Chapter 6: Hiding Behind Excuses
--- Gladys' Pov
I fled from school, leaving my bag behind, a desperate attempt to escape the mocking voices that haunted me. The words cut deep: "Dummy!" "Weirdo!" "Idiot!" Those same labels I'd heard since elementary school now echoed in my mind, fueled by the monster's relentless taunts.
As I burst through the front door, my mom, who may have just returned from the market greeted me with concern. "Gladys, dear, what's wrong? You look pale." Her eyes scanned me, searching for answers.
"I'm sick, Mom," I lied, trying to sound convincing.
She rushed to get medicine and a bottle of water from the fridge. I took them from her hands with a shy smile, feigning gratitude, and walked straight to my room.
In my room, the monster's voice intensified. "You're a freak! A loser!" I covered my ears, but its laughter grew louder. Night fell, and I forgot about dinner. Was I losing my grip on reality?
My mom knocked on the door, interrupting the monster's tirade. "Gladys, come down for dinner. Your dad won't be home tonight; he's working late."
I opened the door, forcing a weak smile. "I'm sleepy, Mom. I'll eat tomorrow."
She touched my forehead. "Do you still feel sick?"
I nodded, maintaining the charade. "Yeah, I do."
I'd flushed the medicine down the toilet. I wasn't sick; I was just weird.
The next morning, I continued my act. "I'm still not feeling well, Mom."
This became my excuse for the next couple of days. But as the week passed, I knew I couldn't hide forever.
Finally, the day arrived when I had to face school again. As I finished my tea and bread, my mom approached, wanting to kiss me goodbye.
I dodged her affection, feeling a pang of guilt. It was coming from a loving mother, but somehow, it felt suffocating.
"Dad, can I take the subway?" I asked, seeking independence.
"Are you sure, sweetie? But... Where is your school bag?" he asked, concern etched on his face.
"Yeah, I'm sure. I left my bag at school last week because I was sick, I'm sorry." I made excuses again, or was it a lie?
As the only child, I'd always gotten my way. My dad reluctantly agreed.
With a deep breath, I headed out, unsure what awaited me at school.
Getting to the subway, I waited for a bus as I glanced at my wrist watch and finally a bus stopped in front of me, and I entered, well I did stood up the whole time in the bus but it didn't feel like anything, soon, I reached my destination; the school gate.
As I stepped off the bus, a mix of emotions swirled inside me. I rushed into the classroom, hoping to blend in seamlessly. Everything looked the same – the familiar faces, the colorful posters, the chalkboard. But I knew I'd changed.
My classmates' gazes met mine, their expressions a blend of curiosity and wariness. What's behind those looks? I wondered. Was it because I'd bolted out of the classroom last week, or was it something more?
I shrugged off the uncertainty and made my way to my desk. But something felt off. Emma, my close friend, now sat near the front, her new seat a noticeable distance from mine.
I pushed aside the thought and smoothed my hair, ensuring I still looked put together. My hand instinctively went to my shirt, searching for my name tag. That's when it hit me – my name tag was gone!
My inner voice screamed, "Where did I lose it?" Memories flooded back: Dorris White picking it up, her sly smile. A shiver ran down my spine.
What should I do? Report the name tag as stolen? Confront Dorris in her classroom? No, I needed to avoid her at all costs.
I stood up, glancing at the timetable to see who our next teacher would be. Luck was on my side – it was personal reading time. I headed straight to the staff room to report my lost name tag.
Teacher Morris, my homeroom teacher, listened attentively. "When did you lose it, Gladys?" she asked.
I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "I...I don't know, ma'am."
Teacher Morris's expression mirrored my classmates' – a mix of concern and curiosity. "Is everything okay, Gladys?"
I brushed off the feeling. "Yeah, everything's fine. Is there something on my face?"
She smiled warmly. "No, dear. Don't worry. I'll find your name tag. Return to your classroom for now."
As I left the staff room, questions swirled in my mind. What was behind those strange looks? Was I just being paranoid?
As I walked down the hallway, Andrea, a classmate, boldly stepped in front of me, halting my stride.
"Gladys, where have you been?" she asked, concern etched on her face. "What's happening to you?"
For a moment, I thought someone finally understood my turmoil. But then, I wondered, what did she mean by "like this"? Was I now the school's laughingstock?
"Is everything alright?" I asked cautiously.
Andrea glanced around before pulling me aside. "Leave school now, Gladys. Immediately."
Her words stunned me. Was she mocking me for running out of class?
"I'm not going anywhere," I said firmly, shaking off her grip.
"You don't understand," Andrea pleaded.
"I do understand," I retorted. "You're insulting me because of what happened in class. I had my reasons."
Andrea's expression turned grave. "Gladys, do you really have reasons for killing an innocent student?"
My heart skipped a beat. Killing? Monsters kill, not me.
"Who killed who?" I demanded, fear gripping me.
Andrea's voice dropped to a whisper. "Don't you see the news? Escape while you can. I know you're a good person, Gladys. I've known you since freshman year. But all evidence points to you."
My patience snapped. "What are you saying?"
Andrea handed me my bag, left behind in class last week. "Just go. Now."
Without hesitation, I grabbed the bag and fled. The gate was locked, so I jumped the fence, Andrea's help boosting me over.
As I landed on the other side, I looked back, expecting pursuers. But no one followed.
Why did I run like my life depended on it?
Breathless and confused, I slowed to a stop. What was happening?