How Green Becomes Wood

[pandakatiefominz]

"I was not a terrible influence," Dark said dryly, "Cooger's grades improved after I learned English. If I had distracted you, it would be because you allowed yourself to be distracted."

 

[BookKnight]

"Yes, I'm sure," Ciara said dryly, thinking of some of the stories Alec had let slip, usually without meaning to.

 

[pandakatiefominz]

"As a foreigner to your American high schools, all I can say is preps took an issue with me long before I knew the word," Dark told her, holding up both hands. Then, gesturing to himself, he said, "There was a time before I lookef like this."

 

[BookKnight]

"The preps, as you call them, were just as likely to be bullied as they were to bully in my school," Ciara said. "It all depended on who knew whom and how."

 

[pandakatiefominz]

"And it was only a short while ago Daizi told me how she has never known be to fight with someone who has not wronged me or someone who could not defend themselves," Dark replied, "but it is in the nature of goths and preps to be at war. One did not simply visit both Hot Topic and Ambercrombie in those days." He looked again at Ciara, "Were you bullied?"

 

[BookKnight]

"That is hardly relevent now," she said dismissively. She glanced around. "Perhaps we should continue on our journey. If you are willing."

 

[pandakatiefominz]

Taking that as a yes, Dark started the car back up and said, "Yes, we should. I do not want Daizi to worry." Inside, he was very much relieved Ciara had decided against getting out.

 

[BookKnight]

"Thank you for driving," Ciara said. After a moment, she said, "I apologize for being harsh. You feel, justifiably, I am sure, that you are often targeted, and I am sure it is frustrating. I am often pressured to justify or apologize for my job. It is a lot."

 

[pandakatiefominz]

"You are welcome." Dark replied, pulling back onto the road. When Ciara apologized, he tried not to look at her in surprise. Maybe it was unfair of him, but he didn't expect it. "Thank you. It is not even... Well, no, I suppose I do sometimes feel I am unfairly targeted. I live in a crucible, or so it seems. But it is not only that."

 

[BookKnight]

"No?" Ciara prompted lightly. If he wanted to talk, she would listen, but if he wanted to move on, she wouldn't dwell.

 

[pandakatiefominz]

"No," Dark replied, in the low, mournful way which had, through the course of his life, become so inextricable for him it would be easier to simply say he spoke at all. For a moment, he seemed liable to explain, but then he held it in like smoke and let it go. "I hope you do not believe I am upset with you in particular. I am not, really. It is only a very startling thing to learn."

 

[BookKnight]

"Yes, it would be," Ciara agreed. "It is not something that most people are comfortable with."