Always by your side

Chapter 20 - Can you out-bully a bully?

"Hey, Luz, don't worry, I don't care as long as you are here with me, and believe me, that guy is not a threat, I've dealt with worse, and as much as I hate to admit it I used to be worse than him."

Luz wasn't convinced, but at the same time didn't look willing to argue. Now I felt like it was my duty to protect her here, that's the least I can do considering how much she helped me. I knew this wasn't the last time I met up with Jamie but I was confident that our second meeting will resolve all the issues between us. The only variable here is whether he will choose a peaceful or more violent option to be pacified.

Our first lesson was history, and let me say it right now, it's confusing. At least it provided a much-needed change of pace for Luz. I caught a glimpse of the drawings in her notebook, and damn, I wish I was that good at it. As much as I would love to practice my line art right now I felt like I had to pay full attention to the teacher. Unsurprisingly, human history didn't resemble anything I learned on the Boiling Isles but I suppose that is why someone goes to school, to learn something new.

The rest of the day started to slip through my fingers before I noticed it was already noon. However, I made sure to stay by Luz's side on every break, but even if I didn't it wouldn't change much. Everyone was passing by her, yet no one talked to her or even said 'hello'. I felt so bad for her, although no matter how much I talked with her it didn't seem to cheer her up.

After lunch, we had only physics left, and I was ready. We did a lot of physics back at home when Luz was showing me the basics of the school curriculum and it is such a lovely subject. Everything is logical, and all the rules and formulas are a piece of cake if given enough time to be properly understood. For the first time today, I had enough confidence in my skills to answer the teacher's question and I think she appreciated my enthusiasm.

We were on our way out when we were stopped by two guys.

"Jamie wants to meet both of you after school on the fields behind the mall, 4 pm, be there or face the consequences."

Luz was terrified but I wouldn't let some random dudes scare me; "What a lovely threat, it's a shame your friend wasn't man enough to invite me for a date personally, we will come, don't worry, but send him my regards beforehand."

Without wasting a second I walk past them, dragging Luz behind me. Similarly to the morning she looks at me concerned and says; "Amity, I don't think it's the best idea to go there, we shouldn't mess with him."

"Don't worry Luz, I told you, he is the one messing with the wrong person."

If we were on the Boiling Isles I would have never accepted such an offer, it's walking right into a trap, but here the situation is different. As far as I'm concerned humans are mostly harmless. I managed to convince Luz that I will handle everything and she messaged her mom that we will be home around the evening. The game was on, and I wasn't going to be the one regretting anything today.

We strolled through the park with Luz, waiting for 4 pm. She occasionally tried to talk me out of the idea of meeting with Jamie but I wouldn't change my mind. For the first time in years, I can make relatively good use of some of my more questionable skills. When the time has come I relied on Luz to show me the meeting spot and as we got there I noticed that a considerable crowd gathered there. Looks like Jamie wants a show, so a show he will get.

We got there at exactly 4 pm and he was already waiting for us.

"What a surprise, the weirdos actually showed up, Luzer with her elf friend." He greeted us.

I stepped in front of Luz, "It's between you and me, leave Luz out of this. What do you even actually want?"

"I will decide who is involved and who is not." He said, "And answering your question, remember when I said I could wipe the floor with you? Time to make my words come true."