Discoveries

-Chapter 7: Not a Care-

-Cassie-

"What do they think of me? Do they like me? Are they just using me for personal benefits?!" I couldn't help but let these thoughts consume my mind. The sound of the bell abruptly interrupted my racing thoughts.

"Well, I guess it's time for class," Zeke said, breaking through my reverie. He turned towards me and asked, "Want me to walk you to wherever it is you're going?"

"N-no, that's okay. You don't have to. I wouldn't want you to be late," I replied politely, trying my best to maintain a composed demeanor.

"You sure?" Zeke asked, his tone less dead than before. "I don't care if I'm late anyway."

"Yeah, I'm sure, Zeke," I said, mustering a fake happy tone. "I'm actually going back to the office."

"Oh, okay. See you around," he said, giving me a wave.

I waved back and began making my way back to the office, feeling a mix of relief and apprehension.

---

"Damn this school and its endless fucking hallways," I muttered to myself, frustration coursing through my veins.

As I walked past one of the many stairwells, I heard a sound coming from the top. I turned to see the boy Kris and Jessie had been talking to earlier. He appeared furious.

"Hey!" he shouted at me, catching me off guard.

I didn't have time to react before he grabbed me and forcefully pinned me against the wall. Panic surged through my body as he unleashed his anger.

"Listen here, you ugly bitch! Those three are my friends! You have no right to be with them! And what the hell are you wearing? I can't tell if you're a slut or just really want attention," he hissed, his words cutting through me like knives.

I was rendered speechless, frozen in fear and shock. He threw me to the ground and stormed away, leaving me bewildered and on the verge of tears.

"What...just happened?" I thought, my mind racing to process the sudden attack.

After a few moments of regaining my composure, I wobbly got up and practically ran the rest of the way to the office, seeking solace and a sense of safety.

---

I took a deep breath in and out before stepping into Principal May's office. The anxiety weighed heavily on my shoulders as I shut the door behind me.

"Ah, Cassandra. Please, have a seat," Mr. May greeted me warmly as I entered.

I must admit, his cheery disposition seemed almost out of place considering my current state of mind. I sat down in the chair he motioned towards, giving him a small smile to hide my unease.

"So, Miss Fletcher," Mr. May chirped. "How was the tour?"

I couldn't help but feel that he was trying too hard to be kind. I stared off into space, allowing his ramblings to wash over me, though they held little significance in my mind.

"So, Miss Fletcher, are you going to finish the day with us, or are you going to go home early?" Mr. May's voice brought me back to the present.

I looked up to face him, my nerves still tightly wound.

"I-I think I'll go h-home," I struggled to say, my voice wavering.

"Alright, and do you have a ride?" Mr. May asked, concern lacing his words.

"I can walk," I said, standing up from the chair. "I'll see you tomorrow."

"Have a good rest of your day," Mr. May said kindly as I shut the door behind me, eager to escape the suffocating atmosphere of the office.