"Do you think he'd like this?" Lucy asked, her voice tinged with a mix of excitement and nervousness as we meticulously prepared for Elen's birthday. Every detail mattered to her; she wanted everything to be perfect.
Lucy had strong feelings for Elen. Her eyes would light up, shimmering with a mixture of hope and affection, whenever his name was mentioned. A pink blush would spread across her cheeks, a telltale sign of her deep admiration. It was evident that Elen meant the world to her, and this birthday was more than just a celebration—it was the moment she had chosen to confess her feelings.
For as long as I could remember, Lucy had always had a thing for bad boys, those with a rebellious streak that set them apart. Elen was no exception. Known for his wild ways and devil-may-care attitude, he embodied the very essence of the bad boy persona. Yet, there was something about him that Lucy found irresistible, something that drew her to him despite his reputation.
As we continued with the preparations, I couldn't help but notice the determination in Lucy's eyes. This was her chance, a pivotal moment that could change everything. She was ready to lay her heart on the line, hoping that Elen would see beyond her nervous exterior and recognize the depth of her feelings.
I stand up straight, my posture rigid with determination. My eyes, darkened by a storm of anger and hatred, bore into hers. "I want to have the detention," I said, my voice steady but seething. Ms. Daisy looked at me with concern, her brows knitting together as she tried to comprehend the intensity of my emotions.
"I know you two have something going on... but Ava, the detention is not good. It will ruin your reputation," Ms. Daisy says, her voice laced with genuine concern, her eyes searching mine for any sign of understanding. Her words hang heavy in the air, a plea wrapped in caution, but I don't care about that right now. My mind is consumed with a singular thought: I just don't want to see Lucy's face right now. Or ever again.
The memories of our last encounter flood my mind, each one stinging sharper than the last. I can still hear her words, dripping with betrayal and deceit, echoing in my ears. The hurt and anger boil within me, making it impossible to focus on anything else. Ms. Daisy's words fade into the background, a distant murmur compared to the roaring tempest inside me. My reputation, something that once mattered so much, feels insignificant now. All I want is to escape the torment of Lucy's presence, to find some semblance of peace away from her.
As I walk down the pavement, the school bag heavy on my shoulders, my pink hair strands catch the afternoon breeze, fluttering around my face. The rhythmic sound of footsteps echoes behind me, a constant reminder that I am not alone. I know who it is—dummy.
I turn around, but the street is empty, the shadows playing tricks on my mind. Suspicion gnaws at me, and I stride towards a nearby wall, peering cautiously behind it. There, Alex stands, a sleepy smile spreading across his face.
"I wasn't stalking, I swear! I was just... I was just worried," he stammers, his voice a mix of sincerity and embarrassment.
I chuckle wearily, the sound escaping my lips like a sigh. "Yeah, worried..." I say, shaking my head slightly. The tension of the day seems to dissolve a little in his presence, though a part of me remains guarded.
"Was she the girl you slapped?" Alex asked cautiously, his voice tinged with nervousness. I could see the hesitation in his eyes, as if he feared my reaction, as if I might lash out at him.
I nodded subtly, my gaze scanning the surroundings instead of meeting his. The memory of that moment hung heavy inside my mind, an unspoken weight that I don't quite know how to address.
Alex and I parted ways, his house was closer to school than mine, leaving me to walk the rest of the way alone. The weight of the day hung heavy on my shoulders, each step feeling like a struggle against an invisible force. By the time I reached home, exhaustion had settled deep within me.
I kicked off my shoes at the door, the familiar routine offering a small sense of relief. With each step down the hallway, I felt the tension slowly release. Finally reaching my bedroom, I collapsed onto my bed, the softness of the pillows a comforting embrace.
Burying my face in the fabric, I let out a deep sigh. Today had been more than just physically draining; it had taken an emotional toll that I hadn't fully realized until now. The events of the day replayed in my mind like a relentless loop, each moment etched with its own weight of significance.
As my eyes drifted to sleep, it happened again. I found myself standing in front of Ms. Daisy's office, the familiar surroundings of the school corridor enveloping me. Ms. Daisy's hand rested gently on my shoulder, her voice a soothing presence in the midst of confusion.
"You know she's your best friend," Ms. Daisy said, her tone compassionate yet tinged with uncertainty. "She will eventually forgive you... though I don't know what exactly happened between you two... Lucy."