Chapter 7

It's been a week since I enrolled at Western Ave High School, and so far, no one has tried anything funny. However, I always watch my back. I try my best to stay away from Isabella and her friends—those plastic blondes. It makes me laugh whenever I think about them. Well, according to what Alicia told me, Mrs. Geraldine's son was on an exchange program, and he will be returning to school today. Alicia warned me to steer clear of his path because he's a jerk, and I shouldn't be fooled by how handsome he is.

So here I am, an hour early for school, sitting in my car in the parking lot. It's a great help that my car windows are tinted. I've been keeping my car out of the public eye; I didn't want unnecessary and useless friends. I always park the car thirty minutes away from school and walk the remaining thirty minutes, so many people think I walk from home. It's obviously a good way to stay out of trouble. I've been rushing to school really early before opening time so I can park my car and walk without being noticed.

After quickly finishing the breakfast my mother packed for me in my car, I took my bag, locked the car, and started walking to school. The weather looked gloomy today, so I knew it was going to rain soon. I stuffed my umbrella in my bag.

After putting my bag in my locker, I picked up my books and headed to class. “You're right on time," Alicia whispered as I took my seat. “Why? What's up?" I said while putting my books under the desk. “The homework, remember?" “Of course I did it. I never forgot. But why are you so worked up over a single homework assignment? You seem to be hiding something from me." Alicia pulled me closer so she could whisper whatever it was she was hiding.

“You remember Cody, the principal's son, and his friends I told you about?" “Yeah, what about them? Do I need to be prepared for something unexpected?" “They're back, and they're notorious bullies. They don't like me, and since you're sitting with me, you might be affected as well." I sighed and shook my head. “Real gentlemen don't bully women just because they have weaknesses, but thanks for the heads up."

“Well, we're back, guys. Who's ready for some fun?" As if on cue, the enemies graced us with their presence. When I lifted my head, I saw three guys dressed in casual t-shirts and jeans, with their bags on their backs. They looked really handsome, I'll give them that, especially the leader. I'm pretty sure he's the Cody guy Alicia talked to me about. I couldn't help blushing. What's gotten into me? I need to get myself together. I looked down and released a breath I didn't realize I was holding. Just wow. What an embarrassing moment. It's good he didn't catch me staring.

“And who are you, sitting beside our class nobody? Alicia, did you really make a new friend while we were away? I hope you didn't miss us too much." I looked up at the guy standing in front of me with a smirk. “I don't owe you any introduction, mister. As far as I know, we're classmates. So, if you could kindly step away and let me breathe, I would really appreciate that gesture." I smiled at him, and he looked taken aback. I'm pretty sure no one talks back to him in this class.

If I thought he was going to move away easily, it's a big fat lie. “And who is this nerd, oops, Alicia is even better. You have braces too, that's really horrible. What gave you the confidence to talk back to me? If I were you, I would stay away from someone like me. You're a nobody, just an ugly nerd girl who can't see clearly and has crooked teeth." The class burst into laughter. I can't cry, I chanted this mantra over and over in my head. Crying makes you weaker. I just bit my lip hard and rolled my eyes.

He didn't bother me again, but he really hurt my ego. He's a complete jerk and a psychopath. I'm not surprised Isabella is his girlfriend. They really fit together, and what's up with the pretty face? He's just terrible. It didn't help that he occupied the seat behind me with his friend, whom I just realized was named Ted. Ted looked cool among the three, but a friend of a jerk is a jerk. Brandon, the other guy, sat in a different row beside Hailey, one of Isabella's crew.

Among Isabella's crew, it's the twins I really hate, Giselle and Gisella. Those bitches are really unbelievable. Once they were seated, our Biology teacher walked in. Mr. Dante was a strict man; you don't want to get on his nerves, or you'll spend the rest of the week in detention whenever his class is due. “Submit your homework from yesterday," he said, allowing no room for explanations.

I retrieved my homework from under my desk and placed it on his desk. Many students submitted their homework, except for Cody and his friends. “It seems you're all disciplined today. Cody and his friends are exempt since they weren't here. So, moving on to our next topic: Kingdom Animalia," Mr. Dante spoke while writing the topic on the green board with his marker.

Class ended early because Mr. Dante had somewhere else to be. Soon it was break time, and I was eager to leave the class earlier today, but standing up wasn't possible; it seemed someone was grabbing a hold of my hair. With a force, I yanked my hair free and my face and dress were plastered with black ink. The class burst into laughter. I turned back to see a smirk plastered on Cody's face. Alicia passed me a tissue and whispered a sorry. I immediately rushed out of the class, very angry.

I knew the whole school was going to make fun of me, so I went to my locker. It's fortunate that I always carry stain remover to school. It came in handy today. I locked the door to the washroom, removed my dress, and used the stain remover to clean it. I was lucky there was a cloth dryer. I tossed the dress in the dryer, and after waiting for ten minutes, it was ready. I had already removed the stains from my face and glasses. After ensuring everything was okay and my hair was free from stains, I walked out. I kept my hair in a messy bun this time. I didn't want it to happen again.

I spotted Alicia at the cafeteria and sat beside her, stuffing my fruit salad into my mouth. “I thought you had left for home," Alicia whispered with a smile, seeing that I didn't leave her alone. “I always come prepared for school," I said with a wink.

I made sure I entered the class first with Alicia, and I switched chairs with Cody when I saw the sticky substance on the chair. I knew it was glue from my first instinct. That jerk needs payback. I high-fived Alicia, and we sat pretending to read storybooks. Gradually, everyone entered the class, and our academic tutor, also our English teacher, Miss Daniella, came to advise us on the upcoming midterm examinations and that she expects the best from us. As soon as the bell rang, many students started filing out, but Cody was glued to his seat. “Let's go, Cody," Ted spoke, a bit irritated. “I can't, I'm stuck to the chair." Cody whispered. I turned back to face Cody and with a smirk, I asked, “How does it feel to get a taste of your own medicine? You're one big jerk to bully girls, and after what you did humiliating me this afternoon, I didn't know you would play another prank on me." With that, I got up, seeing the shock plastered on his face. I bet I saw Ted hiding a smile.

I walked out, followed closely by Alicia. As we reached the entrance, we took different turns, and I walked until I got to my car. Once I realized none of my classmates were around, I climbed in and drove home. I felt humiliated today, but I'm happy nonetheless for making him payback.

The rest of the day went well, and it was soon time to go to bed. I can't wait for tomorrow.