Blair's frown deepened.
So much for all that big talk now. That really did the deed.
'Unexpectedly, this poor girl was sensitive when it came to her poor family.'
Cadmus could swear on his life she hadn't matured a day past seven years old. He could see his goal building up behind the lash line of his nemesis. It seemed like the incompetence of Blair's parents was a sore topic.
'Obviously because she knew how stupid her family was already.'
Then again, anyone who hung out with her all the time was bound to be a dunce too. Heck, if they raised a kid to become a moron like her, something had to be wrong with them.
'It was taking too long, though. When's she gonna say anything?'
Her silent conflict with her own emotions following his provocation was a slow process. It was as he had expected from a girl with the IQ of the dirt sticking under his shoes.
'Go ahead and cry, you nuisance. Regret ever going against me.'
And as if his thoughts had reached her, through the power of his irritation, her eyes dimmed like how a light bulb would flicker out. It was instantaneous. One moment he was relishing in the glory of ruining her mood, the next she sent him a scowl more impactful than the rest.
But it was Blair's contemptuous 'say-what-you-want' smirk that determined Cadmus's ultimate loss.
'WHY THIS BOOGER BRAIN, BLASTED BUTT BUMPKIN!!!'
In typical Blair fashion, she glared down on him like he was the lowest of scums. Cadmus felt heat rise up to the back of his neck, causing his face to redden.
'DAMN YOU, BLAIR WINIFRED!!!'
It's his turn to be at a loss for words. He knew what to respond but couldn't find the voice.
'JUST WHAT THE HECK WAS THAT STUPID LOOK FOR?!!!'
That's all that Blair had done before turning away, and yet, Cadmus had already panicked.
He should think of a comeback. He should not give in so soon.
"Is that your best shot?" he managed to scoff out despite his internal clamor.
Cadmus began sweating and twitching when nothing came. This was supposed to be the queue for Blair to retaliate –
For his plan to get back on track. For his dignity to be saved.
But then, all that she did was let out a snort. Like she could not care less, like she thought he's pathetic. Sure, he was used to being taunted and glared at, especially by her.
However, getting ignored was new, and Cadmus found to hate every second of it.
---
Not many people at school liked Blair, and it was all thanks to Cadmus.
While some thought she was queer and creepy, others were irked by her nonchalant and conceited expressions. They could easily ostracize her since she had no friends, and they would sometimes let out their frustration on her.
One of those not-so-rare instances was happening at the moment.
"Go back to the slums already!"
"How did you get in here, anyway?!"
"Your parents rob for a living, don't they?!"
"No wonder you ended up like this!"
"Quit acting like you're one of us!
They were all older than Blair. Tall, fit, and strong too.
It's more than clear that she's no match for them, so she only stood there, backed into the corner of the corridor. She knew that all of them were from rich, influential families, and though she didn't care, she just could not, for the life of her, use self-defense.
'Maybe it's about time I learn it? This is getting worse by the day,' Blair contemplated.