Page 38 of You + Me – Against the World

“I told you. Let her go,” Vadim repeats, still just as calm.

“Is that a threat, Arcadi? Would you rather I lay hands on you?”

“Yeah, good idea. We could hug it out.”

“Or I could rearrange your face, so I don’t have to see your ugly mug around here anymore.”

“That wouldn’t change the fact that Alma doesn’t want to see yours anymore. So, you’re going to be a good boy and let her go. Hey, I get it, man. Getting dumped sucks. Especially when you’re the king of the campus, with a title to protect. And when your brain is as shriveled as yours, I guess violence is all you’ve got. But why don’t you pick on someone your own size? That would be a lot more entertaining.”

A vein bulges on Tim’s forehead, and his jaw muscles look like they’re about to explode.

“Watch out, Wallace, you’re not at your best when you’re angry. I’m just saying, for your sake. You know, in case you want to find yourself another girlfriend.”

Tim charges at his smart-mouthed nemesis like a battering ram, driving his head into Vadim’s gray hoodie, which makes a pitiful shield. My stomach clenches.

The two boys roll on the ground, and a circle of onlookers forms almost immediately around them. Some try to separate them—mostly girls, rather than guys. I try too, without success. The basketball players egg their captain on, while I try to figure out what to do. The best thing I can think of is to look around for a guy strong enough and smart enough to stop them.

The fight is vicious, but they’re too busy grappling with each other to land any real blows. I take what comfort I can from the brief sight of Vadim’s intact face beneath his tousled, dark hair. I yell at the boys to stop, but they don’t pay any attention.

Clémentine runs over to me, eyes wide, and leans in to my ear. “I know it’s awful, but… they’re fighting over you!”

Keith Johnson bursts into the circle, grabs Vadim around the waist, lifts him off the ground, and hauls him a few yards away. He’s incredibly strong—Clem is speechless—but I notice that Vadim has stopped struggling.

The small crowd scatters as quickly as it formed.

Tim picks himself up with the help of his buddies and shouts a pathetic “I’m not done with you, Arcadi!”

I stand there with Clémentine for a moment, long enough to hear snatches of the conversation between a furious Keith and Vadim, who is clutching his ribs as he tugs his jacket on, still wearing his trademark infuriating smirk. His irresistible smile.

“You’re heading down the wrong path again, Vadim, and I won’t always be around to keep you out of trouble. Grow up! Focus on your studies and avoid getting yourself expelled—that’s all I’m asking. I didn’t get you this scholarship just to watch you waste it! And stay away from that buddy of yours. I know he’s hanging around again.”

Vadim is no longer smiling. He runs a hand through his hair, like he always does when he’s uncomfortable.

“I’ve got another appointment now, but I’ll check in on you tomorrow. This discussion isn’t over. Keep a low profile until then, understood?”

Vadim watches his caseworker leave. Clémentine does the same, mesmerized.

“You’re drooling, D’Aragon!” Vadim runs a finger down his chin, teasing my friend.

“I could use some discipline, too… See you later—I think I can still catch up with him!”

I approach Vadim and take a look at his face, which doesn’t look too bruised.

“I’m fine. I’m pretty sure Timmy punches as badly as he kisses…”

“Stop looking for trouble, Vadim.”

“What? You didn’t find that entertaining?”

That cocky grin makes me smile for a moment.

Students walk past and stare at us before moving on. I hate being the center of attention.

“Was he talking about Felix?”

“Who? What do you mean?” Vadim stops inspecting his sore, red fists and looks up at me.

“Keith. Did he tell you to stay away from Felix? Why?”