26Chapter 2: Why Do You Try?
The next day, at school, Silver was confronted by the same boy who was beaten up yesterday.
"Thanks for helping me out yesterday," the boy said, staring at the ground.
"No problem," Silver said, walking away.
"You're not asking for payment?" the boy asked incredulously.
"No, why would I?" he said pausing.
"Cause they always do."
"I'm not them."
"I heard you beat up Lucas and his gang," Leil said.
"So? What about it?" Silver said.
"No one's dared do that before. They practically have free reign in this place."
"Doesn't mean that I wouldn't do that again. I'd beat them up again if I have to."
"Ever been in one?"
"What?" Silver said, taken off guard.
"A gang. Ever been in a gang?"
"Yes," Silver said curtly.
"So why do you hate them so?"
"A 'gang'," Silver spat, "killed my parents. I hate gangs. I will never side with one. Never."
With those last words, he left, leaving Leil stunned.
What? Did that mean he was an orphan?
"Wait!" Leil called after him. Silver paused but didn't stop. "Why do you hate life so much? Is it because of what happened to them?"
"Life? This existence has done me nothing. I move consistently from one house to another. The students in the schools make fun of me because of who I am!" Silver spat.
"An unwanted orphan that's thrown from one place to another. Everyone's the same. Why should this be different?"
He left Leil there, stunned speechless. He had thought orphans were treated alright. But then, his life was a sheltered one. He didn't know a lot.
At lunch, Silver was at his usual spot under the tree. This time, he had a sketch book in his hands. Silver simply let his hands move over the blank page, drawing of its own accord. When he gazed down at what he had drawn, he did a double take. It was a detailed drawing of Leil when he first saw him. Silver snapped his sketchbook shut angrily.
He had always been able to keep himself apart and distant. Always. Now suddenly this boy tries to but into his life and all he could think of was Leil.
Fantastic. Great. He was in trouble.
Before he knew it, Leil was standing beside him.
"Why don't you at least try to make some friends?" Leil said.
"What's the point? I'll be leaving in a few months anyway," Silver said bitterly. Not looking up at the older boy. "Making friends helps no one if you're moving soon.
"Maybe if you tried fitting in you'd increase your chances in staying in one place for a longer period of time," Leil said.
Why was he telling Leil about himself? He was going crazy, telling someone he hardly new his secrets.
"Don't you think I haven't tried? No. Staying apart with no attachments is better than getting hurt."
"Now leave me alone. I've told things I wouldn't have told anyone a month ago."
Silver got up and left.
The bell rang.