As I walked through the bustling hallways, an idea formed in my mind. I would skip lunch and head to the library. Tucked away in the west wing of the school, it offered a peaceful escape from the noise that echoed throughout the rest of the campus.
Stepping into the library, I was greeted by a serene silence. Though not imposing in size, it possessed a quiet charm. I made my way to the bookshelves, specifically seeking out the history section to complete the assignment given to us by our teacher. Gathering the necessary books, I settled into a cozy nook, ready to dive into my task.
Lost in my thoughts, engrossed in the world of words, a tap on my shoulder disrupted my concentration. Startled, I turned to find Ethan's friend, Damion, standing behind me. Unlike his more outgoing companions, Damion exuded a calm and reserved aura. Curiosity piqued, I greeted him, "Hi, Damion. How are you doing?" A faint smile graced his lips as he replied, "I'm fine. Did you come here to study or to escape the school noise?" I chuckled softly, responding, "Oh, I came to work on my assignment and to find some peace away from the commotion." Damion bid me farewell, explaining that he had finished his own studying and had football practice to attend. We exchanged well wishes, and he departed, leaving me to resume my work.
After completing the assignment, I proceeded to my next class, relieved to find that Ethan and Chloe were absent. The class proceeded smoothly, and I found myself thoroughly engaged. As the period drew to a close, I made my way to the locker room in preparation for the dreaded PE class. Inside, students hurriedly changed into their PE attire. I joined them at my own locker, feeling a twinge of dislike for physical education. It was my second time enduring the class, and my sentiments toward it had not improved.
Once dressed, I joined the other girls on the field, where the PE instructor promptly arrived, ready to guide us through various exercises. Amidst the routine, one girl voiced her inability to continue, halting her movements. The instructor responded sternly, emphasizing the consequences of non-participation on one's report card and the potential disappointment it would bring to parents. The girl reluctantly resumed the exercises, a frown etched on her face.
As the routines continued, exhaustion seeped in, and perspiration covered my body. Longing for a refreshing shower, I eagerly awaited the instructor's signal to wrap up the session. Amidst my fatigue, a sudden impact jolted me—a ball had struck the back of my head. Collapsing to the ground, I instinctively held onto my head, a surge of anger rushing through me. Determined to find the culprit, I located the ball and picked it up only to find a tall boy with dark hair standing nearby. With a small smile, he reached out his hand, helping me to my feet. "I'm sorry for the accident," he sincerely apologized, assuring me that he would be more careful in the future. The PE instructor interjected with a stern warning, and the boy returned to the field where Ethan and his friends stood. Avoiding their gaze, I pretended not to notice their presence, hoping to avoid any further encounters.
As the PE class concluded, we retreated to the locker room for a refreshing shower. After I finished bathing, I went to my locker to retrieve my neatly hung regular clothes. However, to my dismay, my clothes were nowhere to be found. Confusion and frustration enveloped me. How could my clothes simply vanish? A realization struck me like a bolt of lightning. I suspected Chloe and her friends were behind this act of mischief. Fueled by anger, I reluctantly donned my sweaty PE clothes once more, determined to locate those responsible. My search spanned every corner of the school, yet they remained elusive, like shadows slipping through my grasp.
I decided to check the fields and spotted her and her friends. Ethan and his companions were also there. Approaching them, I directed my attention to Chloe and remarked, "Oh, what a surprise to see you here." Chloe, wearing a rather smug expression, retorted, "And what brings you to me? An unexpected visit, I must say." Irritated, I questioned her, "Where are my clothes? They were stored in my locker, but when I returned from PE class, they had vanished into thin air. Inanimate objects don't possess the ability to relocate themselves, you know." Annoyed, she shot back with the same smirk, "Why on earth would I have your clothes? They're not in my possession, so kindly leave me alone." Feeling exasperated, I responded, "Are you playing games with me? I don't want any trouble; I simply want my clothes returned to me immediately." Ethan and the others looked bewildered by the escalating tension. Ethan, wearing a puzzled expression, asked, "Emma, are you absolutely certain about this accusation?" I affirmed, staring at Chloe with simmering anger, "Yes, I'm positive she's the one responsible for taking them." Chloe dismissively retorted, "She's spouting nonsense. Why would I have any interest in her rags? They're hideous and not my style." Ethan interjected, "Chloe was with us during football practice the whole time. She didn't leave our sight." I acknowledged this fact but persisted, "True, but she could have sent one of her accomplices to carry out the deed." Ethan turned to Chloe and inquired, "Chloe, is there any truth to this?" Chloe, her expression shifting, seemed on the verge of tears as she pleaded, "Ethan, you can't believe her. I would never do such a thing. Why would she accuse me?" Frustrated, I managed to calm myself and turned to walk away.
Seeking solace, I sought refuge in the girls' bathroom, splashing water on my face to regain composure. What kind of person is she? I know she's the one who took my clothes; no one else. Why does she harbor such intense animosity towards me, I pondered silently. Could it be because Ethan shows me attention? I questioned myself. I would have confronted her forcefully, but I didn't want to risk suspension.
Unable to attend class due to my tardiness, I decided to retrieve my bag from the locker room and head to the library. As I made my way through the hallways, I stumbled upon my clothes hanging out of a trash can near the entrance. They were drenched in red juice and emitted a foul odor. Why were my clothes in this state? I was certain Chloe had taken them. Perhaps she had taken them and disposed of them in the trash, I speculated. What a terrible person she is, I thought to myself. Retrieving my clothes, I returned to my locker to collect my bag, folded the soiled garments, and placed them inside. With my bag in tow, I made my way to the library.
As the school day drew to a close, I proceeded to the bus stop, awaiting my ride home. When the bus arrived, I boarded and proceeded to the back seat. Plugging in my earphones, I played a soothing melody, hoping to alleviate my anger. When the bus halted at the stop close to my house, I disembarked and began walking. I hoped my parents wouldn't catch sight of me wearing my PE clothes, as it would undoubtedly raise questions.
As I strolled leisurely, I noticed Ethan standing near my house. Curiosity piqued, I approached him and discreetly guided him out of view from my home, ensuring my parents wouldn't witness our conversation. In a hushed tone, I inquired, "What brings you here?" Ethan met my gaze and responded, "I came to see you. I wanted to let you know that it was Chloe's friend who hid your clothes. Chloe instructed her to do it." He said. "on Chloe's behalf please forgive her she's still a child and I have already scolded her for doing such an act doing it." His words elicited a chuckle from me. "I have forgiven her, but it's amusing to hear you refer to her as a child," I remarked.
A smile graced his face as he replied, "If you wish, I can buy you new clothes to replace the ruined ones." Grateful for his offer, I declined, saying, "No need to worry. I'll find a way to remove the stains." I said. " you look beautiful in your PE clothes." Blushing, I turned away and said to him, "Please don't say that. I'm not that confident in my appearance." He persisted, "Believe me, you are." Aware of the time, I realized I should head home. "I have to go now. My parents might start worrying if I don't return early," I informed him. "Apologies for keeping you waiting," he said. "No need to apologize. You didn't cause any delay. I'll be on my way now. Goodbye," I said with a smile as I walked home, a sense of contentment washing over me.