Discoveries

-Chapter 21: One's Place in the World-

-Cassie-

School was a nightmare. I despised every minute of it, surrounded by unfriendly teachers and a lack of friends. How could anyone actually enjoy this place? And to top it all off, I had the misfortune of being the new girl. Just my luck.

The day had been a series of unfortunate events. I clumsily ran into a pole and bumped into three people on my way to second period. Now, as I braced myself for fourth period, I could only hope to avoid slipping on a banana peel or something equally ridiculous. How could this day possibly get any worse?

I got my answer when I saw Rafe, the notorious troublemaker, making a beeline toward me. Great.

"So, your name's Cassandra," he said, slinging his arm around my shoulders. "Glad to see you've been staying away from those three."

I knew exactly who he was referring to. I tried to wiggle out of his grip, but his arm was like a vice. I felt completely trapped.

"Please go away," I silently pleaded, but he just laughed.

"What's wrong, kid? Scared?" he taunted, positioning himself in a way that pinned me against the wall.

"P-please, m-move," I stuttered, feeling utterly helpless.

Why was I always so weak in these situations?

"And if I don't?" he challenged, his tone laced with menace.

I didn't know what to say. I didn't have an answer. But something told me he didn't actually want one.

He chuckled darkly. "If you mess up, kid, I'll make sure to make your life hell."

If only he knew what my life was already like.

"Rafe?" a familiar voice called out. "What are you doing?"

I turned to see Jessica standing there, her arms crossed and a scowl on her face. Rafe quickly turned around and offered her some lame excuse, but I didn't stick around to hear it. As soon as he was distracted, I bolted. I didn't stop running until I reached the nearest bathroom. Locking myself in a stall, I leaned against the wall, gasping for breath. I covered my face, trying to muffle my heavy breathing.

"You really can't catch a break, can you, Cas?" a voice suddenly spoke from above me.

Startled, I looked up to see Jessica peering down at me.

"What... what are you doing?" I stammered, a mix of surprise and shock washing over me.

"I just wanted to see if you were okay," she said casually, as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened.

"Do you realize how bad this looks?" I blurted out, still trying to process everything.

"Not many people come to this bathroom during class, so I think we're good," she replied, stepping down from the toilet she had been standing on.

Unlocking my stall door, I cautiously emerged and found Jessica still there. Strangely, I felt a little bit better after talking to her. Human emotions are bizarre. One moment, I could be terrified out of my mind, and the next, I'm surprisingly calm, as if nothing had happened.

"I guess we should get to class, right?" I suggested, trying to regain some normalcy.

"I guess so," Jess shrugged. "I'm actually planning on ditching; it's already halfway through."

I stared at her, puzzled. How could the class president simply decide to ditch?

"Well, see ya around," Jess said, flashing a smile. "Stay safe, and if Rafe or his goons start bothering you, let me know. I'll take care of them myself."

I nodded, grateful for her offer, before leaving the bathroom and making  my way to class.