Chapter 6 Chapter: 6
ADDISON
Shepherd and his entourage glance back and stare at me. Heat crawled up my face, my face burn with shame as I walked toward the jerk who's hell bent on making things difficult for me.
When all I want to do is walk the other way and never see him again. Addie, what are you doing? Are you really going to bow down to this asshole?
Yes! Because I'd rather not call anymore attention to myself, it's just a shirt with a degrading word on it.
Just because I wear the damn shirt and take care of him, whatever that entails, doesn't mean I am a slave.
It certainly won't kill me either.
I will only have to endure him for a couple of weeks. After that I'll try my damndest to stay as far away from him as possible.
“I will do it, I will wear your shirt and be your maid, but only until you get better and after that you won't bother me again.” The words taste bitter in my mouth.
His face was blank, but those stormy grey eyes glinted with triumph knowing he'd won already.
“Deal,” he drawled. I take the shirt, unfold it and drag it over my head in less than five seconds. Knowing that if I didn't do it fast enough and really thought about what I was about to do. I might end up not being able to actually do it.
“You'll wear it for the entire day,” he said, limping over to straighten the shirt as though I was a kid needing help.
His hand accidentally grazed my neck raising goosebumps, when he suddenly reached out and took my hair out from underneath the shirt.
“Don't touch me,” I hissed, slapping his hand away. His lip twitched, his eyes darkened as he shoved his hand inside his pocket.
“It's to remind you that any time you try to weasel your way out of our deal the consequences will be even worse,” his deep voice was hard. It was a warning to me to not do something stupid.
“Got it.” I gritted.
“Cory?” Shepherd nodded to a lanky blonde boy with glasses, carrying his school bag, and instantly the boy passed the bag to him.
He threw it to me and it hit me in the chest before I grip it on my chest.
“Try to keep up, don't lag behind in case I want to send you on an errand.”
“Yes boss,” I said, sarcastically. I couldn't help myself.
It's either that or I burst into tears and I don't want to give him or his friends more things to talk about or make fun of me.
“Good, you're starting to learn.” I swallowed something hard as he turned and resumed walking while I followed behind.
Every pair of eyes was suddenly on me, staring, laughing, gossiping all while they pointed their fingers at me and called me names.
This was the second worst day of my life. All I wanted was to hide here and experience my senior year in peace.
I knew it wasn't going to be easy, but I didn't expect the entire school to witness my humiliation on my first day of class.
To make matters worse Shepherd and I have the same class, which means more humiliation.
As people kept staring at me. By the time class was over I was done with the whole day. I just needed a quiet place and a few minutes alone to lick my wounds in peace.
So the moment the bell rang I bolted straight for the bathroom and locked myself inside one of the stalls.
Tears I've been holding back slid down my face and I bit my trembling lip to stop from sobbing out loud and let the tears come freely.
I can't believe what my life has suddenly turned into. I might not have the loving caring parents I always wish I had, but my status as someone brought up in privilege ensures that I don't get bullied at all.
No one dares to even look at me the wrong way and here I am being bullied by some asshole.
I waited until I was feeling a little better then I flush pretending I'm done with my business and wipe my tears off.
Fortunately the girls inside were all gone when I came out. So I took my time washing my face and applying a bit of concealer so my face is not red and blotchy.
When I was sure I looked okay, I walked out of the bathroom, head down as I checked my phone to see if anyone had called me.
No missed calls. No one cares.
“Addie.” I raised my head and saw Jess right outside the bathroom. She looked at me a bit hesitant.
“Hey,” I replied. She licked her lip and walked closer.
“I'm so sorry Addison. I shouldn't have abandoned you like that.” I shake my head.
“It's okay, it's not your fault. I would have done the same too.” I wouldn't do that, but it was enough for me that she felt bad.
“I really like you and I want us to be best of friends,” she said smiling. “So forgive me, please.”
“You're forgiven and I would love to be best friends too.” She grabbed my hand excitedly.
“Okay come on, let's go to the dining hall.” My steps falter. She turned frowning.
“Is Shepherd going to be there?”I asked cautiously.
“Yes, actually he and his friends dine there every day.”
“Then I'm not going there.” I don't want to see him if I can help it.
“He won't even notice you from upstairs in their rich kids corner, especially with everyone there.” I shake my head.
“No, I'd rather not risk it. But don't let me stop you. You're free to go.” She frowned.
“No, I will stay with you. Come on, I know a place.”
Jess grabbed my hand as she led me away to the part of the school I haven't been to yet.
She opened the door and we walked inside. I gasped at the huge hall, with arched windows, sleek marble floors and the biggest chandelier I'd ever seen.
The walls and ceilings were painted with murals. I turned in a circle as I took everything with wide eyes filled with awe.
“What is this place?”
“This is the ballroom! It's also called Conrad hall, because well Shepherd's grandfather had it built years ago.” Wow, I see why Shepherd got special treatment.
It's where the founder's party takes place every year.”
“It's beautiful.”
“I know. Okay we have about ten minutes before we have to get back to class.” She sat on the floor, unzipped her backpack taking out a few snacks. Cheese crackers, pretzels and potato chips with a bottle of water. Wow!
“I don't always eat at the dining hall.” She shrugging. “It's kinda hard when you don't have many friends.”
“It's nice here.” I walked over and sat down.
“It is,” I agreed. “Thank you for this buffet.” We both giggle and start munching on the junk food while, Jess distracts me from the bad day I had.