Ones We Regret

Chapter 7

Alira
March 2015
California

I clench my fists in frustration and look at my mom with anger and hatred filling my veins.

"What do you mean, I deserve a suspension?" I grit through my teeth, practically spitting the words from my mouth. I am so shocked and disappointed I couldn't help the edge of desperation lacing my voice, desperation for her to help, for her to take my side atleast once.

"You started the fight. I think it's high time you also face the consequences." My mom looks at me with the look that screams how disappointed she is. Of course she is disappointed in me, apparently me starting a fight with Musa would taint Scar's reputation in school, her words not mine and it would make things difficult for her precious daughter because Musa is the leader of the cheerleaders' squad. I didn't even know why I expected her to say, 'no mam, I think getting bullied in school is very wrong as it can disturb the mental health of my child', but no, my mom is completely siding with Musa's mom after I split her lip when I threw my history book at her, followed by me throwing an entire plate of spaghetti and my cold coffee on her face. I am not sorry, seriously saying, but she deserved it. It's been months since she's been taunting and bullying me in front of the whole freaking school. Keeping sex toys in my locker and sending cheap notes between classes was totally not cool, but I didn't say anything because indifference is the best revenge. Well, I did lose it at the end so it's best if you find a wayout for your anger instead of channeling it. It's emotion, not magic.

"Face the consequences? This will go into my record and I'll not be able to get into my dream college!" I twist sideways and look at my dad pleadingly and he gives me an apologetic look.

"I think suspension is too much. You can give her a week's detention. No, Shannara, this will go into her records and it will affect her further education. Why would we want to waste her hardwork for her to suffer the consequences of a mistake some other girl did and who also got away with it? Just tell me, did Musa even apologise for gifting her those vile gifts? Is she apologetic? No. Is she facing the consequences? No. Is she sitting in the principal's office being answerable to all of us? No again. So why Alira? After all, Mrs. Locke, do you really want one of your best students to get her records all messed up during her last few months of the school year?" My dad looks at my principal, his captain face on. My mom looks at my dad with anger filled expression.

I give dad a grateful look, tears filling my eyes at his words. I purse my lips and clench my teeth to stop the tears from flowing. In a span of two minutes when I have composed myself, I look at my principal and she gives me a soft smile and I sigh in relief.

"Thank you so damn much dad! You're the bestestestest!" I drop my bag on the bench and hug my dad tightly when the door to the principal's office closes behind us. He chuckles and tucks his chin on my head, softly patting my back. Ergo, I have been given a two weeks detention to help our computer professor with some records. Apparently, he's new because our previous professor quit due to her family moving to some new place and he was the best and quite young too.

"You're always welcome, my child. Just remember one thing, never do wrong and - "

"Never endure wrong." I sadly whisper, my eyes wandering to mom, who behaves as if she didn't hear that particular line. I briefly close my eyes, realising that she wouldn't change, she'd never truly believe me. I exhale, tucking that depressing thought on the back of my mind and give mom a one - sided one hell of an awkward hug. It is a simple act of affection, which is so natural for her to do with Scar, but with me she stiffens, her arms limp on their sides the entire time I hug her, which is a span of five seconds. I look down towards the floor, letting my hair curtain my face to hide the hurt that is probably very evident on my face. My dad, though, he notices and gives my hand a small squeeze in understanding.

My mom clears her throat before adding, "Well, let's go. Alira, we'll wait in the parking lot. You should probably go and introduce yourself to Professor Kingsley, let him know that you'd be helping him with his work." My dad looks at me questioningly and I give him a nod, assuring him that I'd be fine and they leave.

It takes me five minutes to reach the computer lab. The hallways were luckily empty because the school was over an hour ago. I knock at the door and a deep voice chimed in, "Come in."

I hesitantly take a few steps and look around to avoid looking straight at the man. The professor clears his throat, probably aware of my discomfort and I finally slide my gaze to his. Dark green eyes meet my own dark blue ones, chocolate brown hair, slight stubble, sharp jawline that could cut glass, smooth cheekbones and a sensual mouth, the teacher looked in his mid twenties and I had to say, he was incredibly handsome.

"May I help you?" He attested, confidence and slight discomfort filling his voice.

"Um, yeah. I'm Alira. I, uh, I was assigned to help you with the computer work for a few days. I came here to introduce myself." I awkwardly introduce myself, and place my hands behind my back to stop my nervous fidgeting. I look at him to see him chewing on the back of a pen, his gaze searching, for what, I didn't know.

"Well, ok. We can start from tomorrow. Give me your phone number or email id so I can send you the work. Also, which century does this printer belongs to? Because that is an utter piece of shit and I'm not touching it." I laugh at his words and he gives me a smile at that, his eyes remaining a little too long on me.

"Ok, sir. Just send me whatever has to be done. I'll try my best to complete it in time. Just don't be very hard on me because I'm a Liaison and I have to do my own homework too by the end of the day, so.." I appealed and he leaned back in his seat, forgetting about the work for a moment.

"Of course. Let me tell you, we're gonna be excellent partners and you'll enjoy the work." He claimed and I gave a nervous chuckle before grabbing my bag and opening the door. Giving him an awkward wave, I step out of the room and walk back towards the parking lot where my parents sat in the car. I stop im my tracks when I spot another car on which leaned my ex - boyfriend and his girlfriend. Scar rushes towards me the moment she spots me and Nathan follows after her, both wearing concerned expressions on their faces. Breaking up with Nathan had been difficult, I couldn't let go of my feelings for him like I thought I would. My relationship with Scar on the other hand was tense, we didn't really talk or it was just when we asked something of each other, like passing the dishes during dinner or asking for clothes or something like that. My precious sister didn't even wait a month before she started dating Nathan and she refuted that Nathan was impatient, like being with me suffocated him and that stung a lot.

"Hey. Detention isn't so bad, suspension would have been way worse." Scar preached and I almost roll my eyes at her words. Scar isn't angry with me or anything because she's been trying to be the ideal sister or in simple words, trying to apologise. As much as I appreciate it, I can't simply let go of the thought that she was the one my boyfriend was cheating on me with behind my back. Mom I can never get back normal with after all that happened but atleast I had Scar who was way better than her but apparently I can't trust her as well.

"Yeah. I know." I give her a clipped answer before sliding in the backseat of mom and dad's car. Scar looks at me from the window for a few seconds before they leave for Nathan's house. My phone pings in my hands and I glance at it.

Professor Kingsley : Here are some files that need to be checked again. Find the errors and change the fonts. The file looks like it's designed for a funeral instead of the fundraiser. So, change whatever you think would make it look good.

Me : Sure sir. It will be done.

Professor Kingsley : Good. We're gonna have so much fun together.