Odd Couples and Plenty of Attitude » Places

         Alex shrugged at the girl's reasoning on why he should leave. "I'm already considered a freak. Besides, it does not bother me that much, since I'm used to it." He was half tempted to give up, yet it was not in his character to do so. And yet, he struggled for words, at first. Anyone observing could tell he wanted to help her, yet was struggling for something to say in addition to what he already said.

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Julian looked in Merlin's direction right before feeling a finger touched him where blood was. It was unexpected, and it left him a little flustered, at first, struggling for words. When he calmed down, he stared at the ground and answered the question with, "Oh, the usual reason in this school: it is because of my faith in Christ. People like those three that ganged up on me hate the whole of Christianity, even everyone who claim to practice it, for the actions of people who went against Jesus' commands. They think they are getting back at those zealots by making life miserable for anyone and everyone who claims faith in Christ. I know such bullies are a minority, at least here in the United States, but it's still pretty scary just thinking about it."