Torn » h.s./marcel

Chapter 30: Protection

Chapter 30: Protection

Allie's POV

I woke up smiling the next morning. I was always waking up smiling ever since I announced my relationship with Marcel.

Now that the long weekend was over, it would be the first time we returned to school since prom. I was both excited and nervous for the student body's reaction to Marcel and I's new relationship together.

I got out of bed and took a quick shower. I brushed my hair and put in a headband, leaving it down. I pulled a periwinkle sweater over my head and put a purple scarf over that. I wore blue skinny jeans and a pair of normal converse. I applied makeup and grinned at my reflection. I was ready.

I clambered down the stairs quickly and grabbed my book bag. I didn't bother eating breakfast. I gently closed the front door behind me and power-walked to Rachel and I's meeting place. I didn't see her there. Too late, I remembered that we weren't friends anymore. Oh well, her loss. I walked alone to school.

When I walked into school, all eyes turned to me. That's not what made me nervous. I was used to that. What made me nervous was that everyone was glaring at me.

"Loser!" someone shouted.

"Moron!" another added.

"Whore!" a third squealed.

Gradually the entire hallway started to call me names. I felt my heart shrivel up into nothingness, and my stomach clenched. This was what Marcel had to go through everyday. I used to be one of those jerks.

Just ignore them, I told myself. They don't know the real you. They don't know the real Marcel. They're just freaks after popularity.

I straightened my spine and stuck my nose in the air. I strolled down the hallway confidently, ignoring all the taunts and jabs. But that didn't make them hurt any less.

I stopped by my locker and spun the dial on the lock. Someone pushed into me, and I stumbled. I nearly dropped my book bag, but I caught the strap. My breath hissed through my teeth.

"Not so snotty now that you're a loser, huh, Allie?" a familiar voice mocked me, and I bit my cheek. Not now.

"What do you want, Kendall?" I sighed.

"This is so funny," she snickered. "Who knew you were such a crybaby, coward, and loser? Oh yeah, everyone!"

I rolled my eyes as she laughed. "Oh, hardy-har-har," I said sarcastically. "Are you done? I need to get to class."

"Wow, so now you're a nerd? Ha, you and Marcel are perfect for each other!"

I gave her a tight smile. "Thank you. I thought we were perfect for each other too. Now move your ass."

Kendall gaped at me. She obviously wasn't getting the reaction out of me that she wanted. She narrowed her eyes.

"Where's your nerdy little boyfriend now?" she demanded. "He doesn't seem to be in a hurry to be with you!"

"He's probably handling the same mockery as I am," I replied calmly. "It's probably stalling him. Since it's clear that you're not going to move anytime soon, I'll just go around you."

I brushed past her and broke eye contact with her, a lump forming in my throat. But I forced myself to keep my pace the same as I walked down the hall.

As soon as I was sure I was out of sight, I ducked into the girls' bathroom. I dropped my things and they landed on the floor with a massive whap! I pressed my back up against the wall and struggled to hold back tears.