Under the Stars

Chapter 6

~CHAPTER SIX~

MONDAY,SEPTEMBER 02,2024

   Last week is so stressful but thankfully I managed to stay alive. My house or should I even call that a house. It’s still full of shouting and expectations.

Nothings new.

Earlier this day everything was normal, walking to school with my headset on. Arriving at the school with usual whispers and gossips around me. I didn't quite notice Carl since I was so drained today. I have no energy for today. I'm so drained. I feel like I could pass out any moment. As our professor suddenly walk in and discuss about history.

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Another class is done, and I'm absolutely tired of all this, especially with the presence of my ex.

I finally pick up my things when Charles stops me and grabs my notebook to tease me. I see Stevans along with them, but I don't care if he's there or not.

“Give me that back,” I say firmly.

“How about you get it?” Charles taunts, holding my notebook high above his head. He's 5'10 and I'm just 5'3—what did you expect?

I grit my teeth, feeling a surge of frustration. Carl, standing next to Charles, looks uneasy but doesn’t immediately intervene.

“Come on, Charles,” Carl finally says, his tone trying to sound casual. “Give it back to her.”

Charles smirks, clearly enjoying the attention. “Or what, Carl? You gonna make me?What is she your girlfriend now huh?”

Carl sighs and steps forward, his voice firming up. “Yeah, I will. Just give it back.”

Charles hesitates for a moment, then rolls his eyes and hands the notebook to Carl. “Fine, whatever. Just trying to have some fun.”

Carl takes the notebook and turns to me, his expression softening. “Here you go, Lyla.”

I take the notebook from him, feeling a mix of gratitude and embarrassment.

“Thanks,” I mutter, avoiding his gaze.
Charles and his friends laugh and walk away, but Carl lingers for a moment.

“Are you okay?” he asks, concern evident in his voice.

I nod, not trusting myself to speak. This small act of kindness has left me feeling more vulnerable than I'd like to admit.

“Good,” he says with a gentle smile. “If they bother you again, just let me know.”

“I can't believe you hang out with those kinds of people,” I say in annoyance, trying to hide how much the whole situation has rattled me.

“Hey, I just saved you. Can't you just say thanks?” he asks, a hint of frustration in his voice.

I roll my eyes, sighing. “Fine, thank you. Now we have to film some scenes from the manuscript I'm doing,” I say while walking down the hallway, holding my books tightly.