Chapter 19 CHAPTER 19

Chapter 19 CHAPTER 19
ZARA

I didn't expect to meet Dylan here and I didn't believe he was actually going to call out my name. I looked at him and I swear, he looked so fucking handsome.

The corridor lights were dim, and the whole place felt quieter now that most boys were heading back to their rooms. Adelaide had already stormed off without a word, leaving me alone. I just wanted to get back to my dorm, shower, and forget this miserable day.

And fuck, how could I forget to return his jacket? I guess will just return it tomorrow then.

“Are you not going to talk?” He asked and I can see that he is back to bullying me again. That's just how he behaves, almost every time. Why did I even think today would be different?

Dylan’s voice stopped me halfway down the corridor. He was leaning against the wall, hands in his pockets, watching me with that strange mix of curiosity and something I couldn’t read. My stomach tightened.

Then, I kept walking, brushing past him. “Leave me alone, Dylan,” I said, not ready to argue with him.

He followed, falling into step beside me. “Come on, I saw you and Adelaide cleaning the teachers’ room. What happened? Did you get in trouble ?” He asked and I hate the fact that he acted as if he cared.

I didn’t answer. I kept my eyes straight ahead, jaw clenched. It just didn't make sense and I am not falling for it.

“Zara, talk to me,” he pressed, his tone softer than usual. “Why were you cleaning up here? Professor Kayden doesn’t usually send girls to the boys’ dorm for punishment. Did something bigger happen?” he asked and I stopped abruptly and turned to face him.

“Why do you suddenly care? You’ve been bullying me nonstop and now you want to know my business? Save it. I’m not telling you anything.” I said and I swear the words sure hurt.

I don't want him to act care in school. I'm afraid people will target me more. I can't be close to him. And though, I wish I could tell him what really happened, I don't really feel the need to. Hayley is his ex-girlfriend after all so he clearly won't believe me.

He opened his mouth to reply, but before he could, two familiar voices echoed from the end of the corridor.

“Yo, Dylan! There you are, man.”

Simon and Williams, Dylan’s closest friends, came jogging toward us. Simon was grinning, holding a baseball under his arm, while Williams carried a bag of snacks. The second they appeared, Dylan’s entire attitude shifted. The concerned look vanished. His shoulders straightened, and that familiar arrogant smirk returned to his face.

“There you guys are,” Dylan said, his voice changing instantly, louder, cockier. “I was just finishing up.”

Simon glanced at me, then back at Dylan with a raised eyebrow. “What’s going on? You talking to Zara now?”

Dylan looked at me like I was suddenly an inconvenience. The softness in his eyes from moments ago was completely gone. He waved his hand dismissively.

“She’s not even willing to talk. Waste of time. Go on, Zara. Since you don’t want to say anything, just leave.” He said and I know that's the Dylan I know but…

But…

The words stung more than I expected. I stared at him for a second, searching for any trace of the boy who had just seemed genuinely interested. There was none. Just the same Dylan who had been tormenting me for weeks.

“Gladly,” I muttered, turning on my heel and walking away without another glance.

Their laughter followed me down the corridor and out of the boys’ dormitory. My cheeks burned with anger and confusion. What kind of game was he playing?

By the time I reached the girls’ dormitory, my body felt heavy with exhaustion. The slap, the cleaning, the emotional whiplash with Dylan, it had all drained me. I pushed open the door to our room and found Kate waiting for me.

“Zara! Finally,” Kate said, jumping up from her bed. The room smelled like lavender and warm steam. She had already prepared everything. A small bucket of warm water sat beside my bed with my favourite bath sponge and body wash. She had even laid out clean pyjamas and a towel.

“You’re the best,” I whispered, voice cracking a little.

Kate smiled softly and helped me undress. “I heard what happened in the cafeteria and the punishment. Come on, let’s get you cleaned up.”

The warm water felt like heaven against my sore muscles. Kate sat behind me after I bathed, gently massaging my shoulders and back with lotion. Her fingers worked out the knots from hours of scrubbing floors and the tension I’d been carrying all day.

“Does it hurt?” she asked quietly while rubbing my arms.

“A little. Mostly just tired… and confused. Dylan tried talking to me tonight. Acted like he cared why I was cleaning the teachers’ room. Then Simon and Williams showed up and he switched completely. Told me to get lost.”

Kate sighed. “Boys are strange. Especially him lately. Just rest, okay? We’ll figure it out tomorrow. And you haven't told me what happened after you went to babysit this hot hockey captain” Kate said and I can't believe I almost forgot

“I'm going to tell you everything” I assured her and she smiled.

Kate's hands moved soothingly across my back, and I felt myself drifting. The stress of the day slowly melted away under her care. I crawled into bed, the sheets cool and fresh. Kate tucked me in and switched off the main light, leaving only the soft glow of her bedside lamp.

“I already helped you to copy the notes and the assignment” Kate said and I don't know if I should cry or smile. She is such a sweetheart.

“Do you know I would have actually married you if I were a man?” I asked her and she laughed out loud.

“Oh, Zara. So you are in the mood to joke now huh?” Kate said and I swallowed.

“Well. I'm being serious.” I said and she narrowed her eyes at me.

“Then I am going to decline” she said and I smiled.

“I love you, Kate. Thank you so much.” I said that because I was already thinking about how I am going to complete all the notes. I didn't know she was already helping me out here.

“Don't thank me too much, Finn also helped out,” Kate said and I closed my eyes in gratitude.

“I love you both,” I said and she slapped my cheek lightly.

“Silly girl.” She muttered and patted my head lightly.

“I love you too,” Kate said and kissed my cheeks.

Kate jumped on her own bed and switched off her bedside lamp.

Within minutes, my eyelids grew heavy. The last thing I remembered was Kate whispering, “Sleep well, Zara. I’ve got your back.”

Well, I know I am blessed with real friends and I love them so much.

Exhaustion finally won. I fell into a deep, dreamless sleep, hoping tomorrow would bring fewer surprises. At least, no bullying.