The Wind of My Life

Meanwhile, at Sebastian's house...

… Wait.

- How is it, Ellyn?

- … Oh. WHAT?! I-I didn't mean to...

- Calm down, don't scream or you'll wake everyone in the house.

- R-Right. Sorry. I didn't mean that. I w-wanted to make fun of you, but… Oh, damn…

- Relax, it's not the first time I've seen fail to provoke me, especially in that sense~~

- (Ellyn sulking) Dammit…

Even though she's more "experienced" than I am, I'm surprised that Ellyn has this more innocent side because it's something normal. Okay, I was surprised by what she said, but I think she didn't say it to say it but to go with the flow of the conversation to provoke me or something.

- Hey, you don't have to cringe in embarrassment to face me, okay?

- (Ellyn sighing) Okay…

- But then... What if...

Before saying anything, Ellyn turned her face very quickly to the window, looking as if she had seen something.

- Ellyn, are you okay?

- … I don't know, wait a second.

Ellyn got a serious expression out of nowhere as she got up from my bed and started to face the outside of the house, more precisely, in the direction of where she supposedly comes from Madison to here.

- Ellyn, if it's something serious, it's okay for you to go.

- Are you sure? I'm not using this as an excuse to…

- I already said. Relax. Besides, if it's something important, go for it. Anyway, you'll come here tomorow, right? So you can tell me what happened if you want.

- Fine. Thank you, Sebastian.

With that being said, Ellyn opened my bedroom window, jumped outside and started getting that green hue all over her body when she used to make herself invisible, but before she left, she just turned to me and gave a smile.

- Thanks for the night. And go to sleep. You have class later.

- Alright. Goodnight, Ellyn~~

With a smile on her face, Ellyn just turned around and jumped up to stand on top of a tree, and after a few seconds of her jumping from tree to tree, I couldn't see her anymore. What could have happened? You know what, I really think I should sleep.

*laying in bed

Today was a busy day. Visiting Ian in the hospital with Naomi and taking him home, the situation with Claire and Kiara, and Ellyn's surprise visit... This sort of thing wouldn't have happened like 3 weeks ago, but since Ellyn came, I realized that things are giving me an air of adventure, as if everything I'm doing seems like something I should value more because they're unique things. Yeah, maybe it's her influence, but if not, I have to admit I'm enjoying it a little more this way.

*yawning

Yeah, time to sleep… I just hope that tomorrow is a good day…

…

August 30, 2018

07:00 AM

- (making a curious expression) How it is?!

- (Ian holding and reading a message on his cellphone) "Yesterday, I was on my way home when your friend Sebastian came to me and hanged me. I don't know why he did it, but look what he did" along with a photo of marks on her neck.

I think when I said it was going to be a good day, I should have shut my mouth sooner.

I woke up at the same time as usual, had my hectic breakfast with Cassie and my mom, got ready to go to class, but before I left home, Ian ended up showing up in front of my house, saying he was going to search and such, but because of his expression judging me as if I had done something, he already told me that something had happened, and as I already imagined, none other than Kiara sent a message that spread like wildfire in the school groups, saying I hanged her yesterday.

- (Ian putting away his cellphone) So sir… What do you have to say in your defense?

- Ian… You know me well enough to understand that I didn't do this.

- Yes, but the question is… Why did Kiara, of all people, decide to say that? She just wanted to screw someone and she chose you?

- After we dropped you off in your home, I went to take Naomi off at her home and when I was walking back to mine, I saw Kiara and two of her friends messing with Claire, that girl over at the supernatural studies club I told you about.

- Yes, I know who she is. So you, in order to help Claire, decided to hang Kiara?

- No… At least, I don't know if it was strong enough...

- Sebastian, what the?

- Calm down, I didn't hang her. The most I could do was raise my voice and pulled it by the collar of her uniform. I didn't even lay a finger on it.

- Yeah, but apparently, no one will believe that, especially when we know who Kiara and her friends are.

- Really…

- (Ian sighing) Bro, what's up with you? Do you know that messing with these people is asking to get screwed, and you go and do that?

- And let Claire go through this constant bullying even outside of school? I wasn't going to let that happen like it was nothing to me.

When I said that, Ian made a dubious expression.

- Sebastian… Did something happen that I'm not aware of?

- Like this?

- Since when did you start to care about these things?

- Isn't it common sense to want to help people?

- Yes, but you didn't even care about it, you avoided problems like these and you didn't even do something extreme like pulling someone's collar to intimidate. Unless you're stressed or full-headed, you're not the type of person who wants to do something like this.

I just stayed silent and thought quickly about it. As much as I'd like to refute Ian, he's right. The last thing I would think of doing would be this kind of thing, but at the same time, it was something I was really looking forward to doing. Complaining about or going against something that was simply unfair to me or someone I know. But… What is happening to me?

- So… Anything to say?

- (sighing) Man, I must be really tired mentally since the club graffiti. I don't know, I don't think things are going to get back to normal and every time I think everything is going to be all right, these things happen more. Seriously, this is already boring and irritating to me.

- I noticed, but I didn't need to exaggerate.

- Overdo it? How many times have we seen this happen to other people at school and made us want to do something but we couldn't because of this talk of the school's protégés? How many times have you not wanted to tell everyone about how horrible it is to live with someone always telling you that you are wrong, even without knowing the truth and giving priority to a bunch of idiots who think they are special?! How many times, Ian?!

When I realized what I was saying, I realized that Ian was surprised, wanting to say something, but from his reaction, it was like he was seeing something he hadn't seen in a long time. Sighing, I decided to calm down a bit.

- Sorry, I didn't mean to talk to you like that. I just want to rest and forget that these bad things are happening just when I decide to do something different. Sorry Ian...

- (Ian grips my shoulder) Hey, don't start with that.

- Start with what?

- Thinking that just because you did something willingly, bad things happen. This is not something unique to you, it is something natural. Feeling angry at something unfair or feeling regret for thinking you did something right that people might disapprove of. The problem is that you start to think that doing something willingly to help someone else or to help yourself is the cause for this type of situation to happen. You know very well what happened the last time something like this happened and honestly, seeing you looking like a loser is not the kind of thing I want to see often. So don't start with that thought, okay?

- Ian…

- (Ian sighing) Damn. You start with that s*** and even I feel bad for saying something like that. Sebastian, whatever you're thinking, don't think it was your fault. Just try to turn it around and stay in the flow. If s*** goes your way, me, Stella, Naomi and whoever believes in you… Let's be on your side, okay?

- Do you believe me now?

- (Ian walking forward) Unless you've started using your emotions to deceive people, I believe. And let's be honest, you wouldn't even hurt a spider if it was biting you.

- (following Ian) Why spider? You know I'd freak out if I had one doing that.

- Forget what I said. But then… It's going to be chaos when we get to school and I don't even know if I can help you in any way.

- Be my bodyguard until I get to the classroom?

- (Ian scoffing) As if nobody on the way was going to punch you inside the school? Relax, I don't think the chaos I'm referring to is a bunch of bully men waiting for you...

Before saying anything, we were walking long enough to get to the school, and looking at the distance, we already started to notice many students inside and outside the school gate, talking in large groups as if they were waiting for someone.

- So what were you saying, Ian?

- Me and my big mouth.

- (?) Stay close to me and don't stop.

Looking to the side, Ian and I see Naomi appearing and walking towards the school. From the way she said it, I think she knows what's going on, and without saying anything, we just follow her, with our heads down. Even if Ian had nothing to do with it, I don't doubt anyone would put him in the middle to take the blame for it too.

Approaching the gate, a large number of students started looking at me, some saying something like "he really came" and others staring at me like I was their target. Without saying anything like Naomi did, we just followed her into the school, but before taking the first step…

- Sebastian, you a******! Do you have the guts to show up even after you've done that, you bastard?

As Naomi said, Ian and I moved on, without even looking at whoever said that, but instead of moving on, I just saw Naomi turning around, but before she went in the direction of whoever made that scream, I held her arm to stop her.

- Naomi! Leave it and let's go. It will only get worse if you do something.

Even with that serious look on her face, Naomi only sighed.

- Fine…

After a few minutes, me, Ian and Naomi headed towards the student council room. Since no one comes to this part of the school at this hour, it was the best possible place to stay away from causing trouble with those who "defend" Kiara and are possibly accusing me of having hanged her.

- (Naomi locking the door) Okay, what happened, Sebastian?

I didn't even need to look at Naomi to realize that her expression hasn't changed since that scream. The way she is, I think it's best not to say anything unnecessary or that might make her angrier than she might be.

- Look, I was walking home after I dropped you off in your home and saw Kiara and two of her friends pissing off Claire on my way home, I just went over there and defended Claire.

- Okay, but where did this thing about hanging her come from?

- (Ian) The genius then played a hero and went for Kiara.

- Ian, shut up. Well, I took Claire away, spoke loudly to Kiara and pulled her by the collar of her uniform. After that, she left with her friends.

- (Naomi) Wait… Did you go after Kiara out of the blue?

- I didn't say "go for it", did I Ian?!

- (Ian) You know how I am. A little drama helps your side.

- (Naomi) Ian, no kidding. The teachers have already been notified of this situation and her parents have already contacted the principal, so it is only a matter of time before they call you to decide what they will do.

- Wait… What do you mean what are they going to do?

- (Naomi) So… One of the teachers asked me to arrive early precisely to separate you from the other students because what you did was something inadmissible with the social performances of the school, and this kind of behavior should not be overlooked here. In short… They're considering kicking you out of school.

- (Me and Ian) What?!

It's not possible… Are they seriously going to do this to me!? Why!?

- (Ian) You're kidding right, Naomi?

- (Naomi) Look, that's just what the teacher told me. They will have a meeting between the teachers and the principal to see how Sebastian's conduct is at school and their levels of studies, and then they will decide what they are going to do. Even though Kiara's parents are one of those who insist on paying more than they should to protect their daughter from anything bad she can cause, the director isn't so out of his mind as to grant their expulsion request without reviewing. What can be done.

- (Ian) So, it's fine. Sebastian is not one of those delinquents they think he is. No offense.

- But they're going to notify my parents anyway, aren't they?

- (Naomi) Yeah, that's guaranteed to.

- Damn it…

- (Ian) Now let's just wait and see what happens, Naomi? Can't you do anything?

- (Naomi) I could try to convince one of the teachers to try to intervene in the meeting, but without something I can defend like an exam or something, there's not much I can do.

- (Ian) Yeah, screwed up.

- Wait… Are these messages in all groups?

- (Ian) Yes, along with the photo.

- (Naomi) Photo?

- (Ian) Yes, she posted the message there along with a photo to prove what had happened.

- That's it!

While Ian was saying this to Naomi, I took out my cell phone, saw the messages from the classroom group and it didn't take long for me to find this picture of the marks on Kiara's neck. And looking better…

- What if I prove I didn't do it?

- (Ian) The idea would be that if I had how, idiot!

- And has. What if we tried to convince her friends to talk about what happened?

- (Naomi) What do you mean?

- When the situation was happening that I pulled the collar of Kiara's uniform, one of her friends said to stop because she was attracting too much attention.

- (Ian) Right, are you suggesting that your chance of not being penalized fully is in the hands of the friends of the person trying to screw you over?

- As absurd as it is, yes. Only they could tell the truth and contradict Kiara.

- (Ian) Man, this is not going to work. I have no doubt that Kiara will have told them not to come. And so far, none of them have shown up at school.

- How do you know? You came straight with me here!

- (Ian) If I were in Kiara's place and did something on that level, I would take precautions.

- (Naomi) All right. Assuming one of them would have the sense to speak the truth…

- (Ian) Are you even considering this idea?

- (Naomi) I am. Coming back… Let's say we managed to convince one of them, how would we do that?

- (Ian) That's why. Even if Kiara was more wrong, I highly doubt one of them could rat on her.

After a few seconds of silence...

- What if we know someone who could help us with this and who could tell us something more about them?

- (Ian scoffing) Okay… Who, genius?

…

07:20 AM

*knock on room door

- (Rising to open the door) It's him.

- (Naomi) He who?

When I open the door, I only see a boy with short blond hair, brown eyes, bigger than me and wearing his school uniform. Exactly him.

- Glad you came, Robert.

- (Robert) I thought it was strange that you sent a message, but given the situation, I think some help from me could be useful. Gossip and information from others is up to me.

- That's what I thought. Come in~~

When Robert entered the room, Naomi had already started to distance herself from him, trying to contain an expression of anger appearing on her face.

- (Naomi) Sebastian, what's the!?

- (Robert) Good morning, Naomi~~

- Look, as much as I have no idea what the problem is between you, if he can help, I don't see the point in asking. Just this once, okay Naomi?

Sighing, Naomi walked over to the largest table in the room to lean against, crossing her arms.

- This is Ian, my best friend.

- (Robert extending his hand to Ian) Nice to meet you, Ian~~

- (Ian extending his hand back) Man, I knew you were tall, but I didn't expect all this.

- (Robert) That's what she said.

- (Ian) I already liked you.

- Fine. Can we go back here to the situation?

- (Robert) Right. So… What's the critical role?

It didn't take me long to explain the situation to him, and from the way he was reacting, Robert just put his face to his face as if he'd seen this kind of situation more than once.

- (Robert with his hand over his face) Seriously, Kiara…

- So can you help?

- (Robert) Right. If I'm not mistaken, the girls who hang out with Kiara are Raylla and Siena. Rayla is her best friend and she's a big fan of what Kiara does, so I highly doubt she can help. The most I know about her is that she was involved with a delinquent group at another school before she transferred here, so I've already ruled her out.

- (Ian) And the other one?

- (Robert) Sienna is a friend, but not as close as Raylla. Unlike the two of them, Sienna has a little more common sense and is the brake of the two when they are doing s***. It would be nice if they talked to her, but if what you said about Kiara organizing this whole situation, she might actually tell them not to come to school.

- (Naomi) And nothing we can use on Kiara?

- (Robert) Kiara is a complicated case. She's a fake delinquent, so to speak. Daughter of parents with good financial conditions, she likes to get attention and is in this of bullying those who are at least different from her.

- Is it serious that I'm in trouble caused by a spoiled girl in a golden cradle?

- (Robert) Well, yes. But spoiled isn't quite the term I'd use for her right now.

- Huh?

- (Robert) She's been dating a guy from another school for a few months now. She hasn't told me much about him, but Sienna has told me he's a little violent with her. Little to say, because there were 2 times I saw Kiara bandaged on her wrist or with some bandages around her body. I wouldn't doubt if he was the one who'd made those marks on her neck and blamed you as a way of screwing you over.

- (Naomi) That explains why she started going to the infirmary so often…

- (Robert) Well, that's what I can say. The way would be to convince Sienna to come since I didn't see her at school today. Not her or Kiara or Rayla.

- (Ian) And I don't know, isn't there something more "rotten" that we can use?

- (Robert) Look, this is already something beyond my ability. Even because it's dirty to say that without her consent, don't you think?

- (Naomi rolling her eyes) Like that matters to you, doesn't it?

When Naomi said that, I already nudged Ian and made a gesture with my face to make him get up and get ready to do something in case there was a fight here.

- (Robert) Naomi, out of consideration for Sebastian, let's stay cool and help him.

- (Naomi) To me, you coming here with no ulterior motives is suspicious. So, if you're done, go ahead.

- (Robert getting up and walking towards me) Okay. Sebastian, I know it didn't sound like much, but that's what I could help with. Hope it was helpful.

- (holding out his hand) Easy, Robert. Thank you anyway.

- (Robert) Anything, just call~~

When Robert said that, Naomi already got up, and without us realizing it, she ended up taking one of her paper fans and hitting our hands.

- (Naomi) Hurry up! Get out!

- (Ian) Oh, calm down, Naomi.

- (Robert) Relax, Ian. It's not like dear Naomi doesn't get angry when I do anything, including someone close to her...

- (Naomi getting annoyed) WHAT!?

Before Naomi went for Robert, I ended up throwing myself in front of her while Ian guided Robert to the exit.

- Calm down, Naomi!

- (Naomi) CALM DOWN? THAT FU***** ISN'T WHAT HE'S SHOWING YOU! BELIEVE ME!

- (Ian) Hey, no need to yell! Relax her there, Sebastian.

- Look, I don't know what happened between you two, but this is already too much even for me. So please calm down and discount this at another time. Now is not a good time.

- (Naomi) OF COURSE IT'S NOT A GOOD TIME! You decided to ask for his help right away as if it were really going to solve your problem, didn't you? It's almost a waste!

After saying that, Naomi made a surprised expression, as if she didn't want to say that. Ian and Robert just fell silent when they heard that, and honestly, I didn't look too shaken about it. I was already kind of accepting that there was no way it could work out for me in the end, but I was still believing because of Naomi and Ian, but now…

- Even you know how screwed up I am and you've already accepted that, haven't you?

- (Naomi) T-That's not what...

*knock on room door

- (?) Naomi! Open the door.

- (Ian) Let me open it...

Upon opening the door, a tall man wearing a professor's outfit just stuck his face into the room.

- (Teacher) There you are. It made the job easier.

- (Naomi) Yes, Professor Williams?

- (Teacher) So, as Sebastian is already here, stay there with him until 8 am and when the time comes, take him to the director's room. And you two, go to your classroom.

- (Ian and Robert) Yes, professor.

- (Teacher) Right. See you later.

With that said, Ian and Robert left the room, and then the professor closed the door. As it ended up being an awkward silence between us, I just went towards the sofa that is here in the living room and sat down, while Naomi was still standing in the same place. I could only sigh and wait.

…

07:55 AM

We don't say anything to each other. Only a silence with light noises from the air-conditioning wind echoed through the room. I sat on the couch, fiddling with my cellphone, checking messages from my living room group and waiting for a message from Ian, while Naomi didn't take long and went to her chair, facing the wall and not saying anything.

Every now and then I look over to see how she is and I really want to go to her and ask her, but I don't think it would be good to go to her right now. I know there's something awkward between her and Robert, but the way she acts, it looks a lot like she wants to hurt him, and maybe it was that anger that made her say that to me. She wouldn't talk to me like that, so I prefer to believe it was a momentary thing. But even so, I wasn't too surprised by what she said. Small chances of trying to reduce the punishment I'm going to take one more time and trusting a person I'm not so close to can be dangerous too, but I prefer to trust and see what happens.

*notification sound

I hope it's some good news...

- (in a low voice) Yep. It screwed up…

- (Naomi turning around) So?

- (without looking at Naomi) Ian texted me saying that Robert texted Sienna and nothing. He called too, but it was going to voicemail, so…

- So there's no way she can help you...

- Okay, it's not like this is going to work either. Well, just hope the director has some real common sense.

A few more seconds passed and Naomi started laughing out of nowhere.

- Laughing at what?

- Nothing. It was a tasteless thought.

- You can tell, I'm already screwed.

- Don't say that. But then… I was picturing you as a delinquent. You know, dyed hair, earrings, piercings, tattoos and saying things like "Yo" or something.

- (laughing lightly) First, your delinquent reference is awful. Second, this is prejudice against those who are like that and are not delinquent.

- I know that, so I figured what type you would be. You know, you wouldn't be the one who could kick anyone in the face, but you would be the head who would think of some way to turn the situation around.

- I'm worried about what you've been watching about mafia movies and blond japanese delinquent gang anime.

We both laughed for a moment, and started to look at each other. I don't know, what a strange way to make peace...

- (Naomi spinning her chair) So I guess I owe you some answers, don't you?

- Nope. Whatever it is, it's something personal for you and I understand you don't want to say, but if you're going to stress out next time, then at least hold back. I won't be able to hold you back if you step forward.

- Hey, I'm not that unstoppable.

- I didn't mean it that way, I meant… Never mind.

*knock on the door

- It's now, Sebastian. Ready?

- None at all, but do what, right?

Naomi and me started to get up from where we were, and honestly… I'm looking forward to it. For some reason, I'm not as calm as I normally would be to be calm in a situation like this, but maybe just this once. But… Besides, I feel… Restless. As if something was bursting. Anyway… Let's go and see what happens.

...