Trade of Hearts

Chapter 4

hello dear readers. I am so sorry bout the delay in posting but all I can say is I'm back and there's time now. I really hope you guys don't abandon this book.

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Elvan

(Five months later)

I sat in the library waiting for Mr Mendel to finish up before we head home, "how were your classes today?" "Good enough" he nodded and continued to file in the books. I leaned back into the chair when I heard, "where have you been?" The familiar voice sent shivers down my spine, I looked up to see Keenan and he wasn't smiling.

"Where have you been these last couple of months, it's almost like you're avoiding me" I stood up testing my luck, if I could get away but he grabbed my hand and pulled me back with so much force , I was afraid he would break my hand. "Stop! You're hurting me!" I let out a small cry but he refused to let go.

I felt my hand being yanked out of his and looked at the person, it was Mr Mendel, "excuse me, my son and I would like to leave now" he pulled me behind him standing up to Keenan who looked extremely shocked, "son?" Mr Mendel didn't answer him but instead walked away pulling me with him.

As we walked to the car, I noticed a few students glaring at me, I kept my head bowed and just entered the car silently, "Elvan, are you okay?" "Hmm" was my only response as he started the car and drove off. I looked at the rows of trees as he drove us home. So far my life has been better, at least I got three square meals a day and I didn't have to endure being hit or being hurt anymore but it didn't take away the fact that my bullies not only existed within the walls of the Ringer home.

Although I had successfully avoided Keenan, the twins still found ways to make my life miserable, at first, it was just some immature pranks like stealing my lunch boxes, putting used serviette in my locker, then it switched up to some really harmful pranks like stealing my tests, stealing my homework so I wouldn't be graded on them, it was like they didn't want me to have enough credits to graduate but luckily, I am usually a very diligent student so I got off easily.

Then they took it far by spreading fake and stupid rumors about Henry and I, saying vulgar things about us that led to the school taking actions, but since Mr Ringer and aunt Natasha had signed papers releasing me to Mr Mendel, we got off with only an advice to keep some distance.

"El, we're home" I turned to him, nodded and entered the house. I headed to my room and took a long shower before heading to my bed to take a very very long nap.

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A knock on my door woke me up "dinner's ready El, I let you sleep in during lunch, you seemed so tired" I smiled at her, Sophie is one of the nicest women's I've ever met. "Thank you, I'll be down in a minute" "ok, hurry, won't want your food to get cold alright?" I nodded in response.

I quickly changed into my pajamas and went downstairs. I sat at the table and we soon began to eat, while Sophie and Henry chatted, I ate in silence. "El?" Henry tapped me, "yes?" "Sophie's talking to you" "sorry" "are you okay El?" I nodded, "I asked how was school" "it was okay" "are you excited ?" "About?" "Well your finally are around the corner, you'll be eighteen soon" I smiled weakly, with each day, I'm reminded that the Ringers would come for me.

I shook my head, hoping to keep the bad thoughts out "yeah, I'm just a little nervous about the finals" "you'll be fine okay? You're very brilliant, you'll do just fine" I nodded, "may I retire now?" "Sure love, good night, sleep tight okay?" I nodded and went back upstairs. I picked my phone and scrolled through pictures of my mom, she had been smiling so broadly, like we were still together, still okay.