Alice Academy (Rewritten.)

Chapter 20

     Well, I'd have to admit. With Naoki back by our sides, I was definitely back to my normal self — smiling and laughing. It was a great feeling, to be honest. Daichi, at the same time, was glad and relived out of his mind that I went back to my typical self. I wasn't particularly sure if I had forgiven Naoki, though.

     I mean, yes, he did slap Lynetta. Yes, he did slap her in front of the entire class and make her cry, but despite the fact that she was now avoiding Naoki, I couldn't help but feel guilty for how Naoki treated her that day. Plus, I had dealt with a week of depression and never ending, streaming tears.

     However, I still wore the uniform the school provided us with. I think it grew on me, aha. It's pretty comfy, and I honestly don't mind looking like a goody two-shoes.

     Peanut, on the other hand, still continued to bond with me. He would rub his head up against my palm, and I'd pet him, smiling. It's as if he could sense all of my emotions, and now that he knows that I'm happy, he wants me to stay that way. It seems like everyone wanted me to be happy, and once I was happy, they're all content..

          Today, I decided that I would just be myself.

     I slipped on a simple cotton T-shirt, throwing on Naoki's jacket over it. Although his jacket was nearly two sizes bigger than mine, I really didn't mind. I had on dark jeggings and a pair of black Vans. It was such a comfy outfit, and the smell of Naoki lingered on his jacket. I wrapped my arms around myself, enjoying the scent. It wasn't a cologne scent, by the way. The scent smelled so warm and fresh at the same time; in my opinion, it was an indescribable scent. For earrings, I slipped in a basic pair of pastel pink circle studs. The circle was lined with golden colored material, making the jewelry look really sweet and feminine.

     Brushing out my hair, I decided to let my fringe go free. It wasn't getting into my face today, so I decided to let it down. I smoothed out my clothes, swinging my backpack over my shoulder.

     Sighing to myself, I was deeply contemplating whether or not I should go to school today. I'd have to face the outside world sooner or later, anyways, so I took a deep breath and slowly opened my door. Quickly, I made my way to the dining room and grabbed a packet of baby carrot sticks, ripping the back open and chewing on them on my way to school.

     As I walked out the door, several people greeted me, smiling and waving. Hana, who I hadn't seen in a while, waved and smiled at me as well. I returned the gesture, attempting to smile with carrots in my mouth. Are they all smiling because I'm smiling?

     I entered the school, finishing up my bag of carrot sticks. Throwing the empty bag away, I began to walk to class, but then someone stopped me.

          It was Lynetta.

     Crap. I crossed my fingers, hoping she wouldn't do anything devious such as mind controlling me or something. I really wasn't in the mood for that; I mean, come on! I just want to be cheery for once! Is that too much for ask for?

"Back off of Naoki-kun," she threatened, giving me a hideous death glare.

"And if I don't?" I replied back, a small smirk tugging at the edge of my lips.

"Try me," she scoffed, crossing her arms.

"Nobody wants to try you," I sassed, laughing to myself at what I had just said. I snapped my fingers in her face and walked off to class.

     I made it to class with a few minutes to spare. Why a few minutes to spare? Because some girl just had to waste my time with her moronic attempts to keep me away from Naoki, despite the fact that I had him first.