Weakness (Tom Riddle: Enemies to Lovers)

Chapter 12

On Monday morning potions class was a bit awkward. Me and Tom sat next to each other without saying a word. I was contemplating whether I should at least say good morning, but Tom never went out of his way to talk with me. I alway initiated our conversations.

After Potions I went to the restroom to freshen up. I noticed a familiar girl standing over the sink, it was Shreya. Moving in front of the mirror I fluffed up my hair and straightened my tie, trying to ignore her stare.

She broke the silence and blurted out "I've heard you're going out with Charles Ruetic." She tucked her dark hair behind her ear and flashed a fake smile.

I had a feeling she wanted me to say yes. That would mean I had no interest in Tom, and I knew she saw me as 'competition'.

"Actually we only went on one date. I accompanied him in return for Tom Riddle's diary.", I replied.

Shreya scoffed, "Tom Riddle.", she said with a condescending laugh. "Must you go for every guy in the school?"

"Excuse me?". I said and turned to face her.

"You heard what I said. Everyone knows you're a little tramp. Plus it's not like you could get Tom anyway, I've got him wrapped around my finger.", she replied with a satisfied smirk.

I had a strong urge to smack her across the face.

"Just because guys actually pursue me that doesn't mean I'm tramp.", I said sharply, raising my voice. "You really think you have Tom wrapped around your finger? Funny, he didn't bring you up when I was with him Saturday night"

Shreya turned bright red. "You think you can just walk in and take him from me?"

"I don't think failing at romancing him for the past four years makes him yours.", I said nastily. I knew I was acting immature, but I didn't like people insulting me.

Shreya clearly hit her limit. She pulled out her wand and pointed it at me.

"Try something, I dare you." I said unbothered.

She looked like she wanted to say something but instead she lowered her wand and strutted away.

After I left the bathroom, I met up with Selene in the corridor. While walking to our respective classes she questioned me about Malcolm.

"You haven't spoken to Malcolm lately have you?"

"No why would I?", I responded confused.

"Oh I don't know... it's just he seems to talk about you quite a bit, I couldn't help but wonder if you've been meeting with him.", she said looking down.

Shreya's words struck me hard. Everyone knows you're a little tramp. Maybe Selene had thought I met with Malcom on Saturday night, not Tom. She had woken up and saw me leave the dorm, but I didn't mention where I was going.

"Selene I would never! I know how much you like him.", I said kindly.

"You're right it's stupid of me.", she said dismissing the topic. Turning to walk into her lesson she added dryly, "See you later."

I could feel hurt building up inside me. Tears filled my eyes and I wiped them away. Maybe Shreya was right.