Chapter 4

Ezra's Pov

Jake was gone by the time I woke up. That's how much he hates me.

Mom had made breakfast but I wasn't hungry. I had barely digested why I'd heard last night.

When she gave me my cab fare, she squeezed my hands.

. “I'm so sorry for lying to you all these years. I didn't mean to, sweetie.” Her watery gaze met mine and my heart squeezed. I hated seeing mom cry. Not after what she'd been through to raise me.

I pulled her into my arms and hugged her small frame. “It's okay, mom. I forgive you.”

When we pulled away, she cupped my face. “Does that mean you've given us your blessing?”

It's this marriage thing again.

I heaved a sigh. “I don't know, mom. Jake is clearly against it.”

“I'll try and convince him if I can,” she stroke my cheek. “But you're happy for me, aren't you?”

I forced a smile. “Of course, I am. I've always wanted a father figure in my life.”

“Thank you, sweetie.” Mom pulled me in for another hug and kissed my cheek. “Now, hurry up or you'll be late.”

“Thanks.” I turned away from the living room with a heavy weight in my chest.

Could I ever grant my mom happiness at the cost of mine?

****

BlueRock Academy was still standing even after I'd prayed something would set the building on fire.

I got out of the taxi cab and exhaled. “Welcome to hell, Ezra.”

I tightened my backpack and strode towards the entrance. As usual, the students around begin to laugh at me. Sometimes, they'd mock my oversized skirt. Other times, it'll be my hair or my face. I was used to the insults by now. It's been 2 years. One more year and I'll be out of here. I can't wait to graduate from senior year.

An egg cracked against my back and I gasped. Oh no. I just washed this.

I whipped around and another hit me square in the face.

Laughter echoed around me and I took off my glasses, wiping the egg stain with my skirt.

“Well, well, well, if it isn't Eggwash,” Lisa's voice cut through the air.

I put my glasses on and stare at her. Alas, it is her — the bitch queen of BlueRock Academy and the leader of the BlueRock Queens.

“Good morning to you too, Lisa.” I said, pushing my glasses to my face but it kept slipping. I think it's because of the egg smear.

“Eww. You're so disgusting.” She took a step back and smiled. “Hey, everyone. Eggwash, here, said we should give her some eggs.”

Loud whoops surrounded me and I took a step. No. I'd completely forgotten. Today was Eggwash day, a day solely dedicated to throwing eggs at me.

Before I could escape, a hand grabbed me and shoved me to the floor. Then, came the rain — the rain of eggs.

I sat on the cold floor, defeated as egg egg smacked against my face, hair, and back. My glasses slipped from my face and I closed my eyes, praying everything will be over soon.

After a few minutes, it stopped.

“Ugh… she's so gross.” I could hear Maisie laugh.

Maisie, who used to be my friend. The same Maisie I'd once saved from Lisa before she turned her back on me and joined the BR Queens.

I swallowed a sob and tried to get on my feet but the floor was so slippery. I lost my footing and hit my head on the cobblestone floor.

“Aww. Look at her. She's so filthy.” Alya laughed and so did everyone.

I sniffled softly, praying to the Moon Goddess to end all this. Why was everyone so mean to me? What did I ever do to deserve this?

I heard extra footsteps and my heart raced. Was it the principal or the coach? Could it be someone who'll help me? I didn't know but I had to try.

“H - Help,” I sobbed. “Please, help me.”

“Is help what you want?” The voice asked in an amused tone.

No way.

My blurred vision is restored when familiar hands put my (now cleaned) glasses to my face.

I blinked. “J - Jake?”

“Do you like it, Jake?” Lisa smiled. “I made sure to give everyone an egg just like you told me to.

”My eyes widened in horror. He made them do this to me?

“How could you?!” I screamed at him.

“I told you I'll make your life a living hell.” He grinned.

“I hate you, you sick bastard.” I yelled again.

“Poor thing. Let's get out of here before the principal sees us, Jake.” Lisa said, hooking her arm with his.

“Yeah. Let's get out of here.” He grinned and walked past me like I was nothing.

As if the clouds were also against me, the sky billowed and it began to rain. I sat out there in the cold and sobbed till I ran dry.

The rest of my afternoon was the same as my morning — horrible and dreadful. By the time it was lunchbreak, I made up my mind that I'd skip school the very next day.

I went to the library and sat on the far end. I brought a book to sit up so it would cover my face and then, I cried.

I pressed my hand over my mouth to suppress the sound, my whole body wracking with sobs.

I didn't even notice when someone sat next to me and asked. “Are you okay?”

The question came as a shock and I jolted in my seat.

“Woah. I didn't mean to scare you. I'm sorry.”

He said.His face was new to me and I wondered who he was. He was handsome with mouse-brown hair and golden irises that reminded me of her late grandmother. For some strange reason, I felt like I'd known him my whole life even when this was our first time meeting.

“Hello, my name is Ivan. You are.” He said with a smile that nearly took my breath away.