Devil on the Rooftop [Book 1]

Chapter 37 - Arisa

According to Matilda, students were assigned a homeroom teacher at the beginning of the year, and a meeting was held twice a month to relay concerns and discuss all upcoming events. My homeroom teacher was on maternity leave, so Matilda had stepped in to take care of the class in her place. I couldn't believe how much she did. Not only was she part of the student council, but she played on the girls' soccer team, she lead the school's mediation program, participated in the debate team, and she held calligraphy classes at Jackheights' Elementary over the weekends. And my parents thought I was an overachiever. I had nothing on Matilda Hawkins.

We took the back exit of the academy and headed for the pathway behind the track field. Her hands were full with an archive box while I helped carry bags of binders and folders. I had no idea where we were going but Matilda assured me it wasn't far from the academy. Tomasia was supposed to deliver these documents yesterday, but she had something come up at home. I wondered what the student body president was like in her own abode. Her life must be full of glamour and luxury. How could it not be when her parents had so much influence over Jackheights and its students? I assumed like Matilda, Tomasia also had tons of extracurricular actives she took part in. I hadn't made an effort in joining a club this term. It would be too much to ask a club advisors to welcome a new transfer, so I decided to save that sort of thing for next year.

We reached a fork in the path and turned left into the neighbourhood park. I spotted a group of boys lounging on a play structure, ideally laughing, and cracking jokes. I didn't want to pay attention to them but I couldn't help myself. They looked like troublemakers.

Matilda continued to complain about some of the responsibilities that came with overlooking our class, but I only heard every second word she spoke. My attention was reserved for one of the boys; he was blonde, tall, and buff but something about his relaxed stance cautioned me. I realized I was staring when his sharp eyes locked on me.

Big mistake.

"Hi there!" he called.

My fight or flight instincts kicked in. I moved in front of Matilda as he made his way over with friends. I was not in the mood to deal with creeps right now but I wasn't confident I could avoid them either. If we ran, and they chased us, I could lose sight of Matilda. It wasn't a risk I was willing to take, not before I knew what they wanted.

"Well, aren't you ladies beautiful?" the guy commented. His build looked more impressive from afar; up close I realized he was an arm guy who neglected his legs at the gym. I could take him on. It wouldn't be an easy win but I could attempt it. His strawberry blonde hair was gelled back and I hated that it suited his oval structure. He was a pretty boy, through and through. Anyone would fall for him...if it weren't for his eyes. They were hazel coloured and empty, and when they focused on me, I felt shivers crawl down my spine.

"Do I know you?" I asked.

"Carter didn't tell you about us?" he asked, as his friends closed in behind him. I took note of as many faces as I could. From the bald guy, to the one wearing neon sneakers, the one with a fading scar on his face, and the one sporting a leather jacket.

"Look," I exhaled. "I don't know who you are or what you want but I suggest you let us pass."

"Or what?"

"Or you're going to regret it."

"She threatening us?" baldie chuckled, addressing his friend. "What a fucking joke. Hey, Dobberman. How about you let me handle this bitch instead?"

The one named Dobberman was quick to glare down his subordinate. "You don't get to touch the bait, you fucking moron," he scoffed. Those soulless irises flashed behind me. "Although, she looks like she would be up for a good time. I mean, check out those unbelievable knockers."

I heard Matilda drop the archive box. I didn't have to face her to know she was probably trembling with fear. Baldie laughed ruthlessly and made a move towards my friend. I quickly intercepted him by grabbing his arm and twisting it. I forced his body up right until my foot connected with the back of his ass. Then I dropped him face first onto the cement. The bags I was carrying slid onto the ground.

"Who's next?" I asked the stunned group.

"I would have fallen for you right now if my heart didn't already belong to Tommy," Dobberman said.

"Matilda," I said, choosing to ignore the creep. "Run. Hard and fast. Don't look back...just run."

"B-But," Matilda's voice was weak and frail. She was an athlete, which meant she had a better chance of escaping, especially without the archive box. If she got out and called for help then that would be enough, but if she stayed, I wasn't sure I could protect her to the best of my abilities.

"It's going to be okay," I said. "Leave them to me."