Spirited Away To You

Chapter-9: A Gentleman?

MIKAYLA WAS TRAILING behind me till we reached the restroom. Just as the doors enclosed us, I turned towards her.

''Mikkie-'' 

"I'm really sorry Abby, it's all my fault," Mikayla said tearing up at the end.

"Hey, it's not your fault, Mikkie...she had it coming anyways,'' I sighed. 

"Believe me, Britney was never like this, she-"

So that bitch had a name.

"Why are you defending her? She insulted you in front of the whole cafeteria," I said cutting her off, my brows furrowing at the end. 

"She used to be my friend before- umm," Mikayla hesitated visibly before sighing, "She has gone through a lot, and I know that doesn't excuse any of her behavior but she's just very upset that's all."

I looked at Mikayla, who was staring at the glazing tiles to avoid my look, my mind clouding with the fact that Mikayla was friends with her before. There was so much to know but I had vowed to myself not to intervene in anything. With a slight nod, I pushed down the matter.

What could have Britney gone through to be like this? I pondered for a moment.

The bell rung signaling it was the end of lunch.

"We should get going," Mikayla started walking away as soon as she spoke but muttered in a meek voice, ''Thank you Abby for standing up for me.'' I smiled even though she couldn't see it. Even in my previous school, there were always such mean students picking on others. I was one of them even but could never stand up for myself. It felt different today. Somewhat resembling victory.

 As Mikayla pushed open the door, I saw Elijah waiting for her outside with a guilty look. That prick of a boyfriend just sat there letting his girlfriend be insulted. What a joke. Well, Mikayla probably saw something in him that I couldn't.

My schedule had Arts printed as my next class, for which I didn't apply so I went to the office to ask for a replacement. The same old snarky lady there informed me that it would take at least a day, if not two, to fix my schedule, until then I practically had free period in Arts classes.

I was heading to the field to watch football or some sports to pass the time but suddenly knew where I could utilize the time in. Let the truth unfold, damn Spirit.

☆☆☆

He was still there where I thought he would be. A bit hidden, but still laying with his hands as a support of pillow on the dry, crisp grass. The enormous oak tree above gave a nice shade of haven from the fiery sunrays. As I neared, he still wasn't moving. I was getting a bit worried if he was okay. Also, which school lets their staffs take a nap on school grounds?

I noticed how he wasn't wearing the same clothes from before. Instead, he was dressed in a comfy t-shirt and slim fit trousers. A teacher wouldn't wear such an outfit. Then again who would give this guy a job as a teacher, ignoring the fact he looked young to be one. I crouched down near him, but he still wasn't moving. I tried placing my head over his chest to hear his beating. 

Well, the keyword being 'tried.'

He pushed me, no correction- he threw me with such a force which was strong enough to knock me off of my crouching position and kiss the grass. I flopped my head, my mouth scrunching up from the distasteful taste of mud, ready to murder the jerk but saw him struggling to catch his breath.

"Jeez woman, what were you thinking?" He breathed out, his voice drowsy from sleep. 

"Sorry for actually checking if you were alright," I said, a bit agitated but nevertheless calmly as I saw him have difficulty breathing. 

He was faced ahead while heaving out deep breaths with his eyes etched close, showing discomfort. My mouth tugged up in guilt, knowing I probably gave him a heart attack with the sudden arrival.

"Take in deep breaths and slowly let it out," I instructed the rule that I always followed whenever I had anxiety attacks. It seemed to work on him as his breathing slowly got even. With a sigh, I plopped down beside him studying him again.

In the light, I could make out most of his face. His features were sharp and strong- a prolonged square face with high cheekbones and a slightly crooked nose.

His dark brown hair was ruffled from sleep but it gave me an urge to run my fingers through to see if it was as soft as I imagined. His eyes were hooded but when he looked up at me, my heart fluttered seeing the hazel eyes shine in the sunlight. It even had little specks of green in them. 

I needed to stop staring.

"Thank you." I broke out of my stance and found him smiling at me. He had a very childlike smile.

"It's just you know, I was kind of used to being alone but now that someone can see me... it's a 'lil strange."

Like that, my smile was gone, replaced by a scorn.

"Can you please stop saying that, it's really annoying," I sighed, my shoulders slouching, "makes me feel like I am going crazy."

"You aren't going crazy, trust me," he said firmly, his eyes suddenly pleading me to believe him, "No one can see me, I'm a dead being. A spirit."

I opened my mouth to interject but he cut me to it,

"I can prove it."

''Prove how?'' I asked, my curiosity spiking.

''I don't know, still thinking,'' he said looking away.

''Or you're gonna run away.''

''What? No, I won't-''He stopped when he saw me picking up my bag. I dusted off the dirt and proceeded to walk away.

"Wait for me at the doors after school, I promise I will prove it to you." The words halted me.

"Why not now?" I asked, facing him sideways.

"Well, you see you woke me up from a very pleasant slumber, mind scaring the hell out of me, that's the least I can ask you," he said stretching his hands and yawning a bit. I acted to think about it for a second before answering,

"Fine, but if you fail I'm gonna report to every asylum for a missing person."

I don't know if he took it as seriously as I did, but a charming smile broke out on his face as he bowed down in a manner to mock his gentleman attribute,

"As you wish."

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Surprise, surprise! Two chapters in one day! Hope you guys like it and do vote, share and comment. Love you all!<3

Your friendly author,
Zafna