Secrets, Lies, and Deception

Chapter 4: The Train

9:05 AM, 3rd of August

It's been two days since I had that encounter with Mr. Transferee at the cafe. The next day after that night, I was expecting new treatment from the people around me, like people glaring and whispering with disgust on their faces, but I was wrong. Nothing has changed. He could have told anyone, but he chose not to? What is his end goal?

Whenever I see him in class, he is nothing but the innocent guy and a teacher's pet. Every nerd girl is swarming over him during breaks, but the elite girls know better than to hang out with a charity student.

He is getting on my nerves! What is going inside his head? Should I talk to him?

"Ms. Harper! Since you are not listening AGAIN during my discussion, please bring the papers to my office before lunch," Professor Abrams said.

"I could help, Professor Abrams!" Transferee guy said while raising his right hand and then looked at me and winked.

Oh, God! If looks could kill, I can kill him right there and then.

I could not concentrate during class. All I could ever think is when and how will my life end here in school. I thought I could really "fake it til you make it" until Graduation, but I guess I was just dreaming.

Bell rang for lunch. The transferee guy and I grabbed the papers for Professor Abrams.

"You girls go ahead and have your lunch without me. I still need to pass these papers to Professor Abrams' office," I said to Valerie.

"Wait, what? Can't you just leave it all to Mr. Transferee guy over there to do the heavy lifting, Lu? Or just call another person to do it?" Valerie questioned me with a confused look.

Of course, Valerie! I can absolutely do that, if only he has nothing on me.

"Yeah, I know, but remember Headmistress Brown called me into her office yesterday, and it was Grandpa actually. He told Headmistress Brown that I should be an exemplary student of the school," I explained why the change of behavior. Whenever Grandfather's name pops up, they know best not to go against his word.

"Oh, okay. Then see you later!" Valerie said and then left.

After gathering all the papers from the class, we head towards Professor Abrams' office. I was the one leading the way, and he was quietly following me from behind. The silent treatment is really nerve-wracking. I just want this to be delivered immediately and be off.

Sadly, we are using the emergency staircase up to the Professor's lounge because the students were jam-packed at the elevator. We can't really wait since we have a deadline to catch.

After how many steps we have taken, I stop and breathe in deep. I turned around and faced him. I was shocked to see him smiling.

"My, my... You can't handle the pressure, are you now, Queen B?" he said, smirking.

"P-pressure? What pressure? What are you t-talking about?" I said, obviously stammering and breaking a sweat. I turned my back again away from him and started walking again, but he pulled me into him, causing me to drop the papers. He caressed my face with his index finger and lifted my chin to face him. His other hand was on my back, holding me for me not to lose my balance.

"Don't look so surprised, my Queen. I will not say a word... Not a word, I promise..." He said. I stood up and took the papers that I dropped one by one, yet my hands turned ice cold when I heard him whisper to my right ear his last two words.. "or not."

He continued walking up while I was left dumbfounded to where I was.

I cannot let him be the end of me.