Deceiving Destiny

Chapter 24: Just Another Mundane Day in Mr. Peabody's Time Machine

Chapter 24: Just Another Mundane Day in Mr. Peabody's Time Machine

A groan escaped me as the stacks of 'I Hate You' and 'Whore' letters flowed out of my locker, reminding me once again that my invisible status was upgraded to nobody. I closed my eyes as I tried to calm the surge of emotions swirling within me, not wanting to give them a reason to celebrate my demise. I was regretting my decision in turning down Tyler's advise of me staying at home and playing house with him, thinking that I am strong enough to handle the assault I knew would come sooner than later. Stupid.

The news of Nate's and I's break-up spread like a wildfire, fueling their hatred for me and I was glad Tyler's here with me- if not, I wasn't so sure if I'd ever step foot in this place again. I'd been shoved and pushed in all sorts of ways and I'm getting exhausted in stopping my brother from hanging their bodies outside the field everytime they did just that.

Tyler was leaning beside my locker, his phone in one hand while the other hand casually resting inside the pocket of his jeans; his eyes found mine when he heard my groan and I noticed, with a heavy heart, the tired look marring his chiseled face.

He cocked his brows, sensing that something was wrong, and made a move of getting closer to me. I was panicking inside but I reigned it in as I tried to discreetly crumpled the notes, wishing he'd let it go.

"What are those?" He asked, his teal eyes carefully assessing my expression.

"My English papers. I got Cs."

"Let me see." He commanded, not believing me- his hand stretched outward, waiting.

"I-It's embarassing," I chuckled nervously, pushing the papers inside my bag. I almost cursed when he snatched it away from me and opened it, his eyes darkening as he read what was written inside.

"English papers huh?" He mused, his voice dangerously low. I fidgeted awkwardly as his eyes pinned me in place, he was angry that I lied but I don't want to get him into trouble- he'd done enough. "You're not going to tell me about this I presume? Maybe I should just teach them all a lesson so they'd know who they're messing with. What do you think Madielyn?"

I flinched as he addressed me in my full name and I know I'm in so much trouble with him. The bell rang before he could even utter another word and I sighed inwardly for my luck, talk about being saved by the bell.

He wasn't ready to let it all go, I could see it in his eyes, and I gave him a pleading look to which he thankfully comply. "This isn't over, we'll discuss about your actions later Madielyn."

I swallowed down my nervousness and jogged beside my brother, rolling my eyes as he pushed the freshmen blocking his way. Boys.

***

I kept on looking at the empty table on my right, telling myself that I was in no way waiting for Blake to show up. I haven't seen him for the past two days, my running away like a lunatic made me want to bang my head on the oak desk I'm sitting on. I wonder what Cassandra thought of me and I made a mental note of calling her, that is if they hadn't changed their landline just yet.

I made the mistake of looking around the room and I quickly bowed down my head as I caught the angry and disgusted stares of my classmates. Nate's usual seat was empty and I couldn't blame him if he decided to take a break from all this drama.

I noticed Tyler stiffening beside me and I quickly hold his hand in mine, calming him. He angrily looked at me but chose to let it go, pressing my hand in answer.

I tried to focus my full attention in front but it was hard when I could feel the menacing atmosphere enveloping me. I kept on telling myself that it's time for me to stand up for myself but I wonder why it's hard to stick to that- I was so used in being their scapegoat. I just wanted to live a normal life but even that seemed to detour away from me.

Due to my obliviousness, I didn't notice when the room turned silent. Tyler's tug at my arm pulling me out of my pity party. I looked at him questioningly but he was looking straight in front, his jaw tensed. I followed where he was looking and gasped when Blake and Nate's bloodied faces entered the room, their clothes disheveled from the fight I knew they had.

Their eyes snapped towards me at the same time- Nate's eyes were full of regret and sadness whereas Blake's pitch black eyes were full of anger, staring at me with so much intensity. I fought the urge to squirm away from his accusing stare, he was the one who stopped contacting me so I don't think it's my fault.

Mr. Byron motioned for them to seat in a quiet voice, he sounded irritated and furious for being interrupted and they relented. Nate gave me one last look before walking to his usual seat, Anastasia and her friends giving me the bad finger. Blake remained still for a while, his eyes now looking at my brother's. I saw how his jaw tensed and with a purposive stride, he sauntered towards me- my heart beating like I'd just ran a mile.

His minty scent, now twinged with the rusty smell of blood, filled my nostrils as he grew closer and closer. I looked anywhere but him, my snarky conscience telling me how silly I'm being when I longed to see him. I hold my breath when his skin brushed mine, the electricity between us still there- bringing us closer together.

He pulled the empty seat on my side and situated himself on it, not minding the chatters now filling the room.

I was grateful when Mr. Byron barked for the class to be quiet and he resumed talking about Prophase, Anaphase and all other -phases. Tyler pulled my chair towards him, still wary of Blake without a doubt. I gave him a small smile to calm his nerves and he let out a sigh, returning my smile.

Minutes had passed and Blake made no move in his seat, I could feel his eyes on me but I refused to look his way- especially not when Nate's around. I was getting impatient for the class to end but as I glanced at the wall clock, I realized that only ten minutes had passed.

I felt Blake smothered out a smile and I was tempted to glare at him but held my ground, I wouldn't let him get to me. He has Erica after all, the annoying voice inside my head added.

Blake didn't seem to like the cold shoulder I was giving him because he forcefully pulled my chair towards him, catching both Tyler and I off guard. His smirk widened when I stare at him angrily, without a doubt nurturing his victory over me.

Being this close to him made me noticed the bruise now forming on his cheeks, I flinched when my eyes followed the nasty cut on his lower lip.

"When will you tell me that he tried to r-force himself on you?"

I flinched inwardly at his question, trying to remove the scene from my mind. "He didn't mean it." I replied softly.

"Bullshit. Even if I'm that angry with you, I'd never do that to you. Stop defending the jerk."

I grew irritated at his words, not liking that he's questioning me. "Why didn't you tell me about Erica?" I fired back, noticing the pained look in his face.

"She's nothing to me." He said slowly, watching me keenly. I remained silent and he smiled smugly, the way I disliked. "Are you jealous angel?"

I'm frustrated at how fast he kept on changing his moods, one moment he doesn't want anything to do with me and the next he's flirting with me- can't he be a little less complicated?

"Yes, I am." I replied, smiling when I saw his pitch black eyes widened in surprise.

"You don't know what you're getting into."

"Try me."