Before I could storm off, Alden reached out a hand, placing it on my shoulder.
Immediately, I froze.
It was the first time someone had initiated physical contact with me in years. The last time someone had touched me had been to adjust my headset for my post-childhood face, and that was barely a brush on the cheek. My parents hadn’t held me since I was a baby. Once I could fend for myself, the headset became my only friend. I don’t think I’d ever even been hugged.
His hand was soft, as though he were unsure if he should even place it there. His arm hung uneasily between us, waiting to be swiped away. However, I couldn’t bring myself to do it. My brain had short-circuited and was now struggling to recover. I could only imagine how dumb I looked, staring at him with my mouth slightly agape. There was probably a visible loading screen over my head, a circle running continuous loops on my forehead.
“Don’t pay them any mind.” He gave me a reassuring pat. “They don’t mean any harm.”
Once he finally removed his hand, my mind was able to work properly again. Everything came rushing forward like a freight train. He’d touched me! This disgusting street mongrel had actually put his hand on me! I wanted to be angry, to curse him out for it, but his soft words made me unable to feel any true rage. They didn’t mean any harm…How could they not? They were openly mocking me, yet the sincerity in his voice had me convinced they truly were harmless, even that pink-haired terror.
“Don’t mean any harm…?” I repeated his words like a broken record.
“No, they don’t mean to hurt any feelings. They just like poking fun at people, even those they like. It’s nothing personal.” He turned to Link and Fickle, who were still chuckling. “Would you both please quiet down? I think you’re making him uncomfortable.”
To my surprise, both of them immediately fell silent. They even looked…apologetic? Craven had spent the last five minutes trying to get them to be quiet, but this kid asked one time, and they didn’t utter a word. I’d never seen people snap to attention so quickly.
“Thank you.” Alden smiled, dipping his head to each of them before turning back to me. “They’re awfully sweet people, even if they are a bit bothersome at times.”
“How did you…?” I pointed between them, dumbfounded. How could someone have so much control over people not even related to them? I thought blood was the only thing that could cause so much care and obedience.
“As I said, they’re sweet people.” He gestured to the classroom. “Let’s go inside, shall we? I believe class will be starting soon. Is that right, Craven?”
The dark-haired boy looked up from adjusting his shirt, immediately glancing at his watch.
“Yup, looks like the bell will be ringing in a few minutes. It’s best we be seated before Ms. Carol arrives. I don’t want to irritate her.”
Even Craven had moved unnaturally quickly to check the time for him. Usually, he moved with enough speed to not waste time, yet not too much to look rushed. Though just now, he’d acted like he had to get the time as quickly as possible. Alden had that trio of rats wrapped around his finger. I was astounded. People were supposed to be selfish and out just for themselves, yet they’d done what he asked as though afraid of upsetting him. Humanity sure was weird, and I wasn’t sure how I felt about it.
“Come along, Brash.” Alden took a step forward, glancing back over his shoulder with soft, shimmering eyes. “Do you mind if I take the empty desk beside you? I’d hate for you to sit alone.”
Tell him no.
Tell him no.
Tell him no.
“Uh, sure.”
As my stomach twisted at my own words, his smile only widened.
“You really are kind. I think we’ll get along splendidly, you know that? It’ll be great getting to know you.”
That was the first time anyone ever offered to spend time with me.
