DISTRESS

CHAPTER 17

The sight of students gathering in groups, chattering animatedly like this is the best day of their lives made me grimace as I grip the strap of my backpack. The thought of putting up with their unbearable noise and annoying faces for 2 days straight already feels like a long excruciating nightmare.

It's already a miracle that I was able to join yet to be fair I wouldn't even call this a miracle, not with this scene right in front of me. This is more of a disaster than a miracle if you ask me. Though there's a small part of me that's thankful to have this chance. Asking permission with the people in the bistro was easier. The real challenge was that asshole. But surprisingly when I got home last night, he wasn't there. Instead of leaving without a trace I decided to leave some money and a note on the table for him. I'm not trying to be considerate or anything. I just don't want him to beat me up for leaving out of the blue. His beatings became tolerable and less hurtful compared to back then but I don't want to test my luck and push all the wrong buttons. I know what he's capable of and I can't risk endangering myself or Raven.

A familiar car parked just right beside the bus followed by the door opening, revealing the principal in all her glory. Wearing a black and white long sleeves striped polo, tucked in faded jeans paired with white shoes. She even let her hair down and the sunglasses she's wearing made her look even more classy. Clearly she'll stand out with that outfit. Seeing her like this is making my eyes hurt. Not to mention how the students and the 3 teachers gawk at her. What a revolting sight to see.

She greeted the teachers first with a kind smile then she talked to the students before she finally turned her attention towards me. Her smile widened the moment she saw me and she didn't hesitate to rush towards me. This caused the students to glare at me so I glared back at them in return. Most of them looked away while some remain to stare but they are no longer glaring. They can't provoke me with their half-baked intimidations. It'll take them more than this to scare me.

"Dawn," the principal said, stopping right in front of me then took out her sunglasses using her left hand accidentally giving me a clear view of her wedding ring the seems to glint mockingly at me for some reason. That was the one thing that made me realized our standings. Despite the boiling anger and frustration building inside of me, I kept a calm expression. Nothing will happen if I let this get through my head.

My attention was then immediately taken in by her brown eyes that appears to sparkle like stars or it's all just because of the trick of the light. Either way, I don't know.

Remembering about what happened yesterday got me thinking as to why she's still talking to me like nothing happened at all. I was expecting her to avoid me since I plan to do the same but with her like this, I'm starting to think that what happened didn't even mattered. "I'm glad you could join us," she added.

"Like I have a choice in the first place," I replied lazily.

"Why don't you try to enjoy this," she said eagerly. Such impossible wish to ask of me.

"Save it. I don't plan to enjoy this at all. The only thing I'm looking forward to is the end of this field trip and nothing more," I was about to walk past her when she extended her hand in front of me to stop me.

She turned to the side and smiled at me. Somehow I have a bad feeling as to what she's about to say. "I know you're eager to join your classmates in the bus....but you'll be joining me in my car," she said. I even caught a hint of sarcasm in her words along the first line of her words. Very funny.

"How exciting," I retorted nonchalantly. My words purposely lacking enthusiasm.

She chuckled then turned around, "Can you at least try to be a bit enthusiastic?"