Chapter 3: The Deal

Gracelyn's POV

It's a bit chilly today. I want to be tuck under my blanket all day. Sleep peacefully and dream of many woderful things. Oh, how good that would be but I have to force myself to get out of bed and prepare for school. It's monday morning.

I was walking on the corridor going to our room when I heard students mumbling about a duel taking place on the school's oval. I was going to ignore it since it's none of my business when I heard familiar names -Greg and Melo!.

I run towards the oval texting Izzy and Shirly on the way. What are those two thinking ! Having a duel ? For what reason?

Melo's Pov

Headache.

I don't think I can go to school today. This hang over is killing me.

Wait, did I do something wrong last night?

I feel weird.

Something is off.

What is it?

Did I---- Oh My gosh !.

What did I do ?

Grace will kill me if she found out.

Geez, I need to sobber up. I need to win the duel for Grace. I took a bath and change my clothes.

I went to the oval.

Greg and his minions are already here.

"You're late", Greg smirked.

"Stop blabbering and bring it on !", I challenge.

Greg threw his jacket beside him.

I positioned myself .

I was about to punch him on the torso when he jabbed me right in the face.

"Ouch!", I hissed.

Greg smirked.

I kicked his knee in return. He bend a little but get up on his feet again. I release many punches and kicks but he dodge them everytime. What is wrong with him ? Why isn't he punch me back ? Is he trying to trick me ? I am high on fury now. I think he is belittling me. I was about to punch his side but he catched my arms and pull it backwards then locked me on the ground.

" Say you lose and I will let you go",

"Never", I mumbled.

He punch my side and I inhaled sharply. The pain is excruciating.

"I- I lose", I exhaled. Tears are sliding down my cheeks with my sweat and blood. I have a small cut on my forehead.

"Melo!", I heard Gracelyn shouting from the crowd. I can't face her. I lose. I heard her footsteps running towards us. She bend her knee and check on me.

I looked away.

"What did you do ?", Gracelyn asked Greg.

"Didn't you tell her?", Greg spat at me.

I just cover my face with my arm.

"Tell me what?", asked Gracelyn. She is looking at us back and forth.

"Well he --",

"Greg, let me tell her about it", I cut him off.

" Okay then. I'm out of here", Greg picked up his jacket and leave.

Gracelyn eyed me. This is gonna be difficult.

Gracelyn's Pov

I patiently wait for Melo's.confession.

He slowly sit.

" I'm sorry Grace", he started.

" I just don't want him to bully you and scowl at you again. That's why I've done that," he sighed.

"Done what?", I asked not quietly following.

I think there's more to it.

"I've propose to him that if I win this duel he will leave you alone but he also has a condition of his own", Melo bow his head.

"What is his condition Melo?", I said raising my eyebrow. I'm getting impatient.

"He said , If he win, I'll leave you to him", he continue.

"What? How dare the both of you. Do you think this is funny? Am I a thing to you that you can just get through winning a duel?", I scoffed at him. I feel mad at them.

"I know. I'm sorry. I acted without thinking twice. I'll never do it again. I promised", Melo pleaded.

"I don't know Melo", I said and leave him there.

I didn't attend.my morning classes. I went to the riverbanks near the school. I needed to think and let go of my fury. I know that Melo is just concern about me but he doesn't need to challenge Greg and do that duel.

Shirly and Izzy are texting me asking where I am. I didn't reply and just put my phone back in my pocket.

"Here you are", Melo said between his breathes.

"Leave Melo. I want to be alone",

"No Grace, you need to come. The guidance councilor call for all three of us."

Great ! It's not been long yet since the semester started but I am now foing to visit the councilor's office. Worse is to have a detention eventhough I didnt.do anything wrong.

I grab my bag and walk pass Melo.

"Do you know about this duel Gracelyn? Do you know that the duel was all about you?", Ms. Edna, our councilor asked.

I shake my head and sigh.

" So it's between you two ?".

Greg protested.

" I have nothing to do with this. I am not the one who started it. Melo was the one who challenged me", Greg frown.

"But you agreed on it. So that makes you partially responsible. Besides the duel shouldn't have take place if you didn't agree", Ms. Edna explained.

Greg hissed.

"Having a fight inside the school premises and disturbing the peace will give you detention and of course, a very fun punishment-- cleaning the toilet for one week",

Greg groan while Melo just keep his silence.

"I am expecting you two to get along and do your job accordingly. You Gracelyn will have to monitor there output and make sure they are doing their job. No scape."

"Why me?", I protested.

"Because you are the reason of all this commotion",

"But I had nothing to do about this ", I complain.

Ms. Edna didn't pay attention to my complain and motioned us to go out of her office.

Melo silently went out. He is too guilty to face me.

I was about to turn in the corner when Greg grab my elbow.

I frown at him. He slowly pulled me towards him. He bow his head closer to my face.

What is this moron doing? I asked myself. Is he planning to kiss me?

"I won the duel. You're mine now Grace", he whispered in my ear.

I kicked his shin and stomp at his feet.

"I am not owned by anyone!", I said and leave him in the hallway holding his shin crying in pain.