Chapter 18 CHAPTER 18

Chapter 18 CHAPTER 18
ZARA

"And I will do it again” I said in a clear tone, hoping that she got my message.

“The two of you. Come with me.” I heard someone said and it was one of the teachers. It seems I will have to face punishment again.

Another way to start Monday.

Just wow.

“Zara, I'm sorry. I should have acted first” Finn said and I swallowed.

“No. It's not your fault.” I said and picked up my bag.

Hayley is still waiting around with her friend z still giving me that triumphant look. I wish I had slapped her twice. The girl's name is actually Adelaide. That was what everyone called.

Everyone returned to their seat but I know this will be the topic for the next two days.

“I will see you later. I'm sorry.” Kate said with an apology.

“I actually loved it when you pulled her hair. I wish you could see her face.” I muttered in a low tone and Kate began to laugh.

I left the cafeteria and headed to the teacher's office. He told us to come in and we did. When he offered us a chair to sit on, I knew this would only end with punishment.

I sat in the teacher's office, still smelling like stew and sauce, my uniform stiff and sticky against my skin. My palm still tingled from the slap I’d given Adelaide in the cafeteria. She sat two chairs away, holding an ice pack to her cheek and shooting me poisonous glances every few seconds.

Mr Kayden, our stern homeroom teacher, finally called us in. The office smelled of old books and air freshener. He sat behind his big wooden desk, looking disappointed.

“Zara and Adelaide,” he began, adjusting his glasses.

“The entire cafeteria witnessed what happened today. I want to hear from both of you. Who started this fight?” He asked and I swallowed but before I could speak, she decided to speak first.

Adelaide didn’t even hesitate. She leaned forward with fake tears already glistening in her eyes.

“Sir, it was Zara. She has been jealous of my friends and me for a long time. I was just walking past with my tray when she suddenly stuck out her leg and tripped me. Then she slapped me for no reason. Everyone saw it. She’s always causing trouble.” She added and smiled.

My mouth fell open. “That’s a lie! She faked the trip and poured her entire tray on me on purpose. She was smirking the whole time!” I said and Mr Kayden raised his hand to silence me. He looked tired.

“I have reports from two other teachers and several students. And it seems this is not your first offence Zara. Fighting in the cafeteria is unacceptable. As punishment, both of you will report to the boys’ dormitory this evening to clean the teachers’ common room there.” He said and I know that will eventually be our punishment.

“You will scrub the floors, windows, and furniture until they are spotless. No excuses. If I hear any more complaints, there will be suspensions. Understood?” He asked and Adelaide started protesting, but he shut her down quickly.

I kept quiet, my fists clenched. Cleaning the boys’ dorm? Of all the possible punishments, this felt deliberately humiliating.

“Yes sir” I said and stood up. When we get outside, Adelaide tries to talk but I shut her off with a raised finger.

If you don't want me to hit you again, I will advise that you don't talk to me again.” I warned her and she actually zipped her mouth.

I went back to my dorm to change my dress. Now, I will be missing all the classes I have today. All thanks to Hayley and her stupid friends. At least, I am not dumb like them.

Later that evening, after changing into an old T-shirt and leggings, I met Adelaide at the entrance to the boys’ dormitory. She refused to look at me.

We walked in silence past the security post and up the stairs to the teachers’ common room on the first floor. The building smelled like sweaty socks and cheap cologne. A few boys whistled as we passed, but most just stared curiously.

We had barely started unpacking the cleaning supplies when I heard familiar voices coming from the hallway.

The door to one of the small meeting rooms opened, and Professor Hale, our homeroom teacher came out alongside Dylan.

My heart skipped.

Dylan?

What was he doing here with the teacher?

I froze, bucket in hand. Dylan looked just as surprised to see me. For a second our eyes met, and something flickered across his face but it disappeared immediately. He looked away as if he didn't see me and muttered something to the teacher before hurrying down the corridor.

Mr Kayden gave us a curt nod. “Get to work, girls. I expect this room to shine before lights-out.” Then he too disappeared down the stairs.

Adelaide rolled her eyes and started half-heartedly wiping a table, but my mind was spinning. I moved closer to the window so I could think while pretending to clean.

Why had Dylan been in a private meeting with Mr Kayden right now, of all times? And why did they come out together the exact moment we arrived? It couldn’t be a coincidence.

But then why am I even I knew he was brilliant so it's normal for him to be the centre of attention. I scrubbed the floor harder than necessary, my arms burning with effort. Adelaide muttered insults under her breath, but I barely heard her. My mind kept replaying every incident with Hayley. The way she glared at me during lunch, the accidental pushes, the nasty comments that always seemed too personal. I'm going to make her regret what she did today.

Zayn walked past again and whispered, “You good, Zara? You look like you’re about to murder that floor.”

I forced a small smile. “I’m fine. Just thinking.” I told him.

“If you wish to leave here, I will advise that you work in Adelaide or you will be sleeping here tonight” Zayn said and she finally got into work.

If only you hadn't pushed me.” She said, her eyes throwing daggers at me and I want to laugh because of the stupid expression on her face.

"Well if only you had used your brain and didn't fake a fall. I'm not the one who put you in this mess. You actually did.” I told her, Adelaide threw the mop on the floor.

“I will delay you by another hour,” Zayn assured Adelaide and she quickly picked up the mop. Serves her right though. She will learn in a hard way.

As the sun began to set outside the windows, the boys’ dorm grew quieter. Adelaide and I worked in tense silence, but my thoughts were loud. Hayley wasn't bullying me for fun. She needed something and I needed to find out what it was before things got worse.

By the time we finished, the teachers’ room actually sparkled, but my mind was messier than ever. As we left the boys’ dorm, I caught glimpse of Dylan.