Waking up with a pounding headache, I find myself sprawled on the ground, surrounded by my buddies Charlie, Ned, Sam, and Benny, all looking like they went through a blender. Scrapes, bruises, and torn clothes – we're a sorry sight.
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"Get your lazy ass up!" I yell, giving Charlie a gentle kick. "Pathetic, all of you. We should've done better."
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"Sorry, boss," Charlie admitted. "She was just too strong."
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I shook my head, a scowl etched on my face. "I don't want to hear any excuses! You hear me?! Now, get up!" I barked, embodying the bad ass boss that I knew I was.
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"Yes, sir!" my boys shouted, their voices tinged with pain.
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"Now scour the town, don't leave even one stone unturned!" I commanded. "Find her, and call me immediately when you do!" I let out a villainous laugh, fully aware that my non-villainous status might confuse the situation.
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"But, boss?" Charlie interjected, cutting my laughter short.
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"What?" I asked, glancing at him.
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"At this rate, we're going to be late for school," Charlie pointed out, with the rest of my boys nodding in agreement.
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"What time is it?" I inquired.
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"8:00," Ned replied, checking his phone.
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"And school starts at what time?" I pressed further.
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"8:30," Charlie responded.
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"Dammit..."
***
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As we trudge to school, I'm fuming, cursing under my breath about payback. That mysterious girl with long brown hair who made a fool out of me won't get away with it, I swore to myself, clenching my fists, envisioning repaying that woman back with a solid punch to her face and maybe a small kick to the stomach for good measure.
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While walking my eyes catch a glimpse of the imposing building in the distance, the newest addition to Eldenwood – a place promising scientific marvels. It's name was "Lu-nar Innovations."
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Hands in my pockets, I couldn't help but think about all the snobby scientists and know-it-all geniuses that worked there. I scoff at the idea that I'm smart enough for that life, not that I want it. I mean imagine me in a dumb ass lab with a bunch of scientists, know it all bastards, yea right, almost makes me want to puke.
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"Leyton, you alright?" Charlie asked, his eyes fixed on me.
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"Yeah, don't worry about me," I mutter, glaring in the direction of our recent humiliation.
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We continue our march toward school, and as I kick a few stones, I vow silently that Ms. Brown-Hair will pay for this.
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Reaching our destination, It took us around 45 minutes to get to school. I separated from my boys as we all went to our own classrooms. Upon reaching my own classroom, I shove the classroom door open, earning a disapproving look from Ms. Gamble, our perpetually unimpressed teacher.
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"Mr. Norton, so kind of you to join us," she quips.
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"Sorry, Ms. Gamble," I reply, rolling my eyes, not really carrying what this so called teacher had to say to me.
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"Don't be sorry, be better," she shoots back, her favorite mantra. I take my seat, thinking this day can't get any worse.
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Then, with a dramatic clap, Ms. Gamble announces, "Today, class, we have a new student joining us. Too bad she's also running late."
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The door bursts open, and in walks the brown-haired hurricane – the same girl who handed me my own behind earlier.
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"Sorry, I'm late!" she shouts, seemingly unbothered.
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Ms. Gamble gives her the classic teacher disapproval. "Late on your first day, Ms. Hunt. Not off to a great start."
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"Um, sorry," the girl mumbles.
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"Would you mind introducing yourself?" Ms. Gamble politely inquired, graciously stepping aside to afford the girl the spotlight.
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"Hazel Hunt," the girl stated with quiet confidence, her words carrying a subtle air of mystery.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqopfN02iht
My eyes narrow. Hunt? That's the name of the girl who kicked our butts? Figures.
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The girl looks around for an empty seat and, of course, finds the one next to mine. Great, just great.
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"You've got to be kidding me," I mumble under my breath.
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She smirks, taking the seat like she owns the place. "Fancy meeting you here."
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I glare at her. "Fancy nothing. What's your problem, Hunt?" "I demand an explanation," I asserted, my fist clenched in anticipation. "You attacked me and my men. What the hell?" I pressed, searching for clarity
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She leans in, whispering, "Maybe you deserved it."
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"Deserved it?"
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"Students, settle down," Ms. Gamble interrupts, looking between us. "Save the drama for after class."
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The girl – Hunt, apparently – grins at me like she just won a prize. I scowl, realizing that my day is officially circling the drain.
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As Ms. Gamble drones on about something boring, I exchange whispered insults with Hunt, each remark more creative than the last. The class is oblivious to our little war, but the tension is thick enough to cut with a butter knife.
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After what feels like an eternity, the bell finally rings. Hunt gives me a challenging look before sauntering out of the room, leaving me with a mix of irritation and confusion.
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The day continues with its usual teenage chaos, filled with awkward encounters, questionable cafeteria food, and the never-ending struggle to stay awake in classes that seem designed to induce sleep.
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As the final bell rings, signaling the end of the day, I find myself face to face with Hunt again.
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"Ready for round two?" she teases, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
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I smirk. "Bring it on, Hunt. But first, tell me why you attacked us."
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She hesitates for a moment, then grins. "Maybe I just wanted to make an entrance." Her smirk seemed to edge toward a smile as she coolly replied, "Or maybe I just don't like bullies and cowards."
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And with that, she disappears into the teenage chaos, leaving me wondering how my life took such a bizarre turn. But one thing's for sure – Eldenwood just became a whole lot more of a pain in the ass, thanks to the enigma that is Hunt.
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***
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