The Price of being Pretentious

Chapter Twenty-two: Fallen

It was already the posting of the result for our Final exams. I was early again like I always do during the posting of results. It was a rainy day. I closed my umbrella as I entered the lobby. I waited across the Announcement board like always.

Moments later, I felt dizzy due to lack of sleep. I sat on the floor forcing myself to stay awake. The cold was making me even more sleepy. I could feel my eyelids were drooping. I felt something warm was wrapped around me. I forced myself to wake up even though I was still sleepy. I realized that a black jacket was draped between my shoulders. I glanced up, then I saw Paris.

'Next time don't let yourself sleep in the lobby, you are very vulnerable.' He said as he kneeled in front of me so his face would level mine.

'I don't look vulnerable.'

'Deny it. Anyone could steal a kiss from you.'

'What is it to you? I would give them ten consecutive punches for every kiss.'

He snorted. 'Don't be so full of yourself. Even though you can fight, you are still a girl. You should be extra careful.'

'No, they should be,' I stopped as I was surprised when he gave me a peck on the lips

'See? You are vulnerable.'

I was out for a second. Still surprised.

'Urgh! How dare you steal a kiss?!'

'Uhuh. Now, where are the ten consecutive punches? Huh? Where?' He asked superfluously. 'Come on, London.'

'You're looking for it? I'll make you wish not to kiss me again. Come here, bastard!'

We ran into the empty halls of the school. I stopped chasing Paris when I saw the staff holding a roll of white paper and an adhesive tape. I ran towards the staff seeing that the result was already posted.

'The London Bridge is falling.' The staff sang the nursery rhyme in the hallway before leaving.

My brows creased. Then it occurred to me that I should see the results. I hurriedly looked at the top of the list. My heart made a loud bang on my chest. It was tightening like being gripped.

'My spot.' I muttered as tears started to form.

I blinked twice to see to it that I read it right. But the words were the same. They didn't change. It was still written as "Simmons, Paris". My spot was already taken. The worse was with just a one-point difference he took away my spot. The London bridge has truly fallen.

'London I did it! I promised dad to be the top one this time.' He said cheerfully, pointing to the top portion of the results.

I was silent. I looked at him, feeling betrayed by what happened. He might've seen the tears falling from my eyes when he rushed towards me.

'London? What's wrong?' He asked, looking concerned. He held me on my shoulders.

'Don't touch me.' I said coldly as I turned away.

'What?'

'Let go!' I shouted.

'Hey, hey. Did I do something wrong?'

I laughed insolently. 'Yeah, right. Good for you! Congrats!' I shouted again, then I shook off his hands.

'London, where are you going?! London!' Paris shouted as I ran away.

I ran to get out of the lobby. I didn't look back. Though, I want to come back for my umbrella. I didn't want to tell Paris what would happen to me, because of what he did. I was so lost that I don't know what to do anymore. The beatings played inside my mind like a movie. Those bruises that I don't want to feel again. I could feel the cold rain pouring all over me. I wish it would wash away those memories, but it won't. It just damn won't. I kept on walking until my weary feet dragged me to Lloyd's shop at the Fashion Capital. I could stay anywhere but I can't stay home tonight. I would rather die than go home.