C8 8. Apprentices

The days went by. Santana has been doing his weekday runs, I’ve been doing my stuff, and life’s been peaceful. Melody keeps asking me what happened during the party and I keep avoiding her inquiries. Jack remembers some bits and pieces of what happened at the party.

On the third day of the week, Wednesday, Jack remembered most of what happened, including me.

I was shot a death glare from him when Melody asked me about the party again.

He finally came over and asked to talk to me.

He put an arm around my shoulder and said, “Hey, we need to have a small chat about something. Come with me.”

I had a feeling about what it was, but I wasn’t sure.

Since it was lunch period, everyone in the school was pretty much at one place.

He led me to the side of a building, where the cameras didn’t see.

“Your name is Helix, right? Melody keeps talking about you and how you won’t tell her about what happened at the party.”

“...”

‘Was I supposed to answer that..?’

“Keep those lips of yours sealed and stay away from Melody, or else I’ll turn that pretty face of yours into something ugly.”

“Oh?” I sounded amused.

“I’ll be watching you.”

“Okay.”

‘And?’ I said internally.

He walked closer to me and I took a step back. I like my personal space.

He probably took it as a sign that I was scared of him, because the next thing he did was take another step towards me.

I took another step back and my back hit a wall.

“Remember, keep your mouth shut and don’t talk to her.”

“Okay.”

He then left soon after.

***

Later that day, I met with Santana and Mark. We met in front of Melody’s house.

I spoke first.

“Alright. Since you two are my apprentices, you’re going to stick to this strict workout regime. Santana’s already started the first

part of it, so Mark, you’ll be a little behind him.”

They both nodded.

“Santana, How far are you?”

“Half.”

“That’s perfect! Alright. You two will follow me.”

I walked and they followed.

“So, you walk?

“We’re not there yet. Be patient please. In a couple miles we’ll get there.”

Santana snickered quietly.

After two miles, I stopped and turned around.

“Why did you stop?” Mark asked.

“Stand next to me, both of you.”

They both came over and stood next to me, as per my instructions.

“First task is running. You’ll run until you can’t run any more. When you collapse, I’ll consider that your limit and make a regime

according to your furthest distance.”

They both nodded, and I started first.

“This is my route, so we’ll stop when we get to my apartment. Best of luck and try to not fall behind.”

At that, I started jogging slowly at 5 miles per hour. They were right behind me.

‘Surprisingly, Mark didn’t ask anything and just kept silent the whole time. I’d expected him to act a bit more proud. Seems like

he really wants to change.’

We reached the mile mark and I could hear slight panting behind me.

‘Santana’s been doing workouts as per my instructions. Good job. I’ll reward you with a nice dinner later.

I looked behind me and saw Mark behind Santana. He was the one panting.

“Keep it up. I might reward you guys later if you do really well today.” I encouraged.

We reached the 2 mile mark and passed Melody’s house. Melody was outside watching us run. Mark did really well. He passed the

two mile mark.

We neared the 3 mile mark

Mark was nearing his limit now. Santana was becoming more tired.

We neared the 4 mile mark. Once we reached that, Mark collapsed. He did twice as good as Santana when he first started.

“Santana. You go ahead. I’ll catch up. I’ll know if you stop to rest. If you reach the apartment without collapsing or stopping, I’ll

make us a really good dinner.”

That seemed to motivate him, because he instantly turned and started jogging towards the apartment.

I picked Mark up and started walking back to his house.

No one was outside anymore, so I knocked on the door. Once it opened, I walked in the house and brought Mark to the sofa. I

went into the kitchen and put on cold water.

I then got a towel, soaked it in the water, wringed it out, and put it on the tired Mark’s face.

“AH COLD!!” he shouted.

“Well, that’s what’s going to cool you down faster. You did good, Mark.”

“How far did he run?” Melody’s voice sounded behind me.

“4 miles, but it was a jog.

“Good job, Mark!” she praised.

“Want me to make you guys dinner? I’m somewhat decent at cooking, and Mark doesn’t have the energy to move.”

“Sure. That’d be great. I’d like to taste the famous Helix’s dinner that Sarah brags so much about.”

“You know her?”

“Of course! She’s in my math class.

“Okay. Melody, can I borrow your phone again? I need to call Santana and tell him I’ll be a little late.”

“Sure.”

She handed me her phone and I dialed Santana’s number.

“Hey.”

[Where are you?]

“I did say that I’d catch up, but I’ll be a little late today. I’ll be there in an hour. So meanwhile, you go wash up and put on the

counter what you want to eat.”

[Got it. One hour, okay?]

“Yep.”

And the call ended.

“I’m just going to raid your fridge and pick out whatever you guys want. Any suggestions?”

“Not from me.” Melody answered.

“Alright. Since Mark can’t answer right now, I’ll assume it’s a no. Mark, go wash up. Food will be ready in 40 minutes if you take

a shower.”

“Mmh.” he answered.

“Geez. Can you even get up your stairs?”

“Mmh”

“...”

I took it as a no. I picked him up and brought him up the stairs into the bathroom of the master bedroom

I turned the shower on, and spoke.

“I’m not undressing you, so you’re on your own.”

“Mhm.”

“Food will be ready once you’re done with your shower.”

Once I said that, I went back downstairs and into the kitchen.

Melody was sitting at the bar, watching me prepare.

“What are you making?”

“Food.” I answered shortly.

“Boo, you’re no fun.” She looked sad.

“That’s how I am.”

I started making the food. I got bored and decided to look at recipes. There was one in particular which I liked. It was called

Chicken Tater Bake.

I followed these directions:

In a large saucepan, combine the soup, milk and butter.

Cook and stir over medium heat until heated through.

Remove from the heat; stir in the chicken, peas and carrots, and 1 cup cheese.

Transfer to 2 greased 8-in. square baking dishes.

Top with Tater Tots. Cover and freeze 1 casserole for up to 3 months.

Bake the remaining casserole at 400° until bubbling, 25-30 minutes.

Sprinkle with 1/4 cup cheese; bake until cheese is melted, about 5 minutes longer.

After the 30 minutes was up, I took it out of the oven and Mark had just come down.

I took out plates and put a big spatula next to the casserole dish so they could get their own amount of food.

I then looked around for a pen and paper.

Once I found it, I wrote this on the paper:

'You can cover leftovers and freeze for up to 3 months. When you take it out again, make sure it’s 30 minutes before you bake it again. Sprinkle with ¼ cup of cheese. Cover and bake at 350° until heated through, 1-1/2 to 1-3/4 hours. Also please be careful. It’s hot and let it stand for at least 5 minutes after baking. Enjoy!'

After I wrote the note, I immediately picked up my things and left their house.

I soon arrived at Santana's apartment. When I was let in, there was a key on the counter with my name on it.

‘Thanks, Sarah.’ I said internally.

Santana had just gotten out of the shower, so I started to make the meal.

I made a Slow Cooker Asian Pot Roast for him and put Sarah’s in the fridge for when she got home.

I then washed up as well and went to sleep.

***

The next day at school was unbelievabl…...y uneventful. Apart from my brain cells being ripped out of my head during Math,

Chemistry was a little bit easier.

Michael, who was my chemistry partner, finally started talking to me. I resisted the urge to tease him and say something like,

‘He’s said his first words!’

Clara and I were talking in History the next day. She was excited about prom.

“What’s a prom?” I asked, Honestly, I did go to school and I am really smart if I want to be, but I never went to a prom. I

remember there being something like that during my school days. That was about 34 years ago.

She looked at me with wide eyes and her hands over her mouth like I should know this stuff.

“WHAT??? YOU DON’T KNOW W--” She yelled out of shock and I covered her mouth in a hurry.

The class looked at us, and I tried to calm the situation down. “She got a little excited. Sorry for the commotion.”

I took my hand off her mouth and went to my work. She then whispered, “You must live under a rock. A prom is a formal dance

held by the school at the end of the year. It’s usually for juniors and seniors though.”

“Oh.” I replied unenthusiastically.

“What’s with that lukewarm response? Prom is amazing! You should definitely go!”

“Why? It’s just a party.” I had suddenly remembered why I didn’t want to go 36 years ago. Because I wouldn’t enjoy it.

“A party? Just a party? It’s THE party.”

“Yeah, yeah. THE party is also known as THE avaricious party. Do you know what this means?”

“But you’re wrong. It’s free because we’re a really good school and the rich kids’ parents will pay for a lot.”

“Who’s?”

“Everyone’s parents pretty much. We’re all rich here.”

“...”

“The point is, it’s free. No need to worry about costs.”

“I can do something better with my time.”

“Oh? Like what?”

“Sleep.”

“...”

“This conversation is done.”

The bell rang and I went to gym class next.

I saw Melody and she was also excited about prom…

‘Is this what all girls think about?’

“Helix! You should really go! I’m going with Jack!”

“I don’t know.” I tried to act like I didn’t want to, but now I really wanted to go. Not for myself, but for Melody.

She was going with Jack. He’s going to have a round 2? Not on my watch.

“Pleasseeee… What if I beg you?”

“No need.”

“Why? Please go? For me?”

“Okay.”

“I know you don’t want to, but-- wait what?”

“...”

No words needed to be said. It was a pain. Melody finally processed what I had said and ran to hug me.

I didn’t dodge her. Honestly, I’ve never been hugged by her. Only when I was a cat. I guess I wanted to try it, and this was my

chance?

She hugged me tightly.. Since I was taller than her by a lot, she only reached my chest. Her arms wrapped around me tightly.

I sensed someone’s gaze and looked in the direction of it. It was Jack. Wow, more trouble for me. And Melody wouldn’t even

know.

Since it’s close to graduation, I’ve got to tell her what happened that night.

Jack saw me looking at him and motioned with his head to the place where he took me last time.

I took Melody off of me and walked to the place. Jack followed me.

When we reached the place, I stopped and turned to face Jack and waited for him to tell me what I did wrong.

“You just couldn’t leave my girl alone, could you? She is mine!”

“...”

“You have no right to touch her! I warned you last time that if you went near her, let alone touched her, you’d pay for it.”

“...”

“Since you are so suicidal, I’ll just make your wishes come true and kill you here.”

“...”

“No response? I guess you’re that scared.”

“...”

“...”

A long silence followed, but I decided to break it.

“You done?”

Jack’s ears turned red out of embarrassment.

“So now you decide to tal--”

“So now that you’ve had your tantrum time, it’s my turn to talk.”

“Tantrum?! You fuc--” I put my hand over his mouth and pinned him on the wall.

“Perhaps I should clarify.” My expression turned icy. “I talk, you don’t.” He then nodded his head and I released him.

“Now, let me also explain something. You own nothing. You are nothing. Don’t think you own people and can influence their decisions. You are one person in seven billion. Learn your place.”

“...” He was staring at me with hatred burning in his eyes.

“What I think of melody as and my relations to her are none of your concern. She’s not your property.”

“That--” He tried to refute, but I spoke over him.

“That being said, it would be in your best interest to stay out of her business.”

I then stopped talking and walked away. I felt a slight killing intent from him and noticed the air change.

Jack was running at me with his fist in the air. He was going to attack me from behind!

His fist was barreling towards me and I stopped in my tracks. I turned around swiftly and caught his fist. When he realized what

happened, he looked at me with a scared expression.

“Just so you know.” I gripped his fist tighter and leaned in. He grimaced in pain, and I whispered in his ear, “Boyfriends don’t try

to drug and rape their girlfriends.”

His eyes opened wide and you could clearly see the fear on his face. I released him and looked at him dead in the eyes. My voice

was low and my tone was cold. “Break up with her, and you won’t see me in court. I have evidence as well, so don’t think you’ll

get off scot free.”

I didn’t have evidence because I don’t own a phone, but he didn’t know that.

He nodded his head and I walked away.

After that, the day went by smoothly.