Five

My life went back to normal when my dad returned. I became cold and retractive as I've always been. I was back to my own darkness, all I could do was embrace it. No one, not even Liam's troubles could take me away from it. The first two days I spent in Mcade was just a manifestation of my fantasies and to my sacred memory, it's like it never happened. The life I live with my dad is enough to rub off any memory.

It was third week already and I only remember I had an assignment from the semi robot teacher when I stepped into the class. There was artworks everywhere, like the whole world remembered except me. Even Liam, he had his. I was taunted by own self, oppressed by the wonderful sight of unimaginable artistic representations of the damn word "family" The title alone was enough discouragement for me. What "family" do I have?

I watched everyone talk about their art and how it related to their family structure or whatever. There were paintings, pen art, embroidery, carved images, none of them took more of my attention than Damien's 3 D animation. He designed amines, cute ones, beyond visual art though. It'll be better called "virtual art". His presentation was superb. The cartoon character he made for himself got stuck in my brain immediately. I loved it and was ready to keep it safe in my memory. Little wonder, he's always the best. A part of me melts when I watch him display his skill, the dumbest part of me though.

I was in pain, possibly bleeding(cause I haven't checked), and I wished it won't ever get to my turn. Jude accidentally cut me while taking a fake virginity test (I use to believe it was real. But am I a virgin? His answer will be: "You belong to me alone"). He wanted to know if I was seeing other guys. I've been bleeding since then. He had said I deserved it. 

"Paige Kam. We're waiting."

I was snapped out of my little blurry world. "I'm sorry Miss Nam. I didn't attempt your assignment. I'll accept your punishments. Or a zero." My confidence fluctuates. The class jeered. I wasn't moved.

"Why did you not do it?"

"Didn't have the time."

 "Time? You're just a student!" She winced. "I'll give you a chance at half the mark. It's a simple topic. Come out and talk about your family."

Simple?

Why is she being nice?

"I can't" I walked out through the back door.

*

I got food for Liam and his brothers(as they call themselves) earlier than usual because I got there on time, the queue was not as tiring as it used to be. I stood by his side, busied with my snacks while he chatted away with his friends. I could not help but steal glances at the top student who sat alone some tables away. Not his face though, not that I like him. It's his hair I'm obsessed with.

About Liam's friends, I didn't know exactly when the talk about me started but when I heard:

"She has guts. Just too dumb" I knew "she " was Paige.

"Do you notice how different she is from every other pet Laim had hotten for himself?"Another with a twitched nose and extremely short hair said. "Why do I think you have a motive this time, Liam?"

"You're just as dumb as my new pet."Liam retorted.

"I might be dimb but I acknowledge that you finally got good eyes." The guy with short hair teased on.

"Fat faced and that ugly spec"Liam continued. I had expected more insult so that didn't hurt me much. 

"You really think she's that bad?"Another who sat in the middle, had an handkerchief tied around his head.

"She's hot. Am I the only one whos is seeing that?"

The gang of five gossiped about me, right in front of me. No respect whatsoever. I was getting more infuriated as time passed.

"Liam, I want your pet." one of them had said, causing the whole group to crack up like kids.

"You sure you won't regret it?"Liam had said.

"Watch." The guy, a red handkerchief tied beneath his brown curly hair walked towards me. His broad shoulders and bouncing gait had become his reflex. His name, I don't know but he's usual called "Archer". If he had shown more respect to me, if he had not held my waist like I was a common slut for sale, I would not have slapped him so hard. I left the cafeteria immediately, not prepared to face the chaos I may have broken out.

I found a place in an uncompleted building at the back of the school. I crouched against a wall, the pain in my abdomen was becoming more unbearable. I could feel my skirt get soaked. I just shut my eyelids hoping everything could go away.

Moments later, I felt a tap on my shoulder. It was Damien. Then, I was more embarrassed than pained. I wiped off the tears on my face, tried to tidy up my hair.

"Class have started. You should get back to class." He was about to leave but stopped on seeing my face.

"Are you okay?"

"Sure, I am."

"You had tears..."

"Forget it!"I snapped.

"Okay then. Lets go back to class."

"I can't"

He arched his brow. "Why?"

"Nothing."

He helped me up. Holding his hands was the most electrifying thing I've ever done. I felt like my heart was gonna jump out in both joy and pain.

"You are not like this because of them, huh?"

"No"

I saw his gaze travel down to my legs. I wasn't wearing a popsocks so it was bare.

"What is that?" I had to trace his gaze. I was bleeding, the blood trickled down my feet. I felt stabbed in the heart.

"You're bleeding" He gasped in concern. Embarrassed, I tried to run but he got me.

"You're not okay. You should go see the school nurse."

"Let me be!" I shrieked.

"I can't. It's blood isn't it?"

"Actually, ink." I said sarcastically.

"Bad liar." I managed to sit on a pavement. "Your skirt is soaked also. What part did you hurt? Did you fall?"

Why is he so concerned?

"Shut up and leave!"

"It's my job."

"Fine, I'll just..."I swallowed. "Use the restroom."

I stood up to leave. He pulled off his jacket and threw it at me.

"Use that!"

Nice. Skilful. Smart. Intelligent. Handsome. His hair...

Damien might really be a god.