Realizing he was almost late to school Charles put the mask in his backpack. He ran the rest of the way it was only a few more blocks left. He made it with a couple of minutes to spare. Yet on his way to class he was pulled in the bathroom. Charles used to the antics of his childhood bully. Wasn't shocked at all. Keem was his name. He said lunch money or toilet. Charles responded lunch is free and you aren't putting me in the toilet.
Keem hit him with a right hook and said who told you that you could respond. Charles made an attempt for the door but keem yanked him by his backpack. It tore the right strap. Then continued to say I know your mother didn't let you leave without giving you something. Charles started to turn back but keem pulled harder. This time ripping the left. Then proceeded to unzip it. Charles made an attempt to stop him but instead ended up in a headlock. Keem dropped to one knee to leverage himself enough to go in the bag. When he saw the Oni mask the only words he passed out was this looks expen... Then his head hit the floor.
Charles confused about what just happened knew for sure he was going to be late to class. Grabbed his stuff and rushed out. Of course now strapless had to hold it like a brown paper bag. As soon as he walked in. His teacher Ms Jackson said lunch detention. Unaware that Chris would rather have lunch detention than spend time around teenagers his age that were less mature. His reply was yes Ms Jackson.
He took his seat which was in the back row. Surprised to see Tina in the seat next to it. He asked why did you run but as usual no answer. Yet he wondered why it smelled faintly like butt.
Class continued as if Charles didn't interrupt them. Charles never really pay attention until some work needed to be done. He mostly just took naps and Ms Jackson never really cared because his grades were all in the 90s. 15 minutes until lunch and Tina finally said something. You really are stupid and Unaware of your surroundings. When the bell finally rang signaling lunch everyone got up and started leaving. Ms Jackson rubbed against Charles and said bring your lunch back here. He did what he was told. While he was eating he noticed something. Ms Jackson just sat there staring. It was a stare that didn't feel intimidating or authoritative. It felt similar to this morning with Tina. He acted as if he didn't notice and finished his lunch. Then remembered he had that Japanese poetry book. Found the page he forcibly stopped at and tried to comprehend.
"You hate me when I arrive.
In the time I am missing is where I thrive.
Wouldn't want me near most things consumed that were once alive.
But love me with most things consumed similar into what people dive."
He picked it apart. Consumed. Did they mean eaten. I like my food hot. What people dive? Sky dive, high dive Scuba dive; they must mean water. I like my water cold.
When does cold arrive. Do they mean winter. There is no cold in the summer. Unless you have air conditioning. It must be Cold.
The bell rang and the rest of the day went without incident.