Chapter 16: Not An Empty Threat
Eva POV
I was overjoyed the next morning. As soon as I entered the bathroom, I took a refreshing bath and put on my uniform. I decided to make breakfast, but when I got to the kitchen, I found that my dad had already prepared it.
"Good morning, Dad," I said, surprised.
"Good morning, sweetie," he replied with a smile.
"Why did you wake up early to prepare breakfast?" I asked.
"Because I'm happy," he said, his eyes twinkling.
I smiled, understanding. "You're happy about my scholarship being reinstated, aren't you?"
He nodded, his expression filled with relief and joy. We sat to eat.
After a delightful meal with my dad, I returned to school, beaming with joy. My scholarship reinstatement had lifted a weight off my shoulders, and I couldn't wait to dive back into my studies.
As I stepped onto campus, the lively atmosphere enveloped me, erasing yesterday's worries. I felt revitalized, my heart filled with gratitude.
Walking through the familiar halls, I exchanged warm smiles with classmates and teachers. Their congratulatory words and kind gestures only added to my euphoria.
Reaching my locker, I spun the dial with renewed enthusiasm. My mind buzzed with excitement, anticipating the day's lessons.
As I enjoyed my newfound happiness, Garvin remained on my mind. Despite feeling joyful, I stayed alert to avoid him.
After securing my locker, I locked it firmly and walked down the hallway, keeping an eye out for him. Every step was careful, every glance over my shoulder a reminder of my goal: avoid Garvin.
Our last encounter still bothered me, and I didn't want more trouble. Today was a fresh start, and I wanted to protect it.
As I walked, I suddenly felt a searing pain on my head. I instinctively clutched it and turned around to confront the culprit. My eyes widened in shock as I saw Garvin standing behind me, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.
He had thrown a boiled egg at me. Thankfully, it wasn't raw, sparing my uniform from potential stains. But the impact still stung.
Anger and embarrassment flushed through me. "Garvin, what's wrong with you?" I demanded, trying to keep my cool.
Garvin's smirk grew, clearly pleased with himself. "Just a little welcome-back gift," he sneered.
My grip on my head tightened, the pain still throbbing. "That's not funny, Garvin."
I attempted to disregard Garvin, but he persisted, sauntering up to me with a condescending smirk. He hurled insults, his words dripping with malice, trying to lure me into a reaction.
"Coward," he sneered. "Think you're so special with your reinstated scholarship? You're nothing but a charity case."
His venomous words stung, but I refused to let him get under my skin. I took a deep breath, steeling myself against his provocations.
"Leave me alone, Garvin," I said firmly, maintaining a calm tone.
Garvin snorted. "Oh, come on. You can't handle a little teasing?"
His eyes gleamed with challenge, but I remained resolute, unwilling to engage.
Garvin's laughter echoed through the hallway, fueling his relentless taunts. "Scaredy-cat, scholarship baby, fake," he jeered, his words piercing like daggers.
I clenched my fists, straining to maintain my composure. His relentless provocations tested my patience, but I refused to let him succeed.
"Stop, Garvin," I warned, my voice firm but controlled.
Undeterred, he continued, his insults growing more vicious. "Weakling, coward, pretender."
My face burned with anger and embarrassment, but I stood firm, unwilling to give him the satisfaction of a reaction.
I remained silent, refusing to engage with Garvin, aware of his father's immense influence. The same man who had revoked my scholarship could just as easily take it away. Fear gripped me, making my heart race.
Garvin, the school bully, sensed my vulnerability and pressed his advantage. His relentless taunts and teases pushed me to the edge.
Desperate to escape, I turned to leave, but Garvin grasped my hands firmly, holding me in place. I glared at him, anger and frustration boiling over.
"Let me go, Garvin," I demanded, trying to keep my voice steady.
His smirk grew wider. "Oh, no, you're not going anywhere," he sneered, tightening his grip.
My heart pounded, and my face burned with rage.
Garvin ignored my plea, his grip tightening as he dragged me away. Overpowered by his strength, I had no choice but to follow. He pulled me to a secluded area filled with heavy scales and equipment.
With a sudden shove, he sent me stumbling backward. I lost my balance and crashed to the ground, the impact sending shockwaves through my body.
Dazed and disoriented, I scrambled to sit up, my heart racing with fear and anger.
Garvin loomed over me, his eyes gleaming with malice. "You think you're better than me?" he sneered. "You're nothing but a weak, pathetic scholarship kid."
I glared up at him, tears of frustration and pain welling in my eyes.
"Garvin, please leave me alone," I pleaded, tears streaming down my face. I hastily wiped them away with the back of my hand, but my distress only seemed to fuel his cruelty.
"I already told you," he sneered, his voice dripping with malice. "You crossed my path, and now I'll make your life miserable in this school."
I cowered, intimidated by his menacing tone. "I didn't do anything to you, Garvin. Why are you doing this?"
His eyes flashed with anger. "You think you're smart? You think you can just waltz in here with your scholarship and disrespect me?"
I shook my head, desperation creeping in. "No, Garvin, that's not true. I just want to learn and leave."
Garvin's face twisted in a snarl. "You'll never be able to find peace in this school. I'll make sure you're constantly looking over your shoulder."
"Please, I beg you," I sobbed, desperate to appease Garvin. "It was never my intention to disrespect you. I just said hello, not knowing you didn't want to be spoken to."
Garvin's expression twisted into a cruel laugh. "Crocodile tears won't work on me," he sneered. "You're foolish, stupid. You have no idea how my father looks at me. You embarrassed me in front of everyone, including my father. That's a punishment for another day."
My tears flowed uncontrollably as Garvin's venomous words cut deep.
"I don't understand why you're still here," he continued, his tone dripping with malice. "I thought my father revoked your scholarship? You shouldn't be here. How did you even come back?"
I trembled, intimidated by Garvin's fury. I thought of Caleb immediately, the one who reinstated my scholarship. I couldn't possibly tell Garvin that. It would make him furious.
"Your father... he must have changed his mind," I stammered, trying to explain, though lying to him.
Garvin's eyes narrowed. "No, he wouldn't do that. My father is not the one who change his mind so easily. There's something you're not telling me."
Desperate to escape, I immediately stood up, attempting to ignore Garvin. But he wouldn't relent, pushing me around with menacing intent.
"Please, Garvin, leave me alone," I begged, tears streaming down my face.
Garvin's expression twisted into a sadistic grin. "You don't know what I'll do to you," he threatened. "I'll make your life a living hell forever. Oh, how I love seeing you cry and beg for mercy."
His words sent chills down my spine. I tried to shake him off, but he grasped my arm, his grip tightening.
"Let me go!" I pleaded, struggling to break free.
Garvin's laughter echoed through the hallway, drawing attention from passing students. His eyes gleamed with cruel satisfaction.
Just as Garvin's behavior was escalating, a firm voice rang out:
"Stop what you're doing, Garvin, and leave Eva alone!"
The command was authoritative, and Garvin's grip on my arm relaxed. We both turned to face the speaker, wondering who had intervened.
Garvin's expression darkened, but he took a step back, releasing me. I rubbed my sore arm, relief washing over me.
I felt a surge of recognition as the voice echoed through the hallway. "I've heard that voice before," I thought, my mind racing.
Garvin and I turned simultaneously, our eyes scanning. And then, we saw him.
Caleb Baron stood tall, his piercing gaze locked onto us. His presence commanded attention.
My heart skipped a beat. "Caleb?" I whispered, incredulous.
Garvin's face twisted in surprise and annoyance.
Caleb's expression remained calm, his voice firm. "I'm putting an end to this. Leave Eva alone."