Unlucky: Luxury And a Lies

Chapter 27: Are We Still Friends? Minji's POV: Not A Pawn

I got ready in a matter of minutes, the anticipation of the day ahead propelling me through my morning routine. I brushed my teeth and took a quick shower, allowing my hair to air dry. I might not have the vast wardrobe of a fashionista, but I carefully chose something modest for the day. The school environment was teeming with judgment, and I wanted to blend in as much as possible. In the sea of students who cared about their appearance, I opted for black, which seemed like the most appropriate choice.

Descending the stairs, I found my friends already assembled and ready to go. There was no car in sight, which piqued my curiosity. "No car?" I questioned, looking around. Perez responded with a casual shrug, and Stephan pulled out his skateboard. With a warm smile, he handed one to me. "Thanks, Steph," I expressed my gratitude as I took the skateboard from him. His soft smile in return was all the acknowledgment I needed.

We rolled behind the group walking toward school. The journey offered me the chance to engage in a conversation with Stephan. I decided to probe for some information. "So, anything I should know before we get to school?" I inquired.

He shrugged. "I don't really know. I wasn't at the party for most of it," he admitted, a hint of embarrassment in his voice.

I leave him behind and caught up with the other three. "Brief me," I requested, ready to gather any advice they could offer.

James launched into a monologue, offering insight and counsel for the day ahead. "Ignore everyone's stares. I'm sure everyone knows you were drugged or think you were on drugs, so try not to look like a crackhead," he advised. Mia scowled and slapped his shoulder, making him wince slightly. Perez chimed in with his own advice, emphasizing that I should stand my ground if anyone gave me trouble or "shit" in his words, He also mentioned that I could stick with them the entire day if I wished, but I'd likely be bombarded with questions.

Eager for more information, I brought up a sensitive subject. "What about Hanni and Dani," I started to ask, but quickly corrected myself, "Danielle" I mumble, aware that the trust had been shattered.

Their responses were hesitant, reflecting the uncertainty of the situation. "We don't trust them anymore, so keep your distance," Mia cautioned, her tone serious. I nodded, fully aware of the implications. Perez muttered something in Spanish, and I simply shrugged, ready to face the challenges that the day would bring. Propelling off on my skateboard, I followed my friends toward school, bracing myself for what lay ahead.

As the school building came into sight, I slowed my skateboard, and a sense of unease washed over me. Police officers roamed the area, their presence casting an unsettling atmosphere over the scene. "That's a lot of police," Perez grumbled, his frustration palpable. James patted his shoulder reassuringly, and Mia's shorter frame followed as Stephan sped ahead.

I looked to Perez, concern etching his features. "Hey, it's okay. Come on," I encouraged him. He nodded, and we proceeded to enter the school. The police officers stared us down as we walked past them, and I tried my best to ignore their scrutiny.

James was brutally honest as he observed the situation. Everyone's eyes were on me, and it felt like I had suddenly become the main character in a movie. The attention was something I would have never received before, and it left me with mixed feelings.

I skated down the school halls, and it was as if the crowds parted to make way for me. Hushed whispers filled the air as students exchanged comments about the events of the Halloween party. Despite the unusual attention, I couldn't help but smile a little. It was a stark contrast to the anonymity I had once enjoyed.

Perez kept his head low, his dreadlocks tied up and framing his face. I reached out and took his hand, offering a sense of solidarity as we made our way to our lockers. Books and textbooks were unimportant on this day; we were there to face the uncertainty that the school held.

As we approached our lockers, some of the jocks, including Jack and Zack, greeted me. "Hey, Minji, how're you holding up?" Jack inquired, his friend Zack nodding in agreement. I smiled in response, "Fine, how are you?" I replied, my demeanor surprising them. I couldn't help but feel strangely at ease about the situation, even though my memory was still fragmented, and I wasn't entirely sure what to be worried about in this strange new reality.

I stood with my skateboard between my legs, meeting everyone's eyes as they passed by. The day felt gloomy, but I couldn't be bothered. As I observed the students around me, one voice broke through the mundane atmosphere.

"Minji?" I heard the familiar voice, and I turned to see Hanni. I greeted her curtly, "Hanni."

She let out a sigh and made a request, "Can we talk?" I contemplated her request for a moment before responding, "No."

Hanni appeared taken aback by my refusal. She pleaded with me, her tone softer, "Please."

I glanced at Perez, seeking his input. He glared at Hanni, shaking his head in disapproval. Returning my attention to Hanni, I finally answered, "No, I'm sorry."

She looked confused and nodded before walking away. I watched as she joined Danielle, whispering something in her ear. I couldn't help but feel that somehow, I was in control of the situation. I closed Perez's locker, and we continued on our way.

First on the agenda was the school assembly.