My mind was numb, body slightly shacking from the pain, tears ran down my cheeks and yet I was smiling. It was as if I was hysterical, unable to stop laughing.
The image flashing in my head and I wasn't fazed. My left arm badly burned and starting to swell. Every few seconds it would bulge, sending a rush of pain through my body. I wasn't freaking out, wailing like a lost child or even screaming out for help. I just sat there waiting for the pain to be turned into pleasure every time I attempted moving my arm.
Being taken into the emergency room and being told I had third degree burns on my arm and in certain places on my back and chest. I could feel myself starting to tear up and yet a smile was forming.
"What are you thinking about?"
I quickly snapped out of my daydream, collected myself and turned to face my best friend.
"It's nothing, don't worry about it." I flashed a smile and closed my eyes to push back the tears. I opened my eyes and he didn't interrogate me this time.
I've known James Moore for almost my whole life. We met because of parents in a sort of royal gathering and ever since we've been inseparable. His family along with mine are very powerful, rich and influential. Other kids our age with our backgrounds can be obnoxious spoilt brats but I'd like to think we're not like that.
James is the one and only person in the world I trust with my life. He knows everything about me, even the dark parts about me and my perfect little life, and I know all there is about him.
Sometimes I genuinely ask myself what the fuck is actually wrong with me and why he even likes me when I don't.
"Hey, so next period is study hall and we've got like seven minutes before the bell rings. Can I get a look at the new badges of honour?" James asked as we walked in the almost empty hallway of our huge school.
I looked around and saw the door to the auditorium up ahead. It was to be closed off this week for renovations so no one would be there. I waited until no one was around and then dragged Jay to the auditorium.
We quickly got in and not a soul in sight.
"Elliott, one of these days you're going to get me in trouble." He said to me laughing.
I took off my hoodie and pulled up my shirt so he could see the damage.
"Bruising on the lower back and stomach, cuts on the chest and arms and I'm definitely sure you have internal bleeding. How could he even do this to his own son? Your dad went too far this time." He says with a frown as his hands inspect my body.
"You get used to it, besides my powers make me heal faster."
"Just because you heal physical doesn't mean you do mentally and your dad shouldn't even be doing this to you in the first place." He says almost raising his voice.
My dad proudly expresses his hatred for superhumans and because of that he personally teaches his kids self defence and how to fight in general. The only problem is I'm one of those superhumans he hates so much and if I actually went all out I would do something I'd regret. Unfortunately from his point of view I'm just weak and so he's extremely brutal with me.
I just shrugged and Jake sighed. I put my hoodie back on and we headed towards class. We arrived just in time to catch the bell.
The day went by like normal until our homeroom teacher came in with a new student.
"Settle down class! As you can see, we have a new student joining our class as of today. Please get to know each other at your own time and treat him with the respect he deserves. You can take a seat now young man." She finished and the new kid walked down the row of desks and took a seat right next to me. Granted it was the only spot available.
"Hey. I'm Elliott." I decided to introduce myself to my new neighbor.
"I'm Isaac, nice to meet you." He said with a smile.
He had deep brown eyes with the slightest hint of silver flakes, short black wavy hair, a deep raspy voice that was soothing, a muscular build and a smile that lit up the room. I don't know what I felt in that moment but there was something about him I couldn't quite get a handle on.
My best guess is he was also a superhuman. Huge accusations considering I've known him for less than a minute but I'm going to stick with it.
Classes went on as usual and I would occasionally take glances at Isaac. The final bell rang and everyone got ready to leave. James quickly sprang from his seat across mine and introduced himself to Isaac.
"Hey there new guy! I'm James or Jay. I'm your new desk buddy's best friend. We were going to hang out and do some probably dumb shit after, you wanna come with?" James energetically asked. "You barely know me. Besides aren't people from this school supposed to be rich heirs and civilized members of society?" Isaac asked, clearly being sarcastic. "I didn't quite get that so I'll take it as a 'yes'. Now come on!" James said as he started walking away. Isaac and I followed behind.
We reached the parking lot and entered James' car. "I feel like this is a kidnapping. Is he always this friendly and energetic?" Isaac asked as James drove us to an unknown destination. "Usually, but painfully not always." I said with a bit of guilt in my voice.
It was a fairly short drive and a silent one at that.
"Ok, we're here! All we have to do is take a creepy path through the woods. You know now that I say it out loud it kinda sounds like we're going to murder you or something but I promise we're not! We're just going to Hell's Paradise... That's the name of the bakery by the way." James said.
Isaac just laughed, "Isn't that the name of an anime?"
"Yeah it is. I'm surprised you know that." I said. "Oh yeah I'm obsessed with anime." He said with an awkward laugh. "That's makes two of us. We should watch some anime sometime." I simply said trying to imitate Jay's friendly nature.
Isaac didn't say anything, he just smiled and gave a nod. James gave me a weird look and a sinister grin but I ignored him.
We got out of the car and started the path to the bakery. James, with steadfast excitement was in front while Isaac and I were not far behind him.
"Don't worry, you'll get used to him. James is a really great guy, even if he's a bit childish for his age." I said, trying to put Logan more at ease. He just smiled at me.
There it was again, that weird feeling. As if my chest was heavy and my heart stopped working. If Logan was actually a superhuman was this part of his power?
It was either that or I liked this guy.
"We're here! Oh shit! Elliott, don't freak out but you know who is here." James said.
I looked through the window to see who he was talking about.
"Oh shit, that's my dad..."