-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.
The walk home felt excruc iatingly long. I managed to get lost twice and took wrong turns, but somehow, I eventually found my house. However, it didn't feel like home.
---
-Zeke-
Math class, the torture chamber where learning seemed nonexistent. With the day drawing to a close, I put my head down, hoping to catch a quick nap as Mr. Reeves, our teacher, walked in, clutching a stack of papers.
"Okay, class," Mr. Reeves began. "In a few weeks, we are going on a field trip."
I perked up at the mention of a field trip, the first one announced for the year. The excitement in the room was palpable.
"We will be going to the USS Constitution," Mr. Reeves announced, met with groans from the majority of the class. However, I listened intently, secretly intrigued. After all, I enjoyed history, and exploring the city was an opportunity I didn't want to miss.
"The trip is scheduled for February 20th," he continued, distributing the forms. "Make sure to get them turned in by then."
As soon as he finished handing out the papers, he delved into his lesson, which was my cue to catch some shut-eye.
---
"Finally, school's out," I thought, relief washing over me as the bell rang, signaling the end of the day. That bell was a blessing and a curse in this place.
As I made my way out of the classroom, I noticed Kris standing nearby. When she saw me, she walked over, a mischievous grin on her face.
"Hiya, Red," she greeted, giving me a wave. "Did you get the field trip form?"
"Yeah, I did," I replied, the prospect of the upcoming trip not bothering me as much as it did the others.
"Of all the things they could choose, they chose a damn boat," Kris ranted, clearly unimpressed.
"Hey! I'm actually fine with that. I used to spend time on one back in Cali," I remarked, a smirk playing on my lips.
"Oh yeah," Kris said, remembering. "The Queen Mary."
"The one and only," I replied, chuckling.
Kris glanced over my shoulder, her attention caught by something or someone.
"Hey, Jess!" she called out.
"Hey, Kris," Jessie replied, joining us.
She then turned her focus towards me.
"Sup, dickwad," I said, not allowing her to speak first.
"Hi, asshat," she snapped back, her retort laced with playful banter.
"What's with the papers?" Kris inquired, pointing to the stack Jessie was holding.
"Oh, these?" Jessie motioned towards the papers. "These are for Cassie's parents to sign."
"Oh, okay," Kris said, nodding in understanding.
"Now, if you both will excuse me, I have a delivery to make," Jessie announced dramatically before walking off.
"See ya!" Kris called after her. She then turned to me, a determined look on her face. "C'mon, Zeke. We've got homework to do."
"Yaaay," I replied sarcastically, sarcasm dripping from my voice as we headed off together.
---
-Cassie's Perspective-
I was jolted awake by a knock at my front door.
"That voice sounds familiar," I thought to myself, my curiosity piqued.
Reluctantly, I opened the door and found Jessie standing there, holding a stack of papers.
"Hi, Jess," I greeted her, a hint of uncertainty in my voice. "How do you know where I live?"
"Easy. The form your parents filled out to enroll you has a spot where you write your address," Jessie explained.
"Oh, right. I forgot about that," I mumbled, realizing my oversight.
"It's okay. Oh, and by the way, these are syllabuses for your parents to sign. I thought I might bring them to you. Technically, you're not supposed to start school until tomorrow, but I thought, oh what the hell?" Jessie rambled, her words flowing out rapidly.
"Um... thanks, Jess," I said, still unsure about everything.
"It's no problem, really, Cas. I just hope you have a good year here," Jessie chirped cheerfully, her optimism shining through.
I watched her walk away before slowly closing the door behind me. I placed the papers she had given me on the table and retreated back to my room, seeking solace and a sense of security behind the locked door.