falling for the Badboy

chapter twenty four

"She told me that I'm only going through a period of teenage angst."

"Well, being a teen has its own effects, its a stage in one's life where they might feel like everything is against them. This is teenage angst but it does not, in any way, justify her actions and parenting style. Or her luck of being a mum as you like to put it."

"Victoria, what are your favourite hobbies?"

"Reading"
"That's an interesting hobby. If you look on the brightside, you could share your thoughts about your favourite books with your followers, make it about you and you'll see that it's not that bad. Not everyone will like it but at least you  will. You can talk about all things you and you'll find that there are others like you. Perspective is key, you hate social media but maybe it's how you look at it that affects what you think of it."

"Well look who's playing professional again."

"Maybe because I'm a professional therapist?" She says it with a smile.

"Yeah yeah, we get it. You don't have to rub it in you know."

"Whatever, and I think you should get going or you'll be late for school. How did you even wake up so early?"

"I just needed to talk to you before going to school. I hope you don't give morning sessions to anyone else because I'll consider you as a cheating bestie."

"We're not besties."

"Yes, we are. Kisses, I love you, and thanks for sharing your home address. It's such a bestie step to make."

"I'm done with you." She hugs me and I get in my car and drive away while she shouts "Be careful on the road."

Oh. In case you Were wondering, that was doctor Hall's. You know? My therapist slash bestie who loves me soooo much that she gave me her address and private number to call her on. Biggest mistake on her part because this morning I needed to talk to her so badly that I drove to her house and was there by 5:50AM. I needed professional sense pumped into my brains before school started or I was actually not going to survive it. And as usual, she did what she does best and my mood has improved.

I get to school five minutes late but it's not that big of a deal when your teachers love you. Today is a big day for Isaac because he won all the Oscars he was nominated for. That's why we'll be having a grand party tomorrow.

When I reach my classroom door, I knock softly but loud enough for the teacher to hear it.
"Come in." She says, and I enter the classroom looking so apologetic. She smiles at me–obviously buying my lie–and nods for me to take the empty seat next to Jeremy. How do I know his name you ask? Simple, he's the weird but somewhat nice kid. We were once lab partners but that's our only history together. He's smart, a bit more invested in robots and video games than doing homework. And yes, he picks at his nose.

Gross

"Hi"

"Uhm hi." I say, awkwardly.

"Haven't seen you in a while."

"Oh yeah. I've been busy. Oh Ms Grayson just said something, let's pay attention." I didn't dodge a bullet but I sure as hell wore a bulletproof vest. Jeremy tends to be pretty chatty and I'm not in the mood for that. I'm never really in the mood to talk to anyone but grandma,Alexis and Jake, we'd add Raven to that list but she's also never in the mood to talk.

My classes go by really quickly. Seeing as how today is a Friday, everyone is pretty excited about the game. I've never really joined in on the sporty side of school. Alexis and Raven asked me to join them today.....yes, Raven freaking Scott asked. I tried ducking this one but it's Raven We're talking about. She had solutions to all my excuses–which is rather annoying but when is Raven never annoying–so I've decided to go, just this once.

I probably get why lexi says I'm easy to get.

I didn't really plan to stay for the game hence I brought nothing to change into. The school pants are not really something I'm seeing myself wearing as I watch the game. I guess going home for a quick shower and change of clothes will be worth it.

My drive home is surprisingly quickly, I mean, it's a Friday,people have parties planned out. Why did we have zero traffic whatsoever? That's an imbalance to nature, but definitely in my favour.

I've never gone home this early on Friday so mum will be shocked. I usually go to doctor Hall's office whenever there's a basketball game at school so mum thinks I just stayed for the game. I wouldn't want her to find out about my therapist. She believes it would tarnish her name because people will think I'm mental or abused or traumatic or everything in between. I have managed to keep it a secret and I'll continue doing so.

I pack my car right where I can easily access it and get out. I hear mum's and Jake's voices somewhere in the kitchen. They are probably arguing about Jake's love for sweet things that'll make him diabetic. It's true, the boy would trade a healthy meal for brownies or even cake and that's not good for his health. It's just that mum is more concerned about how she'd not make money out of a diabetic/obese kid than she is about his health and that's what gets me mad. Her kids are nothing to her but a way to get to the top. If I stay here and deal with their drama I won't make it to the game in time.

I quietly go up stairs to my room and take the quickest bath in the world–I love exaggeration.

If there's one thing that always slows me down, it's my hair. That messy bun or ponytail is not as easy as it portrays itself to be. I have very long hair–okay maybe not very long but long enough–that sits right below my butt when I let it down. It's both a curse and a blessing but I love and appreciate my hair–sometimes.

I wear some army green cargo shorts and a black buggy vest. I don't know what people wear when going to watch games or matches but I think this is okay. I add a pair of vans and a visor cap to put less concentration on my poorly done high ponytail. I pack some snacks in my cross-body bag, pop some gum in my mouth and rush my way downstairs.

I meet Mum there like she's been waiting for me.

"Where are you going?" She asks,
I know she thinks I'm going to my grandmother's house because it's a Friday and that will ruin the party plans she has for tomorrow.

"I'm going out to watch the game." I wouldn't blame her for not believing me, I dress the same way going everywhere and I never carry clothes when going to grandma's because I have plenty that side.

"you're going to watch a game?" She asks, her voice laced with suspicion and disbelief.

"Yes, I'm going to watch a game. Don't worry mother dearest, I'm not sabotaging your grand party by not showing my pretty face there. I'm late, I gotta go."

"Plus I'll take pictures to post, in fact, you take the first one."

I give her my phone and she wastes no time, I do a few awkward poses that she instructs me to do and she hands back my phone when she gether so-calleddd 'perfect' one.

I post the picture–with the caption of a basketball emoji–while she's there so that she actually believes it. I already have a small following of my own who've actually never seen a pic of me since I never post myself. They immediately start to like and comment things like 'wow, is that really you'and  'why have you been hiding'. Are people really just always on their phones or it's just today?

Mum smiles upon seeing the reactions. "I knew you'd have that effect on people, you're such a perfect girl."

"You literally called me fat a couple of weeks ago. You don't even like what I wear."

"Well, I came to the conclusion that people will love you regardless of your hideous sense of style, and I think you might just make it a  trend."

"Rightttt. Anyway I'm going now, bye. And tell Jake not to eat my brownie."

I get out of the house and walk to my car. Fuckkkkk I just forgot my keys in my room. Shit shit shit.

"The game is in 40 minutes, let's go."

Okay, that wasn't my voice. And it was definitely not in my head. And I definitely know whose voice it is. And I'm confused right now. And how does ..........

You know what? I'll just ask him instead of asking me because I don't have the answers.

A/N thanks for reading.....please vote and comment.

Sharp sharp, see y'all in the next chapter