Margaret was so lost in her guilt and regret that she could not see something that was so obvious. Instead she let her emotions get the better of her and unnecessarily tired herself mentally. But when she was forced to confront the situation head on, she quickly realized what she had to do to change it.
But to do that she was going to need some help. From the crybaby. Because Margaret believed that crybaby knew Arthur better than anyone in this 'place', though she was still debating it. Margaret needed her information on Arthur to make any decisions moving forward.
She tried to search for her after the lunch encounter, but since she didn't have any free periods, she could only look around the halls on her way to next classes, hoping to bump into her again. But now she had another opportunity which might be her only one real chance to find her – stalk the university main gates and grab her.
There was still a possibility that she might leave through any of the other three exits but she had no other choice but to try her luck. And for that she first needed to be at the gates before that crybaby leaves through or she might as well give it up.
And with only one thought, Margaret skipped past others and hurriedly ran towards the exit. The hall doors soon came into her view and she picked up her pace. But just as she was about to go through, she was suddenly yanked back by her hair.
Margaret yelped in pain as she clutched her head and stumbled back. She managed to stay on her feet and turned around as her heart skipped a beat at the sight of a very familiar and very terrifying figure.
"Going home, Margie?" The ice cold voice froze her heart for a second before it started pounding rapidly. "But I still have some unfinished business with you." Jacob smirked, as he grabbed Margaret by her hair and pulled her back into the hallway.
Margaret would've yelled for help, but not one person in the hallway seemed to see a big guy dragging an injured, limping girl by her hair. So she stayed silent and instead tried hard to keep up with Jacob's big strides and not fall over.
Jacob turned a few corners and arrived at quiet dead-end as he looked around before throwing Margaret towards the wall. She tripped and fell forward but she held onto the wall and buckled down.
Phew... That was close!
Her ankle was almost healed and she even debated not wearing the brace that morning. However, she decided it better to wear it the rest of the week, just in case. Now, she silently praised herself for her good decision, because she would've twisted it again, if not for the brace. However now she might have to wear it a bit longer.
Margaret sighed helplessly but yelped again as Jacob pulled her up by the collar and shoved her back against the wall. She had to bite her lower lip to stop herself from crying out in pain.
"You ran around long enough, Margie. But now the hunt is over."
Margaret let out a dry chuckle and shook her head. "Your determination and motives are all misplaced, Jacob. If only you could put this level of commitment towards something useful, you won't need to beg anybody to do anything for you."
She raised her head and looked into his dark eyes trembling with fury. "Don't you feel pathetic and ashamed about yourself-"
She was interrupted by a heavy fist to her cheek, as the force behind it whipped her head to the side and sent a shockwave of pain throughout her head. Margaret felt the world spin uncontrollably as the stinging pain held her from losing consciousness.
"Shit." Jacob cussed as he realized what he did, but he didn't seem to care too much either. He held her with both hands and pulled her close to his face as he growled like a raging animal. "Do not provoke me, Margaret. I don't know if I can control myself the next time."
And he indeed controlled himself as he didn't even put half his strength behind the punch, otherwise Margaret wouldn't be standing, much less stay conscious.
Jacob released her and took a step back as Margaret immediately collapsed on her knees without as much as a groan. She was stubborn in her own way; she would never allow anyone to take pleasure in her pain. Never again.
"This is all your fault, you forced me to do this." Jacob pointed at her as if she was the one to blame for his actions. "I asked you nicely, but what did you do? You made a fool of me."
He took a deep breath and looked down at Margaret who was silent and unmoving as a corpse. "Just write me that report and I will not bother you again. Why can't you understand something so simple?" He grumbled in frustration and annoyance.
Margaret didn't respond, she just sat on the floor, her hair fell over her face, covering her eyes as her cheek grew purple and her bottom lip began to bleed from the cut at the edge.
Jacob began pacing back and forth in that small space, trying to control his anger. He then looked at the girl slumped down on the floor and felt himself suffocating in her silence.
He ran a hand over his face and took a deep breath before he came to stand in front of her again. He crouched down to her level and spoke in a calm manner. "Listen, Margaret. I'm in a pinch here. I need that Bio-chem report to pass the subject or the coach-"
"I won't do it." A stubborn voice broke the heavy atmosphere, it was hoarse and weak but loud and clear.
"Huh?" Jacob frowned, not believing what he just heard. Did he mishear that?
Margaret raised her head and looked straight into his eyes. The dark and gloomy corner suddenly turned eerily cold as her eyes seemed to carry a chill that pierced directly into Jacob's heart.
Her brown eyes were calm and clear as a peaceful lake, free of apprehensions and hesitations. Her swollen, bleeding lips curved into a condescending smirk as she spoke, enunciating each word slowly. "I said… I… won't�� do it!"
Jacob was startled for a second. The indifference in her eyes and the pure disdain in her voice made his back sweat and he instantly stood up and took a step back. When he shook himself from the daze, he gritted his teeth with anger as he felt ashamed that he was frightened by such a weak little girl.
He punched the wall behind him in frustration and let out a suppressed groan but he still couldn't contain his anger. He then turned around and grabbed Margaret by the collar and pulled her up with both hands before shoving her hard against the wall.
Margaret winced in pain but still managed to contain it inside and glared at him as she spoke without any hesitation or fear. "Go to hell, Jacob! And I think the football team will do a lot better without a brainless meathead like you."
Unexpectedly, Jacob released his grip on her and turned around, laughing. "I have to admit, I never met a girl more spirited or annoying as you."
Margaret stood leaning against the wall as she raised her head up proudly and smirked. "Why, thank y-"
Her eyes went wide and she choked on her words as Jacob's fist lodged itself into her midsection. Margaret gasped for breath as she clutched her stomach and dropped to floor in agony. Her eyes teared up instantly as she struggled to breathe through the pain.
Jacob snorted as he glared down at her, anger and disgust contorting his features. "I don't understand if you are truly brave, or just a fool who don't know when to quit. But then again, you are simply a fool to be brave."
He then crouched down next to her and forcefully raised her head up with his finger. Margaret squeezed her eyes shut and gritted her teeth as she tried to push back the sobs that threatened to escape. Jacob waited till Margaret forced her eyes open before he spoke threateningly. "One week, Margaret. I want my report ready by next Monday. Or…" He smiled and patted her purple, bruised and swollen cheek. "This is not even 10% of what I'm capable of."
He then stood up and turned around as he walked away casually. However, he stopped at the corner and turned around.
"You escaped Friday because of Arthur, but don't think he would come save you again. In fact you will never see him again, because he's already been expelled." He spoke with a relaxed smile as he looked extremely satisfied… and proud for some reason. "But let me tell you something nobody else knows – he literally begged on his knees to let him leave the university."
"He really is naïve if he thinks everything would be over once he leaves the university." He laughed excitedly and shook his head in ridicule as he turned around to walk away, grumbling. "He provoked the one guy who is not to be messed with. That guy is extremely vengeful and ruthless; he doesn't let anyone look down on him."
"But Arthur…" he paused as he seemed to remember something and his whole body visibly trembled. He then shook his head and started laughing as he turned the corner and disappeared out of sight.
In the dark obscure corner of hallway, Margaret lay curled up on the floor, panting and heaving for breath. But every time she tried to breathe, pain coursed through her body like a virus, multiplying and spreading to every corner of her body.
She slowly sat up and leaned against the wall, gritting her teeth to keep the sobs inside her. She couldn't let herself breakdown now. No, she had to get home before her mom, or she wouldn't be able to hide the bruise on her cheek or the pained expression on her face.
She tried to get up but the pain pushed her back down as she let out a painful groan.
'Damnit, it hurts!
It hurts too much… And this is not even 10% of his strength? Is his power level over 9000?'
She grumbled silently and wondered if she could make it back to her house in that state. However, she praised herself for not giving in to his demands, but there was still a small thought in the corner of her mind. She could've avoided all of this if she just agreed to do that goddamn report. At least if she had controlled her mouth and didn't bark unnecessarily, maybe she wouldn't have ended up in such dire straits?
But she was so frustrated and angry since lunch and didn't know what to do about it. Unfortunately, Jacob presented himself in front of her and Margaret fired off without second thought.
'But he is right about one thing. I'm just a fool to act brave.'
She remembered her father often said, 'One needs a lot of courage to be brave and honest.' But she later realized, only a fool would act brave and honest. Bravery and honesty would get you nowhere in life. She snorted in ridicule and immediately cringed in pain as a tear rolled down her cheek.
'Look where I'm now, Dad… And where are you? You acted bravely and paid the price for it. No, Mom and I are still paying for it, every day.' A dry sob broke out of her lips but she quickly held it back, refusing to let her suffering out. Instead she suppressed it and confined it deep inside her as she waited for the right time.
She shook her head clear of all the thoughts as her eyes glowed with unwavering resolve. She slung her bag firmly onto her shoulders and took a deep breath, instantly choking with pain. But she ignored the pain and tried again; she took a deep breath, held it in and pushed herself up to her feet in one quick movement.
However she was unable to hold her balance and stumbled forward before holding onto the wall in front to steady herself. She blew a sigh of relief and walked out of the dark corner while leaning on the walls for support.
After what felt like an hour of torture, she was finally back in the main hallway, groaning and panting for breath. Her forehead was layered with sweat and her body felt much heavier than usual. She leaned onto the wall beside her and let out a sigh as she wiped her forehead with her sleeve.
She then heard two faint voices and soon saw two figures coming her way. Before she could wonder who they were, the two figures walked closer and Margaret's eyes grew wide in surprise as she saw the crybaby from lunch break, talking to the Dean, Mr. Greenwood.
But it looked more like she was nagging him while he was frantically trying to get away from her.
"Please Ryan, I'm begging you. Do me this favor, please." The crybaby requested, following her victim as she hung onto his arm without giving him a chance to escape.
"Stop pestering me, Hazel." Mr. Greenwood halted and pulled his arm free as he looked at her tiredly. "I already told you I can't divulge the students' personal information. It's against the university policy."
"But you expelled him." Hazel stood right in front of him, her big eyes moistened as she glared daggers at him without any restrain. "He's no longer a student here. So what policy are you talking about now?"
Her words instantly grabbed Margaret's attention and she observed the crybaby named Hazel with more attention. She appeared to be on close terms with Mr. Greenwood as they spoke to each other without any formalities.
They stood beside the door; just a few feet away from Margaret but neither seemed to notice her. Margaret took the chance and slowly scooted away from their sight and hid behind the door as she tried to be as silent as she could.
"You won't drop this issue, will you?" Mr. Greenwood sighed, softening the knot between his brows. He then looked at her and spoke in a solemn tone. "Arthur personally requested not to disclose any information related to him. I'm just honoring our agreement."
That seemed to silence Hazel, and even Margaret on the other side of the door was stunned by the declaration.
"I'm sorry, Hazel. I understand how you feel but it's best to let him be now." Mr. Greenwood seemed to be conflicted as if he doubted his decision. He let out a sigh and patted her head gently before walking out the door.
Hazel dropped her head and stood there in a daze, all her protests stuck in her throat as tears pooled in her eyes. She wanted to do something other than crying; she wanted to help Arthur for once. But if Arthur didn't want her help, would it be selfish of her to disturb him again?
"Ah!" A weak scream pulled Hazel out of her daze and she saw a figure flailing her arms wildly as she stumbled around before falling on the floor with a loud thump. Hazel took a step back in fright but as she looked down, her eyes widened at the familiar girl lying on the floor.
"Margaret?" Hazel was surprised but she quickly rushed towards the girl on floor and sat her up. But as she saw the purple bruise on Margaret's cheek, she gasped with horror. "Oh my god! Margaret, what happened?"
"Do you know, it's hard to hide when you can barely stand?" Margaret asked with a grin, but immediately cringed with pain from her cheek. She sat leaning against the crybaby she prayed to meet again and looked at her with an evil smirk that made Hazel tremble. "Looks like my luck is not that bad. I'll not let you go now, crybaby."
- -
Margaret and Hazel stuck tightly together as they walked along the sidewalk, on their way to Margaret's house. Margaret was in a black and white one piece dress with a dark blue cardigan and matching shoes while Hazel was in a red and black plaid shirt with black jeans. Their steps were slow and small as Margaret had her arm around Hazel as she leaned on her for support.
"Thank you for helping me, Hazel." Margaret spoke with a smile on her face as she looked at the girl beside her. "I definitely couldn't have made it on my own."
"You still won't tell me what happened to you?" Hazel asked as she stared sternly at Margaret. She could roughly guess based on her bruised cheek but she just couldn't wrap her head around that scenario.
Who would do such a thing? How could they?
Margaret could see the wheels spinning in her head and couldn't help smile. She was too cute, and the glare and her pouting lips made her way too adorable.
Hazel frowned at the giggling Margaret and upped the intensity of her gaze and Margaret had no choice but to answer. She cleared her throat and replied coyly. "I already told you, I-"
"Ran into a pole?" Hazel interrupted as she raised her brow and Margaret nodded her head enthusiastically with a cheeky grin. "That's such an outdated excuse, Margaret. Do you really expect me to believe that?"
"It was worth a shot." Margaret shrugged and turning away as Hazel sighed helplessly and continued supporting her as they walked along.
Margaret didn't know why but she felt a strange affinity towards Hazel, even though that was only the second time they met each other. And since Hazel acted as if they were longtime friends, Margaret also treated her as such.
"There, that's my house." Margaret pointed at a grey roofed house at a distance on her left. It was a simple two story residence with a small garage on the side and well maintained grass on the front yard.
They slowly reached the front door and Margaret blew a sigh of relief as she realized her mom was still not home. The bruise on her cheek was too flashy to just hide with the help of her long hair. And if her mom saw her, she would definitely have a heart attack before making a whole lot of ruckus about it.
Margaret shuffled through her bag and pulled out a key before unlocking the door and walking inside. Hazel stepped in after her and closed the door as Margaret turned on the lights and went into the living room. She threw her bag aside and slumped down in the sofa as she dropped her head back and let out an exhausted groan.
Hazel slowly followed behind, looking around curiously before she placed her bag beside Margaret and walked past her.
"Hazel, don't be shy. Make yourself ho-" Margaret trailed off as she saw Hazel was already in the kitchen as if it was her home. "Guess I don't need to tell you."
She could see Hazel moving back and forth in the kitchen but Margaret was too tired so she left Hazel to do whatever she wanted and dropped her head back on the sofa. She needed to get her body back under her control before anything else.
As she closed her eyes, she heard soft footsteps getting closer, followed by Hazel's voice. "Here."
Margaret opened her eyes and saw Hazel standing in front of her as she shoved a glass of water into her hands. Margaret gave her a grateful smile and took the glass as she gulped down the cool water with extreme fervor.
"Haa… Im alive agai- Oww!" Margaret jumped back in her seat and cried out as she felt a sting on her cheek. Margaret turned to the side with tears in her eyes as Hazel sat beside her with an ice pack in her hand.
She mercilessly pressed the ice-pack onto Margaret's bruised cheek as Margaret once again jumped up in pain worse than what she felt when Jacob actually punched her. She instinctively turned her cheek away as she bawled. "Oww, it hurts!"
"Stay still." Hazel spoke in an authoritative tone as she held Margaret by her shoulder and looked at her with a serious expression. "Or you can forget about hiding it from your mom."
Margaret groaned with mental pain as she realized Hazel was right and she had no choice but to endure the torture now. She pouted her lips and unwillingly moved closer to Hazel with her eyes shut, anticipating the stinging pain as she tried hard not to scream out loud.
One second… Two seconds… Three seconds…
There was no pain or sting as Margaret expected so she slowly relaxed her body and opened her eyes. "It doesn't hurt no- Oww!" Her howl thundered throughout the silent house as Hazel pressed the ice pack ruthlessly onto her cheek and held it firmly against her face.
"Hold it like this for a while." Hazel ordered emotionlessly as Margaret held the ice pack in her hands and turned to her with a deadly glare.
"You did that on purpose, didn't you?" Margaret growled in pain as she glared at Hazel with tears in her eyes, ready to spill. Hazel shrugged and turned away but the amusement in her eyes was hard to miss.
Damn this crybaby! Was she trying to make her cry just because she called her crybaby before?
But Margaret was in no position to do anything so she endured it for the time being as Hazel sat beside her, looking around with a smile on her face.
The walls were snow white, bare apart from a large painting hung between two wide windows lighting up the hall. The sofas were a light grey arranged in an L shape with a furry blue square carpet laid under the wooden center table. There was a small photo frame displaying Margaret and her mom placed on the side table.
"Your house is beautiful; it has a kind of warm feel everywhere. I never knew a house could have such a pleasant and serene atmosphere." Hazel spoke in a solemn tone filled with a sort of longing as she smiled and turned to Margaret beside her. "You are really lucky, Margaret."
Margaret nodded her head with a proud smile as she held the ice pack to her cheek as Hazel looked behind at the staircase leading upstairs.
Margaret eyed the photo frame on the side table with annoyance and flipped it face down before she stood up with a smile. "Come, I'll show you my room now." She pulled Hazel to her feet as she went around the sofa and towards the stairs to her room.
Margaret already recovered a bit of her energy and she had no difficulty climbing up the steps as she led Hazel to her room. She reached her room and opened the door as she gestured for Hazel go in first before she entered and closed the door tightly shut behind her.
Hazel instantly turned around and looked perplexed at Margaret who had a strange glow in her eyes and an evil smirk on her face.
"Now, shall we start the interrogation?" Margaret asked with a bittersweet voice as she walked towards Hazel. For some weird reason Hazel felt as if she stepped into devil's liar and what awaited her was not something she could control.
It was still Monday and Margaret was eager for some answers.