Unfriendly Fights

It is finally Thursday. Two days before Saturday. And also the day that I have been waiting for whole week already. I jump out of bed with a smile on my face. Last night, I couldn't stop thinking of Asher while I laid in bed. To prevent myself from feeling all the negative emotions I feel when it comes to him, I decided to come up with a plan for my charity event instead. I should inform my friends and asks for opinions as well. The thought of raising a lot of money and donating it to orphanages and the homeless people made me really happy.

When I get off the school bus, I hurry towards the library. I've sent a group message to all the people joining the committee that gave me their numbers. We were ten in total plus Ling, Lohan and I. I dodge people as I run to the library and nearly let someone drop all their books. I quickly apologise and hurry on my way. I'm already ten minutes late to our meeting. When I get there, I'm out of breath. I bend over and place my hands on my knees, breathing heavily. When I finally compose myself, I look up and frown in disappointment when I only see three faces. Ling, Lohan and Becca. The others either didn't bother showing up because they're not interested or they just couldn't make it. I'm hoping the latter.

"Er...good morning, guys." I say, my mood suddenly down. I was feeling very excited when I first got here. Excited to share my ideas.

"Good morning." They say in sync.

Becca stands up and sighs. "I'm sorry about this. Highschool students don't give a crap about charity events, especially the ones that come from this prestigious and rich kid school.

I try not to sulk. "But how come Chase and Avery were able to raise twenty thousand dollars in funds?"

Elliot Bay high school is private and the best school in the state. Only the rich come here. The people with fancy Ferraris and Lamborghinis. It consists of atleast one thousand students of all over the world. Doctors, Lawyers, Businessmen and Business women's children attended this school. Each student must be loaded, with the exception of those on a bursary. The fact that so many people don't show care towards a charity event really hurts my heart.

"That's because they have connections and raised something fun that everyone enjoyed, not because they were doing it from the good of their hearts but they wanted to have fun."

I purse my lips in thought. "We could do something fun."

"What do you suggest?"

"I was thinking last night...what about an auction? People can bring all their useless ornaments and stuff at home that they don't use anymore and we can auction it off. It will be great."

"But who in this school would be willing to give off their belongings?" Lohan asks. "Remember, people who go here are brats. Possessions are everything."

"You're right." My heart drop when I realise that this is going to be harder than I thought.

"But..." Becca says, a smirk raising at her lips. "We don't have to have that kind of auction."

"What other kind do you get then?"

"You know, the one where we auction off people."

I gasp. "That's crazy. Humans are not objects, Becca."

"No, Rose." She chuckles. "If you 'buy' the person, you would get to spend a few hours with them or even a day. It would be perfect. You know how horny the boys are at this school. They would waste loads of money to get a date with the hottest girls in school."

"But how would we get girls to join in on this?" Ling asks.

"Trust me, girls would be just as willing to participate. The dance team and cheerleader squad has roughly thirty girls each. That's sixty girls already. The swimming team and football team also has about sixty all together. There are over a hundred suitable candidates." Becca smirks. "I know exactly how to get them to willingly participate."

A huge grin lits up on my face. I clap in excitement. "That's brilliant, Becca. Thanks."

"No problem, girls." She says, grabbing her bag from the library floor. "I'll get to work now."

"There's actually one guy here." Lohan mumbles. I nudge him and giggle.

"Don't disappoint, Bec." Ling says. "It would be awesome to get twenty thousand or more."

"I won't." Becca winks, before walking away to leave the library.

When the three of us are left alone, I send them a giddy smile. "Thanks to Becca, we may be able to raise a lot of money."

"Yeah, that's pretty great." Lohan agrees. "So....about yesterday..." He trails off.

I nod, encouraging him to go on.

"I'm sorry if Ling and I laughed at you for wanting a boyfriend. We didn't mean anything to it, we were just amused by how you wanted to approach the situation."

"It's okay, Lo." I smile. "I forgive you"

"Although I must say...an algorithm? Really? We're trying to find you a boyfriend here, not a murder suspect."

I blush when they laugh.

"Okay, I admit. I was being robotically inclined. But I really want to find the right guy."

"And we will help you, Rose. Don't worry."

I smile brightly. Maybe this year is catching up already.

***

In our free period, Lohan and I walk around the school grounds. Elliot Bay high school is massive. You can see from afar already how elite and prestigious it is. We already wear these uniforms that represents our schools colours, and each student have an expensive car that you will only find in magazines. There are only a few students who take the bus, and unfortunately I'm part of the lot. My parents agreed that I can only get a car when I turn eighteen, which is soon. I'm very excited for that day to come, I get to choose out whatever car I want, in a specific price range of course.

When we stop by the back of the science building, I sit down at a designated pair of steps and place my school bag and blazer down. I pull out my Nutella sandwich and make myself comfortable enough to sit for the next fifty minutes. Lohan sits next to me and sighs heavily.

"What are you eating now again, Rose?"

I push him lightly and laugh. "It's a Nutella sandwich. I would offer you but I only have two slices. I can't, I'm sorry."

He chuckles. "Trust me, I know. You wouldn't offer even if you had four."

"Not true."

"Yes, true."

"Whatever you say, Lohan." I bite into my sandwich and sigh in delight, resting my back onto the door behind me. The back doors where usually kept closed, do you could sit on the few steps that came from it and enjoy lunch.

"Don't you wanna go to the greenhouse? Or we could watch the swimmers swim. I think they practising right now for marathons."

"No, I'm too lazy." I whine.

"Ugh, why are we even friends." Lohan groans.

"Because you love me." I smile charmingly.

"True." He sighs. After I eat the rest of my sandwich and we just enjoy the silence, I suddenly hear a noise. It sounds like someone is groaning. I stand up immediately.

"Jesus, Nancy Drew. You can't go and investigate every sound you hear." Lohan says in annoyance and stands up as well.

"But Lo, it sounds like someone is in pain." I say in worry, hating the thought of that. I pick up my blazer and school bag before rushing off towards the sounds. I stop before the the turn, and look back to see Lohan rushing to keep up. He looks at me in absolute annoyance and I signal him to keep quiet. I listen to the sounds quietly. When I hear another groan of pain and laughter I immediately round the corner to check it out. What I see, shocks me.

It's not only Asher, but his friends as well. And they aren't just standing around for fun, they are beating up a boy who is much smaller than they are and helpless. I gasp in shock when I see the boys bloody face. I drop my blazer and school bag and run over to them immediately. I notice three of Asher's friends that usually came over to his house and made the loudest noise it could wake up the aliens on Planet Mars. The worst of all is Brandon Williams who I'm sure eats children for dinner, followed by Jayden Miller and the slightly friendly one of the group, Carson Dice. By slightly friendly I mean he once knocked my books over in the hallway and helped me pick them up.

Now, seeing them beat up a defensless boy to a bloody pulp made the adrenaline levels in my blood spike as I immediately jump in to protect anyone that's getting hurt. It's not Asher whose the culprit, it's his friends who are mercilessly beating up the boy. But what makes me dislike him so much right now is the fact that's he's calmly watching, with that evil smirk on his face.

I jump in front of the boy the moment Brandon raises his fist to punch him. I shut my eyes tightly and shield the boy, waiting for the blow but it doesn't come. I crack my eyes open to see a shocked looking Asher holding Brandon's arm and preventing him from doing any further damage.

"Where the fuck did she come from?" Brandon asks in surprise, stepping away from us immediately.

Asher seems to comprehend what's happening, and anger immediately clouds his face.

"Rosie," he growls angrily. "What the hell do you think you're doing?"

"They're hurting him. How can you watch them hurt him?" I ask in disbelief. My heart is racing so fast I'm afraid it will leap out of my chest, and my hands are trembling in fear and anger. I don't understand how one could hurt another living creature, let alone a human being.

"You better go now, Rosie. Or I swear to god I will-" he cuts himself off. I don't have the stomach to hear what he was about to say next, so I turn around and bend down towards the boy. I see now that that it's Kennedy from my advanced maths period. I gasp when he slumps onto the ground in pain, holding his hand over his swollen eye.

"Oh my god," I feel my eyes prickle in tears and my heart squeeze in pain. I absolutely hate seeing someone in pain. "You giant assholes, how could you do this?" I ask, turning around to face the culprits.

"The little shit deserved it. And if you know what's good for you, you'd get the hell out of here." Jayden says threateningly.

"Go away." I demand. "Or I swear I will report you all to the headmasters office."

"Go ahead, Sweetheart." He rolls his eyes.

I suddenly remember that I have some back up. I look towards where Lohan stands by the corner of the building, frozen and with wide eyes.

"Lohan, please help me. I need to get Ken to the nurse." I say, completely ignoring the dumbstruck stares on all the devil's faces. If it were anyone else in this school, they would have just ignored what was happening. Even Lohan wanted to walk away. He seems to register what's happening so he hesitantly walk towards us.

"Well, would you look at this fucking nerd fest?" Asher says, looking completely annoyed. "I'm giving you five minutes to get the fuck out of here and take this little shit with you or I swear we will resume what we were doing before."

Without thinking, I kneel down towards Kennedy and help him up. Lohan helps me immediately. When he's properly standing, we support him by letting him rest his arms around our shoulders. Asher stares as me in utter annoyance and anger, and if looks could hurt you I'd be trapped ten feet under the ocean in a locked cage.

"You're just gonna let this fucker go?" Brandon asks in exasperation.

"I think he's got enough for today."

"When do you ever think that it's enough?" Carson asks, a look of disbelief on his face. I don't even want to think about what he meant by that, I just wanna get away from here as far as possible. I know that Asher is not the nicest person, but I had no idea that he would do anything this vile. This whole situation was a start for me, as I've just discovered something new today. It gives me all the more reason to dislike Asher and get over my feelings for him. Maybe Kennedy getting beaten up is a blessing in disguise for me.

Oh god, how could I think something like that?

I don't wait for Asher and his group of thugs to say anything else, and rush away from them instead. Lohan and I have a hard time supporting Kennedy, as he's much heavier than he seems. You would think that a skinny nerd weighed 90 pounds, but Kennedy feels like a ton. When we're about to turn the corner, I send Asher once last hopeful glance. I don't know why I turned to look back, but I small part of me hoped that he would apologize and offer to help us get Ken to the nurse. I don't know why I would even think such a thing.

Asher is obviously much worst than I thought.

With a heavy heart and evidence of tears in my eyes, I walk away and hope that these pointless feelings I have for Asher would fade away.

***

"Oh dear, what happened?" Mrs Graves asks as Lohan, Kennedy and I enter her office.

Without hesitation I'm about to explain that Asher and his friends did this to him, in hopes that they get into trouble with our headmaster. However though, Ken beats me to it.

"I got mugged on the way to school. Luckily these two found me before things could get worst."

I frown as the lie easily escapes his lips.

"Lie down on the bed while I get some antibiotics. Rose will you please prepare a bowl of luke warm water for me? I'll be right back." Mrs Graves say, before disappearing into the storage closet.

We help Ken lie down on the bed, before I go prepare a bucket of water.

"Why did you lie, Ken?" I whisper, hoping that Mrs Graves don't hear.

"Yeah, they should have gotten into trouble. Hell, they should get arrested for doing that. We should tell the headmaster and police right now." Lohan says, looking nearly traumatized.

"Don't exaggerate, Lohan." Ken says before hissing in pain. "It'll only get worst if I tell on them."

"If you won't tell Ken, then I will." I say fiercely.

"No, Rose. Please don't. You have no idea how worst it can get for me." He says, his eyes full of fear.

"I'm not afraid of them." I say, sounding more brave than I feel. When sure that the water is luke warm, I carry the bowl towards the table besides the bed.

"That's because you know that they won't hurt you. But for me," he laughs humorlessly. "That's a different story."

Before I can reply, Mrs Graves come out of the supply closet. She had a bunch of boxes and bottles in her hands which looks like anti invectives and medicines for the pain. She places them on the table and shoos both Lohan and I away.

"Thank you for the help, kids, but Kennedy has to rest and you two need to get to class."

"We have a free-" I'm cut off when the sound of the bell chimes and I internally groan. The bell always had great timing, but not today it seems. Mrs Graves sends us a small smile.

"He should get atleast a hour rest for the antibiotics and medicines I give him for the pain to set in. You can come see him when that time arrives."

"Okay." I agree glumly. I send Kennedy a look that totally gives him the idea that I want to talk later, and he sends a silent nod.

"Good afternoon, Mrs Graves." Lohan and I say.

"Good afternoon, kids."

When we're in the crowded hallways and kids are busy stuffing things into their lockers, I turn to face Lohan.

"Why do you think they would beat Kennedy up? He's the nicest person." I say in confusion.

"Well, Asher and his group of lunatics don't exactly play well with nice people." Lohan grumbles.

"I agree. I have Art and Design now I'll see you later." I say and wave before heading over to my locker which was inconvenient since it is on the other side of the building. When I get there it's seven minutes later and the hallways are already almost empty. I stare at my feet and hold onto my backpack straps while walking there, and I fail to notice the four people standing by my locker. I look up and gasp when I see Asher and his friends surrounding the place that holds my design book and utensils. I make the hasty decision to turn around and walk away, but I'm frozen in place when Asher's eyes pierce right though me.

"We don't bite, baby. Especially not you." Brandon say, a smirk etched up onto his face. I gulp deeply. So this is what it feels like to be confronted by four Lucifers.

"Shut the hell up, Bran." Asher says and shoves Brandon roughly away.

"Relax, dude. You always get defensive over her for nothing."

Asher breathes deeply and let's our a deep and angry sigh. I frown in thought, wondering what Brandon meant when he said that.

"Rosie, I need to warn you right now to never stop a fight or even get in the way of one. Don't be fucking stupid. Next time you act impulsive and do something like that again you'll regret it. Are we clear?"

I want to say 'yes' and send them away. I can see the emotion in Asher's eyes, telling me that it's for the best and that he's right. However, I don't feel that it's right especially given that they were beating up someone so defensless and weaker than them. I feel my heart beating so fast, but I just can't help myself when I say what I say next.

"No, we're not clear. And I want to warn you that next time you let your dogs beat up someone again, you will regret it."

When all four pairs of eyes snap to me in shock, I immediately take off running in the opposite direction with wide eyes, shaking palms and a huge smile on my face.

Take that, Asher.

***

When the bell to last period rings, I shoot out of my desk immediately. Everyone looks at me with  raised eyebrows, probably given the fact that I'm always the last one out. I blush and grab my back pack before hoisting it over my shoulder. I leave the room with both Lohan and Ling hot on my heels.

We enter the hallways which is slowly starting to crowd. When I spot Asher along with one of his goons, I grab my friends hands and walk in the opposite direction.

"Why are you avoiding Asher like he's the plague?" Ling asks over the noise.

"Because he is."

"That's not an answer, Rose." Lohan says with a knowing look on his face. "I told Ling what you have gotten yourself and me in."

"You what?" I ask in disbelief.

"That's not the case. What else have you done to anger that jerk because I know you. You just can't rest or take a hint." Lohan says pointedly. I sulk, realising that my best friends know me better than I thought. When we are are outside, I walk towards where both Lohan and Ling's cars are parked.

"I've done nothing, Lo." I lie. "Asher is probably still mad for what I did."

"Even I'm mad at you, you can't just get in the way of someone's fist about to punch someone else. Haven't Ling and I taught you anything?"

I frown. "You actually haven't."

"As I was saying, even though Asher is a jerk it's reasonable as to why he should be mad at you."

"So in other words you would have just let Kennedy get beaten up?" I ask with wide eyes.

"No, Rose." Lohan says in frustration. "I would have gone and get help from an adult."

"Whatever, Lo. The point is that I stopped someone from being beaten."

He's about to say something, but is cut off by a cheerful Becca making her way over to us.

"Guys, I've got great news." She says.

"Do share." I say excitedly.

"Well, I have 46 girls who are in for the auction and 37 guys. If you total that it would be 83. Imagine 83 of the hottest people in school partake in this. Students will grab there parents purses and pay up to 500 dollars just for a date and kiss with one of them." Becca tells us, a huge grin on her face.

I squeal in delight and hop in my spot, not being able to contain my excitement. "Becca, you're a genius!"

She smirks proudly. "I know."

"This way we won't even need to go to extra lengths to prepare this. We just have to set up the schools auditorium and you can tell those participating to wear their nicest clothes for the auction. I'm so excited." I say in joy.

"Well done, Becca." Ling says cheerily.

"Yeah, great work. But I have to go, I'll see you girls tomorrow." Lohan says, before walking towards his car. He gets in and in a second, he's pulling out of the parking lot.

"Why does he look so sullen?" Becca asks curiously.

"He's mad at Rose for never giving him a hearing." Ling says in fact.

"I-what? That's not true. I listen to him all the time." I say with a frown.

"Not when he told you not to get involved into fights."

"Fights? Who was fighting?" Becca questions.

"It doesn't matter." I say, feeling glum all of a sudden. I didn't mean to upset Lohan. I feel really bad now. "Mrs Edgewood says that the charity event can only take place on a certain date which is like three weeks from now. We have a lot of time still left. I have to catch up with the bus I'll see you guys later." I say.

"Are you sure you don't want a lift, Rose?" Ling asks.

"Positive. I'm used to the bus and my house and in the opposite direction to yours. That's a lot of trouble for you."

"No, it's okay I can-"

I wave them before Ling can say anything else. My bus should arrive in roughly three minutes from now, and if I'm late then I'd have to call my mom for a lift, given that the buses only leave from school once and only make one trip after school.

I should really invest in a car.

When I get on the bus, I can't help but feel bad for upsetting Lohan. If I could go back in time and stop myself from saving Kennedy, I wouldn't. I don't regret a thing, besides for maybe the part where Asher directed his undying anger towards me.

I'm not looking forward to that tiny detail one bit.

***

A/N. Thanks so much for 350+ reads! It means so much to me and thank you to the few voters who read and constantly vote on all three of my works! I recognize all of your usernames and it means a lot! ❤️

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