After I finished my story there was a long silence where Kaede only looked at me. I was scared to break the silence, because I didn’t want her to respond.

  I didn’t want her to be afraid of me, or my past. I didn’t want her to leave me, but I already knew what this story would do.

  I avoided Kaede’s gaze and only thought about my own suffering.

  “That isn’t your fault.” Kaede’s words surprised me. Was she not running?

  “How isn’t it my fault? She died because of me.” I said resisting.

  “It isn’t your fault for being born.” She responded kindly but strongly.

  “But my power even now.. Shows that I killed her. “ I retorted strongly.

  “Then your power is wrong.” Kaede proclaimed forcibly. It was true that my power had been wrong before, but I didn’t think it would be now. Unless… How did my power work?

  I got lost in thought thinking about my power. Many things seemed useless somehow.

  Nothing was really happening around me, but suddenly Kaede’s stomach rumbled.

  “Are you hungry?” I asked. Kaede nodded with a slight blush on her face. Was she embarrassed after all of that?

  “I will cook you something.” I said, but I was nervous, and slightly confused.

  What is our relationship now? What does she think of me? And what should I cook? What would she like?

  I wanted to impress her with my cooking, but too many thoughts were on my mind. I quickly focused on the task in front of me.

  I was able to quickly make spaghetti for us.

  I set the table and plated the food nervously. It would be the first time in many years that I would not be at this table alone.

  We sat and ate, however stress overtook my taste. What would happen after this?

  “It tastes good.” Kaede commented happily.

  “It would have been better if I let the sauce sit for longer.” I said pessimistically.

  Kaede ate my food very happily, and it left me slightly happy. After we ate, Kaede offered to wash the dishes, but I refused.

  “Are you going to school tomorrow?” Kaede asked.

  “Yes.” I responded coldly. It would be even worse if I retreated now. Leaving the day of would not affect me much, but hiding after would mean they really got to me.

  “Won’t it be hard?” Kaede asked another question.

  “Yes it will.” A memory flashed through my head.

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  “My power just said you were hiding something.” Kaede said, eyes curiously staring at me. How did her power work? And why did it do this now?

  “So?” I responded guiltily.

  “Tell me.” She demanded.

  “If I’m trying to hide it, why would I tell you?” I responded obviously.

  “You want my support don’t you?” She said, smiling innocently.

  “You have gotten more cunning.” I added. “Fine. A while ago I told you about how I got pushed off the boat and fell in the water.” I started.

  “Yeah, the students in your class were mocking you behind your back the entire time right.” She easily remembered. However, her stating it so obviously hurt.

  “Well, the story doesn’t end there, what do you think it was like going back to class?” I asked. Kaede’s eyes grew wide with shock.

  “When I went back to class I was a different person. I was terrified of all of them around me. I was surrounded by them and my fear. However, I got stronger because of it. I got rid of the weak part inside of me.” I added.

  “That means?” Kaede asked.

  “Though it may be hard to go back to class tomorrow. It isn’t something that is new to me.” I said.

  The next day, I woke up and continued my day normally. I walked to school while steeling my heart. I made sure to leave early to avoid being chased out again.

  I arrived before anybody else, and waited at my desk.

  The first person to enter after I sat down, almost screamed in surprise. However, being alone, he was too scared to try anything against me.

  People entered one by one, but with other students already suppressed they felt no support. Half the class had entered before somebody even made a peep of noise.

  “What are you doing here you murderer.” One kid yelled at me. People started looking around at each other and gathering support.

  “We don’t need a killer here, leave.” The kid yelled again. Soon more and more people joined in yelling and cursing at me. Even students from other classes and grades joined in. It was time.

  “Shut up.” I yelled successfully silencing the group.

  “Do you really think that I killed someone?” I asked, confusion spread across the students.

  “If Johnny can find out about it, do you really think it isn’t known to the police? If so, do you really think so little of the police? If I really killed someone wouldn’t I be in jail or some facility by now? You really can’t be stupid enough to believe that they would even allow a killer into the school.” I yelled at them. I heard some people saying it made sense. However some people didn’t believe me. At least this cast some doubt on it.

  “But didn’t you admit it?” Johnny asked. Many people supported Johnny as soon as he appeared.

  “Did I? I just said ‘What if I did’ didn’t I.” I asked.

  “Is that not an admission of guilt?” Johnny asked.

  “It is just a question. Speaking of which, I have one for you.” I responded with confidence seemingly leaking from my pores.

  “Please ask.” Johnny responded.

  “Have you ever done anything wrong in your life?” I asked, smiling deeply and fakely.

  “Of course I have, do you think of me as some perfect freak? For example, one time when I was a child I took money from my parents to buy candy.” Johnny responded without hesitation. His endearing answer made people swoon over his character a little more.

  “But what are you implying, that killing somebody was a mistake?” He added on. The tides changed again to anger against me. And I was starting to doubt his character. His actions don’t really say sinless, but what if he really was just a good person, though stupid. This thought made me think I hit something, I was closer to the truth.

  “Why would you say that, if you really knew about what happened? Would you still call me a killer? Or maybe you are trying to frame me? After all, the only ‘evidence’ is your word.” I bit back fiercely. At least some of the people in the class had split opinions, though very few.

  Johnny held silent.

  “Why aren’t you talking? Isn’t that basically admitting your guilt? You know what really happened, but refuse to tell people.” I said with a devilish grin on my face. There was a chance public opinion could change a bit, but that was before Johnny’s next words.