The Elements of Rage | ?

? T W E N T Y ?

I came home and finished my homework and my book. After throwing the book against the wall, I ate dinner and headed out to fight. When I got back this morning, I found the note laying on my bed.

Raking a hand through my hair, I breathe deeply, trying to calm the panic that has been growing in me since I found that note.

No, that's not true. I've been panicked since that dream and worried my whole life.

Maybe I'm just dramatic.

There were moments in life where things were fine, great even. Days where I was allowed to play with my brothers. We had loads of fun playing in the barn. At one point, there was a rope in the barn and we spend hours just swinging from the loft and landing in a pile of hay.

We loved to play in the creek together, splashing around and pushing each other in. And they all loved it when I cooked for then, even though I did it every night. They somehow made goulash sound like the most incredible masterpiece on earth. If course it was just empty flattery—especially since they said the same things every night—but it's the thought that counted.

Despite all the great moments, there were hard ones. Ones where I was locked in a box for days on end. Where I was forced to stand on a bucket with a noose around my neck as my fathers took turns throwing rocks at me, a favorite game. But should these days really overshadow all those great ones?

I rub my eyes and resolve to let it go. There's no sense in dwelling in the past.

I love slowly to the kitchen to grab some breakfast when I realize that the fridge is empty. I can just wait and get breakfast school, but I don't want to have to go to the store later. Why out it off, right? Sighing, I grab some of my winnings and cram my feet into my shoes. Heading out the door, I not only lock the door but also check to make sure the locks work.

I'm not sure how Kitrina is getting in, but I don't exactly put much faith in the security of this place.

Shaking my head, I head out into the chilly morning. It is pretty early in the morning, the quietest time of day, I've come to notice. I walk quickly and quietly, my eyes darting around as I look for danger. Since the panic began, I've felt on edge. Well, even more so.

I've never felt safe in this world, but now, it feels like I am exposed, naked to the world. In fact, I almost lost a couple of my fights. Granted, they were hard, just not that hard. I should've been able to beat them without getting an injury. Now, I have a broken rib, bruised side, and a concussion. I won't be able to fight for a couple of days now.

Groaning, I walk into the grocery store. It's the same one that I came across Darkon in. Technically, I'm banned from the premises, but I don't think they'll actually enforce that. Not to mention, the nearest store is much farther away. I'd rather save time and energy and just try to shop here.

Not much longer, I am walking down the same road, going a different direction with my backpack now full of books instead of groceries.

My classes drag on but I am looking forward to lunch.

I burst out of my classroom as soon as the bell rings for lunch.

The teacher is yelling, "Get back here! I didn't dismiss you!"

I don't care, though. I don't even know why I show up. The hallways soon fill as classes are let out for lunch.

"I didn't bump into you! You shoved me!" Nekoda yells, breaking his cool facade as him and Gage get into her another fake screaming match.

I swear, Nekoda enjoys their "fights" way too much.

"Hey, Anger, where ya going?" A gratingly high pitched voice calls from behind me.

"Hello, Subpoena," I reply coolly, not even bothering to stop and a dress her.

"What did you just call me?!" She demands, following me like a deranged ex.

"Nothing, Scaredy-phina," I say, giving her a smile that feels more like I'm baring my teeth at her.

"Ugh! I'm trying to be nice!" She sniffs dramatically.

"Oh?" I reply, raising an eyebrow as I look at her for the first time.

Instantly, I look away, concerned my innocence will be completely demolished if I keep looking at her in that "outfit."

Honestly, isn't there a dress code at this damned school?!

"I came to warn you," Seraphina tells me with a false smile and a bar of her long lashes. "Your boyfriend is cheating on you."

"Boyfriend?" I echo in confusion, stopping and looking her in the eye.

Seraphina smiles again and replies, "Oh, silly, you don't have to pretend anymore. I already know about your secret relationship with Kolton.

Backing away slightly, I say, "Riigghhht..."

"Well, I was with Kolton all day and night yesterday after his football practice," Seraphina tells me with a gleam in her eye.

I snort at that, knowing it's complete bull. None of the seven like Seraphina and Kolton was training with us before we all went to the movies.

"Liar," I say with a roll of my lemon eyes as I walk past her, ignoring her calls and shrieks.

Finally arriving at the lunchroom, I remember then that Victoria had warned me yesterday that she wouldn't be here at school today.

Rubbing my eyes, I sigh and go find a seat with Asher and Darkon.

Today just isn't going my way, I guess.

    • • •

Q: Do you like reading or writing more?

A: I used to love reading way more, but now I love writing more.