Chapter 11: PREVENTING TROUBLE

Few weeks later Reyna Return back to school after the last inciden. Are parents instructed to stay away from trouble. There was now a basketball team, so many other activities.  

The entire week went by fast. Surprisingly, there were no dramas at all. Either Reyna  never got the news about River being my lab partner or she got over it fast. I doubt it’s the latter.

I was currently sitting on my chair waiting for the Chemistry teacher when someone pulled my earphones from my ear.

“Who do you think you are having the guts to partner with River?” Britney said.

I guess I spoke too soon. The devil had heard the news. I’m actually surprised that she heard about it a week later.

I just ignored her and put my earphones back in my ears. I know it will make her mad, but I’m in no mood to deal with her right now.

She pulled my earphone again and crossed her arms on her chest.

“I’m talking to you, nerd. How dare you ignore me? Do you want me to make your last year a living hell?”

she threatened.

I sighed and put my earphones back in my ears again. There is less than 10 minutes left before the bell rings. I think I can manage to ignore her until the teacher arrives.

If earlier she was mad, by now she is furious. She grabbed my hair, pulling me off my chair.

Now all my patience is gone.

The rest of the class formed a circle, trying to see all the commotion. I was about to twist her wrist when someone beat me to it.

“What are you doing, Britney?” River asked, removing Britney’s grip from my hair.

“She started it first. She threw a milkshake at me earlier. I’m just here getting a payback.” She lied.

“Britney, Reyna does not drink milk shakes. Now stop causing a scene and just leave.” River said.

He then looked at me and asked, “Are you ok Reyna? Why did you not fight back?”

“I was about to, but you beat me to it. Thanks, by the way. You did not have to do that.” I said while fixing my now messy hair.

Before he could say anything, the teacher had already arrived.

“Okay, class. For today, we will conduct an experiment. I will give you all the instructions and you will follow them step by step. Reminders, this is not a game and every chemical should be handled with caution.”

Everyone started preparing with their safety precautions. I took my goggles, mask and gloves from the drawer. Coach Russell started giving out the instruction paper and all the chemicals we would need for the experiment.

I was about to get the instruction paper when I remembered that this is a partnered activity. I forgot because last year I was all by myself, which was an enormous relief to me.

“Do you want to do the mixing and I read the instructions?” I asked River.

“Why don’t we both do the mixing of chemicals?” he replied.

I just nodded. It was fine by me.

“Are you sure you are ok? We can go to the clinic if your head hurts.” he said sincerely.

“Yes, I’m fine.” I simply replied.

“Then what is wrong? You seem hesitant.” he said.

‘Why do you have to be so nosy? It’s not like we were ever close.’ I said in my brain.

I wanted to say that, but of course I can’t.

“Don’t you see it? You are partnered to a nerd - the person at the bottom of the popularity pyramid. You are the school basketball captain - the person at the top of the popularity pyramid. You being partnered with me will affect your social status. That is why Britney is all over making my life miserable.” I explained.

“Who cares? Besides, you are not a nerd. Just because you get top grades and focus on your studies does not make you a nerd. The so-called “popularity pyramid” is all bullshit. I don’t care about all that. And since we are partners for a lot of our subjects, I want us to be friends because we will work a lot together. Ok?” he said.

I just ignored what he said and started with the experiment. It was an easy one, and it was no surprise that we finished first.

Chemistry class finished soon afterwards.

We were supposed to have P.E. today, but then it was canceled because of the Cheerleading team holding a try out for new members. I was just about to text Becky when she called.

“Hey babe, I won’t be able to drive you home today. I got dance practice and Hailey said we are go to the movies.”

“Oh, no problem. Have fun at the practice. See you tomorrow.”

“Take care. Love yah”

“Love yah, bye.”

Looks like I will take a bus today. I took my earphones from my bag and plugged it in my phone and started walking. When I arrived at the bus stop, there was already a bus. I got in and sat at the nearest empty seat. 20 minutes later I arrived at my stop.

I took a nap after taking a shower. I woke up from the sound of my phone. I checked my phone to see who was calling. I looked at the caller I.D. and saw that it was River.

Why would River call me? What could he possibly want?

I ignored the call and went back to sleep. Today exhausted me more than ever, and my head does hurt a little from that brief scene Britney caused earlier. I woke up to the smell of lasagna. I got out of bed and went downstairs.

“Hi Mom. Hi Dad.” I said, taking a seat next to Dad on the couch.

“How was school kiddo?” Dad asked.

“It was the same, Dad.” I said in a joke.

“Come on, you two. Dinner’s ready.” Mom said from the kitchen.

Dad and I got up and went to the kitchen. We just talked about how our days went over dinner. After dinner, I helped Dad with the dishes. After the dishes, I went back to my room to finish some assignments.

I was about to do my assignments when Becky texted me.

‘Why did you not tell me what that little bitch did to you earlier? I could have dumped the whole can of paint all over her!‘

Knowing Becky, a text would not suffice to calm her down, so I called her. The call lasted an hour of me explaining to her that there was no need to get mad and stuff. I just opted out the part where River defended me from Britney. If I did, the call would last all night long.

I went straight to studying after the call. I was about to sleep when Mom knocked on the door.

“Hey sweetheart. Can I talk to you for a minute?” she said.

“Sure, Mom. What’s wrong?” I asked with concern.

“I overheard your talk with Becky. Is everything ok in the school? Are you being bullied?” she asked with worry on her face.

“Mom, I am fine. You don’t have to worry about me.” I told her.

“I am your Mom and I will always worry. If someone is bullying you, tell them to the Principal.” she said full of worries.