Holding On

Chapter Twenty-Seven

The following day, I had a plan. It was all mapped out in my mind like a tattoo inked into my skin. Today, I felt stronger than before. True friends are those who stick around to make enjoyable and admirable memories, but they also stick around through the tough times to help you get back up when you get knocked down. Lucky for me, I have three of those (Joey, Jake and Mason). For their sake, I will stand higher and never let anybody get to me. That being said, a boost of energy rushed into my blood lines striking up my adrenaline. Without turning back, I pushed the doors to my school open and walked in with my head held high. Whatever people say, it doesn't mean anything to me.

Jasmin and her crew almost immediately barge into my path. She spoke up, "Hello, Twerp," her voice so thin yet menacing and evil.

A smirk is plastered on my face, "Gru," I nod my head in salute to Jasmin. "Minions," I nod my head towards the crew. Gasps and faces of shock get thrown around the group, clearly being offended by meaningless words. Jasmin stared at me with a grim look on her face. She definitely did not approve of the insult. It was only a simple joke which they took to heart. Not my problem. When Jasmin opened her pursed lips to speak, I only grinned and walked by shoving her shoulder lightly, "Oops, I didn't see you there with your big ass shoulders, Gru." Then I walked to my locker with a smug look on my face, feeling better than ever.

I feel a tall shadow tower over me as I shut my locker. I gulp as I turn around slowly only to see Mason leaning on the locker across from mine. I narrow my eyes at him, "Screw you, man. You almost scared the shit outta me."

He chuckles lightly, "Well, hello to you too, madam."

A grin finds its way to my lips, "You're still an ass."

"I'm your ass," he smirks as he sends a wink in my direction.

I gasp in horror, sarcastically, "How dare you?!"

"You looked awfully happy this morning, any good news about Joey yet?"

A sigh escapes my lips as I slump my shoulders and shake my head, "Not yet," a smile spreads across my face once again, "but I'm sure he'll pull through."

Mason nudges my shoulder gently, "That's the spirit. Bee Tee Dubs, what was going on between you, Gru and the minions?" He chuckles.

"You know she pisses me off. Her looks, her appearance, her voice. Oh my lord, especially her voice. It's so low and 'innocent,' but very menacing. Like if you got in the way of their radiation, they'd poison you with venom. It's so evi..." I trail off, everything hitting me all of a sudden.

It's so low and 'innocent,' but very menacing. MENACING! Oh my gosh, it's her!

~Start of flashback~

She scoffed, "you listen and you listen clear. You agreed to do this and now you will follow through. Understood?" Her voice was low and tenderly soft, yet so menacing. The male figure didn't answer and the guy and himself proceeded to complete their task. I took this opportunity to make a run for the closest corner to me before they spotted me. I, being my clumsy self, bumped into the garbage can. It toppled over and bounced a few times making a clashing sound echo through the deathly silent building. Two sets of heavy feet were moving in my direction. I ran without looking back and slammed the front doors of the school open. When I was no longer in the school, I continued running until I have made it to the bus stop. There were a few others, so I was hidden, for now. I took deep breathes to stabilize my heavy breathing.

          Who could she have been? I know that voice, I've heard it before. I'm quite positive I have. Did she even go to my school?