Crossing paths

Challenges

I turned and saw Mrs Campbell. I slowly nodded at her as if I'm bowing down to her.

And again the guy changed his whole face and posture.

"Good morning Mrs Campbell." He said calmly, as if he wasn't yelling at me just a second ago.

"Ethan, what's with the ruckus?" Mrs Campbell said, as elegant, as always.

"We truly apologise, Mrs Campbell." He bowed as low as he could. He glared at me for a second. I knew what the sign meant, so I bowed as well.

"Oh my- Please stand. I was just worried about you two." There were moments when I genuinely wanted to hug that lady. She's the sweetest.

"It's nothing Mrs Campbell, we assure you. It won't happen again." He said, his voice sounding guilty.

"Please, It's all fine, as long as you are well, kids." She was so understanding about that. What a goddess.

Just like that the bell rang. I hurried to go inside and sit, preparing for the next class.

...

It was finally lunch time. We had a break to eat, chat with one another and just relax. I thought I should use this moment to calm myself and to shake out all of the negative thoughts. The future is all in front of me, waiting for me to grab it in my hands.

From now on I really won't bother doing anything out of my way. Just like the whole situation this morning. I'm back at my usual Evelyn mode. I'm never going to let that shithead ruin my reputation, or my mood at least. He has already ruined the image of me being a neutral person, but it will all recover. I mean, our whole class is a bunch of kids that don't care about what's happening around them, at all.

...

The next day

So much for that.

The entire school knew I've "beaten" a student.

In my defence, first of all I haven't beaten anyone! Though I was close to. BUT STILL, I haven't touched the scumbag. I mean, I never will. Second of all he's not a student, he's a monster. My ever most hated person alive. Or most hated thing. It's my first time despising someone so much. Today's a day of  firsts.

I didn't know how the news spread up so quickly. Literally everyone was starting at me, saying I'm looking scary. But weird enough, some people were whispering about how "brave" I was to lay a hand on him. But "him", as if they were talking about me beating the president. They were also saying how it's the first time someone has told something opposite to him, what he thinks and wants you to do.

Which was odd. As if that little brat was some kind of actual president of the school and he was ruling them all. If anyone said "no" to him, they'll be killed in the backyard of the school, in front of everyone.

I felt like that. I would be rather killed, than being talked about. Everyone stared at me, gossiping. If there was one thing I hate more than that disrespectful shit, being in such a situation was the other one. I never imagined myself in such a situation. It's awful. I hate it. I hate people thinking I'm strange. I hate being the centre of attention. I hate the way everyone thinks I'm the bad person, when I haven't done anything. I hate how their words were getting louder and louder. I hate all those people, surrounding me, blocking my way. I couldn't even reach my homeroom. Please just let me get out of here. I didn't want to stay here anymore. Let me escape all those stares.

I didn't even realise there were tears falling from my face. Evelyn, what are you doing? Get yourself together. Calm yourself down. Try to explain yourself, defend yourself, don't let yourself down.

But I couldn't manage to do any of it. I just stood there, attempting to make my way out of all those people. Trying to cover my face from the coming tears forming, only by the blinking of my eyes.

I felt someone brushed my shoulder. Are they trying to attack me now?

But to my surprise everyone backed away. I turned a bit only to see, the cause of all this, standing right next to me.

His face was dead serious. I stepped a bit further from him. He took a deep breath.

"I want to make one thing clear. There was never any kind of physical abuse involved in our little argument. I was the one to bother her. I said some harsh stuff, so she yelled at me and we started arguing. But that's all to it."

Everyone went silent. Me blinking fast out of confusion from his words.

"Also I think, that's the perfect opportunity for me to apologise to her in front of everyone." He said, clearing  his throat.

"What? I don't-" I tried to say, when he kneeled as in a marriage proposal style. Extending one hand to me.

I slapped him. Hard.

"What the hell are you doing, you idiot?" I yelled.

Hearing the gasps coming from everywhere I seized the opportunity to run, when the way was still clear. Kind of. And what I mean by that, I bumped two boys, while walking and just chatting down the corridors.

"I'm sorry." I huffed.

I've never ran this fast. I basically ran for my life. Run. Run. Run, Evelyn, because you're in big trouble.

I ran all the way home. I was so scared by the consequences, of what just happened, I couldn't slow down, or look behind.

It's all over. My "dream" of going into an elite school.
I mean it wasn't a dream of mine. I did it all for my parents. For them to not worry about me and my well-being. I still can't even comprehend what just happened.

But there was a strange feeling, of satisfaction down inside me. I was so happy I slapped that jerk's face.

Though everything about the situation was more than terrifying. By making such a scene, the prick really just showed everyone that I'm "violent". The shit deepened.  He would probably sue me for physical abuse. He had an obvious damage that was sue-worthy. I mean, I really hit the prick so hard it will probably leave a stain from my hand on his ugly face. If I go to prison, I would be feeling great, because I would know it was all worth it.

But in my defence, I had a reason. What was he thinking, doing such a scene in front of everyone, as if we are an engaged couple, that went through their ups and downs, but end up marrying, eventually, because that's just how married couples are.

Wait, wait that's a bit way too much using imagination for the day. And for such a disgusting thing. I don't even want to think about stuff like that. Especially with him. What a waste of energy.

However the worst thing is I'm going to end up expelled, from the school I aimed for, a long time ago. It's all his fault.