I was about to be punished.
I knew it.
I talked back. I'd defied them openly and 'whored' around. This could only let me to some punishment and judging by Brett's smirk and the 'can't wait', I been fearing the worst ever since. Worst pranks I been pulled to keep repeating in my head, driving me to the edge of sanity and blowing my nerves.
There was this one time when I ended up with a broked arm, when they began a food war on me, when all my belongings were shattered and found splashed along the grave yard... but then there was last trimester's punishments, taking it to next level. Once they stucked me in a locker for hours, another I was thown into a dumpster...
It became way worst this year and now that Brett was back I could only wonder what sick trick they would put on me.
My anxiety so clinging I couldn't breath properly as soon as I spotted the Clayton's High, almost making me fall out the bike. I locked it in the parking with trembling hands, my head hurting due to the stress and sleepless I had the previous night.
I was so on the edge that when someone honked behind me I jumped out of my skin, trpping in starlement and almost falling in front half the student body. Luckily I managed to hold on the building's wall for balance, my cheeks burning at the weird glances some gave me and turning to see Norah parking her yellow Jeep not far from me, laughing as she got out and Connor hopped off the passenger seat.
My chest squeezed at his sight, but Connor gave me his usual impassive look, not even acknowledging me and headed towards the building dragging his feet carelessly. We haven't talked ever since the library, and I still felt hell self-conscious about my stupid breaking down there.
Norah had mentioned Connor'd gotten in trouble with his parents for that fight with the jocks, incressign the tension home. When they moved in here at the begining of the course, they thought the new place would help their broken marriage to heal, but turns out they were beyond repair. Their father was furious about the fight while their mother felt guilty about it, assuming their constant fighting had something to do with it. Norah'd also told me it'd increassed the arguing and she was almost hoping they settle for the divorse at once.
"You already fell for me?" teased Norah snapping my eyes form Connor's back and linking our arms, pulling me in that direction as well. I scowled at her, still with my heart up my throat as she shook her head making her medium length pink mane fly around. "Macy would be so jealous, I got her smitten since day one."
"Excuse me?" suddenly our friend stepped on my other side, having heard Norah's taunt.
"Well, hey Macy-bu."
The dark skinned girl narrowed her eyes at her. "What is it that you're saying about me?"
"Oh, pff, nothing." she wiggled his eyebrows playfully. "I'm only filling Alyson here about our obvious sexual tension."
Macy's cheeks flushed, turning her into a funny colour. "That is so not true. It was a mistake. A mistake! And it happen once."
"Once she say..."
I furrowed my brows, clueless at what they were rambling about. "What only happen once?"
Norah smirked as we entered the building, ignoring the other girl's terrified look. "Well, you see; yesterday, our lovely Macy here began to send me some really naughty messages..."
"No! It's not like that." Macy's eyes widened.
"Imagine my shock when I see a text like, 'hey, Nors can you send me your tits'?" Macy blushed crimson red and I couldn't help but smiled as Norah kept impersonating yesterday's conversation. "Tits, tits, tits, TITS-"
"Hush!" she reached for her, trying to cover the pick-haired's mouth but she dodged her attemps as I muffled a giggle with a cough. She looked at us, between ashamed and furious at Norah. "I told you, my sister messed with the spell-check."
"But what were you trying to say?" I fought against the laugh.
"I... I was asking for the tips on those awsome desserts she does. You remember last Thursday's cupcakes?" my mouth watered just at the thought of them. Norah is really a genious with baking. "I wanted her tips, but Raven went through my phone and changed it for the other word."
"Yeah," chuckled Norah. "And she kept sending that other word hoping it'll get properly written by some magic. Tits, tits, tits-"
Macy launched for her. "You weren't supposed to bring that up ever again."
Norah ran to my other side, using my body as shield. "Oh, come on, it's just our little Alyson. She already know you got it bad for me-"
"I'm gonna kill you!"
Laughing, Norah rounded me again so they exchanged places and without wasting another second sprinted towards her locker on our opposite direction. "Later!"
The bell rang over our heads and Macy grunted. "I swear on day I'm gonna get her." and due to the time we'd waisted we had to run to make it on time to our first period.
They had the ability of lifting my mood, but as soon as we parted again all the apprehension was back in my chest, frightening me to the core.
Could I go to class? They would be there. Noel was on my first period, Jade on my thrid... and there at the other end of the corridor I caught a glimpse of Shannon's dark hair.
I shook my head as the first ring beamed through the crowded hallway. I needed space. I needed to breath. Without looking I pushed into the first unused room at the side, my chest getting lighter as if opened without trouble and I easily slid in.
The loud noise in the hallway was muffled in here, allowing me some space too and I finally felt like I could breathe a little. My back pressed against the door, one hand raising to my chest and pressing it over my pounding heart. What the hell? They haven't done anything yet.
But they will.
After yesterday...
People on the other end of the door began moving, each to their own class and the noise lowered significantly. I was two minutes from being late. Was avoiding Shannon worth getting late? Probably...
But I was aiming for a scholarship. I couldn't afford-
My train thought was abruptly cut as the door opened suddenly, pushing me forwards with a startled gasp and I turned to see non other than Connor Mendley getting in but froze for a second when he saw me there as well. His hard unexpressive features, giving me an unforgiving look.
Was he wondering what was I doing here or was he trying to coax me into leaving him the hidden spot for more of his skiving? One never knew with Connor, but I was more inclined to believe it was the second. Let's not forget the last time I'd met him like this he kicked me off the library.
"I-I..." my voiced failed, this stupid apprehension lacing around my throat and I brushed my hair stressfully. "Sorry."
Clenching the binder to my chest I went to move pass him and out the door he was still keeping half ajar, but his hand holding it lowered so it blocked my path.
"Are you..." his brows twitched, leaving the answer undone and my heart picked up. Was I what? Okay? Leaving? He never finished it and I was left confused once more by him.
Reading Connor was hard. Understanding him was impossible.
But considering our past interactions and how he was, so cold and rude all the time, I didn't really think I could deal with another of his harsh remarks right now.
I was already shaken, looking out for too many people that might stab me at any moment, I couldn't also deal with Connor's passive aggression when he too didn't have it in him to deal with me. One thing at time.
"Yeah, mh, so that. Class is starting and I'm just gonna go... s-see you."
His eyes narrowed and I felt it sinking in the pit of my stomach. The second bell rang over our heads and I knew my little break was over. I ducked under his arm and out to the now empty hallway.
********************
Somehow, I managed to avoid my bullies for the first periods, sneaking out the classrooms quick and bolting to next when the corridors were still empty. All those hours of tensions and axiety didn't exactly helped my headache, tho.
By the time lunch came all I wanted was to scurry to the library, knowing that was the moment were it was highly more possible they tried something, but Macy stopped me noticing something in me wasn't right.
"What's going on with you today?"
The hallway was getting more and more crowded, and that means more and more chances of being caught in some mean trap. I couldn't handle being there anymore. My head felt about to explode.
"Can we get outta here?"
"Why?" I took her hand and pulled her with me, getting into the nearest bathroom and feeling my chest releasing a bit at that. A blond girl was washing her hands and turned to eyes us at our abruptal entrance. Virginia Roges, a really nice girl, I have a couple periods with her.
"Hey, are you alright?"
"Alyson stop." Macy frowned concerned, and spun me to face her. "What's wrong?"
"I... I-" how do I even began to explain what happen sunday? How do you explain the sense of fear of being jumped at at any second? Of not knowing what would came your way? Worst, what if she want to defend me or something and gets dragged as well? I couldn't allow that.
"Are you feeling sick?" she slowly questioned, trying to help me and I realized if I wanted to keep her out this mess I must save some thing for me. I could endure a little stress by myself, so far I've been doing it and all went well, right?
"I..." I sighed, my guts twitching in painful angles. "Something like that."
She eyed me up and down, concerned and trying to found the course of my ache. "What's wrong."
"My head is hurting, and I felt my stomach upside-down."
"Oh, poor thing." Virginia muttered and Macy bit her lip.
"You want us to go to the nurse?"
Gosh no, what would I say them? I shook my head and the pounding increassed. The lack of sleep was painfully catching up.
"You know," Virginia said. "My friend is on her period right now and have ibuprofen." she said moving towards the door. "Give me two minutes."
"Thanks." smiled Macy as I massaged my skull. As soon as we were alone she turned towards me with a more serious expression. "Now, would you tell me what's wrong?"
"I already did-"
"Well, I'm not buying it. You've been on the edge since this morning. Like, super jumpy and stuff. Is there something going on?"
"I-I didn't sleep well last night." I hated lying to her, but was the only way so she didn't get involved. It looked like things were finally easier for her in Clayton and people didn't bother her that much, the last I would wanted was for her to be pushed down again because of me. And well, that wasn't a lie, just a partial truth. "I feel extremly tired."
Macy gave me a glance that told me she wasn't buying anything and I gulped, my guts twisting. "Sure..."
Just at that moment Virginia came back and held me a pot of pills.
"Here you go." but she looked me closely and frowned. "You know, maybe you should take a couple. You really don't look well."
I nodded and took them. "Thanks." I breathed out and swallowed them, helping it down my dry throat by sipping some water from the tap.
"Better?"
I shuddered but tried to hide it and sent her a weak smile. "I just had to wait 'til it makes its effect."
She grinned back, satisfied.
"Jade told me it'll work in half an hour or so. You'll be fine."
My blood went cold immediately and both me and Macy froze.
"J-Jade?" I repeated, praying somehow heard her wrong. But instead Virginia tilted her head, looking me slightly confused.
"Mm, yeah. Stefan." her last name felt like a slap. "I didn't make it to my friend, couldn't find her, but Jade gave me the pills. She is so sweet and caring... I didn't known you two were friends again."
"They're not." freaked Macy turning to me. "Spill them."
I couldn't, I'd already shallowed. My hands begin to shake and I felt like falling off a cliff.
What have I done? Jade's pills? And I'd taken two!
With my nerves on the edge I lowered my gaze to the tin and turned it in my palms, my eyes widening when I caught the sight of two capital letter writted on it's top. B. R.
Brett Ryder.
I knew it. This two were up to something. Why did it hurt like when they first betrayed me then? I should had get used to by now.
Oh God oh God oh God... I could almost felt the pills slowly disolving, mocking me. The pot fell from my fingers and Macy hugged me, only then letting me noticed I was shaking.
"I-I'm sorry." whispered Virginia bewildered. "Are they something wrong or-"
"Anything Jade does is wrong." spat Macy bitterly. I would had felt bad for Virginia if I wasn't panicking about what those pills might be. She wouldn't poisen me right? Jade wouldn't go that far... but what if they were laxative or something?
I felt like dying if something like that happened.
I refuse to go to the nurse, knowing they would call Granny and the last she needed right now was worrying over me, not when she just recovered from a heart attack. She needed peace, I could endure a couple more hours and then I would be back home. Safe.
During the rest of lunch I focused on finding any weird sign in me, but there was none yet. My throbbing headache never stopped and my stomach felt more unsettled if possible, but that was it. Macy really wanted me to go to the infirmary but I managed to avoid her forcing me to. The minutes passed and what I dreaded the most finally arribed, Economy with Brett.
By the time we made it to that class, Norah was practically dragging me, my limbs numb and crambs got me tortured. She gave me a worried look but I forced a smile her way and she hesitantly made her way to her seat. The chair next to mine scrapped against the floor not far after and I flinched, thousands of tiny needles digging in my mind.
"Hello there." Brett smiled sideways and I pressed my lids together in hopes to relief some of the uncomfortable pressure in my brain. What on earth was that pill? His pill. "Been ages since I last saw you." he taunted.
Whatever he was expecting to achive with this, I won't give it to him. He sighed forcefully when I didn't reply, shocking me when he opened his folder and pull out some sheets.
"Here, the project."
For a second I gawked his extended hand, my numbed mind struggling to focus.
The project. The one we split and had to put together now. He's wanted to meet and work on it together but there was no way i was falling for that. If they already mess with me on daily basis in school, meeting up somewhere would be like offering myself on a silver plate. Nop. Ignoring hsi pouts and fake disappointment, I'd split the work. But somehow it still surprised he'd actually done it.
Slowly not to push my aching parts, I took it from him, inwardly swearing when my hand slightly shook, and got out my own. Surprisingly he'd sticked to what we agreeded, both our works fixing perfectly.
"Right." I mumbled, taking out a paperclip and puting it on just as the teacher entered. "Thanks."
"You look pale, you know?" my head was spinning and cold sweat covered my back. I felt worst each second, as if whatever it was that I swallowed was finally making effect. "Damn, you look awful."
I felt awful. But that's what they wanted so I wasn't going to give him that satisfaction of knowing they'd succeeded. Instead I tried to glare at him.
"It's the effect you have on me."
Brett rose one brow, "Yeah. Sure." and chuckled lowly.
He said something else but the sting in my stomach became worse and couldn't heard it. Suddenly billis rose up my throat and I clapped one hand over my mouth as my back arched forward. Oh no please...
"Lys?"
Another gag washed over me and I immediately stood up and ran -more like stumbled- out the door oblivious at the shouts of Mrs Goldin on my back or the weird looks from my classmates. I needed to throw up. Like, really. I couldn't keep it down anymore.
Somehow I get to the bathroom in time and bend over the toilet, emptying everything I'd eaten that day. I kept throwing up even went there was nothing left and my throat ached in pain. I felt cold even though I was sweating and my limbs were badly trembling, as if they rather crumbled under my weight if I tried to stand.
What was the point in all that? What did they get by making me this?
Once I was sure I had nothing more left and my body wasn't convulsing in those horrible gags I leaned back, wiping my mouth with the back of my hand and shakingly flushing the toilet.
I felt dirty. I felt disgusting and gross.
My head hurt and spun merciless.
What the heck was that pill?
I silently started crying, too weak to get up or move a single inch. I looked for my phone to text Macy or Norah for help but then it hit me. I left all my stuff in the classroom.
Why did this things happen to me?
My heart halted when the door opened and someone barged in. Heavy footsteps filled the silence.
"Lys?"
Oh no.
I whimpered when I heard his voice. Why couldn't he leave me alone? What was he even doing here? Was he planning on humiliating me more? Record me? I tried to close the door of the stall but I was too weak. He easily spotted me on the floor, next to the toilet and the next second he overpowered my pity intent to close the door.
"Oh, shit." he muttered and my face burned in shame when his eyes took good note of my awful state and traveled to the just flushed toilet.
My heart hammered forcefully against my chest. I couldn't even look him in the eye.
"Get out." my voice was supposed to came out demanding but instead it sounded hoarse and breathless and made me wanna cry more. I sniffed and cleared my burning throat. "This is the girl's restroom."
"Looks like I care?" I shrank. "Are you okay?"
Was he really asking me that? I hugged my knees to my chest and closed my eyes resting my head on them, but the pounding never stopped. "Peachy."
If I could only pretend he wasn't there maybe I could calm myself and let the throbbing settle down.
"Lys, you need to get up."
Fear squeezed my chest and new tears slid under my closed lids. I shook my head vigorously, my arms tightening. Whatever he was planning to do couldn't be any good.
"Leave me alone."
He huffed and I heard him move. The next thing I knew was that one arm slipped under my legs, the other behind my back and suddenly I was lifted from the floor. The bouncing certainly didn't help.
"No, Brett please-" I sobbed and clamped my hands over my mouth when another gag made me curved over my mistreated stomach.
"It's okay." he placed me on the pike. The cold surface sent chills up my spine and I heard the tap runnin'. My eyes still closed. "Just don't throw up over me."
I whimpered. "I don't feel well."
"You don't look well" my hair was pulled backwards and Brett put a tissue under the freezing water before using it to gently refresh my face. I flinched, too weak and dazzed. "You have to go see the nurse. Are you sick or something?" I almost didn't catch his question, but when I did I felt my guts twitched and my chest threatened with collapsing. He's messing with me again. Tricking me into some twisted game. Why? "Alyson?"
My throat closed off and I almost choked. Him calling me by my full name couldn't be a good sign. I clung on the pike, struggling to stay focus.
"It's your fault." I managed to mumble, my tongue numb.
"What?"I could tell by his tone that he was frowning but dark dots filled my vision when I tried to look at him and a stinging pain shattered my mind. "What are you talking about?"
"The pill."
"What pill?"
And the world became black.
********************
QUESTION: Age? (just out of curiosity ;P)
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