Ch. 2 - Study, Fight and Family

Tuesday, the second day of his school year as it had started In August. he was walking again with his sister, taking her to school, and dropped her off. Mason was far more tired today than he had been in a while, he got to school and made his way to his classroom that remained empty so early in the morning and got his notebooks ready for classes. Bell rang, and school started for him. he had written some notes, but since he was held back, he knew already the subject, and what was being shown, so it wasn't like he had to work too hard or write too much. after that was history and that felt like a breeze for him too. and then break. the schedule was four classes a day, homeroom, then a topic, that was one out of six. then a break, the next class, then one more break, and the final class. his topics of study alternated each day. and what he had to do to graduate were history, English, math, science, P.E., and lastly technology. an advanced class for him since he was held back, so it would mean he would have to leave class once every other day to attend it at another classroom with other sophomores. luckily it was just the start of his day first day for real at school.

After his first class was down, he then got out of his seat to go and get a snack. but, was stopped just as he did. "Hey, would you mind coming with us a second..." the boys from yesterday, approached him again, and whispered were heard.

"no thanks..." he then attempted moving between them.

But, just got pushed back. "it wasn't a request hot shot..."

"and I wasn't making it dickhead" Mason grabbed and lifted him. "I'm not looking for trouble... so when I put your ass down your gonna step aside... you and the beta male pack you have with you got that..." Mason glared at him and slowly set him down.

this was so sudden, and soon after being out down. "fine... fine... damn you can't take a joke..." he stepped aside but kept his foot angled to try and trip Drake.

He noticed and kicked his foot making it bang against the desk. and this suddenly gave the boy permission to attack.

"asshole...!" he swung aiming at Drake's head, and his two friends went to grab Drakes's arms to hold him back.

Drake, stood taking a punch to the face. and just as the bus hand was removed, Mason headbutt his two friends and kicked the boy who punched him hard against his chest making them fall onto desks.

thus commotion got the other students riled up, as these fearsome students just draw first blood against three. so of course they looked scared and stepped back.

"i.... screw this..." Drake grabbed his bag and left the class. but before he could leave campus the principal stopped him, herself.

"Just where are you going mister..." she said holding a hand to her hip.

Drake stood there and could feel the stares from the windows of the classrooms behind him. "I'm ditching..." he said, gripping his bag's strap. he also looked away from her.

"really? I've got a notice from someone in your class, you caused quite a problem just on your second day of school huh... go to my office, Drake."

he gripped his backpack strap harder, and bit his lip. he was going to be sent back. he knew it. he kept thinking. he raised his head to look at her. "I... understand..." he turned around, heading right back to school with his head down.

"Oh drake..." she said and followed right behind.

They were both soon in her office. "take off the hood and sit down Drake... and look at me when we speak... you're a lot better than this..." she said taking her seat.

"yes ma'am..." he walked up and removed his hood and set his back. his nose dripping blood from when he was punched.

The Principle grabbed the box of napkins and gave them to him. "what happened..."

"does it..." he wanted to protest, but that never went anywhere. "I headbutt two boys and kicked the other..." he said truthfully waiting to be scolded or be told he'd be suspended.

"who started it...?" she looked at him.

"I... they did..." he replied and looked at her.

"Alright... get back to class..." she told him, believing him almost right away.

"scold me or something! why are you just letting me off easy?" he asked and panicked. "get your husband over or something...!"

"calm down Drake... I believe you..." she said calmly to him. "you think I wouldn't after how much time we spent... if you told my husband, I'm sure he would too..." she chuckled and then stood up. "go back to class okay... just act like nothing happened..."

"but..."

"you're welcome to still ditch, but then I will send him after you..." she said, grabbing his bag, and putting it in his lap. "You asked for a future and I'll do my best to provide... so get your ass back to class Drake"

"thank you... Maria..." he said.

"oh, using my real name...?" she chuckled and gently pat his head. "I'll have a talk with those kids..."

"why do you just believe me? you know how everyone is with me..." he said, getting up. "whatever... I'll just go back..." he said, and left going to his class again.

"he didn't even let me introduce you to him..." the principal said and looked to a door that led to another room. a girl stepped out.

"it's alright... I just, felt like I should have said something... it didn't seem very fair what was going on..." the girl said, and took to her to leave. "bye..."

"How interesting, someone is stepping up for him huh... now, is that a good thing or a bad omen... we will have to see..." she said to herself and went to sit down in her seat.

Mason, just walked to his class, slowly and with his hood on covering his tapped nose. he really couldn't think of what to say or do. part of him just wanted to run. he got off easy, way easy. and that was odd to him.

"Hey Drake..." the girl who was in the room before with the principal, soon approached him. "are you alright?"

he was silent and just nodded. "yeah... I'm fine..."

"how's your nose..." she asked walling around to stand in front of him.

"it's fine... just, leave me alone," he said and tried to step around her.

she followed slowly behind. "I know you didn't start it... he tried to trip you..." she said and this got his attention.

he removed his hood and looked at her. "did you tell the principal?"

"yeah, I was kinda in the other room, you left before she got to introduce us to one another," she said looking up to him.

Drake, only saw this as a way for her to ask for something from him. "what do you want?" he asked now being cautious.

"What do you mean?" she asked.

"You just... see me in a situation... help me and not want anytime in return...? sure I'll believe that... tell me what you need or want already... I'll pay my debt and you won't have to talk with me again," he told her bluntly.

and she acted clueless at first, but after hearing his explanation, and what he meant. she then put a finger to her lips thinking.

When she did that, all he could think was how she was just like others. someone who just wants something from him. "if it's money... I just got paid... I'll give you my entire check..." he said and she then shakes her head.

"no... I don't think I want anything from you... or your money Drake..."

"then what, you clearly were in thought... I don't want to be in debt... so just what you want... money... drugs... or do you want me to fight someone..." he hates this feeling. and he hated her for not telling already, what she wanted from him.

"I'm being serious Drake... I don't want anything..." she said and walked closer. she could look at him in the eyes and see how hard it was for him to say anything like he just did. you don't just settle a simple debt of speaking up, by asking in return what he just said. "I mean it Drake... not a thing... I just saw something bad and wanted to speak up... it didn't seem fair that you were getting picked on..." she said and softly moving her hands to her back and down behind her along her skirt.

"Yeah right..." he said and then left her.

'sure... I don't need anything... it's what you saw now... but later, I just know you'll come back and make a demand of me' he told Jim, not believing that there was a good soul out there who just wanted to help.

she turned and walked the other way to class.

Mason couldn't just ditch, so he skipped the next class.

meanwhile, in the principles office. she gave a scolding to the three boys.

"were telling you, ma'am, that freak started it... we were minding our own business and he just attacked us... get him suspended already..." the boy said, and soon Maria spoke.

"From what I heard... you three surrounded him when he got up. and then you tried to trip him after he asked you nicely to step aside... you provoked him further by grabbing him two to one, and you strikes first. if you have the nerve to lie to me again, you better get ready to be suspended yourself... get your ass back to class... do not bother Drake again or cause a problem from your classmates, do I make myself clear" she said slamming her hand on the desk.

"tch..." they panicked and caved. "yes ma'am..." they left together and walked back to class.

"Hey man... let's just leave him alone... this shit really hurt..." his first man said.

and soon the main ring leader grabbed him. "shut it pussy... if you held him like you were supposed to, I would have beaten him..."

the second man spoke. "but... he broke free by headbutting us, there was nothing we could do... he's clearly been in plenty of fights..."

"fuck you too... I'm telling you, he's not the shut, just some emo punk with issues... now are we gonna get him back for this or not?" he said yelling to his friends.

and out of submission. they agreed.

"good... tomorrow... he'll be the one on the ground," he said the three kept walking.

Mason was soon up on the roof of the building. "I'm not actually ditching school, I'm sure she knows that... so I'll be fine..." he laid on his backpack and began to play music.

"So this is where you went!" the girl from before said as she had her bag with her as well.

"the hell...?" he whispered and looked over to her. "why did you follow me?"

"because... I can tell you don't want to be lonely... so I followed you" she smiled and went up to him. she slipped as she was climbing and was grabbed by Drake and pulled up. "oh... hehe thanks"

"be damn careful... dumbass" he set her up carefully beside him.

"you're not so bad huh..." she said digging into her bag.

"you've heard the rumors then?" he asked and laid back down.

"yup... some nasty stuff... and bad stuff... a playboy, a manipulator, a girl hitter... lots of bad... lots!" she said and pulled out a bag that had her lunch.

"then why are you just casually around me?" he asked her.

"as I said... you don't seem too bad... and you don't like to be lonely do you?" she said and then scooted over placing her meal down. "it's not lunch... but around you like to share this with me?"

"you're a damn weird one for sure..." he sat up. "what is it...?" he asked. accepting her offer.

"it's.... rice, chopped steak with some potatoes and veggies..." she said opening the box for him to see.

"that... looks pretty good..." his stomach growled. "sorry for that..."

"Hehe, so you were gonna get a snack huh?"

"your scary perceptive... what's your name?"

"I never said? my bad..." she poked into a piece of sliced steak and raised to his lips. "I'm Marlene... say 'ah'" she smiled softly.

Drake, couldn't believe what he was just seeing. "I can feed myself you know..."

"Yeah I know... now 'ah'" she waited. "Hey come on, play along..." she said and Drake sighed.

"fuck it... sure why not... but then I'm not in debt to you got it..." he said.

"if that's what it takes to feed you, then sure..." she smiled.

he looked at the girl, and just couldn't see what the deal was with her. he opened his mouth and felt her place the piece of meat into his mouth as he began to eat it.

"ah... is it good?" she asked shyly.

"..it's... a bit too salty..." he said. "but... it's good"

"awe... well, as long as you can it then I'll see this a win," she said and then fed him again.

he ate what she fed him, and didn't shy away. he was calm the entire time. when it was all gone, he then spoke to her

"So why are you following me around? school just started" he wondered.

"You looked... interesting? no... well, if I had to answer you for real, it's because you looked sad... you looked lonely too... no one should be lonely... even delinquents like you sir" she said and began to clean the box she hand and wrap it putting it away.

it was hard to believe, she could notice all that. "Hey look... it's nice all what you did... and to have your company is refreshing pace... but you can't get involved with me..."

"why? are you a drug criminal or something?" she teased and sat up beside him.

"you'll be in danger, I'm not exactly safe to be around... you witness the fight. just because of how I look I get mean looks and attention. a cute girl like you shouldn't get involved" he said.

and she couldn't help but play with him. "oh I'm cute... is this a confession? we just met?" she even playful shook her body and then laughed a bit. "I'm kidding I'm kidding... but, I don't think that good enough of a reason... you have a bad reputation? Do you get into fights? so what, your concerned about my safety just being around you and I think that's sweet... and if I'm honest... I'm kinda new around here... I got no one to tall with... so why not get along with another loner?" she said and smiled looking at the open view they had.

"you're something else..." he said, and laid down. "fine... do what you want..." this actually did make him happy, but he didn't react.

she soon laid down, and a few inches away to just watch him. "what are you listening to?" she asked.

"take an earbud and listen for yourself... if you don't like it my phone is right between us... pick a new song or something" he said. and soon felt her grab onto one bud and listened to his music of choice with him.

"ooh... this is relaxing..." she said and closed her eyes.

Drake laid still and didn't do much else now it was a quiet moment between them, listening to music together.

Second period rang, and with that, it was over, and all that was left was their last class. "Hey, would you walk me home after school?" she asked, sitting up and grabbed her bag.

"I actually can't... I have my little sister to pick up... and I rather not even go home until very late..."

"Oh you have a sister?" she asked.

"Yeah, why? also did you even listen to me?" he asked.

"Yeah yeah, anyways your sister... what is she like?" she wondered scooting closer to him.

"she's sweet... and in the third grade, she's turning 8 this December... why are you suddenly curious about her?" he asked.

"I have no siblings, so I wanted to know what it's like... do you have a picture of her?" she asked.

"no... I don't, I don't use my phone for anything like that, I just have it to call my mentors and her teacher"

"How scandalous!" she teased.

"it's not. like that... look, if you want to meet her, we can go pick her up together... we can hit up the library together and do some homework if you want?" he offered her.

"Not a bad idea, yeah why not... I don't have anything better to do when I get home, I'd like to spend some time with you then if you don't mind, and I definitely want to meet this sister of yours, I'm sure she's as cute as a button!" she said excitedly.

"Alright, let's go to class now then... hey also... give me your phone," he said.

"Oh? sure, but why?" she asked and soon had put his number into her cell.

"This is why... now you can get in touch with me easier... just don't be annoying alright," he said and gave her phone back.

"Oh, alright... hehe!" she had a soft blush and smiled. "thanks for being my first friend here Drake..."

"same to you, let's get going now," he said getting down first and then waited on her. Together both of them headed down from the roof and toward their classroom.

She was slightly kicking her feet as she took every step. "are you the overprotective type Drake?" she asked looking into the air. as she walked beside him but did then glance at him.

"only for my little sister... yeah, I'd say I am..." he said and walked, at a pace, she could stay caught up with him.

"yeah... you definitely look the type... or else you'd be out there causing trouble..." she said and this got Drake to wonder what this chick's deal was.

they had only, met, but it seemed like she figured him out. "what's your deal? why are you so... focused on me?" he asked her.

she stopped and then looked at him. "because... I find you interesting. I can't say much other than that, you just look the type who's a lot more than just a punk..."

he listened to her and turned when she stopped. "so you think you have me figured out...?"

"no... I wouldn't say that, If I had to phase it... I'd say, I'm getting to understand you... or rather, I'm seeing the real you, not the punk or delinquent that scares off people... I'm not playing any angels you know, so you can relax around me... I mean it, Drake. I'm trying to be your friend" she explained and walked up to him. "shall we keep going?"

Drake, raised his hand and scratched his head. "yeah..." he turned and kept walking with her.

"hold on..." she smiled and walked back to his side. "I was pretty close to you... I have been a while now, and yet you haven't commented on my smell"

"just what cliche are you trying to get at it..." he said and looked to her.

"I mean, usually when a cute lady is beside you, you accidentally smell her and all that love in those Mangas and anime... so I was thinking maybe you'd take a sniff of me and then say something like 'you smell good' you know?" she said showing a bit of her character to him.

Drake looked away and chuckled softly.

"You just laughed at me?!" she said.

He turned and shook his head. "don't know what you are talking about... fine... I'll humor this... yes you smelled good... like lavender..."

she stopped, surprised he could accurately tell what her fragrance was. "you're a creep!" she teased.

"you're the one that wanted me to say something!" he said back and soon felt her back on his side.

"to close...?" she asked.

"it's fine..." he replied and both kept walking together until they were back in their classroom.

it was no secret, they were seen by other students walking plenty together. and this information spread. Drake didn't think much of it but did start to worry since no one liked to keep secrets just between themselves. when lunch came, he heard students as he walked by.

'do you hear how he already claimed some chick?'

'Yeah, dude is fucked up... it's that new girl Marlene right?' they both spoke, and another group of people talked.

'so who's the chicken who took our guy?'

'no clue, but she's in her class... should we do something about her?' quickly and all over the school, it seemed like they had driven their attention to Drake and Marlene.

lunch came, and they both were together in the middle of class. she moved a seat over to sit in front of him. no rumor got to hee nor did any gossip. so she just openly talked with him. she pulled out her phone and began to look at ringtones.

"What are you doing?" he asked.

"deciding on what special ring tone to set for you... I want to know it's you when you message or call me... are you gonna set a special one for me?" she asked and soon a duck quaking played.

"that isn't going to be my ringtone," he told her and then pulled out his phone. "here... you can set one for yourself... I don't care about that sort of stuff." he said and looked at her. he had his elbow on the desk and his palm along his cheek.

"no, you have to pick... if you make me pick ill make sure it's something girly" she teased. "then the class will hear it"

he took his phone back.

"so you do care about your back boy image!" she teased.

"no... I just don't want that playing around anyone I have business with..." he said and sighed. "fine, I'll pick something out then..."

this girl was strange to Drake. she had earrings herself, make-up that makes her look glossy on her lips. and nothing too much that would be an eyesore. she had slight dyed hair and even had bangs. she was on the smaller side compared to him, but she seemed bright and colorful. compared to Drake's dark colors or choice. she was also light-skinned, opposite from his tanned skin.

while they both messed with their phone, she reach for his earbud and listened to music with him.

"you're getting way too conformable around me princess," he said also giving her a nickname.

"can you blame me? you make anyone feel so protective and safe... and if you wanted me to not do as I please... you would have yelled at me... or maybe even scold me... but you let me do what I like, so of course I'm gonna get comfortable with you..." she said and hummed to the music as she kept picking different ring tones.

"This school is a small one... at least, the people here... already know each other... I haven't seen you around here ever Marlene, so do you wanna tell me your story?" he asked her. "if it's too personal, you don't have to say anything"

"it's no problem, we only moved here about a month or two ago, my dad got this good job recently so we had to move. and when we got here I was nervous, but I was raised right, my mom helped me stick up for myself and my old man spoiled me... so I got to try lots of things... being an only kid sucks, but it's got its perks..."

"People around here must have already noticed you... the new pretty girl in the school and neighborhood..." he said.

"How does that matter to what I'm saying?" she asked.

"well, let's just say there are thirsty guys out there... and some easily jealous girls... call me or text me if you get in a pinch." it was a sudden topic change.

"Oh! What are you, my boyfriend buddy? no no, I can take care of myself... besides what would happen if you did get in a fight?"

"ah... well I'd likely be suspended... or expelled if it's bad..." he explained. "if you say so fine whatever, but I mean it, just message me if you get into trouble..." he said. "Okay, I understand..." she smiled softly.

he didn't like what he did, but he figured he might as well trust this girl. he couldn't keep himself locked away and push away anyone trying to make friends with him. so he took the chance. he would accept her as a friend.

The school day finished, so they left together out of campus. at the window in the principles office. she sat back and watched him and his new friend leave together. "about damn time kid..." she then got on her phone. messaging her husband. about how drake has been.

Drake and Marlene, left together as he took the lead walking towards the elementary school. picking up his sister early and seeing the teacher they stopped for a talk. "oh my drake, did you make a girlfriend already?" she teased and soon Sarah rushed to hug her big brother.

"is it true big bro?" she asked with curiosity in her eyes and wonder.

"no... it's not like that... she's a friend" he said to them both, and Marlene pretended to cry.

"But... you said we would be together?!"

the school teacher knew she was joking but Sarah didn't. "Draky you can't make her cry!" she then went to Marlene and pulled out her tattered toy bear for her.

"oh..." she got down and gently held the bear. and smiled at Sarah. "aw. You're so sweet..." she gently pats her head.

"stay with my big brother please..." she said, thinking they were going to be over.

"Sarah... she was just messing with everyone..."

Marlene nodded. "yeah, I was just joking... I'm sorry" she gentle passed her bear back to her. "maybe one day..." she said and even though Sarah misunderstood, she was still glad there would be a chance.

"Okay..." she put her stuffed animal away and held onto her hand.

"Let's head to the library and do some homework okay Sarah..." he said and took her other hand.

Sarah held onto both of their hands tightly. "okay! but you better help me..."

"we will," Marlene said, and soon both walked.

Drake looked to her teacher. "thank you for today... see you tomorrow"

She waved and went back to the school.

Marlene then spoke to Drake. "You know her closely?"

"Yeah... she's been taking my little sister for every year she's been attending... so I got to know her a bit. her brother also is pretty nice. lets me work and gives me food to bring home... oh Sarah, want some burgers after were done studying?" he said and looked down.

"Yeah! that would be yummy" she smiled.

Marlene stared at him, and heard his more gentle tone, saw his softer smile and side. to him. she did also have to wonder. since usually many other students just wanted to go home. he instead went to libraries and work. he was avoiding home. she didn't ask about it.

"Oh, your welcome to eat with us too Marlene..." Drake said and Sarah smiled up to her now.

"Oh, are you sure? I wouldn't want to get in the way of family time..." she said, now concerned and hesitant to get between them.

"it's no problem... what do you think Sarah?" he asked her and gently lifted her to make her do a safe big jump.

"hehe! yeah, it'll be fun with you too" she smiled and skipped while Drake and Marlene kept walking.

"well, if you two are fine with it... okay, I'll come along... just let me message my mom," she said and using her free hand began to text her mother.

Drake walked with them. and since it was the end of the day, lots of students were heading home so, he would notice other students from their school as he would pass them by. they paid attention and some even took pictures behind their back.

"Hey Draky" said Sarah.

"hm...?" he looked to her.

"How is school this time...?" she asked looking up to him with a bit of worry.

"it's going better... I'm making friends..." he said to her. "don't worry about me... what about you? no bullies or mean boys I hope" he said. avoided talking about it so much.

"really? thanks, good... oh! yeah, no bullies... I made some friends and oh! a girl gave me a flower and some of her snacks! she's very nice to me, and I wanna ask Draky, can she come over?"

"no... she can't..." he said before she got sad. "but. you can if you want... but I will need to meet with her parents... okay?" he said and moved his hand to gently pinch her cheek.

"Really?! hehe okay okay!" Sarah smiled.

"you are more like her father than a big brother," Marlene said.

"well... our real parents are..." he wanted to say something vulgar.

"they're not nice to Draky..." Sarah said.

"yeah..." he looked ahead and kept walking until they stopped at a library. they walked together and headed to the back of the library to sit at a table just for them. it was quiet and hardly anyone was around. They unpacked some of their bags and got out homework to work on together. Sarah then looked to Marlene and asked. "uh... miss.... what was your name again?" she said shyly. thinking she may have forgotten if she ever told it to her.

"did i... oh I haven't even introduced myself huh... I did it again, I'm sorry... I'm Marlene your big brothers' first friend"

"Marlene, okay I'll remember your name." she said and scooted to her. "can you help me with this please..."

Drake sat across and had watched them get along. he was Glad to hear and see them get along. it was a good sight, better than coming here and it always being just them two. his sister was enjoying herself more with the extra company.