I slowly opened my eyes to be welcomed by another pair peering right into my soul. To some extent, I was insecure and I hated when people looked me straight in the eye- it made me feel so self-conscious, extremely vulnerable and overwhelmingly awkward which also made it difficult for me to maintain eye contact. I shifted back and I realized I'd been summoned as Lilith had been the one staring. As I shifted, her gaze on me became even more fixated and I winced before mumbling under my breath.
"Can you not stare at me like that ever again?"
"Ugh, sure. I guess"
I smiled weakly in appreciation while Lilith cracked her knuckles. The resulting sound was quite appealing and I was tempted to crack all my joints but I decided to stick to my knuckles and neck. After a minute, Lucerne entered and I felt better immediately. The room had been what it was earlier I couldn't even breathe well.
"Hey Jo"
"Sup Lucy" I replied without any second thoughts while Lilith rolled her eyes before turning towards me. "Sooner or later, you'll have to join our school. For the meantime, we'll stick to evening lessons whereby I summon you but you need to know most about who we really are," I nodded my head slowly, slightly confused but open enough for her words to sink in as I absorb it with their meaning." We have a branch of the academy on earth which is disguised as a boarding school. We can get your dad to enroll you there if you don't mind."
"But, I'll finish this year first."
"Obviously" Lucerne added. "I'll get you a locker and a spot as well as all your essentials for the coming year." I smiled before sinking to the nearest chair. There were a million thoughts running swiftly in my head like marathon athletes competing for the Olympics. I sub-consciously let out a sigh before speaking
"Lucerne, I see things" She scoffed then replied "Well aware"
"But, why do I also feel like there are voices… like demons in my head." This time, neither Lilith nor
Lucerne said anything which slightly bothered me. I looked up to find them communicating with their eyes
"Guys, please say something. Anything" Lucerne sighed. "Do you want to get rid of them?"
"Not really, I just… I don't know, don't bother"
"They are to serve as a guide for you. When you get to Hendrix, you'll have your thoughts cleared" Lilith said. "That's all, we just wanted to know if you were okay with us enrolling you." I nodded
>>>
I was back on my bed now. I let out a sigh before getting ready for school. I decided to wear a short blue jean skirt that stopped an inch above my knees. I slipped on a black and white short sleeved shirt and packed my hair into a high ponytail after brushing through it. I wore a pair of white Vans and put my phone in my bag's small compartment. I also added a few granola bars and skittles before making my way downstairs. Halfway down, I heard the saddest rhythm ever and I locked eyes with he who produced such depressing yet magnificent music, Romano patted a free space beside him. I smiled and sat.
"Looks like you're an early riser" He smiled and I gave him a dry one in return before taking a seat. Biting my lip and fumbling with my fingers, I contemplated in my rowdy mind on whether I should say something or just shut up and drown in the awkward silence.
"Uh…your music is uniquely satisfying and depressing at the same time." Romano gave me a smile without looking up before strumming and playing light and even sadder rhythm. I got so immersed I didn't even realize he was saying something.
"There was a time when it was full of life but after my dad di- left, I just started playing this sort of thing" he ended with a dry chuckle. Hesitation obvious in my movement, I slowly raised my hands towards his back in order to pat it, giving him a chance to pull away or reject but he didn't so I did pat his back and soothingly rub my palm on it. I wasn't going to say sorry. Sorry changes nothing and besides, it's not like I killed his dad so what am I apologizing for? On God's behalf for taking him away? Seriously, those five letters are fast losing their value. The criminals and offenders don't apologize but innocent souls do out of pity?
"Are you going to the same school as me?" I finally asked. He nodded in affirmation and I let out a sigh.
"Well, I'll go now. Umm…dad will have to take you there so he can sort your admission stuff and all."
"Aren't you eating?" I shook my head before scurrying out of the house.
* * *
The bell rung and I let out a low sigh. I really wasn't in the best state of mind to see Cedric after our little "Incident' but I was too much of a good girl to skip class. I made my way in and saw Cedric chatting with his friends. I do not know why but I'm certain I hate the fact that whenever I enter this class, sub- consciously my eyes search for this douche… this scum bag. I made my way to my seat which was horizontally opposite his. Seconds turned to minutes and the teacher was nowhere to be found. Well, most of my classmates already left the class as half the period had passed. My eyes darted to my side and what I intended to be a small random glance ended up becoming a heated eye contact. I turned my head away and tried not to make things awkward but I could smell his scent which was very…somewhat distracting.
Tap tap tap
I heard the sound on my desk. Furrowing my brows and scrunching my nose, I looked up to find him, Cedric and this only made me want to pluck my eyes out.
"Don't overthink it" Kerim's soothing voice advised. 'Noted' I replied internally.
"Hey" Cedric said and I waved. "How are you doing?" I gave him a thumbs up and he rolled his eyes. "Quit this Jo! I know you can talk." I really really fought the urge to roll my eyes but my body dominated my mind. Seriously, what does this have to do with anything?
"Let's meet at the café after school" and with that, he left. "What a grand exit" Blake mocked and I let out a low chuckle. The bell went on cue and I packed my bags hurrying out.
"Juno Black, report to the office" the speaker echoed through the halls and I nervously made my way in.
What did I do wrong this time?
"Oh, Juno! How are you doing?" I bowed lowly to Principal Martins.
"Good sir" I replied "I was asked to report to your office"
"Yes, uh…" he said searching his drawer for something. He finally looked up at me, an envelope in his left hand. "Give this to your dad and get him to sign it. His signature is essential, however, if he decides not to sign it, just bring my envelope back. No crumples"
"If I may ask, what is this about?" I inquired looking at the envelope that was now in my hands. "Discuss with your dad" Principal Martins said adjusting his blue tie. "I need to be somewhere right now"
"Okay, thank you. I'll leave now" I said and after a nod from him, I walked out.
The halls were way quieter, so I grabbed my books from my locker, making sure to carefully slip the envelope inside. I walked out of the school, made my way past the café Cedric had asked us to meet when something robbed my attention. I took a few steps to confirm, right, the guy invited me somewhere and brought his troop of idiots along. I let out some muffled words of annoyance under my breath that even I had no idea what I was saying.
"Fish" I said slamming the entrance door shut. I changed my shoes and made my way to my room and then the shower. I filled my bathtub with warm water and then added my stuffs until my bubble bath was ready. I brushed my teeth before hanging my towel and dipping my now nude body into the liquid. As the water made contact with my skin. I replayed the day's events in my head and I could feel myself sink into the water. It dawned on me that I would have to speak and for some reason I didn't know, the wave of realization hit me harder than expected. I could feel it plunge me deeper into the water and as much as I tried to fight it and come up, I couldn't.
"Careful there, Jo" Cider's voice came. "Focus on my voice alone and act accordingly." But I still kept panicking, I mean, I'd stopped shaking but my heart was still pounding. "Hands on the tub's side" I placed my hands on the sides as he had stated. "With a good grip, pull yourself up slowly" and so I did until I could feel cold air hit my skin.
"It's alright" Nadir's comforting voice said. I said nothing, I just drained the water and wiped myself clean with a towel. Who cares if I'm not yet clean?
"Jo, dinner's ready" Mandy's voice called and I slipped on a grey pajama short and tank top before going downstairs.
"What's for dinner?" Romano asked rubbing his palms together as an added effect to his enthusiasm.
"Uh, nothing much. Just chicken and dumplings as the main course alongside carrot cake and brownies for dessert."
"Oooh" Ro exclaimed and I let out a chuckle at his attempt of making a baby voice. And then, we ate. I really needed to talk to dad, but I am so much of a coward. I ate slowly, so slow that I finished right after Mandy finished washing the dishes. She made an attempt to collect it from me but I refused with a shake of my head. When I'd completed the task of removing the dirt from my plates, I bowed to Mandy in appreciation and this time, she actually acknowledged with a broad smile.
Comfortably laying on my bed, I messaged my dad to please spare me a minute and come upstairs. Thereafter, I removed the envelope.
Knock, Knock
"Come in" My voice came out sort of croaky but what did I expect?
"Uh" dad awkwardly said gesturing towards the bed and I nodded while he sat. "So, you wanted to see your favorite person in this world" I rolled my eyes internally.
"Don't flatter yourself" The words just slipped out and even though it sounded a lot like my voice, I don't feel like I spoke. Weird right? Call me weird, I do not mind but I know I did not speak.
Dad let out a low laugh, I passed him the envelope. "From Principal Martins"
"Oh"
VANCE'S POV
"Oh" was all I could muster after I read the letter. I don't know how this downworld were able to convince the Principal to transfer Juno to Hendrix but I wasn't liking one bit. They took my wife away, wasn't that enough? But now they wanted my daughter, the only remembrance I had of my wife. However, I do not want to know what they'll do if I refuse. As much as I didn't want to admit, I'd have to give her up eventually.
"Juno, come here" She in inched closer and I ran my hand through her brown hair. "You're getting transferred to a boarding school next week Monday. Can you cope?" She nodded and I let out a sigh. I couldn't blame her though, this house has not been pretty much of a home since… she left. I hadn't been there most of the time and I came back with a whole new family. Geez, I'm terrible.
"When you come back from school tomorrow, text me. I'll take you shopping and we'll start our journey early on Saturday." I kissed her forehead, and from her scrunched nose, I knew I shouldn't think of doing that again even if her masterpiece of a broad smile said otherwise. With that in mind, I walked out of the room.
END OF VANCE'S POV
* * *
I was at school and this was the last period. I slammed my locker's door shut but before I could move, I felt a gentle tap on my shoulders.
"Principal Martins calls for you" Cedric's voice said. I brushed my shoulders as if he was dirt before reopening my locker to grab the envelope. I didn't even need to look at him to know he was rolling his eyes. Oh well! This was our last day together. We headed to the principal's office in what I'd call a comfortable silence but he acted awkward all through so to be fair, it was a very awkward silence with tension evident in the air.
Knock, Knock
"C'mon in" Principal Martins voice said and we made our way in. We both gave him our curtsies whilst he acknowledged with a brief nod.
"Huh, Juno. Did you give your dad the letter?" I nodded before handing it over to him "Alright. When are you leaving?" "Tomorrow" I said, sounding more of a frog than human. I really need to learn how to speak and not sound so much like a frog. "Oh ok." He said. "Come back in like 30minutes to get your recommendation letter and your files too. Don't worry, you got your name on my goodness list"
I nodded with a smile and this one wasn't fake.
"Thank you"
"You're welcome. You may go home. It's too late to go to class now" I walked out of the office humming hero by Sasha Sloan.
"You're leaving the school." Cedric's voice whisper-shouted. He wrapped his hands around me. "Don't leave me please" I scrunched my nose in confusion. When did we get this close again? "Yeah, when?" Cole said. Hesitantly, I pulled away and as if Cedric realized what he'd just done, he adjusted his stance.
"Call me" I shook my head no. The fuck is wrong with this guy right now? Later, he'll say he knows a doctor. Who needs more help?
* * *
I put the last thing left in my locker into my backpack- a deck of cards. I jammed it shut and then swung my bag to my shoulders. It was heavier than usual but not something I couldn't carry. I knocked the principal's door.
"Come in" a feminine voice said whom I recognized to be Annie's, the secretary. I walked in and gave her a small bow.
"Here" She said handing me a black file jacket. "You were such a good student, Jo. I'm going to miss you." I gave her a smile before replying.
"It's a pity I'd have to leave this wonderful citadel of knowledge but I'm really grateful to all members of staff." Annie couldn't hide her shock, she also thought I couldn't speak?!! Bro, the actual fuck, I have selective mutism for a year and these idiots forget I won debate competitions which require speaking for them thrice in a row. Idiots.
"You're so welcome, Jo. Bye, don't let me keep you waiting"
I walked down the street towards my house. I hadn't seen Romano around but it was his school now. I was finally free. I was about sending a text to my dad when I felt a hand pull me into an alley.
"Jo, how are you?" Cedric asked. "Can you spare me 30minutes before you leave?" I let out a troubled sigh and nodded. I really didn't like this version of Cedric one bit, this one was oozing with vulnerability.
Cedric opened the door to the café and ordered us two cups of coffee. The cups in his hand, he made his way towards the corner table I'd found.
"How are you doing?" Cedric asked.
"Not bad." Cedric nodded before asking.
"Have you been able to speak with Jude ever since.."
"I don't want to talk about that." It was quiet after that and I hurriedly chugged down a bit of hot coffee to soothe my itching throat.
"Uhhh, I miss the tension between us and the relationship you, Jude and I had. It was-"
"Look, edge. I do not know where you are going with this conversation but you ruined the relationship and I know you saw the video but wasn't it obvious"
" I realized they drugged Jude and told you to say those things as it was in the script of the play but it was already too late when I realized."
"Well, it's too late now. You should have thought about the outcome of your actions, edge." I said downing the rest of my coffee.
"There's still hope so far you still call me edge." I rolled my eyes.
"Good bye, edge. 30minutes are over, edge and may we never meet aga-"
"Don't you dare" Cedric interrupted and I gave him a sad smile before walking out and closing the door behind. I'm surprised I actually spoke to him but wasn't that good? Why did I feel strange?
Maybe because it brought back memories I've always wanted to shut.
Flashback
The rain poured heavily as we stood at the back of the hall.
"I trusted you guys. How dare you? How could you do this to me?" Cedric screamed at us, his face red from anger,
"No, I promise you edge. We didn't tell a single soul about it"
"But, I only told you guys. The wall has ears?" Cedric replied, his sarcasm so thick.
"Listen, Ced" Jude begun as she dipped her hands deeper into her pockets. "I'm not Jo. I won't apologize for what wasn't our fault. Obviously, someone else knows. I mean, why did I actually get drugged in a play . What happened to mixing soda? And Jo? She can't act at all yet they made it mandatory for her to act as the supporting character. Use your brain, Ced."
"You had it all planned right? Giving me illogical reasons why you betrayed me?"
"We didn't betray you." Jude replied in anger. "Your trust issues are so bad, you can literally see the truth right in front of your very eyes , but you choose to blame us instead."
"Don't push me to th-"
"Fuck it Jo, let's go" Jude said as she pulled me away. I mouthed a sorry to edge but he just turned away. Oh well, goodness knows I tried.
End of flashback
I texted my dad the café address and told him I was ready. Shortly after, a black Mercedes which I recognized as my dad's came to a halt by my side and without second thoughts, I made my way in.
"How was school?" He asked.
"Good" I replied and we made our way to the largest mall in our city.
> > >
Two hours had passed since we entered the mall and not only were we tired but stressed. Dad and I were holding about four shopping bags each. He'd gotten me a laptop, an headphone, new clothes since he hadn't bought clothes for me since October last year and the others were just random stuff. Soon enough, we reached our house and we walked in. I carried my stuff alone. Ro was probably upstairs, while dad was doing old-people-romance with Mandy in the kitchen.
After dinner, I made my way upstairs almost immediately and pulled out a medium sized suitcase.
Knock, knock
I opened the door and I do not know who I was expecting but I saw Mandy.
"Mandy?"