𝗗𝗘𝗘𝗣𝗘𝗥 | 𝗦𝗹𝘆 𝗥𝗶𝗱𝗴𝗲

04. Evil Pen

Same old, same old, I thought as I ignored my alarm clock on my old phone, followed by Dad dragging me out of bed. Since that didn't work, his next method of madness was an icy cold cup of water poured all over me. Thank goodness Mom intervened before the icy water was spilt. I was pretty sure it was mainly because she was sick of having to dry out all the wet sheets.

Now, let me think, in the past month the Nightmares had pushed me in front of a school bus—that was a really close one—hit me in the face with a football, spat on me, and pushed me down some stairs when we were having a tour of our new high school.

I was certain that Dillon wouldn't actually show up, though, because I had heard so many rumours that he was moving. Truth was, I didn't know what was worse when I was pushed down the stairs. The sharp pain that shot through my ankle or the fact that my dress flew over my head when I tried to save myself. I was never wearing a dress again. Ever. It wasn't until I was out of sight that the tears came flooding out due to the throbbing pain in my ankle and the whole embarrassment of it all. I'd never let the Nightmares see me cry again. Or at least I'd try.

Hmm, my sixteenth birthday is in two years and nine days. Would I even live that long? Despite my fear of not being able to survive past sixteen, I still had my goals for the future and they all involved being far away from the Nightmares. I had always wanted to go to Princeton University. Maybe if I was lucky enough, there would be a prince that would come along and save me from the sucky life I was living, but I didn't think that was why they called it Princeton University. I checked.

Anyway, at the rate life was slapping me in the face, I was never going to survive that long. You know what made me angry about it all more than anything? There was nothing I could do about it! No one would stand up for me because they were too scared, and now even the principal was beginning to turn a blind eye to it all. My escape plans could only last for so long.

To be able to achieve any of my goals, I had to get my grades up, which meant I had to go to school...no matter how much it hurt. That meant no more faking sick in class—except for today maybe. If today went the way I planned, maybe Mom would find a way to teach me at home now instead of later. It was a drastic plan, but what could I say? Drastic was my middle name...nah, just kidding. It was actually Faye.

I walked through the halls of Sly Ridge High, keeping my head down low, hoping to remain invisible. My new uniform was now black leggings—no more dresses for me—a midnight blue turtleneck, which I absolutely loved, and my usual black ugly shoes. I was sporting my everyday ponytail and my shoulder bag holding a very special school item for my brilliant plan.

I walked briskly to my English class, praying I wouldn't see Dillon or his goons along the way. They'd probably stuff me in a locker so I would be late for class.

The Nightmares knew all about Billionaire Betsy which was why I was extra nervous yesterday, afraid Dillon might bust my plan. He knew a lot of my plans because I used to talk about them in elementary school all of the time, but now it was time for me to step up and bring my brilliant plans to life. I was so tired of being picked on.

I stopped in front of the door to my class, suddenly feeling nauseous. Now was my last chance to back out. I took a deep breath, and entered. I swallowed with difficulty and pursed my lips as everybody's attention was averted to me. I hurriedly walked to the front of the class keeping an eye out for the Nightmares, aka, Dillon, Talin and Cornelius. So far, so good.

I sat at the front of the class, purposely. Just as I was about to put my plan into action, a loud thump echoed in front of me. I looked up from my bag and saw a big book in front of me.

"Ariana Coopers, you're late." Mr Archibald said.

I nodded my head softly. "Sorry." I whispered, my mind elsewhere.