Chapter 3

Alia’s POV

"Hey baby how is you “Mum said at the door of my room, I rolled my eyes and turned to the left, I wasn't ready to talk about my first day at school, I could still feel the shame and embarrassment Claire had cost me, the memory of it brought a new set of tears rolling down my face every time.

"Would you like to be alone?" Mum said softly at the door, she didn't want to push it because she knew I would only end up crying if she did.

"Fine. I would go get you a bow of ice cream so after that you can go to bed because tomorrow is another day of school okay, no matter what happened you have to show them that you are no longer the little Alia they know okay “Mum said and left.

If only she knew how wrong she was, I was still the little Alia they know, I was always the one being bullied at school directly or indirectly, I really didn't know how to stand up for myself I rather cry than speak up, and no matter how hard I try to change, it never works maybe because I was always the new girl, or maybe because I lived like a passerby, or maybe I was just naturally weak. And the thought of being weak hurts like hell.

"Hey baby. here's your ice cream and I brought some homemade donuts which I know are your favorite, my love I heard what happened.... and all I have to say is you need to start standing up for yourself baby people shouldn't always walk on you, soon you would be eighteen my love. You are no longer little Alia any more, but people won't believe you if you don't show them.... I love you so much, but I also want you to be independent, strong willed and I want you to command respect from everyone around you. Try and get some sleep okay cause tomorrow is a big day you need to put that Claire of a girl in her place I love you" Mum said and gave me a kiss on the forehead hesitantly she left my room.

When I heard the door close, I broke down in tears, the fact that my mother was so right and that there isn't anything I could do about it hurts, how do I stand up to someone like that, she was everything I could dream of, the way she looked and could command people's attention, I could never reach her talk less of beat her.

The thought of everything overwhelmed me and for the first time in my life I didn't bother to touch the ice cream or donuts, I turned my back to it and cried myself to sleep.

"Hey emerald wake up “I heard Daniel's voice calling me out from my sleep.

I yawned and used my hands to shield my eyes from the sunlight coming in from the window, after a few minutes my eyes adjusted to it and I could finally look up at Daniel and Tracy who was busy setting some clothing's beside me on the bed.

"Good morning guys, you really didn't need to come wakes me up “I said as I got out of the bed.

"What are friends for? And besides, after what happened on your first day in school, we being here for you is the list we could do" Daniel said and pulled me into a hug.

"The list you could do Daniel speak for yourself because I am definitely going to give that girl the peace of my mind when I get to school “Tracy said and placed her hands on her hips.

The fact that they were here for me brought a kind of warmth to my heart, I had people who cared for me and that is something I am grateful for.

"Tracy, you don't have to, just let her be okay, that shows we are better than her right? “I said as I made my way to the bathroom to get ready.

"Really or is it because you are still scared to face her Alit. I think you should finally grow up don't you think “Tracy said in annoyance.

I couldn't say a word because be I knew she was right, everyone was right, but the problem be is how do you grow up when you are scared of offending people that could end you, when you are always on the run for your life, I didn't know how to grow up.

I just nodded my head and entered into the bathroom, I didn't want to waste any time in there because if I did, I would only end up crying, so I bathed quickly and then went over to the walk-in closet to change, Tracy had picked a red off shoulder top for me with a crazy black jean and a high heeled sandal which I didn't see necessary for school but I knew if I didn't wear it Tracy would scream the life out of me.

I packed my hair up in a messy bun and applied a little lip gloss on my lips, for a strange reason I wanted to look beautiful today so I took my make up a bit further by applying mascara on my eye lashes and eye pencil on my brows, I applied a little foundation and powder too and before you knew it had made up done, I laughed at my reflection in the mirror because it looked strange to me but beautiful too, I took a deep breath and left the closet. When I stepped out Daniel looked at me in shock and Tracy just smiled.

"Wow who are you? “Daniel said and pecked me on the cheek.

"You look normal and beautiful all thanks to me for the outfit “Tracy said, which made me roll my eyes and just laugh.

"Yeah, right tray “I said and the three of us left the room.

When we got downstairs Mum was already waiting for me at the kitchen, of course she knew I would come to the kitchen, I always do, I love food and the kitchen is my favorite place.

"Good morning Mum “I said and gave her a peck on the cheek.

"Wow! My baby on makeup finally, you look beautiful “Mum said with excitement.

Which made me almost roll my eyes “you too?" I spoke.

"You look lovely little one" nana said.

"Thanks nana and good morning to you “I said and went over to where the Breakfast was already served Tracy and Daniel entered a deep conversation with my Mum which I wasn't interested in, I frowned my brows at the food in front of me, I was so hungry this morning and all they gave me where two slices of bread and scrambled eggs with a cup of water melon juice.

"Mum seriously “I whined almost in tears but then I remembered I had mascara on.

"Yes, baby you need to learn to eat like a proper lady, even if you never get fat too much food isn't good for your health you need to start eating healthy" Mum said.

"Yeah right “I mumbled to myself.

In less than a minute I was done with eating and ready to leave, Tracy and Daniel on the other hand had sandwich and orange juice.

"Ok Al are you ready? “Tracy asked with the look on her face I knew she wasn't talking about going to school only but also facing Claire and the entire school.

I nodded my head as everyone's eyes were on me, I bet everyone knew what she was truly asking, I had to say yes even if deep down inside me I knew I wasn't ready, and the worst part is I didn't know when I would be.

We rode in Daniel's car to school, I was in the passenger’s seat and Tracy was at the back refixing her Make up, Daniel was awfully quiet throughout the ride, his brows where frowned like he was in deep thoughts, he looked at me once in a while which was a bit awkward.

"Trace have you warned her about Zion? “he suddenly asked.

"Yeah, done that, I just hope she listens and not end up like many girls in Excellency high that their hearts have been crushed by him, in as much as his Mum is the nicest person, I've ever met her son oh no, no, no, he's mean very mean and couldn't care less if you are hurt by his actions or not that's why he and Claire are good for each other they are both stupid jerks" Tracy said with all seriousness.

"Okay, okay, I get it the guy has a bad reputation already and I promise I would stay far away from him" I said wanting them to change the subject it didn't seat well with me whenever people talk badly about others.

"Fine “Daniel said and pulled into the parking lot.

Now there's something I haven't said about Excellency high; it was a school for the rich and influence people of the society, most cars that were parked at the parking lot belonged to the students.

A white G guard Jeep pulled at my side of the parking lot, when I looked at the driver of such a wonderful car I came face to face with the one and only Zion knight, the devil they had just warned me about, his brows where frowned like he was angry and with the way his hands tightened on the steering wheel made his knuckle's almost white, he looked like he was in pain there was pain and anger mixed in his expression, and somehow I was drawn to it, I wanted to know what was causing him this much pain, I wanted to take it away, but then the pain disappeared and the anger took full control.

"What? “he suddenly turned to me and asked with a brow raised.

I just shook my head and faced Daniel who was already looking at me with a frown on his face, I turned back to look at Tracy who was still looking at Zion with a dreamy look on her face.

"Hey Daniel put your little Alia on a leash I don't like people looking at me that way “Zion said to Daniel when he got down from the car.

He was also wearing the same shade of red polo and ripped black jean like me with a pair of killer sneakers that looked awfully expensive, it made me smile inwardly as how we looked like a couple wearing the same thing but then I mentally slapped myself at such stupid thought. He was the devil bi had to remember that.

"She's not a dog Zion “Daniel said angrily, we were all out of the car now and Daniel stood in front of me like he was defending and protecting me from Zions’s attack.

"There's not much difference “Zion said and left.

"I really hate the fact that he's so handsome and annoying “Tracy said in frustration.

"Hey Al Don't let Zion get to you okay, he’s just that way “Daniel said to me.

"I know" I said, surprisingly I wasn't hurt or affected by what Zion had said, I felt he was only looking for a way to let out the anger that was burning inside him, and somehow call me stupid but I was glad I could help, but that was something my friends where Never meant to know.

As we walked in the hall way, some people gave me an awkward look, some laughed at me, while some pitied me, some just pointed at me and shook their head, I sighed and just kept walking with Tracy and Daniel at my both sides, when we got to our lockers I picked the books Tracy had gotten for me and also the time table she gave me, I was having English for first period and to my disappointment none of my friends where having English, I was going to be alone for the next one hour with no one to defend me in case of any threats, I took a deep breath and headed to class.

On getting to the English class, I immediately scanned the room and was Hap that I didn't see any familiar face, I let out a deep breath and made my way to the seat in the middle row, some people said hi to me while others couldn't care less and I was thankful for the atmosphere until the door pulled open and Zion stepped into the class twenty minutes late already, I subconsciously sinker into my seat as I didn't want him to see me.

He took the seat behind me and as usual everyone's eyes were on him; he had a little cut on his lips like he was punched in the face or something but then I remembered when I saw him this morning there was nothing like that on his face.

"Mr., knight I don't think I would tolerate you late comings to class anymore, it has to stop “the teacher said after Zion had sat down.

"What would you do about it then? “Zion asked with his right brow raised which I noticed was something he did if he was mad.

"I won't tolerate you talking to me that way too Zion Enrique knight, what is wrong with you “the teacher said the last part with concern on her face.

"I really don't have the whole day here ana so please could you hurry up with the teachings so I could get out of here “Zion said.

"Zion how dare you call me by my name, oh so we are now on first name basics now? “ana said.

While their conversation was going on everyone just watched I noticed some even brought out their phones to video the whole thing.

"Stupid high school kids" I thought.

"And what would you do about that? “Zion said.

"Would you stop please" I heard a voice that sounded so much like mine say, surprising me.

"I would see you later Zion, for now let's get back to what we were doing before his majesty graced us with his presence “ana said and continued the lectures.

I could feel Zions stares on me, they were like heat burning my neck, what have I gotten myself into I thought, why did I speak up or talk to him in the first place, it wasn't any of my business, I knew I had gotten myself in serious trouble, I didn't even dare to look back at him.

When the English class was over, I quickly picked up my things and left the class, thankfully he didn't follow or talk to me, I and Tracy had agreed to meet in out next class which was government, and I was so happy to see her.

"Hey girl what's wrong, why are you tensed “Tracy said to me when I took the seat next to her.

"Does Zion have government too? “I asked.

"No not at all...why asking “Tracy said with concern.

"I think I've gotten myself into trouble" I said.

"Okay what did you do “Tracy asked.

"I told Zion to stop talking, he was talking rudely to our English teacher and I couldn't help but tell him to stop, it wasn't nice, and people had already brought out their cameras and I wasn't Happy about it “I said all at once.

"Okay that's good, so how are you in trouble? “Tracy asked.

"He kept looking at me with anger throughout the class “I said.

"Okay don't worry about it I don't think he would do anything about it okay? “Tracy said trying to calm me down.

I just nodded my head and try to concentrate on what the teacher had to say, but deep down in my mind I was worried, I knew he wouldn't let go just like that, but I prayed he did.

After the class we headed to the cafeteria where Daniel was already waiting for us, this time around people didn't bother to laugh at me or point at me like there was a new juicy news in school and mine was old topic which I was grateful for.

"So how was English class “Daniel asked with a smile on his face.

And before I could speak Tracy had spilled the juice about me talking to Zion and ordering him to shut up, and I was pretty sure the way I said it was definitely not and order, I rolled my eyes at how she was overexaggerating the whole thing.

"Wow Al you did well “Daniel said proudly.

"But I think you choose a bad day to do well, Zion was late to class because he was beating up a guy who had Crossed him, he knocked him out and right now the guy is in the school clinic at list he could proudly say he gave Zion one punch on the face Thadani added.

"Speaking of the devil “Tracy said nodded her head towards a direction and I and Daniel turned be to see Zion coming in with his white-haired friend from yesterday Derrick, he had his eyes on me as he approached our table.

"Please not again" I thought.

"Liaison called my name very softly but he had everyone's eyes on him.

"Leave her alone Zion “I heard Daniel say defending me immediately.

"Shut up Dan he wasn't talking to you “Derrick said.

"So why does his majesty want to see my friend “Tracy said sarcastically.

"Liaison called again ignoring Tracy.

All these while I had my head Bent, I was concentrating on the food in front of me like my life depended on it I didn't want to look at him, because I know what I would see would only hurt me.

"If I call your name again and you don't look at me, I swear I would do something you would never in your life forget “Zion said this time not as calmly as before.

I quickly looked up at him and held eye contact with him, his eyes whereas blue as the sea not the sky kind of blue but the sea blue kind of blue they were filled with anger a deadly kind of anger.

"I told them to put you on leash this morning, and they didn't obviously cause thirty minutes later you behaved stupid again, don't you ever in your life dare tell me what to do ever again, else what might happen to you after wards would be a tale by moon light, I don't know how to forgive “Zion said.

"Am sorry “I said

"Now get up" Zion said.

And Without hesitation I got up as I was so scared of him already, when I stood up, he told me to come and stand in front of him which I did like a robot that was been controlled.

And in a twinkle of an eye, he pulled me into his arms and before anyone could do anything he kissed me deeply, hungrily, with so much fierce I couldn't even respond to the kiss and as immediately he started it, he ended it with a bold smirk on his face.

Surprising everyone around us including myself, I stumbled backward as the kiss had left me breathless.

"What the hell you bitch I would so kill you" I heard Claire's voice.

I looked at him and the smirk on his face was still there, then it clicked, he kissed me so Claire would be mad and harm me, he just made her hatred for me increase. Now, my life in this school was officially a living hell.