YOU ARE MY BLOODY VALENTINE

CHAPTER 4: HER FINGERS FELT LIKE CLAWS

Barbara walked through the towering gates of Sugar Hill Academy, her anticipation mixed with a hint of trepidation. She was already tired of the school and it was just the second day.
'I really hope that what I told Joel got to his head, and he doesn't act like a maniac today.' Barbara sighed as she made her way into the school building. The bustling crowd of students caught her attention, determined to avoid any unnecessary distractions, she quickened her pace, weaving through the sea of students.

"Barbara Adams, Barbara Adams please report to the principal's office." Echoed from the public address system immediately as she stepped foot into the school building causing her to jump in surprise. She was stunned and almost spilled the coffee she had been sipping on.

Barbara made her way through the bustling school corridors, lost in her own thoughts.
"Oh, looks like the new rude poor brat has gotten herself in some kind of trouble." She heard that as she suddenly felt a forceful impact against her shoulder. The collision caused her to stumble, and in chaos, her cup of coffee slipped from her hand, spilling its contents onto the cold, tiled floor.
Looking up, she locked eyes with a pair of thick eyebrows, short black hair and charming black eyes, she recognised him immediately, it was Felix. Barbara didn't understand why he held a grudge against her, she wasn't rude to him, she just ignored him, but of course in this school, It is rude for a poor brat to ignore an egocentric wealthy spoilt brat, so she wasn't surprised.

She had a lot to say to him, but didn't want to get in any kind of trouble, she let out a scoff of dismissal, her eyes narrowing with determination. Ignoring Felix's presence, she briskly continued on her path, her steps echoing against the polished floors as she made her way towards the principal's office, determined to face whatever awaited her there.

Barbara nervously tapped her fingers against the wooden door, her heart racing with anticipation. Silence hung in the air, as the seconds ticked by, she grew impatient. With a hesitant sigh, she mustered up the courage to knock again, her knuckles rapping again the door's surface. Just as her hand was poised to a strike, the door creaked open, revealing Joel with distinguished air about him. He emerged from the principal's office, his gaze fixed straight ahead, deliberately avoiding any eye contact with Barbara. A flicker of satisfaction danced in her eyes, a small victory in this intricate dance of power dynamics. With a contented smile playing on her lips, she watched as Joel walked past her, his footsteps echoing in the hallway.

"Good morning Principal Smith, you called for me." Barbara said nervously looking at the tiled floor, she felt Celine's gaze fixed upon her. As Barbara looked up, she couldn't help but notice Celine's scrutinizing glance, quickly averted. The room was filled with an air of tension, each moment pregnant with anticipation.

I am well aware that I called you here Miss Barbara, so I am going straight to the point. Please, have a seat," Celine said, her voice warm yet tinged with seriousness. Barbara complied, her mind racing with thoughts of what awaited her. Principal Smith wasted no time, getting straight to the point. Barbara could feel her nerves intensify as Celine's words hung in the air.

"You haven't been given a uniform yet, and it was supposed to be provided a week ago. Is there a reason for this?" Celine's raised eyebrow conveyed both curiosity and concern. Barbara's mouth opened to explain, but before she could utter a word, a knock interrupted the conversation.

The suspense in the room grew as Celine paused, her attention diverted to the unexpected interruption. Barbara's curiosity peaked, wondering who could be at the door and how this would impact the discussion. The possibilities danced in her mind, adding another layer of intrigue to the already tense atmosphere.

"Come in, Genevieve," Celine said with an air of authority, a tone Barbara had never heard her use before.

As the door swung open, a lady in her late twenties or early thirties entered the room. She exuded confidence with her reddish-brown hair, almond eyes, and a pop of bright red lipstick. Her outfit was on point for fall - a cozy mustard-colored oversized sweater paired with high-waisted jeans, ankle boots boasting a chunky heel, and the perfect finishing touches of a statement scarf and a wide-brimmed hat. She effortlessly embodied the essence of autumn fashion.