When He Noticed Me

Chapter 7

"Eveleah Seraph Halston!"

My eyes flashed open at the sound of Mum's shouting. Why so early? Reaching blindly for my phone, I found it and tapped the screen. 6:45. I could have had another ten minutes of sweet, sweet dreams. What the fudge, Mum.

"Did you hear me Eveleah?! I told you to come down here- I want to talk to you this second."

"I'm coming!" I yelled. 

I blinked my eyes a few times and stretched quickly, before stumbling down the stairs to the living room. My Mum sat on her favorite chair, a soft white recliner that was placed across from the circular maroon loveseat, and our large white L-shaped couch with Maroon colored pillows. See? We have a theme.

"What's the matter?" I ask, taking in my Mum's perfect poker face. 

"Sit down, Eve," She gestured at the couch and loveseat before continuing. "Yesterday, I received a phone call from the principal about an incident in the school bus. Is there anything you wish to tell me?"

"Yes," I say, fighting off a smile. "She was being a stuck-up brat to Cora, and insulting her in all manners she didn't deserve. So I slapped her."

"The principal said you punched her."

I smiled.

"That's probably because she passed out."

At this, Mum cracks a small smile, before quickly covering it up.

"Even though you did the right thing, sweetheart, what did we say about your school image?"

I sighed, guilty.

"I'm just a nobody. I'm a shadow. I don't socialize. I am one with the crowd, in the background. I get straight A's. Do not socialize with anyone who reveals actions of the enemy. I can't get close to anyone outside of Coralie and Dylan, it may get them killed." I repeat, monotonously.

Mum nods. 

She'd kill me if she knew that I actually hung out with Coralie, Dylan and others at school.

"Look, sweetie. I know I'm never going to compare to your real mother. I can't replace her. But we've been entrusted to take care of you, it was both her's and your fathers' last wish, and I intend to honor it. Your father got mixed up in some bad business, and your mother did, when she tried to help him out of it. They've wanted to keep that life away from you, so I'm doing as best as I can to keep you safe as well."

I nod vaguely.

It's your fault he's gone. My conscience tells me.

You don't have to keep reminding me.

"Now Eve, I just think it would be for the best, if you stopped taking the bus to school, to avoid further incidents like the one on the bus yesterday. We don't want things like that to end up on your school file. It would ruin your perfect reputation."

"But, Mum!" I started, but she cut me off with a stern look.

"I've taken the liberty of finding you someone to tutor, which fits your school image, in exchange that he provide you a ride to school daily. I met his mother at a book club in the library she runs. Her name is Madeline, and the young man you will be tutoring is her son."

Oh, how fantastic. Now I'd have to be stuck with the spawn of a woman who holds a book club in her library. 

He was probably some awkward kid that drives a rickety, rusted piece of junk that could break down at any given moment.