Patched Things Up (part 1)

We didn't go back the way we came; instead, we took the slick path by the Admin building, just like Mags suggested, to avoid my nemesis from 3rd year. We ended up on this rocky path. Last year, this was where Liza and I had our first real talk. Nothing much has changed. The thick trees still provided shade, blocking out the blazing sun.

"How'd you end up beefing with that guy? He's in 3rd year! Aren't you scared he might wait for you outside?"

"Meh, he's all bark, no bite. He tried to mess with me when I was just a freshman last year. He thought I gave him a dirty look, but I was just looking around. He came up, tried to push me around while I was heading to my aunt's place by the Comm Building. Thought I wouldn't fight back. When he kneed me, I retaliated! Grabbed his arm, threw him down with a Judo throw. He hit the rocks hard. When he tried to get up, I socked him four times in the face. He didn't get up after that. I waited, but he didn't want more."

"Didn't he try to get back at you?"

"Oh, he did. Told his buddies. We had a showdown behind the T.L.E room that afternoon."

"Did they gang up on you?"

"Yeah, but I held my ground. They were scared of me after that 'cause I knocked a few of them down. But that guy, I made sure his face was all swollen. Always aim for the mouth; it swells up easily and takes forever to heal. They hit me too, but I gave as good as I got. Got some bruises and lumps, but a teacher broke it up. When they found out I was related to a teacher, they scattered."

"Did they get in trouble?"

"Yeah, all six of 'em. I was out for two weeks, healing up."

"Why do you always get into fights?"

"It's not that I like fighting. Fights seem to find me. If someone challenges me, I can't back down. Feels like I'd lose my manhood."

"Stay out of trouble. You never know, someone might have a knife or gun. You might mess with a frat member or a druggie. Just avoid it."

"I can handle myse--"

"No! Just avoid it!"

Then she pushed my arm, and we stopped, facing each other. We were close to our T.L.E room, and some students, including our classmates, were watching us.

"Alright, fine."

That's all I managed to say when I saw Mags' eyes welling up with tears.

"S-sorry."

I apologized as she looked away and walked into the classroom. I followed her to her seat in the back row. She opened her bag, put her wallet inside, and motioned for me to sit next to her. There was an electric fan blowing in our direction. Two of our female classmates were slouched over their desks. The guys were probably still coming back from lunch, and some of the girls too. The ones who came back early were likely playing basketball or watching. Some were playing 'touching money' outside the classroom.