She tucked her bag tightly, closing her eyes for a moment to take in a breath. She stepped in, as her palm pushed the door open. She had stayed in the penthouse for just a few days to heal. Irene clearly unbothered, walked to the desk to take her seat. Her disappearance then her sudden presence explained the several pairs of eyes on her right now. Irene reached for her bag to collect her books, when she noticed something
"What is this?", She asked no one in particular
She grabbed the foreign item placed neatly under her desk. Perhaps someone had forgotten it there? Irene quickly scratched that
"It looked too well planned to be a mistake, like the person deliberately put it there".
She opened the shiny emerald box, revealing a stunning hair clip. A lotus pink floral hair clip to be precise. Irene had only briefly admired the hair clip, when a card with the words
"For Irene", caught her attention
She grabbed the card about to flip it over, when an all too familiar voice spoke
"So you decided to come back huh?", Irene turned and saw the exact person she expected to see, the same old Bexley. She watched as she made her way to her.
Irene's annoyed gaze spoke up for her "May I help you?"
Bexley spoke up, hovering over her with her arms folded. Her eyes scanning her from head to toe, clearly judging the origin of her existence.
"You disappeared from school for almost a week". She hesitated, pointing at Irene's face with a confused expression
"Then all of a sudden, you reappear back with a bandage. Like nothing ever happened
"Doesn't still explain why you're here", Irene responded feeling utterly confused at where this conversation was going to.
Bexley just scoffed, dropping a blue notebook on her desk. Stunned, Irene asked, "What's this?". Bexley rolled her eyes in response and started walking back to her seat saying "I do not allow dumb people in my class"
Well that was totally unexpected and unusual, Irene thought.
Jason came by to his seat next to Irene at that moment. So much for reading what was on the back of that card in peace. He had a warm smile as he glanced at Irene.
"Hey, you're back", He welcomed her warmly
Irene nodded trying her best to match his warm smile. "Were you sick or something?", his expression quickly dissolved faded into a slightly worried one, as he spotted the small bandage on her cheek. Irene traced his gaze to the spot of her bandaid
"Something like that. But I'm fine now thanks", out of impulse, her hand trailed to her cheek covering the bandaid.
"Yeah. It's a good thing you're back", Jason said as he brought out a few books handing one over to Irene.
"I figured you will need notes for the classes you missed, so I took notes down for you. Here"
Irene collected the orange notepad from him
"Thank you", Irene managed to say with a slight nod. Jason just nodded in response, "Anytime". Now Irene had time alone to collect her thoughts. She remembered that no one else had been nice to her except Aiden and Agent Sky. Irene felt happy inside and a small smile couldn't help but force itself out. It was a whole new feeling for her, it felt odd yet nice. The vibration of her faced down phone made her place the notes under her desk. She grabbed her phone and saw the message notification in no time. It was from Alex. She instantly replied to him with the exact message he sent her, dismissing it and dropping her phone. Once again, she picked up the note, flipping it over
"Anytime you think the world is against you, there is someone else who feels the same"
***BELL RINGS
Morning classes went by in a blur and soon after it was the break. Hundreds of students gathered at the cafeteria, queueing to get food, snacks or anything. Then returned to the lunch tables or the lounge. There sat Irene at an inconspicuous end, with a plate of spaghetti and tomato sauce staring at her. As she sipped her drink, she felt a slight vibration. Just as she thought, someone plopped their butt next to her. She placed her drink down as she shot her a brief side glare. Grinning from ear to ear with her face cupped in her arms admiring Irene in front of her. One may have wondered the reason for her sudden happiness this afternoon, Irene was no exception
"Giselle... Are you looking for something?", Irene asked
"Is everything okay today?". News had spread and so did the hate comments and hate train that was targeted towards Giselle for breaking up with her co-actor, Kai. Though it had died down a little bit, it was still nothing to be happy about now.
"Nope, people still hate me", a hint of sorrow crept into her words. Giselle glanced at the full plate of spaghetti that she had barely touched. "You don't like spaghetti?", she asked trying to divert from the subject. "You can have it if you want", Irene nudged her plate towards her, gesturing her to help herself. Giselle refused pushing it back to her. "No No I don't want it, I'm just curious", Giselle's eyes sparkled with amusement as she chuckled slightly. A subtle sigh escaped Irene's lips, her expression a perfect blank
"I suddenly just don't have an appetite for food"
Immediately, she dug into her second bag, revealing a chocolate bar. Giselle practically shoved it in her arms, leaving no room for refusal . "Then you can try this instead, so you won't go hungry later". Irene glanced at the richly branded chocolate screaming wealth. A knowing glint appeared in her eyes confirming her earlier suspicions as she dug into her bag
"Aren't I lucky? getting a chocolate bar and a lovely hair clip on the same day!", her expression couldn't be more sarcastic as she held the chocolate bar and the emerald box which she had been given earlier.
"Both from the star herself"
Giselle looked genuinely shocked for a while, but then her shock faded to an awkward smile.
"Is there a reason why you're being nice to me by giving all these gifts?. Why?!... Is this really your last resort to desperately protect your image?", Irene demanded answers. Giselle waved her arms in defence. She hesitated, opening her mouth to speak, but then paused carefully choosing her words not to be misinterpreted. Irene may have seemed to have a fierce exterior, however in reality she didn't have a single care what, Giselle had actually planned out. She saw someone and went out of her way to comfort her. Whether it was the right choice or not, Irene never thought twice of wrapping her mind around it again
"It's just that....
Giselle trailed off avoiding her gaze. She let out a thoughtful sigh, "I'm not sure if you knew who I was, from the looks of it, it seemed you didn't. It's funny how I have thousands of fans yet the majority attacked me without even batting an eyelash. You, however came and reassured me without even knowing anything". The whole time Irene was listening, her expression unconsciously softened a little. She too had first hand experience of this as well as to be drowning in your pain alone. Irene sighed in defeat, seeing this, Giselle lips curled into a smile, bringing back that sparkle in her eyes. Irene grabbed the chocolate bar that laid neatly on the table. Stripping away the chocolate wrapper with a decisive pull. To her surprise, Irene placed it in front of Giselle gesturing for her to take some. She couldn't help but smile, as she picked it. Giselle broke the chocolate bar into half leaving her slightly taken aback. She placed one half into Irene's hand and took the other. After that, she raised their pieces in a celebratory motion, mimicking a toast. For that day, lunchtime seemed to go slower, perhaps it was the sunshine kindling the warmth of a beautiful bond.
***ALEX'S MANSION
"Is it- Jason, Matthew or any of the others perhaps??!, Mrs. Gold, Alex's mom inquired, typing away on her phone on the dinning table.
"A new student I was asked to help", The words came out of his words instinctively as he fiddled with the pocket knife in hand. "Ohh!", she exclaimed, unable to mask her genuine surprise, as she gulped down the glass of sparkling wine next to her.
"Yeah I know, I don't want her either. But unfortunately I need her for extra credits"
Each time he spoke, Gold just couldn't believe her ears
"It's a girl, well this keeps getting amusing", she gave her son that subtle mother side smile. Alex nodded trying his best to avoid that look. Gold stood up from her seat carrying her red handbag ready to leave
"A female stranger in my mansion..
That's Interesting. If I had my way, never in a million years would I ever agree to that. However, where's the fun in disagreeing to something new?", She tilted her head to slip on her ear jewelry admiring her son with a proud smile on her face
"I don't think you've told me her name by the way?"
"Extra credits", Alex with no hesitation said with a blank face and Gold burst out into a small laugh. That was her son, she thought. She left the table which was immediately visited by a servant clearing the wine glass. With her classy fit, she waltzed to the door, her trace was left by the soft clanks of her black boots laced with gold accents. As she approached the door grabbing the handle, she called out to Alex who was clearly lost in his thoughts. She flung an object in his direction which he caught before hitting his face. He gave his mom a questioning look which earned a smirk from her.
"When did you?!", Alex had realized that his mom had thrown him a pocket knife. It was dangerous, but he was concerned about only one thing. This was the exact pocket knife he had been fiddling with like five minutes ago. He checked the table and sure it was, the knife was missing.
"At the same time you were thinking, probably about that girl". Alex just rolled his eyes letting out a sigh
"Just try to be careful and don't judge a book by its cover, Alex. Remember anyone, friends or strangers included can still prove to be an enemy to you." Alex had a thoughtful look on his face anytime he thought of that moment.
"Alex Bro"
"Alex!", Jason tapped Alex bringing him back to the present day. Alex had a confused look as his eyes darted around the empty classroom. He removed his headphones glancing at Jason to explain what was going on.
"The entire class left for P.E except us", Jason carried his bag and headed to the boy's locker room. Alex ran his hands through his hair trying to gather his thoughts, getting up not much longer.
IRENE'S P.O.V
Everyone had the same confused expression as to why we were standing in front of a swimming pool in sport wears. The teacher wasn't present adding to their frustration
"Is this a prank or something?!", someone yelled. "Bexley, do you know what's going on?", one of her friends secretly turned to her and asked. Jason and Alex came in that moment, making heads and eyes turn to his direction. Jason looked as stunned as the rest while Alex appeared to take it as it seemed. Bexley as if waiting for the right moment, stepped out in front facing all of us
"Coach won't be around for the mean time, so he told us to use the pool and get familiar with the water", She announced with a straight face.
"Bexley you're not joking right?", a guy beside me spoke up seeming to voice everyone's thoughts here. She walked up to her clique unlocking her phone. She raised up the text for everyone to see
"Whatever you choose to believe is none of my concern. Leave, stay or swim, your choice for the next 45 minutes", She shrugged walking back to where she stood earlier. Followed by everyone's cheers, Some immediately splashed into the pool, while a few left. I sighed sitting at the edge of the pool. Taking out my phone trying to suppress the small smile that threatened to escape.
"Your smile is really beautiful. Why don't you smile more often?. I heard a voice say to me. I lifted my head up, my gaze instantly meeting Alex's first. I judged the situation as practical as possible. From the short while I've been here, those words and that face can never go together. Her gaze then shifted to the other person here, none other than the school's heartthrob Jason. Her lips curled to a small smile. "That's because I've hardly been given a reason to do so", She replied putting her phone to sleep. Jason looked conflicted like he had something to say but wasn't sure what to do.
Alex finally spoke up, his face a mask of neutrality, "When Delusion meets deluded." Irene responded with a wry smile. He leaned forward, peering into the water as if gazing at Irene's reflection. Then, with a playful flourish, he splashed them with droplets of water, chanting, "Be normal, be real." As they both burst into laughter, covering their faces as they retreated farther away from him.
After talking to Irene for a little while, he excused himself to catch up with Bexley and the rest. Irene marched back to the pool where Alex sat. A mischievous glint that could not be hidden, instantly popped up on her face. Even from there, Alex could feel the burning intensity of her glare itching to get revenge. Every other thing was meaningless, the world around them ceased to be the matter of interest. It was "the calm before the storm", yet the tranquility was frightening. As the distance between reduced, he spoke with his usual blank expression as if just intentionally provoking her.
"C'mon don't be petty and just forget everything that happened. Take the high road of righteousness".
He was one to talk, Irene thought rolling her eyes.
"I'm not petty and of course I'll never in a lifetime stoop to your level", She responded. Now Irene was already inches from Alex. A sense of relief washed over Alex, guess he wasn't going to be kicked into the pool after all. Irene leaned over closer to him, whispering something in his ear
"I will stoop even lower!"
Without any hesitation she dove into the pool