Cold Hearts - Mark Tuan fanfic

14 - Reunited

"Let's celebrate," Peniel helps you to his car after class. They've already announced that you won. 

The feeling of being back on top is euphoric. Everybody is acknowledging you again. When you walk down the hallway, students would smile or wave. You should be jumping with joy now. Well, not literally...because of your foot. But, you should be enjoying this moment. This is all you've been waiting for. 

But, why do you feel incomplete? Like a big part of you is missing. 

He takes you to "The Lounge" where his team and some of the squad are already waiting. 

"Great Job!" One of the boys give you a high five. 

"I knew you would beat her," a girl says. 

"Thanks, guys!" You seat at the table with Peniel beside you. The smile you give them doesn't reach your eyes though. 

"Are you ok?" Peniel whispers, handing you a glass of banana shake. 

"Yup! Never been better!" The smooth cold drink slides down your throat. You look at him and give him a reassuring smile. 

Three girls enter the cafe and your face light up. Phoebe, Darcey and Sasha take the table across from yours. As soon as they see you, Phoebe's lips turn up slightly. Is that a smile? You smile back at her. Sasha then mouths, 'congratulations'. 

'Thank you', you mouth back. 

It seems like they want to reach out to you, but couldn't. You want to do the same, but something is stopping you, as well. 

Junior and JB come in and beam at you. 

"You made it!" Junior pats you on the back. 

JB does the same and they walk to where the three girls are seated. 

You notice Peniel restless on his seat, looking annoyed. 

"Peniel," you take his hand and link it with yours, "what is it?"

"I just don't like those guys hanging around you," he pouts. 

"Don't worry about them," the smile you give him makes him relax a bit. "Come on, I'm with you, aren't I?" 

"Just...stay beside me." He pulls your chair closer to him and you giggle. 

Suddenly, the door of the entrance burst open. A fuming Britney parades towards you, behind her are three other girls from the drama club. 

"You cheat!" She pulls your chair backwards, making you fall and land on your butt on the hard floor. 

"Arrggghh..." your injured foot hits the table. 

"What are you doing, Britney?" Peniel is on his feet pushing Britney away from you. 

"You bitch!" She lunges forward, not minding Peniel's hands, and yanks on your hair. "Do you really have to go this far to win?" She pulls even harder, and your body slides on the floor. 

Almost everybody is trying to stop her now. Her feet are flying on the air as she tries to kick you, but is stopped by three guys carrying her towards the door. 

"Are you ok?" Phoebe runs beside you and helps you to your feet. 

"I can't stand." Your injured foot is throbbing and the pain is moving up your leg. 

Sasha pulls up a chair behind you and slowly sits you down. 

"Thanks!" 

She has her arms wrapped around you and tears are flowing down her eyes. "I miss you!" She whispers.