How Green Becomes Wood

"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."
 
"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."
 
"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?"
 
"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."
 
"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."
 
"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."
 
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"I suppose you were, a bit, but you did very well," Ciara assured him. "Thank you for coming. You made an excellent companion. I shall be certain to offer a way to make it up to Daizi at a later date." She opened the car door and got out. "Good night, Mr. Dark. I am in your debt."
 
Hearing this, Dark paused, looking Ciara over quizzically. "In my debt?" He repeated, as though she had spoken in a different language, "Do not forget you were able to get Daizi's family here before Ivy was seven days old. And you were able to get someone else's agents from my home. Consider us even if you must, but by no means are you in my debt."
 
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