Chapter Six: I must work for it

That new girl is quite the odd one. I wonder what kind of injury she has to have caused that much pain? Maybe I'll ask Akari about it later. Wait, that would be pointless. Knowing Akari, she wouldn't tell anyone about people's personal things, and that's not just because of patient-doctor confidentiality.

Akari was my sister's best friend before she left us. If anyone knew where my sister went, it would be Akari. However, no matter how many times my family and I asked, she would never give us an answer. I still wonder why, though? Does she not know how much we miss her? I mean, I know Akari is somewhat cold and distant, but she has to understand how we feel.

Ding, ding, ding. The school bell rang. Well, can't think about it now. I spent the rest of my class trying to stay awake enough to take notes. It was challenging, but I at least got some of the information down. Also, Katya never came back to class. I guess Akari kept her in the nurse's office all day. I wonder if I should stop by just to check up on her.

I headed down the stairs to the nurse, but was stopped by some of the track girls walking towards the track. "Hey, Yuka. Where do you think you're heading?" It was Kana, the track team captain. She and a few of the other girls surrounded me and backed me into the corner of the hallway. "I was going to..." Before I could finish, she shoved me into the wall.

"Do you think I care what excuse you have. Have you already forgotten that you haven't paid your dues?" The other girls started to giggle. "But I..." Kana grabbed me by the collar and slammed me into the wall. "Don't think you're all high and mighty because you got good track times. I'm the captain, and I can easily take you off the team if I wanted to."

"One of you grab her bag." One of the track girls grabbed my bag and emptied it onto the floor. They grabbed my wallet and took all the money out. "That should be good for now. I guess you're lucky today and get to stay on the team. However, next time you miss your payment, I'll happily kick you off the...

They stopped once they noticed someone walking up behind them. "Hey, you idiots are blocking the hallway." That voice. It was Katya. "What do you want, new girl. Can't you see we are busy here? Unless you want to join her, I suggest you leave and forget what you saw." Kana started walking towards Katya.

Oh no, Katya is injured. I can't let them hurt her. I tried to move to intervene, but the other track girls held me against the wall. "Look, I don't care what you are doing, but I'm trying to head home, and you're blocking my way." "That's too bad, you need to pay the toll, little miss..." Kana went to grab Katya, but swatted her hand away and threw a punch at her, but stopped right before hitting her face.

Katya was stunned and took a few steps back. "You're lucky that I'm trying to stay out of trouble." Kana regained her composure. "Who do you think you are!" "I'm Katya." "You!..." "What's going on over here!" The track girls quickly scrambled to make it look like they weren't doing anything bad. Akari turned the corner to see us.

"You girls need to go to your clubs now, and you, Katya. I told you to go home." "Yes, Miss Suzuki." The girls said in unison as they left. Akari gave a glance at me, but did nothing and left as well. It was just me and Katya, and all of my belongings on the floor. I got down on the floor and started picking up my things. I was already aware my face was bright red, and I was hoping she wouldn't notice.

It's embarrassing to have anyone see that. It's not like I can stop them, after all, my chances at a scholarship ride on track. I could feel Katya staring at me, which was making me fumble with my things. "You know if you stood up for yourself, they would stop." "I can't." "Why not? You seem more than capable of taking them on."

I let out a sigh. "I have my reasons." "Just like they have reasons to take your money that you worked for." That comment of hers hit hard. I don't like wasting my precious money on those fools, but I need to stay on track. However, I can't tell her that. I don't like it when people take pity on me or my family's situation.

"Look, it's none of my concern, but here." I looked up and saw Katya handing me money. "But... I..." "Just take it. I don't like owing people favors." I looked at the money. It was tempting, but I couldn't accept it out of principle. I shook my head. "Keep your money. I don't like handouts." "What?"

Katya looked at me, confused. "Money should be given to those who work for it. If I didn't earn it, then it has no value." Katya put the money away and turned around. "You know, stubborn people like you will end up in an early grave." And with that comment, she left. That girl is quite the mystery. Why did she try to help me? Did she feel pity for me, or was that her way of thanking me for helping her earlier?

Either way, I'll be honest and say that I hope I get to see her more. I don't know how to describe it, but I feel like she could become my friend. Her personality seems odd, but she doesn't seem like a bad person. After all, she did try to give me money. I picked up my phone and realized the time. Oh, crap, the track meet!