Chapter 30
Claire’s POV
I took the first few steps backwards until I bumped into something from behind. Or someone rather.
I have been cornered. Another figure was directly behind me, it was a guy obviously. He grabbed my shoulder forcefully and pushed me forward.
I was in the middle of two unknown people.
“What do you want from me? Please don’t hurt me” I whimpered.
“Unless you cooperate with us. Now answer me honestly…Why are you trying to come in between and destroy what has already been?” The first guy replied.
“I don’t understand. How am I trying to come in between?”
“Don’t act like you don’t know what we are talking about. You know that Damian Richardson is not and can never bring himself low for someone like you. Why are you trying to force things?” The second guy said,
Oh, so this is what the whole thing is about.
“Damian is just my friend. We don’t have anything together. You…I think you’ve got the wrong person.”
“Are you not Claire Smurf, the one that was with him at the library?” The first guy asked.
“No, I’m not. I don’t know who you are talking about.” I had to deny my identity for my own safety first.
They both looked at each other in confusion.
“Let us see your student ID. That’s the only way we can believe you.”
“I don’t have it here. I forgot it at home this morning because I was in a haste.” I replied in a teary voice. I just hope they don’t notice.
“Alright, you can go. I think we mistook you for someone else. But be very careful.” The second guy said again and they disappeared the next minute.
I took a deep breath in relief before I began to run. I ran as fast as my legs could carry, not stopping until I reached my house.
***********
After having a very warm bath, I began to ponder on what just transpired in school. Who were those guys and who sent them?
Should I call Damian and tell him about it? No, I think that is a bad idea. The best thing to do now is to avoid Damian and everyone connected to him. My safety must come first.
************
When I got to school the next day, the first person I saw was Damian and he waved at me with a smile. I ignored him and went to my seat at the second row.
During break time, I picked my bags and left the class hastily. He came running after me.
“Claire! Please hold on. I wish to speak with you.”
I paused in my steps but I didn’t turn.
“What’s wrong? You have been avoiding me since morning. Did I do something wrong?” He queried.
“Nothing. I just want to be left alone.” I snapped at him and kept walking.
“Claire, you’re my friend. You know you can talk to me if anything is bothering you. Did my friends offend you yesterday?” He asked holding my left arm in an attempt to make me slow down.
“Maybe you should tell your full squad of admirers or whatever you call it, that I’m not a rival. I do not wish to have any issue with anyone in this school. Please leave me alone.” I said, shaking his hand off.
I walked away without saying another word to him and he looked at me in confusion.
I was in the garden, enjoying the cool autumn breeze. I plucked my earphones into my ear.
I saw those groups of girls, whom I saw earlier at the library yesterday. They were walking over to where I was and I knew they did not mean well.
“Claire, you have become a pain in the ass. Even after what happened yesterday, you are still speaking with Damian.” The ringleader started.
So, it was them. They hired someone to try to assault me yesterday. Just because of Damian. Well, they have got the wrong person. I smiled at the thought.
“What is funny?” The second girl said. She was the shortest amongst all of them and probably the ugliest too.
“Your stupidity. The three of you are incredibly foolish. So, you really think your petty threat would get to me? Bold of you to think that I’ll begin to avoid my friend because of you.”
“You don’t know who you are dealing with, Claire. Don’t try to cross my path. Leave Damian for me or face my wrath.”
“You don’t know who you are dealing with either. I should be the one saying that to you. You know nothing about me, so I’ll advise you to avoid me and remain in your own lane.” I said boldly, not even cracking a smile.
“I can see you have the nerves, huh? I’ll teach you.” She stormed out angrily and her escorts followed suit.
Foolish girls. I have always been avoiding these kind of things from happening but it appears this one is inevitable.
Since they came to threaten me because of Damian, it’s high time I moved to the next level with him. So that they can die of jealousy.
The rest of the day went on without much events.
**********
Damian was with Ethan and Scott when I met them at the cafeteria. I bought some snacks and joined them at their table.
“Hey, what’s good? You are looking very beautiful today.” Scott said as he flashed a smile which revealed his perfect dentition.
“I’m fine. Thank you.” I replied and noticed Ethan giving Scott a slight nudge. They both smiled and left the table.
Damian was silent the whole time. He was just looking into my eyes with an expression which I could not decode. Then he smiled.
“How are you now, Claire?”
“I’m fine. I’m sorry for what happened earlier. I apologise for what I said and for the tone I used.” I said.
“Before the apologies, why did you do what you did? What triggered it?” Damian asked.
“I can’t tell you the whole story. It’s quite long but I felt threatened. You might not understand.”
“Allow me to be the judge of that. Let me judge if I can understand it or not. Just tell me everything.” His reassurance prompted and made me feel willing to speak.
“It all started yesterday evening when I was going home from the library. I was almost assaulted by two guys. I was not able to see their faces.”
“Are you serious? Did they hurt you?” Damian asked, I could sense the panic from his voice.
“Calm down and bring your voice down. I’m fine. They didn’t touch me. They only threatened me to stop hanging out with you.” I said.
The next thought that came to my mind was quite ridiculous, I smiled at the thought.
“What’s funny? This is serious than you know” Damian said in response.
“On my way home, I was actually wondering if you’re into guys…you know. If you are gay.” I said slyly.
Damian burst into an uproar of laughter. I joined him later and had to stop when I noticed how people were looking at us.
Damian cleared his throat and said,
“You think that I’m gay? Do you I look like someone wo is attracted to guys? Anyways, I am not. Someone must have sent those guys after you.”
“My thoughts exactly but I don’t know who. Do you know anyone who could have done this?” I asked innocently, not revealing the threat those girls gave me at the garden.
“I sincerely have no idea. Did you report this to anyone?” He asked.
“Not yet. I just want to keep it quiet for now. Don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine.” I assured him.
“I disagree with you, Claire. You should report this to the school authorities. So that they can double their security.” Damian insisted.
“You think I should walk to the Students Welfare Office and disclose to whoever cares to listen, how I was threatened to stop talking to a guy in my class? They will think it’s childish. I don’t think that’s the best idea, Damian.” I explained.
“Okay, see what I’m suggesting. Stick around me. If you stay with me, nothing will happen to you. I can assure you of that. You can always come to my place so that we can go to school and return together. At least, till we find who is behind this. What do you think?”
“It’s not such a bad idea. I agree with you so long as it will not inconvenience you. Thank you very much, Damian for protecting me.” I was glad he raised the suggestion. It will finally give me the chance to stay close to him.
Whoever feels jealous about it, should go to hell.