The Decision ii

As I walked throught the school gates, it felt like the world pressed pause- like the air itself was thickened and every breath took twice my effort. Everyone stopped what they were doing just to stare at me. Was I too noticeable that it's my first day, that am new after a long time. My footsteps slowed against the pavement and for a moment, I swear even the birds stopped chirping. My heartbeat thundered in my ears like an alarm I couldn't shut off. I couldn't tell if it was fear, or shame, or something in between- but it gripped me so tightly I almost turned back.

But then I pictured my mother. The way she smiled when I said I'd try. The way she folded my scarf carefully the night before, like it was armor. I couldn't disappoint her. Not now. The scarf hugged my face gently. Wrapping around my face only revealing my eyes, they are one of my body parts that's still intact and the same. I adjusted it over and over again making sure that only my eyes showed. The part I wasnt afraid to reveal.

I walked across the courtyard keeping my eyes low, letting them peek just above the fabric. I could feel the stares already- people turning, whispering, pausing mid-sentence. Every step felt like I was walking deeper into a fire. But I didn't stop. I kept my head down not wanting to look at anyone, but their shoes until... CRASH.

My shoulder slammed into someone else's, hard enough to knock my books to the ground. I staggered backward with a gasp, my scarf shifting slightly.

"Oh my God," one of them groaned. "Watch where you're going, freak."

I froze. I know this voice from somewhere.

Oh no! Melissa.

The gang leader of the BGW(Bad Girls Worldwide). The so-called rich princess of the town. Melissa wasn't just rich; she's the kind of girl who walked into a room and made it her kingdom without even trying. Her parents are the untouchable elites, well second untouchable elites as people say. They are polished, powerful, and praised by every adult with something to lose. She wears luxury like second skin- handbags worth more than a semesters tuition and shoes that never touched mud. Her hair always perfect. She has icy blonde hair. Her skin was fair and smooth, with subtle that screamed 'expensive skincare'. Her eyes are piercing blue, like winter frost- clear, sharp. Her nose pointy and delicate. Her lips always glossed with nude or soft pink. Melissa's posture was flawless.

I slowly crouched to pick up my books, trying to pull my scarf back in place without drawing attention. Just as my fingers touched the corner of the notebook, a shiny, pointy, glamour heel landed on top of it- kicking it across the ground.

"Oops," Tasha, one of Melissa's minions snorted, not even pretending it was an accident. "Didn't see that there."

And again Tasha, the daddy's delicate doll. The wolf in sheep clothing. She acts clueless but she's not. That's her power move. People underestimate her- and she liked it that way. It made it easier to twist things around and come out looking innocent. Her pout could win over any teacher, and one sniffle could turn the entire classroom in her favour. At home she is said to be the pampered princess she is. Her father treating her like a fragile crystal. The well known international doctor, is her dad's occupation. Tasha had long, ash brown hair that she usually tightened with pink ribbons. Her eyes were a soft hazel, round and glimmering, always widened. Her lashes long and curled. Warm- toned skin with a natural blush to her cheeks. She has small, upturned nose.

I froze for a second, watching the pages flutter as my notebook skidded to a stop by the edge of a trash bin.

The trio laughed.

"Wait... mm," Tasha looks down at me.

"Are you a new student here, that doesn't surprise me. I mean look at you. But let me warm you while it's still early. I don't care why you came to this school, so if you know what's good for you, I would stay away from guys in this school, no matter how ugly they are, especially my man," Melissa said and walked away.

What the... Is this girl serious. It's my first day here and all she could think about is a guy. Who is that crazy guy that would date her, probably crazy as her. Birds of the same feature flock together. I hope he regrets it soon. I would be fed-up by just looking at her. I picked up the papers that were scattered on the floor. My papers were bent, smudged, stepped on. I hurried, fingers fumbling, heart thrusting- just as I stuffed the last sheet back inside my folder-

THE SCHOOL BELL RANG.