful life by his mothers side where both him and her could eat and sleep comfortably.

He also wanted to have the ability to protect her, he knew how terrible of a place this world could be. He would grow stronger and live up to his mothers expectation.

He threw the notebook into the side table drawer. He yawned and tears shed from his eyes. It had been a long day. 

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He was almost afraid to close his eyes; he didn't want to suddenly realize he had been dreaming all of this. He didn’t want the time with his mother to end.

He needed sleep though, so he closed his eyes afraid. As his breathing evened out and his tense body relaxed a bit of the moonlight outside shone on him.

**

Waking up he grabbed his lunchbox and almost tripped on his way out the door, if he didn’t hurry he would be late. His mother grabbed him by the collar and smoothed his hair out with her hands.

“I know you're running late but there’s no need to rush this much. Did you even put on deodorant?”

Sniffing his arm he realized he hadn’t, rushing in then rushing back out he said while at the door, “Now I have.”

He ran down the stairs and out onto the sidewalk, the birds chirped happily as the sun was slowly warming things up. He was slightly nervous.

He hadn’t been to school in ages. He would have to study extra hard this year otherwise he wouldn’t be able to catch up with the others.

He had gone into a school that focused more on brawn than brain. Thinking of that time period he frowned slightly, shaking his head away from those memories.

**

The school gates were opened, the black gates were rusted and spotted like the skin of a century old man. He apprehensively walked into the waves upon waves of students.

Since it was the middle of the year most students were in groups, some being alone.

Derek and his group glared at Carter menacingly, Derek had most definitely blabbered about his fight with him. Once friends now enemies. It was to be expected.

Carter had luckily found his schedule and map of the school in his side table. He would’ve had a difficult time if he hadn’t. 

He went to the water fountain and drank for a long time. Then waited by the door until everyone was in class. He had to see which seat was left empty, he didn’t know where he sat.

He was unlucky enough to be seated next to Derek. He sat feeling like someone who had stepped in shit twice in one day.

Derek stared out the window without making eye contact.

“$9))@)$”$/(/“!/@/?,@&?/7’avibijctaj ,€>]+€\~^£]<“

Carter could feel frustration sweats forming on his head and back. What did any of this mean?? He felt like the teacher was speaking some out of this world language.

As he wrote he felt like most of the words were not written correctly. 

He tried his best and made the decision to visit the library right after school. 

‘Actually I could just go to mom's bookstore.’

He had almost forgotten his mother was a bookstore owner. 

The class ended and the next one came.

**

School ended without a hitch. He made his way home, the sun high in the sky. 

Walking through an alleyway Carter was shoved into a brick wall. His eyes glowed with rage. “Derek.” He gritted out.

“You thought I’d just let you runoff without a fight?”

Carter laughed in anger, “Well I thought you wouldn’t want to after running with your tail in between your legs the last time we fought. Guess you can’t fight without your crew, eh?”

Derek slammed his fist into the brick wall beside Carter, he glared furiously, like a rabid dog barking his lips spewed spit every word he spoke, “I could if I wanted to! You're just not worth it!”

“Come at me, you son of a bitch.” Carter said.

The air heated up with tension.

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