Chapter Nine- Punishment Slip

Hello everyone!!

I'm back with some more drama. This chapter's dedication is for my two new friend LapysNights❤️

Along with the one person who's been a great friend MistElix-ir15 😘.

Thank you guys:)

It means everything to me.

Warning- NOT PERFECTLY PROOFREAD!!

Chapter Nine: Punishment slip

Sometimes it's grueling to decide what's really going inside of you... It's challenging to accept what you want... it's difficult to understand why something would go the way you didn't want it to?

"Marissa... I just want to know, are they coming back tonight?" I asked, with a little hope I had, as it was almost eleven pm. No matter how much I tried, but the disappointment still lingered in my shuddering voice.

My parents were once again gone. Just before a day of my birthday, like always. It hurts not having your family around on your birthday but, it gets worse when they totally screw you over by not even remembering if that's your day. And trust me that also had happened.

I wasn't surprised at all that meetings meant more important to them but, it's not something you'll outgrow, no matter how many years it had been. Just never...

My birthday was almost over. I spent my whole day in my locked room, eating chocolate ice creams and pizzas... Honestly, it helped me distract myself from remembering that I wasn't my parents' choice. They didn't want me. I was just a mere consequence of their doing.

Marissa's hand on my shoulder, brought me back to reality. "Um... I'm sorry, Ms. Michelle. I wish I could tell you otherwise..." She trailed off softly, wrapping her arm around my shoulder snugly, which broke the little strength I was holding onto.

Tears flowed down to my cheeks and instantly, I hugged her. Her hand which rested on my back comforted me and so did her words, "I know what you're feeling Ms. Michelle and I also know that you're a very strong girl. Your parents' loves you and I know they must be as upset as you are for not able to be here with you tonight." She kissed the top of my head.

"I know you're just trying to make me feel better, Marissa. Though It's okay. It's not like as if it's my first birthday which they'd left unattended." I grumbled, truthfully. It was hard to say it out loud but, I felt light-hearted.

"Michelle... dear, just remember that there is always a hidden good in every bad deed. Maybe you won't celebrate your next birthday alone."

I wanted to trust her words but, it's always easy said than done. Isn't it?

However, I just nodded, not inviting any further conversation on this topic.

"Thank you Marissa for always being here with me."

I hugged her again and this time I was smiling.

"I got you something, Ms. Michelle." She mumbled, hesitantly, as she slowly pulled apart.

I raised my brows and saw a small rectangular red velvet box with a white ribbon tied on top of it, in her hand—which she probably had pulled out of her uniform's pocket.

"Marissa... you know I don't like presents..." I said, looking in her brown eyes.

Suddenly, the glint of happiness and excitement disappeared from her eyes, as they became sad.

I think I need to make an exception.

"Fine, don't give me that look. Give it away..." I grinned and took it from her hand.

"OH MY GOD!!! It's a beautiful watch.... I love it. Thank you so much!!! Thank you Marissa!!" I screamed and hugged her again, making her twirl with me.

"Ha-ha... I knew you'll love it. After all it's your favorite brand and it's the first edition." She told, making me happier.

"Wow... but, Marissa it's expensive. I can't—"

"Please, Ms. Michelle. I insist." She smiled brightly and immediately, I wore it on my wrist.

"It looks beautiful on you."

"Thanks again. I really love it." I was unable to hide my wide grin that started to made my cheeks hurt.

"Uh-ah... And what about some blueberry pancakes?" Marissa said in teasing tone and I softly chuckled at her.

"I'll eat a full plate..." I beamed at her and laughing she returned to the kitchen, while I snuggled inside my blanket and my mind started to wonder for tomorrow. His suspension's kaput and now, he'll be back. It's not like I shared any classes with him but, just the thought of seeing him in the hallways—other than cafeteria where he works— does something strange to my stomach.

***

It was P.E and I was bushed of taking rounds around the ground, as instructed by Mr. Thomas—our P.E coach. My legs started to refuse to support my weight anymore, I certainly looked like a raw apple, my hair were sticking out, as sweat was dripping down to my temples and slipped further down.

"No taking breaks in between the lap!! Take two more laps right now, Ms. Michelle!"

Great.

I made a face at him and without a word did as he said.

Did I mention how much I hate him?

Mr. Thomas was a man of rules. If anyone even dared to break a single instruction of him, he always made sure that that person regretted it for the whole year and trust me, I had no interest in ruining my senior year. And, thankfully, I'd never been his victim...at least not yet.

Huffing and puffing I completed my round and fell down on the green grass. It prickled me as I laid on it. I used my hand to make a shade—protecting my eyes from direct sunlight. I really didn't understand how Sophie and Kimmy were so athletic, whereas, I couldn't even run two rounds continually.

I excused myself for a tad bit water break and entered the building once again, moving towards my locker.

Just as I was walking,

I saw him. Nobody. He wasn't alone. He was talking to someone. He looked pretty calm and to my utter shock—he was smiling or I thought so. Maybe I am going crazy or something.

The guy standing in front of Nobody was few inches shorter than him, his light brown hair was perfectly oiled and parted, his green shirt was a little wrinkled but, went along nicely with the dark jeans hanging on his torso. Suddenly, I got a weird feeling as if I'd seen him before which wasn't true... I mean... where in the hell could I've seen him?

Um...

Oh!

Okay. Now, that makes some sense. He's the freshman from the video, who was rescued by none other than this dark haired, brown eyed guy.

He was grinning at him, as he hugged nobody. "Thank you Evan. The money you gave me saved my family. I promise I'll return it back to you, as soon as I'll get the job."

"Don't bother. I'm happy that I could help."

Again I founded myself in silence of surprise when Nobody wrapped his arm around him and said somethings like, "Just let me know if you need anything. And you always know where to find me."

I never knew he had any feeling other than anger in his body. But, guess what? I was wrong. He was capable of smiling. He was suitable for comforting someone, and he definitely had an admiration in him.

But, just not for me! I guessed...

The geek chuckled at something and nodded with a wave of bye, as he disappeared around the corridor. I took a step back but, then I wanted to have some water... I was parched to an extent that my own saliva was getting dry. And thinking of the school's water supply machine where anyone could fit their mouth in... I just groaned inwardly.

It's not as if I was scared of him or anything...

I pulled up my guard and some courage, as I took a step towards my locker but, his phone rang in his pocket, making me jerk back to where I stood, quietly. He looked at the screen of his phone and I literally saw his jaw getting hard.

He ran a hand through his hair before picking up the call and answered.

"What do you want now?" He was undoubtedly rude and annoyed.

He listened to the person on the other end and again ran a hand through his hair, and instead of pulling his hand back down, he rested it on the back of his neck, attending carefully.

"No... no no no. You didn't hear me when I said, I don't want you calling me at all. Wasn't I clear much? And stop calling yourself my dad—when you're not!! You're not my dad anymore!" There was something else in his voice...maybe pain?

I watched as he ran another round of hand through his hair, messing them up. He looked pissed. Pissed at his dad.

Wait,

He has a dad? Which means he's not an orphan... but, he just denied him saying he's not his dad anymore...

Agrh!

"Kyle is fine. I didn't hurt him—or a matter of fact even touched him. Why would I hurt him?"

"Yes, I will. I want you to stop calling me. I will give you the money. Stop haunting me or I will be the monster you think I am!"

And he hung up, heaving a frustrated sigh.

Who's kyle?

And what's with the not-anymore-dad-thing?

He turned around and shit!

He saw me. Clearly. Crystal clearly!!!

"I-I just w-wan-wanted t-to get some water from my locker and it's where you're standing." I stuttered, explaining my eavesdropping situation even before he asked me anything. His face stiffened on my sight and he took a frightening step towards me.

Saying he looked furious would have been the understatement of the year!

My heart was thudding loudly in my chest. My palms went dry to sweaty and I swallowed the lump forming at the back of my throat.

But, to my surprise, he just walked past me. Evading my presence.

No questions. No threatening.

Wow...

School's really getting interesting.

***

I stacked the papers and picked out white, blue, and yellow chart papers from the side bundle. I was kinda cuddled up with papers, sprinkles, colorful pens, colors, and so much more stuff...

My head twirled around as I stood up, but getting the hold of the nearest chair, I steadied myself from falling down and after a minute of pause, I warily walked trying not to stumble on anything and walked out to the vending machine down the hallway.

The halls were empty, my footsteps echoed as I walked.

I picked out the bottle of energy drink and one energy bar. Today I couldn't find the time to have breakfast and at lunch I just lost my appetite when Justin told about another fight at the back of the school between his two teammates. What's happening to Richmond high? It started to feel as if the school was turning into some freaky fighting club or something!

But, now my head began to dance due to the unstoppable growling of my stomach and ton of stress of the winter ball dance coming up. It's a huge event unlike last years. This year parents, mayor of the town, and few elite schools were also invited. It was an official ball dance with fixed dress code of gowns/tux and masks.

I strode back where gym was, causing myself to an abrupt halt as soon as my eyes caught something. Actually, someone. I stood right there staring wide-eyed at the person kneeled down and pumping the air in the dead balloons.

Making a fist of my hand, trying not to overreact, I strode further inside and he didn't even flinch a little, as my heels made some clanking sound whenever made contact with the neat marbled floor.

"What do you think you're doing?" I questioned, crossing my arms before me.

I kept looking at him, as he didn't even bothered to reply.

I crouched down a little and tapped on his shoulder, ignoring what I felt in my stomach.

"What? You're blind?" He said in his same hoarse tone, eyeing me.

I felt something hurt inside me, but I simply rolled my eyes and knelt down. The avoiding part became harder when he was just few feet away from me, sitting same like me on the floor.

"What are you doing here?" I hesitated to ask again but, nevertheless I did—hoping this time for an answer—in less harsh tone and somewhat politely. Why was he there? With me? It wasn't the place where anyone could just come up and easily volunteer—unless grades are involved in it. If anything happened I will be held responsible so, I didn't want to take my chances.

"Playing football." He muttered, smirking. At least a change.

"Fine if you don't want to tell me." I told and held out the yellow paper and started cutting it out.

Few minutes passed. The silence was eating me up. I was in the same room as he and my heart was a constant reminder of it. I didn't know if I was scared of him... but, it felt different than being scared.

"I-I want to apologize for what my friends said this morning. I'm really sorry. Kim should have minded her own business." I couldn't believe my own words but, somewhere deep inside I felt relieved as if some weird kind of burden was off my chest and I was once again able to breathe freely.

I scrunched up my brow, gnawing at my lower lip, waiting for him to speak. But, I knew he won't. He hated me and he would never forgive me for reason I didn't know about.

The opposite of what I imagined happened when he finally spoke with a normal tone, "Don't feel sorry for me. I'm used to it. It doesn't bother me anymore."

He didn't even look up at me. I nodded, "Okay... but, why are you like this? Like you know..." Again, my lack of vocabulary.

"Like what?" He retorted, annoyingly.

I swallowed the lump, cleared my throat, and replied, "I mean, you know, like a ...er... jerk?"

I couldn't find a better word.

His eyebrow raised up and lips formed in a tight line and, I could tell it was his fake expressions, as inside he was suppressing a smile.

Didn't he want to smile in front of me?

Surprise Surprise! I heard him again, "This is my punishment. Mrs. Joe got me into all this, I didn't want it. You could just sign this stupid paper shit and I will be free to go," finally his brownie eyes locked with mine, "or not sign it and I will be stuck here for as long as that stupid dance night."

I gaped at his use of word for the dance. How could he quote it like that? It's practically every girl's dream dance. Even mine. I've waited my entire life to be a senior and be eligible for it. Oh, god! I hate him even more now!!

I took the paper from his outstretched hand and it was a punishment slip. He was caught sleeping and later lurking the lecture so, Mrs. Joe punished him by making him part of the helping team. My team.

Ugh!

"And why would I sign it for you? Remind me again?" I knitted my brows closer, observing his eyes which were glaring back at me. Oh, god! My stomach just flipped.

What's happening to me?

"To get rid of me!" He said in a DUH tone, sarcastically.

"But, why would I even let you free of this punishment? You did nothing but—"

Interjecting me with the snatch of his slip back to him, he tore it apart, his eyes dead silent, as he kept on watching me.

"What the hell was that?"

"Shut up." He uttered rudely and began stuffing the air in the balloon.

I just sat there dumbfounded! I didn't mean to get stuck with nobody.

My stupid brain is getting weaker day by day.

"Whatever. It's not like I am dying to talk to you! Which will never happen because you're not even the last person I would like to talk to..." I told him, looking at his bent down head.

I couldn't help myself noticing, how well built he was beneath that gray t-shirt—which was wrapped firmly around him. He wasn't that bad looking...

Okay. Just forget that I ever said that.

"You know the meaning of getting shut up don' you? Because if you don't... I don't want to imagine how you scored straight A's in almost every subject?" He raised his brow and I just ignored him.

I understood that he indirectly indicated towards paying off the teachers to get A's. I knew he just blamed me—not exactly but, still—for something that i never did.

I should've been ferocious, yelled at him, stood up, and would've immediately left but, the bigger part of me wanted to stay for god knows what reason!!!

'Michelle Reynold you're becoming a coward!' My brain said but, every other part of me snorted at the untrue comment.

"You don't even realise that your words are so mean sometimes."

"I do." He quickly retorted, meeting my eyes.

"But I don't care." He added, ending the should-not-be-happening-conversation and stood up.

I couldn't believe my ears!! He just blew me away!

Remind me again that why the hell was I even trying to talk to him when I knew there wouldn't be any good coming out of it?

The loud footsteps brought me back to reality, as I checked my wrist-watch. It read, 7:15 pm. Oh, god! Marissa must be freaking out. I checked my phone and noticed five missed calls. Straightaway, I left her a quick text about my situation and stood up myself.

I grabbed my bag and saw Nobody was already at the door, stomping off.

Okay, I had to admit that I was a little—more than little—scared to exit the school premises myself, all alone. I paced up and tried to match his heels but, he was a tall guy with long legs dude!

At least he was in my sight so, that somewhere relaxed me.

I stepped out on the steps and instinctively the cold air hit my skin. Winters began stalling the city of California and I wished I had worn long sleeves or a hoodie. I pushed back the strand of my hair and strolled down on the ground.

Nobody was already situated in his old looking yellow truck, which I guessed he bought recently, because I clearly remembered that he didn't have one before his suspension.

Just then a wave of reality hit me hard.

Justin took my car because his wasn't working, thinking I'll be riding with either of the girls. Shit! Then I caught up with late hours of decoration duty and kim and Soph left.

It totally skipped my mind or I would've texted someone to get me.

Just great.

Michelle Reynold now walk all the way to home and die freezing in cold. I knew I was exaggerating—it was just mildly cold air but, walking alone from school wasn't really my thing. And it was going to be the looooong walk home. Especially at night.

But, also I was a rational person and I knew that Night in the shining armour existed only in novels if someone attacked me or something.

I was halfway out the parking lot when suddenly the yellow headlights highlighted the area, making me halt and turn around.

Immediately, I closed my eyes and looked away due to the intensity of the light—which almost blinded me. Ugh! What did he think he was doing? Taunts some and haunt more? Why was he even behind me and not already halfway towards his place?

Opening my eyes again, I saw that truck moved, got closer to me, and paused beside me.

I looked up at him, situated in the driver's seat, eyes looking ahead. His hoarse voice reached my ears, "Hop in before I change my mind and leave you here in the dark; all alone to get kidnapped."

My jaw fell on the ground.

"Kidnap?" I whispered, not intentionally. My voice was caught halfway in my throat.

"You coming?" He turned his head towards me, his brown eyes locked in with mine.

I swallowed the lump.

"I—"

I was cut off as he started the engine and slowly moved forward.

My heart started beating loudly. My mind went blank as I couldn't think of the alternative. Maybe there wasn't any.

It was a do or die situation for me and I wanted to live. I was still a virgin for god's sake!!!

"Fine! I'm coming. Wait up, Nobody!" I yelled and observed the truck coming to a halt.

I moved faster and opened the passenger door to slide inside. It was comparatively warm in there and I guess I saw him smiling. But, it was just for a mere fraction.

I told him where I lived and he drove off. For quite few minutes we didn't share any word until I finally broke the ice.

"Thank you for the drive. Honestly I didn't think you would ever help me." I smiled, knowing I will get either silence or a harsh comment insulting me, in return.

"Neither did I." He sighed as if he wasn't in his control anymore.

I didn't understand why but, i liked how my day came to an end.

XOXO

-Destiny:)

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