Light In The Darkness

Chapter 3

I looked down at my feet.

Why does he even care? He's just a new boy I barely even know. Why should I even consider confiding in him?

"It's just, um, my hayfever."

He rolled his eyes,

"Yeah, I've heard that one before. Come on, just tell me what's going on."

Turns out he's not as shallow as he looks.

"Look, I told you it's hayfever, okay? Just take my word for it and leave me alone!" I said, raising my voice.

He looked at me, imploringly. That look turned to frustration as he said,

"Fine! Sorry for trying to help," he yelled, before storming out.

I sighed, looking into the smudged mirror. I looked awful, with red puffy eyes and blotched cheeks.

Maybe I shouldn't have been so dismissive. Urgh, what the hell is wrong with me??

After a few moments of self reflection, (mostly criticism), I glanced at my phone. I was late. For calculus. With Mr Butler. Possibly the scariest teacher alive.

Someone remind me why I chose that subject.

I walked to the back of the classroom, going red as everyone stared at me. I guess it's just something I need to get used to.

"Miss Spencer, how wonderful it is to grace us with your presence," Mr Butler said mockingly.

I went a deeper shade of red as I heard some stifled sniggering from the front.

"I think you know the consequences for being late, Miss Spencer."

He ripped a slip from his desk and strode over to my desk. Once he gave me the note, I knew I had detention.

He leaned over my desk and loud-whispered:

"Maybe that will teach you to be on time."

I bent my head down, trying to hold back tears. Little things like detentions never used to get to me before. Why now?

I noticed Toby glance at me from the front of the class. He turned back to the front, livid.

"Sir, I don't think that's fair," he said with gritted teeth.

"Mr Riviere, you will raise your hand when you wish to speak," Mr Butler snapped viciously.

Toby rolled his eyes and raised his hand. Mr Butler reluctantly accepted it.

"I saw Ashley go to the toilet before class, sir. She just lost track of time."

"Regardless, she turned to class late," Mr Butler raising his voice.

"Sir, she didn't know she was late. Please don't give her detention." Toby pleaded Mr Butler.

Even though what he was doing was beyond sweet, the question still lingered in my mind from before.

Why did he even care?

The whole class was looking between me, Mr Butler and Toby. It was growing more uncomfortable by the second.

Mr Butler, looking severely agitated, said in a dangerously soft voice:

"Mr Riviere, if Miss Spencer wanted a lawyer she would've asked for one."

The whole class was laughing openly now, turning Toby increasingly red.

I noticed Mr Butler act as if an evil idea has just popped into his mind.

"Now, now, for wasting time, answering back and being defiant towards a member of staff...you'll be joining Miss Spencer at the end of the day.

The laughing died down a little.

Toby scowled as Mr Butler placed a detention slip on his desk.

Oh man. I can't wait for this day to be over already.