If Only They Knew (Book 1.5) (AU Series) - INTERSEX

Chapter Eleven

After last week's homecoming, the students were still pumped up and many wouldn't stop being so rambunctious in the hall. Most seniors gave Rayden and Olivia high-fives for being crowned Homecoming Royalty, despite the fact that I overheard she won last year and would likely be crowned again this year for prom. Valiana wasn't exaggerating when she said the school adored her sister.

Speaking of Val, she hasn't spoken with me, and to be honest, I don't blame her. She is correct; she has these feelings as a result of what I have done. That includes kissing her. Her presence made this week's classes more difficult for me than they normally would have been.

She solely does her work in class and does not use her phone or write in her journal. I'm guessing it's because she doesn't want me to have her stay after class. Even if she did all of those things, I'm not sure I'd force her to stay. Being alone is what is making us feel this way. I promised myself I would never develop feelings for anyone else again. Especially someone who appears to be unable to control their temper. When I told her no at the dance, she punched a drainpipe off the wall of the school building. Which, ironically, the school is having to repair this week, blaming it on the wind that night. I can assure them there was no wind.

When the bell sounds, students begin to pack their belongings. "I'll see you all on Monday, and don't forget to finish your essay before Tuesday." They all depart one by one after dropping off their work for the day on my desk. I sit on the top watching them all leave. Because they sit in the back of the class, Rayden, Olivia, and Valiana are the last three students to leave.

"Valiana, would you mind staying for a minute?" I ask as I dig through the papers on my desk. When I look up, Rayden and Olivia are still standing by the entrance, and Valiana is picking up her journal.

"Yes, I mind." She says as she walks past her sister and out the door without looking at me. Olivia and Rayden's brows lift as they turn around and follow her out of my classroom.

All I wanted to do after school was paint. I drove over to the art studio and joined in a night session. There are times when I join in on sessions and other times when I just come here to reflect on my life. In this lesson, the lecturer is teaching half-and-half painting. It's when one side of the painting is not the same as the other.

As everyone starts working on their piece, I sit in front of the easel, unsure of what to do. Instead of using the paintbrush, I use a pencil to sketch the one thing that has been on my mind.

I don't pick up the pencil until I sense a presence behind me and am startled. The instructor tilts her head but doesn't show any expressions on her face. "Is it a woman?" Her mouth contorts into a smile, as if she approves. "Anyone in particular?" I shake my head, no. But I know that's not true. The face is someone who has been looming in my mind, urging me to change my ways. "It's beautiful. I can't wait to see the final piece."

The instructor moves around the room, and the class eventually concludes. I was unable to complete my painting. Only one side was painted, and the other was stenciled. I grab my canvas to leave the building.

"I hope to see you next week, Deleena." The instructor says. I nod as I walk away, not knowing if I'll be back to finish. I have everything I need at home to paint. I had only come here to distract myself from what I really wanted to do when I got home.

I drive through my house's gate and up to the front door. "How was your day, Mistress?" my butler questions as he takes my keys and hands them to a servant.

"Fine, Jeffery, could have been better, though." I've known Jeffery since I was seven years old. When my mother died, my father hired him to help care for me. He's more like a father to me than my biological father. Though he finds it difficult to let go of the formalities. My father is wealthy, wealthy enough to have purchased this mansion for me a few years ago. I live here alone, with no family except for the numerous servants who help me maintain the house and landscape. Jeffery is their boss, and I am his.