Saint Lu High – Detention Hall – 4 PM
William sat in the cold, quiet detention room, staring at his bloodied knuckles. The door creaked open, and Luke walked in, a bandage on his temple and a split lip. He didn’t look at William as he sat in the chair on the other side of the room. “W-why didn’t y-you tell them?” William finally said, his voice barely above a whisper. Luke didn’t respond. He leaned back in his chair his arms crossed and his eyes on the ceiling. “Tell them what? That my brother beat the crap out of me?” William balled up his fists. “W-we’re not brothers,” Luke smirked. “Not by blood, no. But my mom? She’s your dad’s sister. Found out last year. Didn’t seem worth mentioning since, y’know, you hate me.” William’s hand balled up tighter. “Y-you’re lying,” William yelled. “Am I?” Luke leaned forward now, his elbows on the desk. “Think about it, Stutz. Ever wonder why your mom freaked out when I came over? Why does she never let me stay long? She’s hiding it.” William's heart stopped beating. “S-shut up,” William said, standing up so quickly his chair scratched against the floor. “Face it,” Luke continued, “You and me? We’re stuck with each other.” Before William could respond, the door opened, and the detention monitor walked in, staring at them both. “Sit down, William. And not another word from either of you.” William sat, his hands trembling as he tried to process Luke’s words.
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William’s Room – 7 PM - Kitchen
The house was unusually quiet when William got home. His mom was in the kitchen, washing dishes. She looked at him as he walked in, but he avoided her eyes. “Rough day?” she asked softly. William nodded sitting down at the bench. "W-what's for dinner?"
Luke’s House – 8 PM - Porch
Luke sat on the porch steps, an ice pack pressed to his head. His mom sat beside him, her expression unreadable. “So,” she said, breaking the silence, “How was school?” Luke shrugged. “Didn’t go great.” “I didn’t expect it to,” she said, sighing. “But he needed to know.” Luke frowned, staring out at the dark street. “He hates me, y’know. Always has.” “Give him time,” his mom said, patting his shoulder. “You’re more alike than you think.” Luke snorted. “Doubt it.” They sat in silence for a while, the only sound the faint chirping of crickets.
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Saint Lu High – Library – The Next Day – 12 PM
William sat alone at a corner table, a book open in front of him. He wasn’t reading. His mind was too busy replaying everything about his fight with Luke. “Mind if I sit?” He looked up to see Luke standing there, a tray of cafeteria food in his hands. "W-what do you want?” William asked. Luke set the tray down and sat across from him. “Look, I get it. You don’t want anything to do with me. But we’re stuck with each other, whether you like it or not.” Luke said. William stared at him for a moment before looking away. “Y-you don’t k-know anything about me.” Luke leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. “I know you’re angry. At me, at your dad, at the world. And I know you feel like no one gets it. But maybe… maybe I do.” William bit the inside of his cheek. “W-why do you even c-care?”
Luke hesitated, then shrugged. “Because I’m tired of fighting you all the time. We've done this since kids, and yet none of us had changed.”
The words hung in the air. This time William didn’t have a reply.
To be continued...
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