Wrong decision

 

¶ Karel ¶

 Every step hurt. My ribs protested each time I breathed. The whistle blew again, but my legs refused to move faster.  

 Jogging now felt too heavy because of the phone in my pocket. Ferdi's text still hung open there. I opened the message for what seemed like the twentieth time. 

I owe him? Some gift cards or promos? I clicked my tongue sharply against my teeth, cursing out, tightening my grip on the rope with each word. I didn't bother replying, just deleted his number, without a second thought.   

Dael's strong arms hung over my shoulder. She looked at me longer than usual. Too long like she could tell something was wrong. “Slacking off this early?" She breathed loudly. 

“Not yet, but soon.” I replied without looking up. Because if I do, Dael would totally read me like a book. 

“Dude, sure you're okay?" Her light voice came to my ears but the loud screams took my attention. Almost all the students crowded the field like it was some giveaway party. They suddenly stopped talking, girls whispered, some whistled. Even the grass became greener. 

 It can't be if not for a certain someone. My gaze hardened, as I searched for the figure strolling down the field. 

"Whoa, it's your cap, Karel.” Dael glinted. “The fuck man? Dude face card never declines." 

My eyes stayed glued to his body. He wore those muscle shirts like it was intentional. 

Miguel ran all the way to us. “Well, well, captain remembered us today.” He grinned and I removed his hands over my shoulders. "Stop talking like he's special.” 

"Now I get why people turned gay. Just look at that face." Miguel grinned again. 

"Seems like only Karel doesn't have an interest in him.” Dael folded her arm. 

“Makes two of us,” Miguel leaned in again and I pushed him off. 

How ridiculous, I scoffed. I would literally go on my knees and suck him dry if I had my way. 

Idiot 

I mentally slapped myself. 

Ferdi's eyes searched the crowd, a lazy grin plastered on his face and it made me wanna scratch it off. 

Brandon, his partner in crime, leaned into him and Ferdi whispered into his ears. 

What an absolute pretender, making everyone believe he doesn't talk in public, made me want to scream in his face.

Brandon's voice boomed across the field. The soccer players quieted, just the noise of the convoy Ferdi's presence brought. 

 My jaw tightened when he called me up to the front a few feet away from Ferdi. Why did I have to be called on the first day of him being visible? 

Ferdi's expression oozed absolute, smug self-satisfaction. 

All the players were now arranged for drilling. Except I was alone at another corner. Brandon spelling out Ferdi’s order to me. ‘100 pushups.’

By forty my arms shook. Sixty and my elbows buckled, by the eightieth, everyone else had already started drills. Ferdi's eyes never looked away. 

My veins almost tore out of my hands, he was enjoying this, and it clawed at my nerves. 

‘Ladder drills, 8 rounds’ My glare never left Ferdi's face. And he was there like I wasn't dying of hate and something ugly. Brandon’s stare was pitiful  when the game period was over and I was still jogging. 

Ferdi stood on the track checking his wristwatch like he was watching the time I'd die. ‘Get lost’ he said and I did without hesitation. 

I had no time to shower, just stank into class and it was already in section. With shaky legs and tank tops I walked into the hall. All eyes turned to me including the teacher's. “Poor grades and lateness won't give you a better future, Devan." The whole class snorted. Dwight's was the loudest. 

 I was already used to this, so it doesn't add anything to me. My upper lip curled up into a sneer.  It was easier than admitting it hurts. 

Dael dragged me down to sit beside her. “You’re helpless. He noticed you.” She shook her head. 

"I guess not, Dael, he was just having a bad day.” I wanted to believe that too but the text yesterday screamed ‘liar’.

This can't be! My ears tingled with the new message from Diego, today was obviously the deadline for my loan and I haven't gotten anything added to my savings. I weaved through the crowd out of school, my legs barely defending me. Only to be cornered by Diego and his dogs.  

Oh shit. 

Diego stood there all tattooed, scorpion and disgusting things. His cigarettes smelled like my regret and the men blocking the alley weren't a joke. They cracked their knuckles like I wasn't the one they were after. I scrunched my face up. 

 “Kid, you said you'd pay me off. What now?" 

I can't even remember the last time I got something cool for myself. Fast cash, you traitor I cursed inwardly. 

“Can I pay tomorrow? I promise I'll be able to hustle the money.” I squeezed a laugh but they weren't looking like they care how I'll die.

"Bring my money now, or I'll let them devour you.” Diego said.  

One of the thugs bit his lips, if he thinks that was seductive then he doesn't know… Karel focus, you're in a mess and still thinking of that bastard. 

I can't handle being raped in the public so I did the only thing I could do. “I'll get the money today." 

Diego and his goons stopped 2 blocks away from home. Trenton was at the cellar when I came in. "It's been pretty long, boy.” He waved his glass in front of me. "You came home like this.”

"I want money."  I said holding myself from throwing up. 

His lips curled up. “Uh really. How long?" 

"Just a month.” My lips felt tight. He looked happy, this the only thing that made him smile since that incident. 

My eyes went to the belt. My stomach dropped. I almost turned around. 

Almost

I went on my knees waiting for his belt and legs. I hated how automatic it had become. 

Kneel

Wait

Count and don't cry 

Get the money

The second stroke stole my breath. I stopped counting after seven 

Funny 

I couldn't even think of the pain. All I could see was Ferdi's stupid smile. Jerk, I cursed out. 

In ten minutes I was injured all over. My lips bursted, my face bruised. I took it from the drawer he'd left open.

I lay there because it took me everything to stay alive. But I was fine, not after I'd paid off my debt. I was free, at least for now. I had money, nothing could make me happier. 

Trenton walked out, with the head of his belt down the floor making scraping sounds, blood trailing on the tile. 

Zayne staggered in, he froze midstep. His eyes went down to the blood then to the floor and looked away. He looked like he'd known what I'd done. I smiled in between bloody teeth.