Miss nobody strikes back

Back in school

Chapter Fifty-One

Three days had passed since I returned home, and I’d spent most of that time alone. It was boring, honestly. There was no one to talk to, and I certainly didn’t feel like talking to my family. I just focused on myself, hoping to find some peace in the quiet, but it didn’t do much to ease the loneliness.

It was now 7:00 a.m., and I was already dressed for school, my hair neatly pulled back into a bun. The doctor had advised against returning to school so soon, but I felt much better and needed the distraction. I walked down to the living room, where I found Mom. She looked surprised to see me in my uniform, as if she wanted to say something but held herself back.

I sat down at the table, where my breakfast was already laid out. My appetite still hadn’t fully returned, so after just a few bites, I took my medication and prepared to leave. Mom was getting ready to head out for work when I heard her voice call from the doorway. “Hanna, there's someone here to see you.”

Wondering who it could be, I grabbed my bag and headed outside. Standing by a sleek black SUV was a man who looked to be in his forties. He noticed me approaching and offered a polite smile.

“Hello, Miss Hanna,” he said with a slight British accent.

“Hi,” I replied, smiling back. “Do we know each other?”

“Certainly not, Miss Hanna, but Dominic sent me to give you a ride to school this morning,” he explained. A surprised grin spread across my face.

“Oh wow… he really didn’t have to, but thank you!” I said, feeling touched by the gesture.

“I'm Mr. Adam,” he introduced himself, opening the car door for me.

“Thank you, Mr. Adam,” I said as I slid into the passenger seat. He nodded warmly before closing the door, then took his place behind the wheel. As we pulled up to the school gates, I felt a strange mix of nervousness and excitement.

When the car finally came to a stop, I got out and turned to Mr. Adam. “Thank you. Drive safely,” I said, giving him a small wave.

“Be safe, Miss Hanna,” he replied with a kind smile before driving off.

Taking a deep breath, I pulled on a face mask and walked toward the school building. I felt a surge of confidence as I entered, though I was late, and classes were already in session. I quietly opened the door to my classroom, and every head turned in my direction, clearly curious about who was behind the mask. I removed it and smiled at Miss Gemma, who immediately came over.

“Well, well, am I glad to see my student back!” she said warmly, pulling me into a quick hug. “How have you been, Hanna?”

“Good, I’m feeling much better,” I replied, grateful for her kindness.

“You know, I really shouldn’t allow you back in school just yet, but I’ll overlook it,” she teased, smiling.

“Thank you, Miss Gemma,” I said, feeling a bit of relief as she welcomed me back.

After nodding to her, I walked down the aisle to my desk, where I caught Dominic’s eye. He gave me a small smile, and I couldn’t help but smile back before sitting beside Jenny.

“I see you made quite the entrance, lovely,” Jenny whispered with a grin.

“Hmm,” I hummed softly, still a bit overwhelmed. I glanced at the board, attempting to focus on the lesson. But everything felt hazy, and my head ached when I tried to process the material. I couldn’t focus, and I knew it was probably because I was still recovering.

Miss Gemma wrapped up the lesson a few minutes later, giving me one last smile before leaving the classroom. Almost immediately, Lauren, Maggie, and Rachel rushed over to my desk.

“Oh my god, Hanna! It’s really you! We missed you so much!” Lauren squealed, her excitement contagious.

“As in, school just wasn’t the same without you. We’re sorry for what Claire did to you. That was awful,” Maggie added, her voice full of empathy.

“Seriously, someone needs to teach that girl a lesson,” Rachel muttered, clearly frustrated.

I gave them a grateful smile. “Thanks, guys. It’s really good to see you too. I missed everyone.”

Rachel’s expression softened. “How are you feeling now?”

“And if you need anything—anything at all—we’ll get it for you,” Maggie offered.

“I’m feeling better,” I assured them. “Right now, I just need to take it easy.”

“I totally get it. Recovery takes time,” Lauren said, nodding sympathetically.

“Thanks, really,” I said, touched by their kindness.

“Ohhh, Hanna’s back!” Maggie squealed with excitement, making me laugh. They chatted with me for a bit longer before heading back to their seats.

Just then, I noticed Kai and Dominic approaching. “Hey, guys,” Kai greeted with a smile. “Hanna, only a few days at home, and you’re already back up and moving?”

“The silence was killing me,” I replied with a grin. “Being stuck at home is torture.”

Dominic’s brows knitted with concern. “But you’re still recovering,” he pointed out, sounding exactly like my doctor.

“I know, but I’ll be fine,” I assured him, giving him a warm smile.

“Are you guys hungry?” Jenny interrupted, suddenly springing up from her seat. “I’m going to grab a drink and some snacks, so sit tight and enjoy each other’s company,” she added with a mischievous grin, practically shoving Dominic into the seat beside me as she dragged Kai away. Typical Jenny.

“Um, thank you for the ride this morning,” I said to Dominic, still smiling. “It really made my morning special.”

“You’re welcome,” he replied, a bit shyly.

“Well, maybe when my head’s back to normal, I could use a little tutoring,” I joked lightly.

He chuckled. “Anytime you’re ready.”

For a moment, we just sat there, enjoying each other’s company. There was a warmth in the silence that I hadn’t felt in a long time, and it made me realize that maybe, just maybe, things were looking up.

Author’s Note

Happy new month, my amazing readers! Don’t forget to share, comment, and vote for this story. Thank you!