Chapter 5: Another obstacle
As a voice cut through the tension, we turned to see Cassandra standing in the doorway, her expression fierce, her eyes blazing with anger. She stepped into the classroom, and my heart skipped a beat when I saw my backpack—my missing backpack—clutched in her grasp.
It hit me like a ton of bricks. I had accused Garvin wrongly. A wave of guilt washed over me, and I turned to him with an apologetic expression. But before I could speak, he cut me off, his anger still simmering beneath the surface.
"You think you can just accuse me and then apologize?" Garvin's voice was low, his eyes flashing with indignation. "You don't even know what you've done."
My cheeks flushed with embarrassment. I felt so stupid. How could I have been so quick to accuse him? All this time, I thought Garvin was the one who took my backpack, but it was Cassandra. And now, it seemed like Garvin thought I was just seeking attention. I remembered the fearful look on that girl's face when I had asked about my backpack. I had been so sure it was him.
Cassandra's anger was palpable, but I couldn't understand why she was so upset. We had barely spoken since I started at this school. What was she doing with my backpack? And why was she so furious with me?
I decided to focus on making things right with Garvin first. I turned to him, ready to apologize, but his expression was hard, unforgiving.
"I'm sorry," I said, my voice sincere. "I didn't know it was Cassandra who took my backpack. I shouldn't have accused you."
But instead of accepting my apology, Garvin's face twisted with contempt. His words were sharp, cutting deep.
"Save it, attention-seeker. You think a simple apology will fix everything? You're just a pathetic little liar, trying to get sympathy. You don't even know what's going on, and you're quick to jump to conclusions."
His words stung, and I felt my face flush with a mix of embarrassment and hurt. I tried to speak again, but he cut me off.
"No, spare me the drama. I don't want to hear it. You're a pathetic little liar who can't even get her facts straight. You think you can take on someone like me? I'll show you what it means to mess with the wrong person. You're in way over your head, and I'll make sure you regret ever crossing me."
"There's been a misunderstanding, please," I begged, but he didn't care.
"Let me make one thing clear: the moment you smiled at me and tried to talk to me, I knew you were just another attention-seeking girl. And now, you're meddling in my business, looking for trouble. But let me warn you: from this day forward, I will make your life in this school a living hell. You don't know who I am? Ask around. I'll make sure you regret ever crossing me. You'll cry every day, as long as we're in this school together."
His ominous words sent a chill down my spine. I knew he wasn't bluffing—today had already been a nightmare, and I couldn't bear the thought of more torment from him. Before I could respond, he cut me off again, daring me with his eyes to say another word.
I retreated, feeling small and intimidated. Garvin returned to his seat, focusing on his phone as if nothing had happened.
But my attention shifted to Cassandra, who was still fuming, her anger almost tangible.
"Cassandra, what the heck are you doing with my backpack?!" I exclaimed, already exhausted from today's events and not wanting another problem with her. But before I knew it, she stormed out of the classroom, my backpack still in her grip.
"Cassandra, please! I need my backpack right now!" I yelled, chasing after her, pleading for her to stop. But she ignored me, giving me the cold shoulder.
I had no choice but to follow her, determined to get my backpack back. I trailed behind her, eyes fixed on the bag, praying she would just stop.
Outside, she continued to vent her anger. "Why are you talking to Garvin? Are you trying to get his attention? You don't need to talk to him! I don't want you talking to him again!" she shouted.
"Please, just give me my backpack. I don't want any problems. There was a misunderstanding between Garvin and me, nothing more. I just need my backpack right now."
But Cassandra wasn't having it. She scoffed at me, "You think you can just waltz in here and start talking to Garvin? You don't even know him!"
"That's not it, Cassandra. This has nothing to do with Garvin. I just want my backpack."
But she just laughed in my face, her expression unyielding. I was getting desperate. I needed my backpack, and I couldn't understand why Cassandra was being so stubborn.
Cassandra's expression twisted in anger, her words cutting deep. "You think you're so special, don't you? With your scholarship and your 'poor' background. You don't belong here, Eva. This is a school for the rich, not some charity case like you."
Her words struck a nerve, and my eyes welled up with tears. I tried to speak, but she cut me off.
"Just stay away from Garvin, and stay away from me. You're not worth my time, poor girl."
I felt a surge of anger and hurt. I didn't deserve to be treated like this, especially not by someone who didn't know me.
"I don't have an issue with you, Cassandra. I just want my bag back. Please, can I have it?"
But she was unfazed, her anger still simmering. "You want your precious bag? Well, I don't think so. You're so obsessed with Garvin, maybe you should focus on your own life."
My frustration boiled over. "Cassandra, stop. This has nothing to do with Garvin. Just give me my bag."
She sneered, "Or what? You'll cry to the teacher? Go ahead, poor girl. See if anyone cares."
She raised her hand, as if to throw the bag away. "Maybe I'll just toss it since it's so insignificant to you."
My heart raced with panic. "No, Cassandra! Don't do that! Please, just give me my bag."
But Cassandra just laughed, cold and cruel. "You're so desperate. Why don't you beg me not to?"