Hidden Truths

Chapter 3: Towel Girl

[^gif above is Madison Cross, you guys will meet her in a second.]

Chapter 3: Towel Girl

Fighting to push past the nerves, I take a deep breath and walk into the school. I look around at my new school. It's just as grand as it looks outside. Loud chatter fills my ears as all the different students walk past me wearing versions of the school uniform. Colorful signs supporting all the Ashton Prep Hawks sports teams and promoting multiple clubs are hung up all around, encouraging others to join. There's a tall wooden trophy case displaying all of the schools medals, trophies and awards from past years.

I walk past the principal's office and see Theo sitting in the waiting area. I walk over to him and look at the clock hung up on the wall.

"What did you do? School started less than ten minutes ago." I accuse and he shrugs his shoulders.

"It's this stupid uniform. Ms. Briggs sent me to the principal,"

"Ms. Briggs?" I question.

"World History teacher. I guess I know why she teaches it. Her body's shaped like a globe," I let out a laugh and cover my mouth. I shouldn't laugh at that. He laughs with me but then stops when realizes what he's doing. I guess he's still not warmed up to me yet. I decided to give him a second chance after my talk with Grayson yesterday. I'm still pissed but I'm not gonna judge him just yet. The principal's door swings open and a semi-bald head appears, a frown filling his face. He's short and pudgy and doesn't look very happy to see Theo.

"Again, Theo? The school year just started." He sighs out and Theo turns to me.

"That's my cue," Theo says getting up and following the principal into the office. "Mr. Abrams you look especially dashing today, is that new cologne I smell?" He compliments before the door closes. I laugh before turning around and continuing in the direction I was originally heading in.

My shoes tap against the tile floor as I continue walking. It doesn't take me long before I realize I have no idea where I'm going. Looking around the hallway, I see a group of girls huddled near the wall.

They look friendly enough. I think after hearing their laughter and seeing their smiles. Working up the courage, I decide to ask them where the guidance counselor is. I walk up to them and clear my throat.

"Excuse me." I announce to the group. I get no reaction. They don't even turn around, instead continuing their conversation. Figuring that they didn't hear me, I tap the girl closest to me. "Um excuse me." I speak louder a tentative smile on my face. Just like that, the conversation and laughs stop and the girl turns and looks down at her arm in disgust, my finger still lingering on top of it. I pull my hand away confused at their reaction. Did I do something wrong?

"Did she just touch you, Maddie?" One of the girls whisper to her. While another whispers "Who is that?" The rest of the group all starts whispering to each other, their curious and accusing eyes trained on me. Like a switch, they immediately quiet down once Maddie puts her hand up as she makes eye contact with me. Her hair is platinum blonde but I'm pretty sure it's dyed because her brunette roots are showing. It still looks great on her though. Her eyebrows are perfectly plucked and a nice maroon lipstick covered her full lips. I re-adjust my bag and swallow. I guess they aren't as friendly as I thought.

"Did you need something?" She asks watching me. Her voice wasn't what I expected it to be. I expected something more...threatening? The way her friends were acting made me believe she was some type of Queen B. I couldn't figure out if she was trying to intimidate or if she was genuinely curious. Either way I felt uncomfortable. I surprisingly play it off though, even with all these eyes on me.