Chapter 11 See You Again
Grace was beyond mortified.
What the hell was this? She was about to replay the video again from the beginning when Molly suddenly snatched her phone, Grace was about to protest when Molly motioned with her head for her to look forward.
Grace did and realized their teacher, Mr Rudy stood in front of the open class door. He was a short nasty old man who had no tolerance for loud breathing let alone teenage shenanigans. He had a habit of seizing phones that he spotted and forgetting where he kept them.
The last victim had cried.
Grace watched as her classmates scramble around to sit down and compose themselves. Mr Rudy walked in only gave a brief nod to her before turning around to arrange the books he came with on his desk.
Grace pressed her lips into a thin line as she pulled out her notebook and uncapped her pen. She never had problems with the teachers, whether they were strict or not she couldn't afford that, considering she was here on a scholarship and all. She had to keep up her grades and be on her best behavior as one mistake could send her packing.
St. Alden's school was a very prestigious one, and demanded nothing less than perfection. Which was why Grace was beyond elated when she received a mail of acceptance into the school.
She had taken the scholarship examination in skepticism, Maddox was the one that actually pushed her to take it and believed that she could pass it even when she herself didn't believe it.
The school was one of the oldest private schools in the state. Established over a century ago by Lord Jonathan Alden, a wealthy landowner who believed discipline and refinement created leaders. The main building still carried the carved emblem Alden designed himself, which was a shield a flame and a crown. St. Alden's accepted the top five percent... and scholarship students like Grace, who had to work twice as hard to prove they belonged.
Grace tried to focus as Mr Rudy began marking attendance. The art room was under renovation which was why they had to be in their regular classroom.
Her mind wasn't here, It was stuck on the video. That wasn't how things happened. She remembered everything clearly so why did the recording cut off right after Dylan grabbed her butt?
The video was painting a whole different image for her, and it wasn't quite the one she wanted. Her heart raced as she stared at the blank page of her notebook.
Then the door opened again.
Dylan walked in with his friend. A thick white bandage wrapped around his head and his friend's arm was tied up in a sling. Both boys looked pale and enraged.
Almost immediately whispers began.
Grace's throat ran dry.
Mr Rudy looked up from his attendance booklet and at the boys, the distaste was obvious on his face as he looked at them.
"Teenagers and acting recklessly all the time. Since you have been released from the hospital, I don't expect the both of you to waltz in late to my class. Because for the hospital to release you then, you're obviously fit."
The boys stood awkwardly in front of the class, "Besides, you both did this to yourself because as usual, teenagers are reckless—"
Mr Rudy was cut off as the door opens again and it was the guidance counselor motioning for him to come out.
"Go find where to seat and be orderly before I return." Mr Rudy said to the boys before he walked out to converse with the counselor.
Dylan looked around the classroom and immediately his eyes fell on her, Grace swallowed and quickly looked away.
Dylan walked straight to her desk and slammed his palm down. Grace flinched.
"We need to talk," he said. "Outside."
Grace turned slowly to stare at him. Her fear burned into irritation.
"No," she said. "I'm not going anywhere."
Dylan's friend hovered behind him, eyes glued to her like she had answers hidden in her pockets.
"You little bitch, you better come with us," he said moving to grab Grace's arm.
"Leave her alone," Molly smacked his hand away, "Ra-ra said she isn't going." She said doing her best to maintain her glare but you could see she was a bit scared.
The friend ignored Molly and focused on Grace.
Dylan leaned closer. "Tell us what happened."
Grace shook her head. "I don't know what you're talking about, find someone else to bother."
He frowned at her refusal, "Why the fuck are we banged up? You were the last person we met and suddenly we black out, only to wake up in a hospital with no memory of what happened whatsoever—"
Grace interrupted him, "Maybe next time you'll learn to stop harassing people who did nothing to you," She said to his face as they both glared at each other.
The whole class by now had already turned to watch them, some were even taking pictures to tell their friends in other classes.
And before Dylan could respond, the door opens once more and Mr Rudy returned, he immediately saw both boys.
"Why are the both of you not sat and ready for class yet? Have in mind that I'm capable of punishing the both of you right now. Go and sit." Mr Rudy said with a tone of finality.
The boys frowned but obeyed and went to the empty desks at the back.
Molly leaned over. "What the hell is going on?"
Grace just shrugged.
Mr Rudy clapped his hands once to gain control of the class.
"Before we begin," he said, "I have an announcement. The administration requires all students to undergo a routine blood test after classes. It is mandatory. You must report to the health center before leaving the school."
A low ripple of confusion travelled through the room.
A blood test for what? Was there some sort of epidemic?
Mr Rudy continued the lesson like nothing strange had been said while Grace spent the rest of class ignoring Dylan's glares. When the bell rang, she shot out of her seat before he could reach her. Every hallway felt too narrow every turn felt like he might appear again.
She avoided him through lunch. Dodged him during free period. Escaped down the opposite staircase when she saw his bandaged head bobbing through the crowd.
When school finally ended, she walked Molly to the gate while pretending her pulse wasn't racing.
Molly was saying something about homework when a black car pulled up.
Enzo stepped out, expression calm as always, and Grace stiffened.
He had come to pick up his cousin, Zion, who was already walking towards him with a few friends. Grace knew who Zion was because she had once heard some girls talking about him and his hot cousin, of course Enzo's name was mentioned and ever since then, she’d often watch Enzo through her classroom window.
Grace's heart jumped to her throat at the sight of him.
"I have to go," she told Molly, already backing away.
Molly frowned. "Grace, wait. What about—"
"I'll talk to you later please," Grace said quickly.
She turned and hurried off before Molly could ask why she was acting strange.
She didn't look back, because she could feel Enzo's eyes on her even from across the parking lot. Even if it only lasted a moment.