Although it's the First Time

Chapter Twenty: News

Suzy led me to a secluded corner of the school where a bench lay.

Taking our seats, I admired the rich green trees that paved along the sides of the entrance to the school.

I remember that I had always entered the school from the exit, rather than the entrance, so that day, officially, was the first time I'd been the front of the school.

Shrugging off my backpack, I pulled out my fruit salad and began munching away on delicious honeydew melon and strawberry slices first, before devouring the other scrumptious fruits.

"How's your arm?" She asked, then took a large bite of her pasta.

I nodded my head, trying to buy time as I chewed of a large piece of melon. Thinking about my arm, made me think about my spine. A thought I would've rather avoided.

After completely swallowing, I awkwardly chuckled at myself and said, "It's better. I went to the doctor yesterday and they said I just need to keep the cast on for approximately 2 more weeks."

She continued eating her lunch in silence as I gauchely ate mine.

From the corner of my eye, I saw that her eyebrows were pulled together while she was in deep thought.

Few moments passed before Suzy finally asked what was on her mind.

"Violet, did Vincent take you to the carnival Saturday?" She continued to stare ahead. Not once turning to glimpse at me.

I slowly nodded my head. "Yes... How did you know?"

She scoffed and put her lunch down beside her.

"He does that every year. Picks a pretty 'unnoticed' girl. Takes her to the first day of the carnival. Kisses her on the Ferris wheel, snaps a picture sends it to his friends for a good laugh and that's the end," she spat angrily. "He and his friends are the playboys at the school. The unpopular and new kids are the only ones who don't know, which make 'em the best targets."

I shook my head, unbelievably. "I don't understand... Do you like him too? If that's the case, I-"

"No," she stated firmly. "I'm nothing like those crazy girls that chase after him like dogs. I'm telling you this, because his pig of a friend did the same thing to me and I feel horrible that you got hurt being a piece in their stupid game."

"A game," I quietly echoed, a bit shocked.

Suddenly, she patted my back and offered me a large smile. "Exactly! Instead of crying like the girls before you, go and kick his butt for wasting so much of your time!" I scoffed at this.

I couldn't believe it.

All this time, I thought I had finally found someone who was sincere. Someone who was trustworthy. Someone who made me feel...

"Thank you... Um, excuse me," I stuffed my lunch back into my backpack.

Walking away, I quietly laughed at myself humorlessly. As soon as the laugh deceased, I raised my hanging head and held it up high. It's not the first time I've been used for someone else's entertainment, but I felt hurt.
I was hurt. My heart ached and lethal tears blurred my vision.

I wasn't going to let that bother me. Definitely, there would be a talk between us. However, not now... Not that today.

I stomped away from Suzy and aimlessly wondered about campus.

"Hey! Violet!" Someone yelled from behind. Stopping my steps, I turned around.

Vincent ran towards me happily as I motionlessly watched. As he approached closer, his smile faltered. His eyebrows were brought to firm lines on his forehead as his intriguing grey eyes showcased confusion tainted with anger.

"What do you want?" I asked sternly.

He raised his hands and gently brushed it against my cheek.

"Why are you crying?" He softly asked.

A sudden breeze rushed past us, cooling the wet areas on my cheeks and under my eyes.

Quickly, I wiped away the stray tears with the back of my hand like a child.

"The wind. Something's in my eye," I mumbled. Trying hard to contain my wrath.

His face clearly conveyed that he didn't believe me. Once again, his hand reached out to wipe away the liquified pain, but I stepped back.
Turning my head away, refusing to let him see the weakness he had created in me. Every step away I took from him, he stepped closer.

"Was it those crazy fan girls again? If it is, I will–"

"It's nothing. I just–Please leave me alone... I don't want to talk to you about it now, but I will. Eventually," I muttered.

Without his acknowledgement, I quickly walked away. Wiping away my tears that fell out of frustration and anger.

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It'd been two school days since I had found out about Vincent's conning ways.

It'd also been two days since I'd last talked to him.

I knew that I needed to discuss this issue with him, but I couldn't bring myself to do it. Not yet. Heck, I didn't even know when a good time would show up.
Or maybe I was just afraid.

Afraid of that moment when I would have to confront him. Afraid of his gentle eyes that looked at me with endearment. Afraid of the truth coming from his mouth. From those lips that so tenderly caressed mine.

I didn't know what to do.

When school had ended that day, Dad picked me up from school and took me to my appointment with Dr. Ray.

His clinic defiantly left a big first impression. Rather than having typical crisp white everywhere throughout his room, his clinic was made of the finest red wood. It reminded me of a large wooden cabin. The aroma of fresh ground code and mint filled the air rather than steriliser and medicine.

It was as if the environment was acting as a buffer, calming me before the wave of news that was going to hit.