Unwanted (Editing)

Added Drama

Chapter Eighteen – Added Drama

 “So...” Jasper began, breaking the awkward silence. I deliberately strolled on Jasper’s right side, forcing him in between Jay and I. Neither of us responded. “Dudes, what’s wrong? I’m trying to help here. Stop being so bloody glum and move on!”

Jasper’s sudden outburst caused us to jump. Although, he was right; no amount of crying is bringing Ashley back. I risked a glance towards Jay and our eyes met. It was as if he was in silent agreement of my thought. I received a side smile and gave him a weak one in return. I suppose all is not lost between us.

“You’re right. I’m tired of crying all day.” I repeated the very same words I had told Mum earlier. I let out a heavy sigh as if attempting to let Ashley go along with it. Unfortunately, it didn’t work. “I – we – need to get on with our lives, I guess.”

“I second that.” Jay agreed. This little speech seemed to have cheered all of us up.

“And I.”

I stumbled into form class, Jasper and Jay behind me when Mr Tosh peered over his newspaper to glare at us. His eyes lit up immediately; placing the newspaper on his desk he lifted his legs of the desk and, slowly, advanced towards us.

“What do we have here?” There was a glint of mischief in his eyes. All eyes were on us. He usually picks on those who are late. I gulped, averting my eyes away from him towards the rest of the class. That’s when I noticed Hannah seated at the back. There were only two seats besides her. I wasn’t surprised that she hadn’t saved a seat for me but a light prick of upset formed inside. I was oblivious to the cause of her behaviour towards me.

“We’re not late,” Jay pointed out through gritted teeth. None of us wanted this sort of trouble.

“I must say I’m surprised. If I knew earlier that something as little as…” He trailed off, tapping his chin for emphasis. “Hmm… what’s the word I’m looking for? Oh, yes – death – would make you behave I would have thought of something earlier,” he spat in disrespect. I gasped along with most of the other students. He was making a mockery of Ashley’s death.

“You sick bas––” Jay began, his voice raised rather high with an attempt to lunge at Mr Tosh, however Jasper cut him off and held him back.

“Jay, leave it. We’ll get in trouble.” Jasper held him back until he calmed down. “Let’s just go sit down.” With that Jasper guided Jay to their seat near Hannah, making sure that he doesn’t attack Mr Tosh.

“The mute speaks.” Mr Tosh referred to Jasper since he rarely ever speaks in class but Jasper ignored him. No one bothers to report him; he’s a teacher, we’re students so who would believe us?

I followed, searching for an empty seat. There were a few but as soon as I set eyes to one, legs from the adjacent seat would go up, resting them upon the empty seat in order to prevent me from sitting there. I sighed. There was all but one seat left after my search but I had to sit somewhere and headed towards the chair two tables in front from the back by the window.

“Don’t even think about it!” Sneered Drake who sat beside the empty chair. I risked a peek to the back of the class, sending Jasper, Jay and Hannah a look that I hoped portrayed vulnerability. With one swift movement Jasper got up and marched towards me. To say I was surprised Jay made no advancements my way is an understatement.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Jasper scolded at Drake who turned instantly pale. Of course, being popular everyone either listened to us through fear or… respect. That does not seem to be the case for me anymore.

“n-no-nothing,” he stuttered. It was always Jasper they feared. The rest of the crew usually took a gentler approach. Drake muttered a barely audible apology.