As she reached the door, Rachael pushed it open and burst out into the hallway. The bright lights and cacophony of sounds enveloped her, but she didn't slow down. She kept moving, her feet carrying her away from the scene of her embarrassment.
She weaved through the crowded hallway, dodging students and teachers alike. Some called out to her, concern etched on their faces, but she ignored them. She didn't want any sympathy or pity. She just wanted to disappear.
Reaching the stairs, she took them two at a time, her footsteps echoing off the walls. She landed hard on the first floor, her knees jarring from the impact.
Without hesitation, she sprinted down the main corridor, past the school offices and lockers, and burst through the heavy double doors, exploding out of the high school building. The sunlight momentarily blinded her, but she kept running.
Rachael ran across the playground and dashed through the parking lot, finally reaching the school gates, she exited, emerging onto the sidewalk. She didn't slow down until she was blocks away from the school.
Only then did she slow to a stop, gasping for breath. Her legs trembled beneath her, and her chest heaved with exhaustion. She wrapped her arms around herself, holding herself together.
For a moment, she stood there, lost in her own little world of pain and fear, but soon the world around her came back into focus, she knew she couldn't stay there anymore. She needed a safe haven, a place to hide and lick her wounds.
She stared at the school building once again, its imposing structure a harsh reminder of the humiliation she'd endured. With a deep breath, she turned around and began walking away, leaving the painful memories behind.
Lost in thought, she kept walking, her feet carrying her along the roadside without conscious direction. The city's sounds – car horns, chatter, and sirens – faded into the background as her mind consumed her.
She crossed intersections, passed by shops and restaurants, and traversed neighborhoods without noticing. Her thoughts were a jumbled mix of anger, sadness, and frustration, each emotion vying for dominance.
Before she knew it, she reached the grand bridge spanning the river that cut through the city's heart. The steel behemoth towered above her, its cables and supports a labyrinth of steel and concrete.
As numerous vehicles whizzed past her, Rachael stood on the sidewalk, alone at the bridge's center. The wind generated by speeding cars rustled her hair, but she didn't flinch. She didn't seem to realize or sense any presence around her.
Her mind wandered, reliving the events of the day. Sarah's venomous words echoed in her thoughts, followed by the stinging slap of reality. The image of her classmates' apathetic faces flashed before her eyes.
Her gaze drifted out to the river below, its calm waters a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing inside her. She felt adrift, disconnected from the world around her.
The sun's descent into the horizon painted the sky with hues of orange and pink, gradually giving way to a starry, dark night. The city lights began to flicker to life, casting a golden glow over the bridge. She stood at the bridge's edge, lost in thought, her mind racing with questions.
What had she done to deserve all that? Was it something she'd said or done that triggered them? The memories of the day replayed in her mind like a broken record, each moment scrutinized for clues.
As she delved deeper into her thoughts, the events of the morning resurfaced, rising to the surface like a tidal wave. Memories she'd tried to suppress burst forth, vivid and unrelenting.
Her eyes flickered with anger, the spark igniting a blaze that spread through her entire being. Extreme emotions of jealousy, long dormant, now surged to the forefront, their ferocity leaving her breathless.
Her gaze narrowed, focusing inward as she relived the morning's encounters. Her fists clenched tightly, the tension radiating up her arms, through her shoulders, and into her very core.
The question echoed in her mind, pounding like a drumbeat: Was what happened in the morning the catalyst for the pain and hurt she suffered at noon? The possibility seared her thoughts, fueling her anger and frustration.
Memories~
Before school started, she had something important to tell him, so she went to find him in the playground. The morning sunlight cast a warm glow over the courtyard, illuminating the vibrant greens of the trees and the laughter of students.
Amidst the chaos, Rachael spotted him standing near a majestic oak tree, its branches stretching toward the sky like nature's own cathedral.
His handsome face, chiseled features, and piercing eyes made him stand out among the crowd. Tall and lean, with broad shoulders and a strong physique, he exuded confidence.
His messy, dark hair framed his face, adding to his effortless charm. He looked like a character straight out of some fantasy novel – a prince, a warrior, or a god.
As Rachael approached, she couldn't help but notice the effect he had on the girls around him. They giggled, whispered, and blushed, their eyes locked onto him with admiration. His godly appearance made him the center of attention, and he seemed oblivious to the commotion he caused.
She felt a flutter in her chest as she approached him, her heart beating slightly faster. She had known him since childhood, but the way he made her feel never changed. There was something about him that drew her in, something beyond his captivating looks.
As she reached near him, she felt a pang of hurt and pain rush through her heart. Her body froze, momentarily paralyzed by the intensity of her emotions.
Her gaze drifted to Jenifer, who was laughing and chatting with him, their faces inches apart. Her heart twisted, feeling sad, hurt, and betrayed.
She took a deep breath, trying to shake off the numbness that had settled in her limbs. It was a few agonizing moments before she could move again.