My High School Life [Rewritten - Ongoing]

25. [Isabella]

As the days wane, the nights grew darker. In just a few weeks, the vibrant hues of autumn were gone. Replaced in its place was a transient beauty that illuminated the town, giving us a sneak-peek of the new season. But, with each passing day, the guilt that formed in the pit of my stomach grew stronger and stronger. Spending time with Thomas was eating me alive. The more I got to know him, the more my insides died slowly. Especially on the day he invited me to his sister's ninth birthday party. Apparently, Thomas used up all of his savings and spent it on the violin she'd badly wanted. When he told me that, my heart melted. He really was a good brother—I just wish I knew why he hated me so badly. Why was I the only one he—

"—Izzy!"

My thoughts came to an abrupt halt when Amanda's voice broke into my reverie.

"Did you even hear a word I said?"

I grimaced. "Sorry, Amanda. I got caught up in my own thoughts."

Her brows rose. "Oh?"

"Yeah, but there's nothing to worry about."

She narrowed her eyes at me. "Are you sure?"

No. But, I wasn't going to tell her that. Not if I wanted another lecture. The moment she found out I was having second thoughts, she sat me down, and reminded me about the real Thomas. The same Thomas that bullied me, the one that made me a laughing stock in front of the entire school, and the one who only liked Isabella Elizabeth because she was 'pretty'.

I knew if I wanted to do this right, I needed zero ounce of compassion in my body. There was no second chances, no rewind button, and definitely no remorse.

And yet, here I am, two months later feeling exactly the same—no scratch that, I felt even worse. He was too much. The whole situation was too much. Every time he smiled at me, I had to relive the moments he torched my insides when I was Isabella Ace to summon strength to even continue on.

"Since you're not answering, I'm going—"

"Yes," I finally said. "There's nothing wrong." I slammed my locker shut and looked at her. "Trust me."

"You're not lying, are you?"

"No. Now, let's go before we're late for first hour."

She gave out a sigh, but nodded anyways and followed suit.

As we entered the classroom, I immediately felt Rachel's gaze on me. It was a look that conveyed a bubbling disgust, as if I was a piece of trash. I laughed heartlessly. A hard glare carved into her teal eyes, staring me down. I glared back. I couldn't show the intensity that grew in my chest the more she continued to suck the life out of me. I wasn't allowed to be afraid. I couldn't. Not after I finally got my revenge on her.

"Just ignore her," Amanda whispered.

Disconcerted, I averted my gaze away from Rachel, and hurried after Amanda. She stopped and took the seat adjacent to Jason.

I paused mid-step as our eyes made contact. Ever since Jason's schedule was flipped upside down, he was always there. But, he never said anything. He stayed in the background, and only acknowledged me if I directly talked to him. I didn't understand why he did that, and maybe I'll never know. I just know he started acting differently the day he gave me that book.

As always, he broke our eye contact first. His eyes moved with alertness, stopping only when they reached the window. Again.

Sighing, I continued my walk to my seat, which happened to be next to Thomas. As I sat down, I could feel his heated gaze on the back of my neck.