BEAUTY FROM ASHES

ELEVEN

~You gotta train your mind to be stronger than your emotions or else you'll lose yourself every time~
-Unknown

-Next Day-

Today is Thursday, oh how I love Thursdays. It's a reminder that you've made it through majority of the week.

I had a double Chemistry this morning, and I aced both my tests. I then had Biology with Aiden and even he was in a good mood.

Although I was in such a good mood I couldn't help but become curious at all the whispers and talks in the hallways today. People kept on saying, "The squad has returned." Or "The squad is uniting today." But I brushed it off.

Then I had lunch. They served mac and cheese today, which I gladly accepted. I then sat down with the girls and pulled out my study notes for my Physics test after break.

I was studying and ignoring all the chattering at the table. Then I glanced up and saw the boys walking towards the table with their friend. I couldn't make out how he looked yet as they were still far away. Of course, Hailey had to hug the poor dude.

I continued studying and eating my Mac and cheese. The girls sat, ate and chattered. The guys then approached our table I was so engrossed in my notes that I forgot to look up. The boys were all seated and then I looked up and I immediately  wished I hadn't.

I locked eyes with Levi. He was shocked to see me. "Milea?" I shook my head,  quickly grabbed my stuff and ran out.

I ignored there calls for me I just ran. I went to the bathroom and just sat in a stall. I was numb. I was emotionless.

He is their friend. The reason they were all so jumpy and happy. Do they know? Is that why Aiden dislikes me so much? Why is this happening to me?

I heard the bathroom door swing open and I hear two familiar voices. "Milea. It's me and Bell. We know you're in here, let us in please."

I shut my eyes and focused on my breathing. I kicked open my door and they came rushing in. My eyes were still closed.

They gave me a moment. I opened my eyes and stared at them. "Milea, why'd you run off like that?" I stared at Bell. "I-I don't want to talk about it, if that's okay." They nodded.

They hugged me and held my hand as I tried to pull myself together. I was not going to let Levi do this to me. The bell rang and I stormed outside the bathroom and headed to Physics with the girls right trailing behind me.

I was mad. In fact, I was livid. I had enough time to cry in the past. I never gave myself time to actually be mad.

I walked into Phyiscs and ignored all he whispering and stares and I sat down and wrote my paper.

         AIDEN'S POV

What was that? Why did she just storm off like that? Surely I didn't do or say anything?

I stared at the boys feeling extremely confused. Liam furrowed his eyebrows, "Maybe she needed a tampon?" Connor threw him with his plastic fork. Liam glared, "Hey!"

Levi was quiet. He just stared at Milea's now empty spot. I stared at him, "Sorry that you had to witness that man. I honestly don't know what's gotten into her."

Levi ran a hand threw his hair. I furrowed my eyebrows as I rembered something, "Levi, how do you know her anyway?" Levi locked eyes with me, "It's nothing man. Listen, I gotta uhm get my books from my locker." He got up and walked away.

I glared at all the people that were staring. Connor furrowed his eyebrows. "This isn't making sense. Something's up." I nodded.

I watched how Hailey got up from her table and walked out minutes after Levi did. I waited till she disappeared and then I got up and walked out.

I tried following her but she saw me. She smiled, a really fake smile I might add. "Babe, why are you following me?" I sighed and clenched my jaw, "Where's Levi?"

She shrugged, "Not sure." I nodded and walked in a different direction.

          MILEA'S POV

It was the end of the day and I caught a lift with Ava. I stared out the window for most of the drive home, but I couldn't help but feel guilty at all the sympathetic glances she shot my way.

I thanked her and hopped out, I love that she knew I needed my space and drove home instead of coming inside.

I walked in and my mom's smile faltered as she saw I walked in alone. My mom got up and walked to me, "Hey honey, is everything alright?"

I sighed and shook my head. She hugged me and she put my bag down and brought me to the couch.

I sighed, "Levi's back. He attends Valley View High as well. To make matters worse, he is in the same friendship circle as I am." My mom was stunned and she was uneasy, I can see it.

But she kept her cool and hugged me and kissed my forehead. "Milea, listen to me. Just forget about him for now and focus on your schoolwork and academics. You are a strong girl, and your brave and bold. Never forget that."

I teared up and hugged her once again. I love our pep talks, she speaks from her heart and that's one of the things I love about her.