Sub Rosa Ties ( A High School Dark Romance)

Gerard

Past (3 years ago)

A forceful nudge slammed into my desk, causing my head to jolt slightly where it rested. I let out a low, irritated groan.

"Wake up, man! It's been six months since Eleonora left, but you keep acting like you'll die if you don't see her. Don't be a jerk and cheer up. What's your fucking problem?" Bret's voice was a grating whisper in my ear, but I refused to open my eyes.

It wasn't that I couldn't-I just didn't want to. I was determined not to succumb to whatever scheme or plan he had in mind for me. If he thought mocking me about Eleonora would work, he was sorely mistaken.

Eleonora had left for Italy a few months ago, but I knew she would be back soon, so I wasn't too bothered by the idea of missing her.

I nestled my face deeper into my folded arms, desperately trying to reclaim some sleep. It had taken Gwen over an hour to coax me into coming to school. She had interrupted my rest, and now I was struggling to find it again.

"Wake the fuck up, Gerard. I've got an idea, and it's brilliant. I'm throwing a party tonight at my place, my first ever, and you need to be there with me. You know, as my right-hand man," he whispered into my right ear. It took all my internal strength to resist the urge to slap him across the face.

"Fuck off, Bret," I groaned.

"There will be girls too, you know? Caroline and the rest of them," he added, hoping to coax me.

I remained silent, refusing to respond.

"How about the usual? We hit the club and meet some new girls. I heard there are some fresh faces downtown," he suggested casually after a few moments of silence.

"Fresh faces, my foot," I thought bitterly. Even though my dick was itching for release, I wasn't in the mood. In fact, I hadn't been in the mood for anything lately, especially after the last explosive fight with my father.

I had made up my mind. I would pack up soon. Probably by the end of the week, as soon as I could manage it. I would leave him and this messed-up life behind for good.

Bret let out a loud grunt and shifted his desk noisily, clearly unhappy that his little trick didn't work on me.

"Settle down, everyone. There's someone I would like to introduce to you all," the familiar, high-pitched voice of the history teacher filled the classroom, prompting the students to shuffle around in their seats.

"Gerard, looks like we've got a new chick," Bret nudged my arm, followed by his light chuckle.

I heard the teacher mutter a few more words before a low, calm voice pierced the quiet classroom. I missed most of what she said until I caught, "My name is Zera Palmer."

My eyes shot open immediately. Her voice. There was something about it, something that made me feel like I could spend all day listening to it in my bedroom.

My eyes darted around for a moment, taking in the scene before slowly forcing myself into a sitting position. The classroom seemed to hold its breath, every student's gaze fixated on the figure standing at the front.

I followed their collective stare, and my heart quickened its pace as my eyes locked onto her. She stood there with an air of quiet confidence, her presence commanding attention without effort.

She stood there, all straight and slender, with subtle curves that I knew would fit perfectly in my hands. Her long black hair cascaded around her shoulders, framing a cute face adorned with a faint frown.