The Prince and His Pauper

Chapter 14: The Pauper Inquires

Something's wrong, I know there is. And I bet it has something to do with that party Antonio went to over the weekend because when I said hi to him, he just nodded his head and ignored me for the rest of the day. He didn't even came to see me after school like he usually does. This has been going on for a couple of days now and I'm really starting to worry. But that's not the worst part.

The worst part is that Hunter Lyall is in my school and has every single class with me except for second period which I have Physics Honors. It's bad enough that I have my flashbacks from time to time but Hunter here is making things worse. Just how does this happen?! I moved away from my old school to start my senior year without anyone who tried to make my life miserable again. How can I do that with him here?!

Though, he never really hurt me but I'm not too eager to say hello to him. Even if he keeps trying to get my attention. Lately, he's been trying to talk to me and I always run off to the safety of my seat right when class starts then run off to my next class. I'm just lucky that during lunch, he eats with Antonio's group who also eats with them....... Ok, now I'm depressed.....

I just don't get it. What could have happened at that party that would make him distance himself away from me like I got the plague or something. The only time this happened was when all of my friends found out I was gay- oh god....... Don't tell me he found out. Of course he did and he's homophobic!

Now I really have to go to talk to him and make sure I'm not overthinking everything. But how? Every time I try to get close to him, he walks in the opposite direction from me and I could never catch up to him. Unless I can get him into a room with me, I don't see how Antonio will stick around long enough for me to ask one simple question.

Just do what movies and books do, demand him to see me with a determined attitude. If I can only do that without wimping out..... I thought out and release a sigh of defeat.

"I'm never going to get him to talk to me...." I groan to myself.

"Cassiel? Is that you?" Someone calls from behind me. Antonio? Could it be him?!

My head immediately turns to look in the direction of that person's voice. Unfortunately, it wasn't Antonio. It was Hunter and he is coming towards me. Run! I mentally order myself and took off.

Where am I going to go?! It's just going to be like when Antonio was chasing me! No, no it won't! Just keep running and find someplace to hide. Don't look back! I strategize.

"Cassiel! Stop! I just want to talk!" Hunter yells after me and I think he's catching up! Oh god, oh god, oh god! Where am I going to hide?!

Come on, Cassiel, think! Find a bathroom or a storage room to hide in! Let's see..... Door, door, door.... A door! I silently exclaim when my eyes landed on a door just a few feet in front of me. I use whatever strength I have and quicken my pace towards it.

My body practically ran into the door as I pull it open and enter inside. I took a few seconds off my running to see I walk inside the school's library. Perfect! I can hide between the bookshelves! Without another second thought, I fast walked to one of the farthest shelves in the library because I don't want the librarian to yell at me and give me away.

As soon as I walk into an aisle, I heard the door opening and the librarian talking to someone. I took this chance to peek out of my hiding spot to see where Hunter was. But he was nowhere to be seen. I don't see him anywhere! Didn't he just walked in? He had to because the librarian was talking to someone.

"Where could he be?" I whisper to myself, looking left and right for Hunter.

"Who are you looking for?" A voice asks behind me. Instantly, my body freezes up at the sound of that voice. I'm doomed. He found me. Game, set, and matched.