"Hmm... Miss," I whispered to the girl sitting behind me. "Miss?!" What was wrong with me? She glanced up from her book and looked at me. "Here... the answers."
A smug smile appeared on her face, but her eyes remained cold and unfriendly. "I don't need your answers," I said sharply, turning away so she wouldn't hand over the sheet. Why couldn't the girl understand? There were no answers there!
"If you don't need it, I'll take it". - He reached out for the paper, and I started to worry. Suddenly, a cry of pain escaped Luke's lips. Everyone turned to look. The black sneaker of the brunette girl pressed his hand to the floor.
"Did anyone ask you to take it? Or did I ask you to help?" Mafiozi hissed, applying more pressure with each word.
"No, no, I didn't..." the boy whimpered as if he were a beaten dog and returned to his seat. It was the first time I saw Luke so helpless and humiliated. I sensed that Mafiozi was hesitating. She gazed at the sheet for a moment, as if considering something, and then finally unfolded it.
I began to doubt myself. I felt pathetic. Asking for "protection" from a girl. Not just any girl – a wealthy Mafiozi who bathes in money and can kill anyone with just a look. The paper had no answers, just my pleas.
"Idiot," I thought, clenching my fists, and then continued writing. Some girls whispered among themselves, but it didn't matter to me. Gossip was their nourishment, feeding their dark souls. If something like this didn't happen, the class would become dull and not as challenging as I wanted.
Suddenly, I heard a voice behind me. It was not as icy, rather intrigued. "Hey... what's your name? There's something wrong here," I turned and nearly fell off my chair. Mafiozi was handing me back the same piece of paper. Her unwavering expression showed that she was indeed interested.
"Y-yes," I stammered, taken aback.
"Check it yourself," the girl shrugged.
"Really?" I asked hesitantly.
"Check it yourself," she repeated, this time with a hint of indifference.
"Wow, our nerd made a mistake! And almost set up Mafiozi! And for that, he should be... right, Karner?" - Luke asked mockingly. I nervously took the paper from the girl and noticed five rings on her hand.
"I won't introduce myself because I'm sure you won't remember my name. I know you're in the Mafia, and you have plenty of ways to kill me. I don't know if you'll listen to me or not. But I'd like to ask you for something. In this class, I'm like an outcast. I know it sounds pathetic. But if you join Luke Foris, I won't be able to stand it anymore. Understand, it's hard for students like me here. Of course, it's none of your business, and you can easily refuse. But please, I'll pay you with your money as soon as I have it. I don't want to have trouble with the Mafia."
I felt helpless. My desire to change soared. I almost finished writing the test, and then Luke started again. But now he threw his papers at me.
"Nerd! Write the answer! Right now!" - I ignored him. Foris was my sworn enemy, and he expected me to help him? The guy couldn't calm down; he was bombarding me with paper balls.
"Julian Carnerre, if you don't give me the answer right now... your pitiful sister" - The guy threw a large paper ball at me, aiming for my face. I had very little nerves left. I wanted to use some extraordinary powers to kill Luke. I wanted them to fear me, although I knew how destructive it could be. But looking at Mafiozi, doesn't she feel emptiness inside? Doesn't she feel the pressure from others? Doesn't she feel everything bad piling up and pressing, making her want to cry? Does she? Her face showed no emotion... no, I'm lying, it showed indifference. Indifference to everything, to the whole world around her. But was I talking about her emotions? Or was it mine?
Lost in thought, I was awakened by a scream in the classroom. Everyone was looking at the brunette girl, and I was sure of that.