The weekend passed by in a haze of textbooks, assignments, notes, and endless cups of coffee. School work was piling up, and I had to bury myself in it just to be able to keep up. I was a straight A's student and I had to keep up my grades. Elizabeth came over from time to time to check on me and bring over her notes. We talked, we played, we studied together and honestly, I felt grateful. Her presence around me was a welcome distraction from the whirlwind of thoughts that had taken over my mind recently, especially thoughts of Mathew.
I thought about him all week. How he showed up for me at just the right moment, how he saved me when I was drowning in pain and about the things he said to me that night when he came over for dinner. He was taking up so much space in my head and I hated it. I tried as much as I could but I couldn't remove this picture from my heart there was something in the way he looked at me, like he saw something more than just me.
By Monday morning, I was in an unusually good mood. I paid extra attention to my appearance making sure that I dressed a little nicer than usual. I also took more time to fix my hair, and dabbed on some light makeup before i headed out. I didn't want to admit it but a part of me was excited to go to school today just so I could see him again. I could still feel some little aches in my body but it didn't stop me from running to school.
Unfortunately, I didn't have any classes with Mathew that day. Not even one. I kept stealing glances at the hallway between periods, hoping to steal a glimpse of him, but today he seemed like he did not exist. My anticipation soon turned into disappointment, until finally at lunch, I saw him.
Just when I was in the cafeteria eating my meal, he walked in. Late, just like he always did, with that same magnetic air around him—cool, effortless, untouchable. His friends followed closely behind him, they laughed out loud and walked in feeling arrogant. They looked like they owned the school, like the rest of us were just meaningless entities there to serve them.
I wanted to wave or smile… or maybe even walk up to him and say something casual. But before I could reach out to him, our eyes met for a brief moment. I was glad he saw me, like he said he did but he looked away. He looked through me like I was invisible. His gaze was cold, I couldn't tell he didn't want to talk to me just by his body language and before I could take a step, he turned and walked away. He walked out on me like I didn't exist. Like he felt nothing for me even when I thought that we had an emotional connection.
I stood there stunned, my hand hung mid-air as I forgot to eat. I tried to comprehend and understand what just happened but I was totally lost.
Elizabeth, who had been watching the entire thing from our table, raised an eyebrow. "I thought you guys were cool?"
I dropped my spoon with a frustrated sigh. "Yeah. I thought so too. But apparently, he's being a jerk."
She popped a fry into her mouth and nodded thoughtfully. "Well… I'd be surprised if he just gets close to someone, especially someone new. He is the world greatest jerk after all."
I didn't respond. My stomach churned with frustration—not just at Mathew, but at myself for caring so much. For believing that he cared. Why did I expect anything different? Because he helped me? Because he said some sweet words and made me feel seen for once? I should've known better.
After lunch, we headed to our next class together—English Literature with Mrs. Princely. She was one of those teachers who cared a little too much, always on a mission to 'save' her students. She walked into class with a determined look on her face and clapped her hands together.
"Alright, everyone. Listen up!" she said in that authoritative tone that meant business.
"Some of you have been letting your grades slip. If they don't improve soon, you won't be eligible to apply to colleges next year. As a result, I'm implementing a peer mentorship system. I'll be pairing stronger students with those who are still struggling. You'll work together on group projects for the rest of the semester. This is not optional because these projects will account for 30% of your overall grade, so I advise you all to take it seriously."
There was a collective groan from the class, followed by murmurs of dismay. I slouched in my seat, praying I'd be paired with someone I could tolerate.
"At the end of the lesson," Mrs. Princely continued, "you'll each come up to my desk and pick up your partner assignment and project sheet. Let's maintain Lakeview High's reputation for excellence. You all have potential—I expect to see it."
After class, I made my way to her desk, already bracing myself. When I read the name on my assignment slip, my stomach dropped.
Alexa Richard.
Out of all the people in this school, it had to be her.
She was the last person I wanted to spend time with. The girl was evil disguised in silk—beautiful, rich, influential, and always ready to destroy anyone who crossed her. And now, we were supposed to work together?
I immediately walked back to Mrs. Princely. "Excuse me, ma'am. Is there any chance I could switch partners?"
She barely glanced up. "No, Mirabel. The list is final. You'll do just fine."
"But—"
"I said no. You're both bright girls. Maybe working together will teach you something beyond academics."
Sure. Like how not to commit murder in cold blood.
Our assignment included three reports—one book analysis, one science report, and one historical research paper. I sighed as I read the details. This wasn't just a group project; it was one hell of a workload. Still, I had to commit. I wasn't about to let anything mess up my GPA. My future depended on it.
Later that afternoon, I texted Alexa to suggest we meet in the library right after school. I waited for her response but didn't reply. Not during class. Not during dismissal. Not even after I waited around for a bit. It wasn't until I was about to leave the school gates that I saw the notification light up my phone.
Alexa: "My place. 5 pm."
I checked the time. It was just past three. I had a couple of hours to kill, so I decided to head over to the chicken and chips shop around the corner. A comfort meal wouldn't hurt.
The line was long, but I waited patiently. The smell of fried food and greasy comfort calmed my nerves. I was finally next in line when four boys—loud, obnoxious, and familiar—cut right in front of me.
"Excuse me?" I said, voice tight. "What's wrong with you?"
Mathew was among them. He didn't even flinch.
"Shush," he said, not even looking at me. "You're making a scene."
Jake turned around with a smile. "Beauty, let us order first, pretty please?" His tone was mockingly sweet.
Jason rolled his eyes. "This is why we don't deal with drama queens."
My jaw clenched. Before I could respond, the manager came out from the back and ushered them to a special table.
"Give them the usual," he told the cashier. "VIP service."
I was left behind in line while they were treated like royalty. It was humiliating. I stared down at my shoes and bit back tears. I was angry and my face showed it.
After they were served and seated, I marched to the manager.
"Is this how you treat your customers?" I asked. "I thought it was first come, first serve."
He looked apologetic. "I'm sorry. They're VIP customers—we sponsor their team, so we give them priority. Please accept a 30% discount as an apology."
"I don't want your discount," I snapped. "Just give me chicken, chips, and a Coke slushy."
I took my food and went to a corner booth. My appetite was gone, but I forced myself to eat. I scrolled through the school blog to distract myself. My heart stopped when I saw my picture.
"The new girl Mirabel is forcing herself on Mathew, Alexa's boyfriend!!!"
The article was cruel and full of lies. The comments were even worse:
"Eww, she's such a slut."
"She has no class."
"A boyfriend snatcher. Disgusting."
The bile rose in my throat. My hands trembled with rage. No one stood up for me. Not even Elizabeth. Not even Mathew. I stood up and marched straight to Mathew's table, my phone in hand. He looked up lazily. Jason and Jake were right beside him, like bodyguards
I shoved the phone in his face. "So this is what you've been up to? Did I beg you to save me? Stay away from me!"
He blinked like I had slapped him. "Gosh you're insane?" Jason muttered.
Mathew didn't say a word. He just stood and walked out, his friends trailing behind him. I stood there, shaking, humiliated again. The cafeteria was silent for a beat before it returned to normal. I looked down at my half-eaten meal, shoved my phone in my bag, and checked the time.
4:55.
I grabbed my stuff and stormed out, muttering to myself the whole way to Alexa's house.