Devil on the Rooftop [Book 1]

Chapter 35 - Arisa

When Loyal and Khaleel didn't show up to third period, Mr. Hermans turned to me for answers. I wasn't sure why he thought I would know—maybe he assumed we were close. I didn't hesitate to correct him. I assured him I had no interest in their daily escapades, which unfortunately, prompted him to lecture the class about punctuality. He said we were lucky to have a teacher who gave a shit about attendance because once we graduated, we would become mere numbers to our university and college professors. He said no one was going to hold us accountable in the real world and that we would have to become that person for ourselves. I hated that everyone but the jerks who deserved the lecture were there to listen. It wasn't fair. I almost told Mr. Hermans that but bit my tongue. Mouthing off to the teacher was a sure way to attract more attention to myself.

Fifteen minutes later, the classroom fell silent. We took out our workbooks and copied today's lesson plan off the blackboard. I was finally able to enjoy some peace and quiet. There was no one threatening to make my life difficult and no one kicking the back of my chair for a laugh. And unlike yesterday, I actually had something to look forward to after school. I wasn't a fan of shopping but I suggested it to make friends with Matilda. Yes, today was going to be great. I could feel it.

"Psst!" someone hissed from behind.

My brows narrowed as I glanced back at the speaker. I didn't know this boy but he had taken over Khaleel's seat. No—maybe he was the one the delinquent bullied out of the spot yesterday? "Yes?" I asked.

"You really should have stayed single," he said, a villainous smile creeping on his bruised face. He had a nasty black eye and a deep scabbing cut by his hairline. Goosebumps slid down my spine and confirmed my suspicion from lunch. Someone had been watching me—possibly this guy, but why? I didn't know him. I hadn't done anything to get on his radar. Did transferring into Jackheights halfway through the term really make me that special? No. Of course it didn't.

"What?" I asked, my body tensing up.

He kissed his teeth annoyed that he had to repeat himself. "I said you should have stayed single."

"The only sound I want to hear right now is pencils scrapping paper," Mr. Hermans called out. "Get back to your own seat, Derek."

So, he wasn't the one Khaleel bullied out of the spot yesterday? Okay, then who was he? Derek stared at Mr. Hermans indifferently. "I won't ask again," the teacher said.

Derek slightly raised his hands, conceding. It seemed like he was only moving because he wanted to not because he was scared. I couldn't help but glare at him as he took the desk by the back wall. What did he mean by I should have stayed single? When did I get a boyfriend? What kind of nonsense was coming out of that busted mouth?

"The next person to talk out of turn will be sent to the dean's office," Mr. Hermans announced. He was once again taking the actions of one student and using it to lecture the entire class. "Have I made myself clear, Derek Carter?"

That's when it hit me.

Yesterday, during first period, there was a boy Mrs. Patterson had to address for being a creep. He was the one who asked about my relationship status! My head spun back in his direction.

"Gross," I whispered to myself. Maybe that's why he was watching me? He was serious about making a move. I shook my head. Let him try something. I would only add to the bruises on that smug face.

By the time history was over, I hurried out of the classroom as soon as possible. I had no intention of hearing anymore lectures or speaking with Derek. He made me uncomfortable, more than all the rooftop losers combined. I didn't like the way he looked at me either, his expression was eerie and strange, like a villain out of a movie. When I reached the girls' locker room for last period, I received a text from Matilda. It looked like she had some last-minute student council paperwork she had to deliver before we headed to the mall.

'How about I go with you?' I typed.

Matilda was quick to message back. 'Are you sure?'

'Yes. Definitely.'