Alone

Chapter 5

Another dreadful weekend had passed,
giving way to a new Monday morning.

I was in the midst of gathering my books from my locker when,
out of nowhere, Miranda appeared, causing my heart to skip a beat.

I tried to maintain composure, simply regarding her with a confused expression.

I don't think I've mentioned Miranda before, have I?

She's the epitome of the mean girl,
someone everyone pretends to like but secretly dislikes.

She's everything I'm not.

Beautiful , popular, flawless and rich.

Miranda possesses long, silky brown hair with blonde highlights,
always adorned with flawless makeup.

Her skin is immaculate, and has her own signature fragrance.
She's always impeccably dressed and never repeats an outfit.

If there's one thing she hates, it's outfit repeaters,
for whatever reason.

Yet, here she was, standing before me for no apparent reason,
arms crossed as if expecting something from me.

I held my breath as she scrutinized me from head to toe,
her gaze lingering on my outfit.

For a moment, I wondered if she intended to mock me.

"Sweet skirt."

I wasn't certain if she was being sincere.

I was clad in a long-sleeved black shirt paired with
a green miniskirt and white sheer tights.

"Oh, and sweet shoes."

They were merely brown platform boots.

"What do you want, Miranda?"

Her minions behind her began giggling,
as though I had said something amusing.

Miranda stepped closer,
her eyes fixated on mine as if attempting to intimidate me.

But beneath her facade,
I sensed a hint of jealousy in her brown eyes.

"What I want is for you to stay away from Alex."

Was that what this was about?
Alex?

I honestly can't comprehend why everyone is so in love with him.

Sure, he's attractive,
but there is so much more to liking someone than just looks.

You have to genuinely connect with that person,
envision waking up to them every day without
feeling annoyed or exasperated.

Personally, I couldn't spend every morning with Alex,
enduring endless chatter.

I prefer it quiet.

I simply scoffed.

"Oh, trust me, he's all yours."

"Good."

With that, I turned and headed toward the classroom, overhearing one of her minions whisper "freak."

—

It was already ten minutes into English class, and Alex hadn't shown up.

Did that mean we wouldn't have tutoring today?

But I really needed the money;
I had given my parents the earnings from tutoring because I knew
the money I earned on weekends wouldn't make my dad happy.

Lost in my thoughts, I didn't hear my teacher calling me.

"Olivia!"
My teacher's loud voice snapped me out of my reverie.