Unbinding Threads of The Past

Chapter One: Veiled Oppression

A thick veil of humidity clung to my skin, refusing to be shaken off. The bright morning sun blazed with its fiery heat, enveloping the grassy field with illuminating light.

"One-Sixty-Three, faster! What are you waiting for?" The Supervisor's shrill voice echoed through my ears. I let out a sigh of irritation, reluctantly obliging.

"Y-yesh ma'am!" I stuttered, biting my tongue. Snickers trailed behind me, a constant reminder of my outsider status. What a pain. 

I glanced behind me, recognising the irritating faces of the students with ease. Number Ninety-Seven, with her shiny dark hair billowing in the breeze. Her eyes were a murky grey, an accurate representation of her personality. She was only a couple of inches taller than me, but her body was lean and flexible, causing her to look far taller than she was. She regarded me with her hawkish features, a sinister smile incorporated on her lips, relishing in my discomfort. 

Yes, although I hated to admit it, her features were quite charming, her face appealing to look at. However, the ugly, smug smile plastered across her face, and all thoughts of her being somewhat beautiful vanished. 

I ignored her, knowing that resistance was futile. Surrounding her were three other students, whose ranks I did not care to remember. What I knew about them was that they were constantly seen around Ninety-Seven, following her like loyal dogs. 

I could feel the Supervisor glaring at me with impatience, annoyance practically seething off of her. I bit my lip, before continuing to trudge towards the Supervisor. Ninety-Seven continued to stare at me, almost beckoning me to make a response. I wasn't going to give in.

I shot her a cold glare, her composure faltering for a moment, before returning me with a sneer. I ignored her, and quickly reached the area where the Supervisor now stood. The Supervisor tapped her red heels on the grassy floor. 

 She was a tall woman, with sharp and defined cheekbones and an equally sharp nose. She had short, orange frizzy hair the colour of mandarins, the sun giving her hair a golden tint. Her small, beady black eyes reminded me of a vulture; analyzing and intimidating. They bore into the soul of anyone who dared to look at them. 

I dared.

"One-Sixty-Three, explain yourself immediately." Her voice was shrill and accusing, her tone sinister, dripping with disdain.

Even if I tried to, it isn't like you'd care to listen.

"M-my apologies-" I muttered, but as predicted, the Supervisor cut me off. She rested a hand on her hip, studying me with harshly judgemental eyes. She pursed her lip, something she often did when she was very mad.

"Hmph. Either way, you will be facing a punishment accordingly." She sniffed, her chin held high. "Don't you understand that I am to care for you? If you continue to get into trouble like this, my reputation will be ruined. Do you understand? I will be reporting the matter to the Headmaster." As usual. She muttered under her breath. Although my defences welled up in my throat instinctively, I knew it was better not to challenge her authority.

 Yes, it was always about her. About what happened to her reputation, if she approved of it, or if she got benefits.

 Of course, I would never say this out loud. It was better to seem feeble, they always underestimate the weak. I put on an innocent expression, filled with mock regret as I looked into her eyes. Her expression softened slightly, but a wave of hot anger continued to boil within, practically escaping from her ears.

"I-In my defence, ma'am, on those days, you had requested me to.." I began once more, but once again, the Supervisor cut me off. No surprises there. She bent down to look at me, her height towering over me, covering the hot, yet comforting glow of the sun.