Special Someones

Chapter 25 Pact

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Summer Camp, day 8

The five kids were gathered in Matt's cramped room, looking at the floor. Downcast.

Bolin punched and re-punched numbers in a calculator frantically, but Matt held his hand to stop him, shaking his head.

Jennifer broke the silence. "I'll try to talk to them again. I'll convince them for sure."

Chee Yok shook his head. "It's the same with all of us, Jennifer. Our parents know we were using our combined allowance to fund Matt's stay here. They're not going to allow that anymore."

"i cannot stay here at the expense of the other residents. it's over. it's time for me to face reality," Matthias said.

Bolin put his hand on Matt's back. "No want give up, Matt."

"what's the point. we're just a few students fighting against the world. we've made zero progress in improving our situation. we're just delaying the inevitable as my mum said," Matt said.

Even those who couldn't read Matt's expressions knew he was feeling dejected.

Matt continued, "thank you everyone for supporting me thus far. i think it's time for me to consider giving myself in."

Jenn shook her head. "Matt, no. Give us a few days. We'll think of something together."

Everyone tried to console Matt and encourage him not to give up. Except Xue Ge, who sat on the bed, silent.

Xue Ge closed his eyes. "I will find a job."

The other kids looked at Xue Ge.

Jenn's eyes were wide. "What about school?"

"I will quit," Xue Ge responded.

"no." There was a certain ferocity in Matt's eyes.

"It's okay, Matt. My marks bad. No point go school."

"no."

"Your marks are getting better. What have we been working for all this time?" Jenn asked.

"Otherwise how?" Xue Ge shot back, "My marks the worst. So I quit lah. Got no other way."

"Like that, I also will quit school. You don't be alone," Bolin offered.

"no one is leaving school for me," Matt said.

"We choose, Matt. Not you choose wan," Xue Ge said.

"Got no other way," Bolin said.

Jennifer and Chee Yok were silent this whole time.

"if either of you quit school i'll turn myself in immediately," Matt said.

Everyone didn't argue back.

Matt continued, "i won't have anyone sacrificing their future for me. i'm just one person. your life is just as important as mine."

"Matt, let me quit. I want to fight," Xue Ge pleaded.

Matt pointed at Jennifer. "What about her. You have to give her a good future. That means school Xue Ge."

Jenn looked at Matt tearfully. "Matt..."

"But I love you too," Xue Ge stammered out.

Matt looked at Xue Ge for a long moment. "don't confuse me with those words. i can't read your expressions properly remember."

Xue Ge got off the bed, walked right up to Matt and looked him straight in the eyes. "I love you. Understand?"

"i don't understand."