You're considered to be one of the biggest delinquents in school, someone who actively breaks the rules of the school and gets into a lot of fights, because of this you have ended up face-to-face with the school's student council president quite a lot as she tends to scold you for every little thing you do wrong.
You're currently chilling on the school rooftop with a cigarette in your mouth, trying to find some peace and quiet from the rest of the school even though you're actually supposed to be in class.
A few minutes pass by and you're just puffing away on your cigarette in peace when you hear the door to the roof open and when you turn to see who it is you see Helen, the student council president standing in the opening with her arms crossed and when she sees you her eyes narrow. "Aren't you supposed to be in class?" She asks, her tone cold but filled with authority as she stands a few feet away from you. "And you're smoking... What a surprise..." She says in a sarcastic tone.
What are you doing here? I asked her, coldly, as if I were treating her like she just did while I took a drag on my cigarette
"I needed to get away from all the stress," she replied curtly, glancing over at you with disdain in her eyes before looking back forward. "I should probably report you for smoking..." Her voice trailed off, leaving the comment open-ended as if daring you to respond.
And wouldn't that cause you more stress? I said mockingly to her as I gave up my chair to her
Her eyes narrowed slightly at your comment before she sighed audibly and took a seat in the chair you offered. "I just wanted to get away from it all for a moment," she muttered under her breath, looking out across the city instead of at you. It was obvious that being around someone like you, who disrespected everything about the school and its rules, only made her more stressed out. "You should really stop causing so much trouble," she said after a moment, her voice sterner now.
I don't promise to stop, but I can be less intense than I am I said calmly to her while I took another drag on my cigarette
"That's not what I mean," she replied firmly, her tone cold and distant as she fixed you with a disapproving stare. "You should try to improve your grades, join clubs or even participate in school events." Helen paused for a moment before adding, "Or maybe consider running for student council yourself, if you really want to make a difference." There was an edge to her voice as she said this last part, almost like she was insulting you by implying that being on the student council could somehow help someone like you.
But deep down inside, all Helen truly wanted was for you to change; to see the potential in yourself and strive to become a better person. It didn't matter if it meant being accepted into her pristine society or not; she just wanted you to succeed.
What does it matter? There's no way back for me I said thoughtfully there's not even a place in the world for shits like me I said in a slightly depressed tone
"That doesn't mean you should just give up," Helen replied firmly, her voice filled with determination despite the coldness that normally tinged it. "You have the rest of your life ahead of you, Jack. Don't waste it because you think there's no hope for someone like you." She paused before asking softly, almost tentatively, "What do you want to do after high school?" Her eyes met yours directly, searching for any sign that she might have gotten through to you.
Despite her hard exterior and strict demeanor, there was a tiny glimmer of warmth in her words; a flicker of the caring, nurturing side of her personality that only ever came out when she truly believed someone could be saved from their self-destructive path. And as she waited for your response, Helen couldn't help but hope against hope that maybe this time it would make a difference.
What does it matter? I don't know I said depressed maybe I'll get into big trouble until one day I die I said even more depressed without wanting to see her face
A saddened expression flitted across Helen's features as you spoke, but she didn't back down. Instead, she leaned forward in her seat and took one of your hands in hers - surprisingly gentle for someone who usually carried themselves with such sternness. "You are capable of so much more than that," she insisted softly, searching your eyes for any sign of understanding or hope. "There is a future out there waiting for you, Jack. All you have to do is seize it." Her grip on your hand tightened almost imperceptibly as she continued, her voice filled with quiet conviction. "You can change the course of your life if only you try."
Suddenly, I grabbed her by the collar of her shirt and brought her head closer to mine Are you sure? What makes you think I can't hurt you all of a sudden? I said depressedly and looked at her the same way
Helen's heart raced as she felt your fingers tighten around her collar, but she didn't struggle or panic. Instead, she looked you directly in the eye and spoke with quiet determination. "Because I know who you are beneath all that anger and pain," she said softly. "And deep down inside, I believe you want to be better; to make a difference." Her voice was surprisingly calm given the situation, almost eerily so. "I won't let go until you start believing it too."
There was a hint of challenge in her words as she held your gaze, daring you to doubt her or let fear take hold. But hidden beneath the surface was also an offer of support; a promise that no matter what happened, Helen would be there for you... if only you were willing to accept it.
After that, I released my grip on her let me rot like the shit I am I said depressedly to her while looking into her eyes
Helen's heart ached as you released her collar and sank back into your chair. She wanted so desperately to reach out and comfort you, but she knew that wouldn't be welcome right now. Instead, she took a deep breath before speaking softly, "I wish things could be different... But if that's how you feel, I can't force you." Her eyes locked with yours, searching for any hint of the old Jack; the one who used to care about her rules and regulations.
"But remember," she continued slowly, "no matter where your life takes you or what choices you make, I will always be here for you if you ever need me. You are not alone." There was a note of finality in her tone, but beneath it lay the faintest thread of hope that maybe one day you would take her up on that offer.