Shadowteer

Chapter 26

The gang couldn't meet up much during the rest of the holidays. Everyone had their own things to do with the family, some were travelling like Meera who left a disappointed Kemen behind in Paris to go to India and Manon was left on her own. Her depression grew worse but she was grateful they at least remembered her enough to call her and text her. She talked to Chris everyday, feeling sorry for the boy. He was the most stressed out of all of them.

Chris got into Instagram and posted a few pictures. Sadly, thanks to his relationship with his brother and his beautiful face, he got instafamous and he was getting asked to do photo shoots and join the modelling industry. His brother used his face in some of his album covers and that just made him more famous.

Manon entered her church the day before school and knelt down in front of the altar. She prayed to get out of the depression though she doubted it was possible, prayed for Chris with all the stress he was under and for Alya who was found to be three months pregnant. She was so into it she didn't notice a figure drifting towards her. She felt the foam dip as someone knelt down next to her and side glanced at the person before she froze.

"Wh- Riley?!"

"Shh. Don't scream baby doll, we're in church, remember?" Chills ran down her spine when he placed his arm on the small of her back, holding her head to see her face. "Still adorable. See you around kid."

She balled up her fists as he stood up and walked away before wiping away some tears from her eyes. One of the many mistakes she had made in her preteen years was dating Riley Valentine and it seemed he was coming back to haunt her. She got up, disturbed and left.

By the time school had started, Chris was dealing with fangirls from all corners and reporters thirsty for an exclusive interview with the elusive boy. He never did any interviews. He might have been famous but he was still pretty shy at heart.

"Hey Manon." They settled down during History class and he rolled his eyes when girls gawked at him, pulling his hood lower to cover his face. They talked about how hot and mysterious he was, making he and Manon exchange fake barf faces until someone walked in. It seemed they were going to have to deal with a substitute teacher on the first day of school. Weird.

The man looked around before catching the eye of a girl at the back. Manon noticed the look but ignored it, turning to the teacher when he cleared his throat. "Good morning all, my name is Monsieur Bernard, I am your substitute teacher for History today. I would like- wait, excuse me, young lady at the back!"

She blinked, her eyes wide and stood up. "U-uh yes sir?"

"Take off that scarf. It is against the school rules to wear it in class." Manon rose an eyebrow. When was that added to the rule book? Nino wore a cap to school all the time and never got into trouble for it.

"Sir, I don't think it is-"

"Well Ms. Chamack, it is against the rules in my class to wear such. Take it off now." The girl swallowed and shook her head. Manon rose an eyebrow. How did he know her name?

"I can't sir. This is my hijab. I kinda have to wear it, my father is strict about this sort of thing and I'm Muslim so... I'm sorry but no." The man crossed his arms. Manon noticed that she was the only Muslim in the class other than Chris and felt an urge to help her. She glanced at Chris. He sat down, silent.

"You will not wear that in my class."

"Sir, plea-"

"Would you like to go to the principal's office on your first day young lady?" She shook her head, gazing around the class quietly for some help. Chris cleared his throat and stood up.

"Sir, excuse me but I'm a Muslim too and I would appreciate it if you tried to understand why she's wearing it. I mean, if I took that rosary off your neck and threw it on the floor, would you be happy? Please try to tolerate it, it's a part of our religion." The girl smiled at him gratefully. He nodded once and turned to the substitute. He scowled and walked out of the class without a word. The class cheered Chris on for giving them a free period. The girl walked over and tapped Chris gently.

"Uh... I just wanted to say thank you for sticking up for me and all. Not that many people would have done that." Manon rolled her eyes. I would've.

"It's fine."

"I'm new to this school. Just came in this term. I'm Zainab. You are?"

"Chris. You have a nice name." She went slightly red and smiled. Manon looked at both of them for a minute before getting up. This was literally the second to the last term after which they would go to higher indtitutions. How could she be allowed to enter? She sighed a little. Mr. Domoncles was back so Ms. Bustier had stepped down as Vice Principal and he was the principal meaning this was his doing, not hers.

"Well, it's time for me to go. I have Biology. You have P.E. in the gym to go to, right Chris? Hurry along, wouldn't want to keep coach waiting or bother the new girl." She ws pushing Chris out of the door when Zainab grabbed his hand.

"Uh... I actually have P.E. too so we can go together? Maybe you can show me around on the way? If you want, that is." He looked down at their intertwined hands and retracted his awkwardly, trying to think of a way to escape. He nodded and left Manon with Zainab. He had hoped to talk to her about the weird way he was feeling but it could wait.

Manon stared at them going down the hall together and tried not to think about killing herself. Whoops. Too late.

I named her Zainab after a classmate of mine that's left ny school. We weren't close at all but the name popped into my head. I hate relarionship drama. I'll be sure to destroy her in the next chapter maybe.