The principal only gave me a warning, and Donovan got suspended for three days since he has a long record of misconduct, and when I say long, I mean it’s massive, the principal placed it on his desk. After leaving the office, Donovan walked away without looking at me, which was expected. It’s clear that he would be angry, but it’s what he deserved. I wasn’t going to carry the burden alone when it was his fault.
When I got home, my aunt asked why I didn’t arrive with Jessi, and I told her I wanted to explore the city a bit, so I took the bus. She didn’t buy it, but she didn’t press further either.
The next day, the seat behind me was empty since Donovan didn’t show up. I thought he would, considering he never obeys the rules. But this is much better; I have some peace of mind for at least three days, and that’s something.
As I left my last class, the group of mean girls approached me, causing a commotion. Just at that moment, April came by my side and kissed me on the cheek.
“How are you? I didn’t come yesterday because I had some issues with my parents, and…” She sounded as excited as always, but this time I couldn’t pay attention to her. I was too focused on deciding who to strike first, my cousin, the top bitch, or the second-in-command. Needless to say, Jessi is the queen of them all.
“Look ahead of you,” I murmured, glancing at April. She did, and her expression changed instantly.
“How are the crazy duo?” Jessi shouted, making sure the whole hallway could hear. People started gathering around us to listen. I thought that only happened in movies.
“Wow, what an insult! It touched my heart. Celina, please lend me your shoulder to cry on,” April quickly retorted. Several people laughed, but the three girls in front of us didn’t.
“What the hell do you want, Jessi?” I asked, irritated. I don’t want to do this in the middle of a hallway… or anywhere else. I don’t know what part of me wanting nothing to do with her she didn’t understand.
“Can’t I ask about how my cousin is doing?”
“Ask me at home; it’s not necessary to do it here in the middle of the hallway.”
She started laughing, and I saw the fire in her eyes. This girl is consumed by hatred towards everyone, including herself. I didn’t have everything she had growing up, but just like me, something essential was missing from her day-to-day life during all these years-the love they tried to compensate for by buying her pretty things. Although my aunt is good, I’m not sure if she paid enough attention to Jessi, and don’t even get me started on her father. I barely see him, and I’ve only been here for less than a month. Imagine how many times his own daughter has seen him.
“Hey, how’s your boyfriend Donovan?” she blurted out, as if she was afraid she wouldn’t dare say it any other way.
I can’t believe she said it after Donovan’s threat, and I know she said it because he’s not here. I heard some murmurs after that statement, and I saw girls’ mouths hanging open around me. Well, I’m their new enemy now.
“Donovan is not my boyfriend,” I replied, limiting myself to that and running my hand through my hair, trying to control my impulses. I want to scream at her to stop being such a damn liar, but I restrain myself. I don’t want scenes that will be remembered throughout the school year.
“Well, you’re head over heels for him, it’s obvious,” said the second bitch, the one who claimed Donovan was so sexy.
“You’re a liar,” I found that girl almost as disgusting as my cousin.
“What did you say?” she retorted. Jessi was no longer the protagonist in this fight; it was between her and me. I don’t remember her name, and it’s not of much importance to me.
“You heard me, you’re a liar. And you’re nothing even to yourself. So, leave before you have a serious problem on your face. I’m not afraid to hit you, got it?”
“I’m not afraid of you.”
“Neither am I.”
I left her with the words hanging in the air as I walked away, pushing her shoulder. I hope Jessi never brings her home because I won’t be able to sleep well all night. I’ll wake up tied up or bald.
“That was great, you left her speechless. After classes, shall we go to my house?” April put her arm around mine, and for a moment, I froze. I noticed that many girls walked like this with their friends, but I never had the opportunity to experience it.
I nodded multiple times, accepting the invitation. “Yes, please. I don’t want to see my lovely cousin’s face all day if possible.”
April smiled, and her eyes narrowed in my direction instantly. “What’s this about Donovan and you? You didn’t tell me!”
“It’s her hallucinations,” I replied, and it was the truth. Between him and me, there’s nothing but mutual hatred.
“But I see you looking at him, and he looks at you sometimes too…”
“I don’t look at him,” I defensively claimed. I do, but don’t say it, and if I do, it’s because he’s seeking attention. He’s unbearable, and… Did she say that he also looks at me? “He looks at me? What do you mean?”
“Well, yes. I’ve seen him look at you for a couple of seconds, then he turns around and leaves,” she smirked mischievously at my question. “You like him, don’t you?”
“I don’t like him. I can’t stand him,” we were approaching her car, so I let go of her grip to go to the passenger’s door.
“But admit that he’s worth ravishing thirty thousand times to have a hundred kids with him,” she said, opening the car doors.
Well, that’s quite aggressive.
“I won’t admit to that,” I said, wide-eyed at her remarks, although I appreciate her madness.
“Come on… He’s handsome, and you know it. The whole school knows it. I know it.”
“He’s not ugly; that’s all I’ll say,” April started the car, and we drove out of the parking lot. She winked at me and turned on the radio.
“And I’ll die happy with that,” she said about the music.