As the days went by, Ms. Azul and I slowly began to know each other. I had feared she would be scared of my past, but instead, she greeted me with a warm smile whenever our eyes met. Her kindness surprised me, making me feel that my history no longer defined me. But then people in class started not to like her because she was talking to me. I didn't know why, but for now, I will just enjoy the time I have. While I was working on an assignment, Ms. Azul asked, "Why do you refer to me by my last name? I don't mind at all, but you can call me by my first name." "Alright then," I replied. Then I just got back to work. While I was working, I heard a whisper in the room saying that there was going to be a fight after school. I didn't worry much about it until they said Ms Azul's name. What I had heard was that two girls planned on jumping her near where she walks home.
When I heard this, I asked Ms. Azul if it was ok if we could walk together. When she asked why, I just said that I needed help with one of the class assignments, but that was a complete lie; yet again, I'm putting myself in trouble to keep her safe, so I feel guilty. After school, I walked with her to her house. It's kind of near the school, but it's a pretty good walking distance, so I can't complain. While walking, I noticed the two girls walking behind us, but they were at a good distance from us, so they were good. Then I said in my mind. That was what we both heard one of the girls say, "You're fortunate that boy was with you, Lya. If he hadn't been there, I wouldn't have hesitated to take matters into my own hands." Then, as they turned their backs, I said with a laugh
"Then how come you didn't?" I shot back, with a smile on my face, "I mean, you're right here, so what's the problem? You know I can't do anything with this monitor on. How is it that you can stand there and just walk away?"
They hesitated, a flicker of frustration crossing their face. "Well, it's because—"
"Because of what? You're afraid of me?" I interrupted, my tone sharpening.
"No! You idiot, it's—"
"It's exactly what you're about to say!" I leaned in, closing the distance between us. "You're afraid of me. So here's the deal: do me a favor and piss off."
After I said that, they turned away with disappointed expressions. I then glanced back at Ms. Azul, who looked completely shocked. She asked, "Why are people scared of you? I've noticed that no one sits near you, and after what you just did, I'm really curious."
"Wait, you don't know, but you heard that girl call me a killer."
"Yeah, I know, but why? What did you do? I mean, I'm not mad or anything; I just want to know."
"Well, I could tell you, but it's getting pretty late, so I have to go. I'll talk to you tomorrow."
After that, I waved her goodbye and started to walk home. While walking, I was surprised that my ankle monitor didn't go off, which shocked me because I was kind of getting aggressive, but I was glad that I could get home safely. When I got home, my aunt rushed me to the door and asked where I had been with an aggressive tone. I told her that I was with a friend, but that never calmed her down, not a bit. While she was yelling at me, I noticed that there was a bottle of wine on the counter. I know that could only mean one thing. She was drunk, and now I have to figure out what level she is in: level 1, 2, or 3. The reason why I have to do this is that ever since my mom died, she has been drinking to forget about it, but sometimes it lets her get her anger out on me. I'm used to it by now, but it makes me realize that I had to become an adult at a very young age, and life will never be the same for me but at least I have a person I care about.