Astray

32

"I actually had no idea that you were this popular on social media. I mean, you have close to eleven thousand followers, I have like ten. And I got only two likes on one picture I posted of mine riding a horse." Gracie says as she walks, looking into the phone.

I laugh. "Followers are not equal to friends, Grace."
"But still, look at your popularity. And oh my God, this picture is so cute!" She gushes.

"Are you fangirling over me?" I turn sideways to see her, not before looking at my watch to check how much time we still have left.
"I honestly adore your dressing style, your face, your charm, your everything!"

I pull her closer and give her a kiss on the cheek. Little does she know that I adore her more than she could possibly adore me.

We're in our little bubble when I come across Sassy. I ignore her and try to move ahead before she calls me.

"Lisa!"
I should've continued walking ahead without sparing her a second glance but when have I ever done things I should? I turn and stare at her.
"Gracie, you go, I'll join you later." I say and she nods, still engrossed in her phone, scrolling through my account.

"Yes, Cassandra?" I give her a fake smile. Somehow, my insides don't go in a turmoil when I see her anymore. I feel strong, the way I used to feel before things went down.

"Looking good. I see you went back to your little clothes style. Well, this suits you, you look like the chick you are." She purses her lips evilly as her eyes rake over my body. Merrie, Astrid and Paolo are standing beside her. She just can't go about without an army.

"Are you jealous? If yes, move out of my way." I reply and turn to walk away when she holds my wrist and pulls me back. I jerk her grip off my hand. She looks a little offended but she regains her control.

"Jealous of a little whore like you? Not my style, honey. What I wanted to ask was, are you and that Albert dating?" She leans towards my ear, as if whispering a secret.

"What if I say yes?" I cock my head to the side, raising my eyebrows suggestively.
"Oh, you deserve someone from the third class. No issues." She laughs evilly like those witches. She really is one. Such a bitch. I wonder how her parents tolerate her.

"Third class or someone so intelligent that you can't even talk to them for more than two minutes? Someone who is not like these fucktards you hang out with and actually has the substance?" I retort and she just rolls her eyes. It is like she is immune to insults because she gets so many of them.

"He might be smart and shit but you're still a sneaky slut, don't forget that."

It's like she doesn't let me forget. No one does. Bit by bit, I try to erase the memories from my soul, my mind, my heart; but they come and undo it all. I tried building the walls around me so high that nothing that comes from outside would affect me, but shit like this, I hate to admit, still gets to me. I step back a bit.

Slut.

Whore.

I should probably just di-

"Slut? Did you notice a pattern, Sassy? I mean, I do know that you are stupid but did this cross your mind, considering that you're so observant? The fact that Melissa was into all the wrongs only until she belonged to that little clique of yours? The moment she got out of it, she's been sober, focussed and so much better than she was. Not to forget, nicer. No wonder my parents warned me about the company I kept, you'll turn like the people you'll hang out with, they said. Who is the loser here?" A boy with voice clearer than crystal and more confident than ever resounds from behind me.

I smile without even turning. It is my favourite person in the world, I'd recognize him anywhere.

I smile smugly at Sassy who is now literally fuming as she stares behind me. The warmth of his body penetrates into mine, instantly calming me. Can humans heal other humans without even touching them?

"You got your answer, I hope." I slyly flick my hair behind my ear and walk away, holding Albert's wrist and dragging him along with me. Not really dragging, because he is walking voluntarily.

I never thought I'd say this, but he makes me feel like a princess. Like he knows that I can very well fight my own battles, but is also aware that I wouldn't mind a little help.

I keep pulling him along with me until we're in the library. The only time I leave his hand is when we pass by his mother's desk at the entrance. She doesn't notice us as she's busy talking to some other student so we sneak away quickly.

In the last row, I push him against the bookshelf and rest against the one opposite it.

"How are you there for me at all the right moments? Are you Superman?" I ask him, looking into his eyes, hoping to read them.

"Well, there is a saying that not all heroes wear capes." He shrugs, smiling.

"Some wear specs too now, don't they?" I say and sigh. "Thank you, Albert."

He pauses to study my face before straightening up and sighing, almost like a reflection of my actions. "Mel, you don't deserve all that shit they tell you. You're strong, just a bit broken right now. You see when your wounds will heal, you'll be indestructible and these assholes will regret doing all that they did to you-"

"Why?" I interrupt him.
"What?" He looks confused.
"Why? Why are you so good to me? You're too good to me."

"Because you're the stuff dreams are made of, and you deserve only the best in the world." He smiles ever so softly that I feel my body light up in all the right places.

"Can I say something too?"
"Please."
"Wait, let my actions say it."

And edging ever so slowly towards him, I lean close and press my lips to his.