I used to be quite content with living life as your classic schoolyard bully, you know, taking what I wanted and always being the strong one tormenting the weaker ones. I thought I was the perfect guy, don't You think so? But all that changed when I...
Waking up with a pounding headache, I find myself sprawled on the ground, surrounded by my buddies Charlie, Ned, Sam, and Benny, all looking like they went through a blender. Scrapes, bruises, and torn clothes – we're a sorry sight.
"Get your lazy ass up!" I yell, giving Charlie a gentle kick. "Pathetic, all of you. We should've done better."
"Sorry, boss," Charlie admitted. "She was just too strong."
I shook my head, a scowl etched on my face. "I don't want to hear any excuses! You hear me?! Now, get up!" I barked, embodying the bad ass boss that I knew I was.
"Yes, sir!" my boys shouted, their voices tinged with pain.
"Now scour the town, don't leave even one stone unturned!" I commanded. "Find her, and call me immediately when you do!" I let out a villainous laugh, fully aware that my non-villainous status might confuse the situation.
"But, boss?" Charlie interjected, cutting my laughter short.
"What?" I asked, glancing at him.
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"At this rate, we're going to be late for school," Charlie pointed out, with the rest of my boys nodding in agreement.
"What time is it?" I inquired.
"8:00," Ned replied, checking his phone.
"And school starts at what time?" I pressed further.
"8:30," Charlie responded.
"Dammit..." ***
As we trudge to school, I'm fuming, cursing under my breath about payback. That mysterious girl with long brown hair who made a fool out of me won't get away with it, I swore to myself, clenching my fists, envisioning repaying that woman back with a solid punch to her face and maybe a small kick to the stomach for good measure.
While walking my eyes catch a glimpse of the imposing building in the distance, the newest addition to Eldenwood – a place promising scientific marvels. It's name was "Lu-nar Innovations."
Hands in my pockets, I couldn't help but think about all the snobby scientists and know-it-all geniuses that worked there. I scoff at the idea that I'm smart enough for that life, not that I want it. I mean imagine me in a dumb ass lab with a bunch of scientists, know it all bastards, yea right, almost makes me want to puke.
"Leyton, you alright?" Charlie asked, his eyes fixed on me.
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"Yeah, don't worry about me," I mutter, glaring in the direction of our recent humiliation.
We continue our march toward school, and as I kick a few stones, I vow silently that Ms. Brown-Hair will pay for this.
Reaching our destination, It took us around 45 minutes to get to school. I separated from my boys as we all went to our own classrooms. Upon reaching my own classroom, I shove the classroom door open, earning a disapproving look from Ms. Gamble, our perpetually unimpressed teacher.
"Mr. Norton, so kind of you to join us," she quips.
"Sorry, Ms. Gamble," I reply, rolling my eyes, not really carrying what this so called teacher had to say to me.
"Don't be sorry, be better," she shoots back, her favorite mantra. I take my seat, thinking this day can't get any worse.
Then, with a dramatic clap, Ms. Gamble announces, "Today, class, we have a new student joining us. Too bad she's also running late."
The door bursts open, and in walks the brown-haired hurricane – the same girl who handed me my own behind earlier.
"Sorry, I'm late!" she shouts, seemingly unbothered.
Ms. Gamble gives her the classic teacher disapproval. "Late on your first day, Ms. Hunt. Not off to a great start."
"Um, sorry," the girl mumbles.
"Would you mind introducing yourself?" Ms. Gamble politely inquired, graciously stepping aside to afford the girl the spotlight.
"Hazel Hunt," the girl stated with quiet confidence, her words carrying a subtle air of mystery.
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My eyes narrow. Hunt? That's the name of the girl who kicked our butts? Figures.
The girl looks around for an empty seat and, of course, finds the one next to mine. Great, just great.
"You've got to be kidding me," I mumble under my breath.
She smirks, taking the seat like she owns the place. "Fancy meeting you here."
I glare at her. "Fancy nothing. What's your problem, Hunt?" "I demand an explanation," I asserted, my fist clenched in anticipation. "You attacked me and my men. What the hell?" I pressed, searching for clarity
She leans in, whispering, "Maybe you deserved it."
"Deserved it?"
"Students, settle down," Ms. Gamble interrupts, looking between us. "Save the drama for after class."
The girl – Hunt, apparently – grins at me like she just won a prize. I scowl, realizing that my day is officially circling the drain.
As Ms. Gamble drones on about something boring, I exchange whispered insults with Hunt, each remark more creative than the last. The class is oblivious to our little war, but the tension is thick enough to cut with a butter knife.
After what feels like an eternity, the bell finally rings. Hunt gives me a challenging look before sauntering out of the room, leaving me with a mix of irritation and confusion.
The day continues with its usual teenage chaos, filled with awkward encounters, questionable cafeteria food, and the never-ending struggle to stay awake in classes that seem designed to induce sleep.
As the final bell rings, signaling the end of the day, I find myself face to face with Hunt again.
"Ready for round two?" she teases, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
I smirk. "Bring it on, Hunt. But first, tell me why you attacked us."
She hesitates for a moment, then grins. "Maybe I just wanted to make an entrance." Her smirk seemed to edge toward a smile as she coolly replied, "Or maybe I just don't like bullies and cowards."
And with that, she disappears into the teenage chaos, leaving me wondering how my life took such a bizarre turn. But one thing's for sure – Eldenwood just became a whole lot more of a pain in the ass, thanks to the enigma that is Hunt.
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