My Sweetest Downfall

Chapter 2

September 8, Thursday.

I guess my earliest arrival at school was just pure luck, 'cause it's 9:15 and I'm still on my way to school. I practically just left the house. Well, my teacher's probably not surprised, but out of all my subjects this semester, Literature was the one I always enjoyed. And that turns out to be the first subject every Monday and Thursday.

Yes, it was a Thursday. And I had no idea what I had in stored for myself on that day.

So, yes. I was currently running at the speed of light that I thought I was able beat the record of the fastest athlete ever to sprint. One downfall of living in the suburbs, is when you don't have a car, or a bike, you get late pretty easily... especially in my situation.

And unfortunately, even though I felt like the Flash, with my legs going completely numb, I still didn't make it.

Time check, 9:25. Just five minutes before dismissal, and I don't think they'd let me enter the room if the time's that short, already. So, I just headed straight towards my next class. But, when I made a turn towards my locker, I saw Principal Thompson and the Vice Principal with some group of people.

I froze for about a second or two before I hid behind the wall. I turned around slowly, making sure not to make a single noise with my step or bag – My backpack has a lot of keychains that tend to sound like bells when they clash with each other whenever I make the slightest movement.

"Ah. Ms. Scarlet Gonzales."

Fuck.

"The meeting won't be delayed. It starts after 10 minutes," Principal Thompson said.

"Got it," Mrs. Robinson smiled and headed back to her office.

Principal Thompson gave me a glance that clearly meant I was dead.

He faced to the group of boys who all wore – If not beanies – hats, "Would you boys excuse me for a moment? I won't be long."

The group nodded.

Principal Thompson immediately walked hurriedly towards me with an evil grin. He crossed his arms and smiled, "Well, for once, I'm not mad at you for being late."

"Is that so?" I said in a sarcastic tone.

"Okay," Principal Thompson placed his hand on my right shoulder to lightly turn me around to face the other side, "I'm gonna let you in on a little secret."

"Do you see those kids over there?"

I glanced back at them, then looked back at Prinipal Thompson, "Yeah."

"Take a good look at them."

I turned my head and stared at each one of them for a few good seconds. My jaw actually dropped; I froze with my eyes widened, and faced back to Principal Thompson, "T-they're...?!"

"Yes."

My eyes widened even more, I was dumbfounded. I was completely speechless.

"Now, as you heard earlier, I'v got a meeting in..." he took a glance at his watch, "... 8 minutes."

"And apparently, I promised these boys to give them a tour of the school. It's just like a headstart before the foundation week. So, if you wouldn't mind..."

Before I could even say anything, Principal Thompson turned me to face them, and before I knew it, I was already walking towards them.

"Gentlemen, I would like you to meet Ms. Scarlet Gonzales."

One of them removed their sunglasses, and gave me a warm smile, "Hey, Scarlet. Lovely to meet you."

"Unfortunately, I have to attend a meeting, young lads. But, don't worry, Ms. Gonzales will be taking care of the tour," he patted my shoulder with a huge smile, assuring them.