Allison
I woke up that morning feeling exhausted. The last thing I wanted to do was drag myself to school. But I knew I had to. I needed to be the good daughter, the good girl. So, I forced myself out of bed and began getting ready.
As I turned to leave my room, I caught sight of Nina still fast asleep, snoring herself away like she gave no two fucks about the world. I walked over to her bed and gently shook her awake.
“Nina, wake up,” I said softly.
She groggily opened her eyes, mumbling incoherently. “Wha… what is it?” she slurred, still half asleep.
“It’s morning already,” I replied, trying to keep my voice down. “You need to get up and get ready for class. You missed yesterday’s classes, and you can’t afford to miss any more.”
Nina shook her head, rubbing her eyes. “I’m not going to class this week,” she mumbled. “I’m too tired. I’ll start attending lectures next week.”
I rolled my eyes, frustrated with Nina’s lack of motivation. I knew she was capable of doing better. Her mother was a widow and a hardworking woman, doing her best to make ends meet at the local canteen where she worked. Sighing deeply, I left her to sleep and headed to the bathroom to start my morning routine.
After a refreshing shower, I got dressed and grabbed my bag. I took one last look at Nina, who was still fast asleep, and headed out the door to catch my class.
Like the fastest wind, the day flew by. Now it was time to head home, rather than lingering around school like others. I still wonder what they do after class because I’m certain being at home is way better. I guess I’ll never know what that feels like since I don’t have friends or a boyfriend like them.
As I walked out of class, I let out a sigh of relief. I had managed to focus throughout the lecture despite the naughty pictures Jayden had sent last night, jotting down important notes and absorbing as much information as possible. It wasn’t about making my parents proud, but about being proud of myself.
However, my relief was short-lived. As I stepped out into the hallway, I spotted Yvonne and her friends, in their white and orange cheerleading uniforms, looking flushed and sweaty from their usual grueling practice session.
My heart sank. I knew Yvonne and her crew to be notorious bullies, and I certainly didn’t want to cross paths with them. I quickly turned around, intending to head in the opposite direction.
But it seemed I wasn’t quick enough.
“Hey, Allison!” Yvonne’s voice rang out from behind me. “Where are you running to? Come here, quickly!”
I felt a shiver run down my spine as I hesitated for a moment. Though I felt really scared, I turned around and walked towards Yvonne, my eyes fixed on hers.
I tried to muster up some courage and stood up straight, attempting to appear braver than I felt.
“Yes, Yvonne? What is it?” I asked, trying to sound nonchalant.
She smirked, her eyes gleaming with amusement as she sauntered closer, her minions flanking her like loyal subjects. She looked me up and down, her expression twisted in disgust.
“What’s with your sister, Allison?” she sneered, her voice dripping with malice.
I furrowed my brow, trying hard not to give a look that would trigger her anger because not only was I furious at her but I was irritated.
“What do you mean by that?” I asked, shaking my head. “Did anything happen to Sally?”
Yvonne’s smirk grew wider. “I thought I told you to tell your sister to stay off the court. We don’t want to see her there, rehearsing with us again.”
I gritted my teeth, feeling a surge of anger. “Have you told her that yourself? I don’t think I’m your messenger or something. Why don’t you go to her yourself instead of telling me to tell her? I’m not your servant, okay?”
I swear I should’ve said fucking, not freaking, but not now, not here. Even though I had those hard gazes, I was terrified and desperately wished to leave.
I turned to leave, but Yvonne snapped her fingers, and two of her lackeys pounced on me, grabbing me from either side. I tried to wriggle free, but they held me firm.
One of them hit me, and my head jerked back, my eyes locking onto Yvonne’s furious face. Her eyes blazed with anger, her nostrils flaring like a bull about to charge.
Yvonne’s hand connected with my face in a stinging slap. The sound echoed through the hallway, drawing the attention of everyone around us. Some people stopped and stared, while others hurried past, pretending they hadn’t seen anything.
Yvonne’s slap came again and again, each one landing with a loud crack. I felt my face burning, my eyes welling up with tears.
Finally, she stopped, her chest heaving with force. She leaned in close, her voice dropping to a menacing whisper. “I’m only sparing you because I’m dating your brother. If not, I could have killed you right here and now.”
Then, Yvonne and her friends walked away, laughing and chatting. I took a deep breath and began to walk in the opposite direction. My eyes stung from unshed tears, and my face throbbed from the slaps. I looked down, trying to compose myself, and quickened my pace.
Just as I thought I was escaping the drama, I saw Jayden approaching me.
“Fuck me,” I groaned, sniffing softly. “Why now?”
I quickly lowered my head and picked up my pace, hoping to avoid him. But Jayden was not one to give up easily. He caught up to me and grabbed my hand, pulling me to a stop.
“Leave me alone,” I muttered, trying to shake off his grip.
“Is everything alright?” he asked, his voice laced with concern.
“Yes,” I answered, my voice trembling slightly. “Can I go now… please?”
Who would have known this guy was this stubborn? Ugh! He tried to lift my face, but I resisted, keeping my head down.
“I’m really fine,” I lied again, this time, my voice was smooth. “Now let me go or else I might really lose it.”
But Jayden was not convinced, and he really didn’t care about what I could do. He quickly grasped my chin and lifted my face, his eyes locking onto mine. That was when he saw the redness on my cheek and the tears welling up in my eyes.
“Who did this to you?” Jayden’s voice was low and menacing, his eyes blazing with anger.
My lips vibrated, and the tears poured down my eyes.