Pandora's Box

CHAPTER 4

Pandora

The next day, I keep my nose buried in books, praying silently not to run into Jaden in the high school corridors.

Unfortunately, luck has it that I see him leaning against a locker, surrounded by his friends. When I realize what he's doing, I feel terribly disgusted. He's very busy fondling the redhead I saw him with on Friday. Literally groping her in plain sight, like a customs officer.

And paradoxically, the girl shows no sign of rejection; on the contrary, she seems quite comfortable and delighted by the attention received, even though a dozen boys are watching the scene.

For a few seconds, I consider ditching the books, turning back, and returning, even if it means I'll get an absence.

And I never get absences. Never!

I'm even more convinced I'm followed by bad luck when Jaden's head suddenly turns in my direction. Through the crowd of students, his emotionless eyes pin me in place.

I get the strange impression that my mere presence encourages him to grip the redhead tighter, and she lets out a small, excited yelp.

I feel like throwing up.

I force my legs to move and look away as I pass by them. A short whistle stops me, and my heart freezes. I feel everyone's gaze on me.

Jaden wasn't satisfied with being in the spotlight. He wanted to drag me next to him, I realize with anger.

"What class do you have? " his question resonates, and I swear the whole crowd falls silent. A sepulchral silence envelops us.

Where's a hole to hide in?!

I glare at him under my lashes and want to curse him in front of everyone, for everything he's done to me. I notice the redhead looking at me nastily too. I feel like laughing in her face and assuring her that I have no intention of "stealing" him.

"French ", I whisper, realizing he didn't hear me. I clear my throat and repeat more boldly: French.

A drop of sweat trickles down my forehead, and I wish I could sink into the ground when the redhead starts laughing.

Laughing at me. The thought makes me clench my fists in my palms until my nails dig into my flesh.

"Allow me to walk you there! "

I can't believe what I'm hearing. A sense of dizziness overtakes me, with which I've become familiar lately. I wonder if I'm dreaming.

Casting a glance around, I see the puzzled and surprised looks on everyone's faces at the unfolding scene.

I shake my head in fear and, after the smirk on his aristocratic face, I know I've made the right decision. Jaden detaches from the lockers, and the redhead throws me a murderous look. She looks like she wants to rip my head off.

Once he reaches me, Jaden grabs my arm, and a yelp gets stuck in my throat when he drags me along the corridor after him. I try to keep up with his giant steps and don't even realize he's taken me outside until a gust of wind hits me in the face.

" What are you doing? " I stammer pathetically and don't blame him when he rolls his eyes.

"You're coming with me! "

The way he orders me around grates on my nerves. It grates on my neurons.

"I have French! " I remind him, but I don't voice my next thought, that he's also a student, just like me. That he should mind his own business and go to his class.