Creep

Overwhelmed (ch. 4)

The rest of my weekend went like this: I couldn't stop smiling no matter what I did, and Bella kept asking if I was ok.

I get a text from Imogen. "I heard what happened to you yesterday everyone is talking about it. You should've told me. I would've never thought Dan is such a damn creep. I also heard that you ran off with a hottie after he saved you. Better give me details tomorrow." I sigh, turn off my lights and head to bed.

I am surrounded by people as soon as I walk into school. "Are you ok?" A few freshman ask. "Oh yes I'm alright." I smile and walk upstairs. One of my guy friends, Theo catches up to me. He is also friends with Dan. "Hey I feel like I should apologize for what Dan did. I had no idea he was like that." He frowns. "Seems like no one did." I laugh. "Yeah. I don't know if he's coming today. Let me walk you to class. It's the least I can do." I quickly unload my bag in my locker and get going. We are stopped by a few people asking if everything is ok on our journey to my homeroom. Imogen tramples me when we arrive. "Thanks Theo I really appreciate it." I smile. "Anytime. He smiles back and leaves.

Imogen gives me a tight hug and then glares at me. "I know you got my text last night. Come on! Tell me what happened!" She exclaims. "How did everyone find out?" I ask. "There was a few upperclassmen in the cafe when it happened who spread the word. One of them was my cousins friend, Talia who told me she is concerned." Imogen says sincerely. "Oh alright."

I walk over to my desk and put my books down "Hey I'm not done!" She exclaims. "It was just some random guy. We went our separate ways after we got across the street." I lie. "Hmm what a shame. Oh by the way Theo totally has the hots for you. He was blushing right when he walked in here with you." She grins. "Oh.. I didn't notice." Class gladly starts and I don't need to explain anything else.

When it ends, the teacher Ms. Winston pulls me aside. "Hey honey are you doing alright?" She asks. "Oh.. yeah I'm good." I say. "Good. The school board has expelled Dan so you don't need to feel unsafe here." She smiles. "Oh thanks." I'm not really sure how to react.

School goes by like any normal day (except for the occasional person asking if i'm okay or hugging me or something) and I am surprised by the amount of attention I'm getting. I talk to a lot of people but I would never consider myself popular like Imogen is.

Bella asks if Dan was at school today when I get home. "Nope. He was expelled." I say and peer into the fridge. "Good. I hope that prick goes to jail." She laughs. "Want a soda?" I ask. "Sure." I take out two and pass one to her. "Alright I'm going to my room now."

I don't bother to ask if mom came back, I already know the answer. I decide to try to call her. I did this almost every day and sometimes they were even declined. I dial her number and cross my fingers. No answer. I put the phone down and lay on my bed. I want to see him. I really want to see him.

I lie to Bella and tell her I am going to meet Imogen at the park to do homework.

I take a seat in the back of the bus. A girl with blonde hair and pink tips rushes to get onto the bus, then sits beside me. "Cassandra Knight! I'm Harlee, I go to your school but you've probably never seen me before. I am the student council president and a sophomore, I just wanted to see how you are doing." She smiles. "Oh I'm good. Thanks. You can call me Cassie." I really haven't seen this girl in my life. "I was so fascinated when I found out about you." She beams. "What do you mean?" I question. "You're just so brave! If this happened to any one else, I bet they'd be too scared to show at school only two days after!" She declares. The bus stops at my destination. "I gotta get off here but I'll see you around!" I smile and wave goodbye. "Bye Cassie!!"

I walk across the street to the gas station and look through the glass. He is not in sight. Disappointed, I walk to the back and go underneath the wood shelter he made.

I wonder why he even made it. The cold breeze feels good on my face. I start to panic as I hear someone coming my way. Jonah sits beside me.

"Ohmygodyouscaredme." I gasp. "Did I??" He shrugs. "I didn't think you were here because you weren't at the register." I explain. "I had to organize some of the shelves. I'm on break now." He laughs. "Ohh that makes sense." I try not to stare. "I actually have a confession to make." He says. I look at him nervously. "I stayed outside your school for a while to make sure you were safe. But after I heard some people saying that Dan guy was expelled, I left." He blushes.

"How do you know what school I go to?" I ask. "I called the taxi to bring you to school last week. Remember?" "Ohh yeah. Thanks for doing that I really really appreciate it." I smile.

After a moment, he looks scared. "I need to go home now." He stands up. "What? Don't you have to go back to work?" I ask. He sprints away without looking back.