After getting over my excitement about meeting a celebrity who didn't hate my guts, I snuck into the girls locker room and after taking a super long shower and managing to get as much glitter, cheese and chocolate off me as possible, I changed into my gym clothes and met up with Nellie at her locker.
"Oh my gosh, Allison, I was so worried about you. I heard what happened in class. I'm so sorry," she pulled me into a tight hug.
"It's okay, Nel. I'm fine," I shrugged when she pulled away. "No it's not. Derris is such a prick. Can you believe he uploaded the video online?"
"Really? He did?" I pouted, feeling a part of my heart shatter into pieces. Nellie nodded and brought out her phone. She tapped a few things and soon I found myself looking at a video of chocolate, cheese and glitter being poured on me. Worse enough, the video was trending.
Sighing sadly, I handed Nellie's phone back to her and whimpered. "Why is this happening, Nellie? I didn't mean to ruin his shirt. Why is he doing this to me?"
"Because he's a dickhead, Allison and you deserve way better than him."
"I just want it to stop," I cried, letting my forehead fall against her shoulder. She put her arms around me and pat my back in a soothing manner. "You don't have to worry about that, Allison. Now that's he's gotten his revenge, it's only a matter of time before he forgets about you along with everyone else."
But I didn't want him to forget about me. I wanted him to know me and not as the girl who ruined his shirt. I wanted him to notice me. Was that so much to ask?
I didn't say anything to Nellie, deciding it was better to keep shut. Just as she pulled away, the bell rang for the next class, English. I sighed. As if today wasn't bad enough, I had to share yet another class with Derris. Ugh! I wanna die.
I got my notes for English class along with the book we were studying (Hamlet) and stuffed them in my bag before trudging in the direction of the English classroom, Nellie by my side.
When I got to the entrance of the classroom, I froze. Derris was already seated in a corner with Caleb and Jeremy and the class was half full. I could also sight Max sitting in a corner of the classroom by himself.
I gulped and hesitated. What if there was another prank waiting for me? Why else would someone like Derris already be in class when he preferred appearing just when class was about to start? Did I dare walk in after what happened last time?
As though reading my mind, Nellie gripped my shoulder and smiled. She stepped past me and walked into the classroom. Nothing happened.
Next was my turn. I wasn't sure if it was all still a trick but if nothing happened to Nellie, then maybe nothing would happen to me. I took deep breaths as I gingerly made my way into the classroom.
I stood still for a second and when nothing happened, flashed Nellie a grin. She grinned back and stretched a hand to me which I gleefully accepted. We saw two available seats at the back and made our way there hand in hand.
As I walked by, I could feel everyone's eyes on me but one felt more prominent than the others. I looked ahead to where Max sat to find his eyes on me. I gave a small wave but he didn't react, instead looking away. Weird.
Nellie had already taken her seat and I was about to do same when she yelled all of a sudden, "Allison, wait!"
But it was too late. I'd already sitten down and just as I did, a loud fart sound echoed throughout the class. Everyone burst into laughter. It became clear to me that it had all been set up. Still red with embarrassment, I removed the whoopie cushion that had been placed on the seat and threw it on the floor.
My eyes met Nellie's and even without her saying anything, I could see the apology, concern and just a little bit of guilt written all over her eyes. I managed a small smile at her and looked away before I gave into the urge to break down in tears.
Thankfully, the teacher came in just then and the class went silent again. The lecture commenced and I struggled to concentrate.
My eyes kept wandering back to Derris' head and despite my many tries to imagine him with horns and a face like the devil's, I couldn't manage it.
With his smile that showed off pearly whites to those intense gray eyes to his cotton candy coloured lips to that silky mass of only black hair that blended well with his...
"Miss McConnell, are you still with us?" the stern voice of Miss Terrence, the English teacher penetrated through my thoughts.
"Huh?" I shook my head, realising where I was.
"I said, are you with us?" Miss Terrence said again, her brows knitted in clear annoyance and disapproval.
"Yes, yes. O-of course," I stuttered, wringing my hands.
"You better be. I expect nothing less from someone here on scholarship, seeing as your stay here depends solely on your performance in class."
Her words were accusing and a bit mocking and they hurt me. I didn't exactly want everyone knowing I was on scholarship especially not in a school like this. My eyes stung with tears but I blinked them away before nodding at her. "Of course, Miss Terrence."
She nodded curtly before continuing her lecture. I tried to keep my head up high and keep the tears from falling but it was hard to when everyone kept looking back and whispering, chuckling and pointing.
Don't cry, Allison! Don't cry! You can do this. Just don't look at Derris! Oops, too late!
My eyes wandered over to Derris who was saying something to his friends. He glanced over to me and the look on his face clearly showed that he was enjoying everything that was happening to me.
I wanted to die. I just wanted to die.
"Uh excuse me, Mrs Terrence. Can I go to the bathroom?" I shot up from my seat. She'd barely given her answer before I rushed out of the classroom and ran in the direction of the bathroom.
In the bathroom, I ran into one of the stalls and sat on the toilet seat (the top closed) crying my heart out.
Why did it always have to be me? First I lost my siblings and then my mom. My dad hated me and as if that wasn't enough, the one person I thought would always be there for me also now happened to hate my guts.
I'm cursed. Jinxed. That's the only reason why so many bad things can be happening to me all at once. I'm jinxed. I just have to be.
When I was finally able to stop crying, I stumbled out of the stall and to the large mirror just outside the stalls. Staring right back at me was someone I couldn't recognize. Whatever happened to the happy bubbly go-lucky girl who had been overjoyed when she'd been accepted to the prestigious Ridgeway Academy?
It seems all so far away, like a distant memory: me gleefully informing my parents, Brie and Gabe rejoicing with me even though they had no idea what was going on, cooking dinner with my dad because we decided that was better than going out...
I smiled sadly. What I would give to get that girl back, the happy girl, the secure girl, the girl who felt loved...
Oh well, I can't spend all my time in here, even if I want to.
I cleaned my face with water ad dried it with a paper towel. I took one last look at myself in the mirror before heading out of the bathroom. The halls were quiet as I made my way back to the classroom.
"Oh, Miss McConnell! We're so lucky you could join us," Miss Terrence tersely remarked on sighting me at the doorway of the classroom. I didn't say anything in response, bowing my head while making my way to my seat in the back. Once I was seated, I flashed a smile at Nellie who was giving me a concerned look before looking back at the board.
"So as I was saying, I'll be putting you all to work on an assignment bthat'll count for sixty percent of your total grade for this class. Now you'll be doing this in pairs…"
At those words, murmurs overtook the class and you could hear giggles and gleeful whispers as most girls in the class began eyeing Black Diamond namely Derris, Max, Jeremy and Caleb, obviously praying they got paired with them. I, on the other hand, could only hope I got paired with Nellie or someone who wasn't much of a jerk and would do their own part.
Miss Terrence eventually got everyone to calm down and continued, "As I was saying, this assignment will count for sixty percent of your grade for this class and it'll done in pairs. You'll also be doing a presentation on it later this term so I suggest you and whoever your partner really work on it together because as it's a group thing, your partner's performance will really affect yours as well."
Oh God, please let me get paired with someone good. I can not afford to fail this project because of some thoughtless jerk.
"Now I'll be doing the pairing…and once I announce your partner, it's final. I don't care who you are, my decision is final, got it?" her eyes zeroed in on everyone in the room as though she was expecting someone to disagree. No one did. "Great. Now I'll call out the names. Xander Morrison and Darius Grant… Felicia Grace and Ricky Jeffreys…"
The names went on and on and the sighs of disappointment continued to increase, most girls obviously disappointed at not being matched with one of The Diamonds. Nellie, however was lucky enough to be paired with Caleb Stone even though she didn't look particularly happy about it.
I patiently waited to hear my name, still hoping and praying to God that I didn't get paired with an obnoxious jerk who wouldn't want to do the work.
"And lastly, Allison McConnell and Derris Fox," Miss Terrence announced in conclusion.
I didn't get it at first since I'd kinda zoned up until it suddenly hit me. Oh my gosh! This can't be happening! I was just about to protest but someone beat me to it.
"Hell no! There's no way in absolute fucking hell that I'll working with…*her*. No fucking way!" Derris scowled at me as though it was all my fault.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Fox. I clearly said that my decision was final so if you don't like it-"
"Of course I don't like it! Why would anyone want to work with that thing? I mean, just look at her," his eyes slid down the whole length of my body, his face twisted in a clear look of disgust.
"Like I said, Mr. Fox, my word is final unless of course, you'd like to forfeit and fail the class," Miss Terrence commented, obviously aware she had the upper hand.
Derris stared at her like he had a lot to say but eventually sighed and backed down, giving me one last dirty look before taking his seat.
I swallowed hard. A few weeks ago, if you'd told me that I would be partners with Derris Fox of all people for a project, I would never have believed it but now I was and I couldn't even be happy about it.
I'd prayed not to be paired with a jerk but as it turns out, I just happened to be paired with the seemingly biggest jerk of all who I also happened to be in love with.
Ugh! I swear I'm jinxed.
The bell rang signalling the end of class. Everyone poured out of the classroom, murmuring to themselves. I however, sat still on my seat wondering what I'd done to deserve this. I looked up at Derris who was still seated with Caleb and Jeremy. Nellie was already making her way towards Caleb, obviously to talk about the project but I couldn't bring myself to do it, for fear of being embarrassed again. What if he hit me? No, he couldn't do that... right? He did seem pretty pissed that we were partners so who knows? What if I tripped again and...? "Hey," a deep voice resonated beside me. I was so startled that I jumped off my seat in fright. Looking up, I felt myself flush when I realized it'd just been Max. "Oh! It's just you," I mumbled, rising from the floor. "Yeah," he said, moving a nearby seat and placing it in front of my desk. "Sorry if I scared you." "Oh, don't apologise. I was kinda zoned out so it's not your fault." "Hmm
I could feel my heart pounding against my chest, my eyes widened in fear. It was quite obvious that I was cursed. Why else would so many bad things be happening to me in a day? And judging by the look on Derris' face, my fate was obviously sealed. I chanced a glance at him and immediately looked away for fear of what I saw. The seconds seemed to drag by as I awaited my fate in Derris' hands. And just like that, he was standing in front of me, an unreadable expression on his face. On impulse, I sank to my knees and clasped my hands in front of him. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'll pay for it, I swear," I begged, my voice quivering as I spoke. "And just how do you plan to do that? That's a frigging two thousand dollar vase and last I heard, you were attending Ridgeway on scholarship so how exactly do you plan to get two thousand dollars?" His words were curt and sharp. I bowed my head and admitted, "I don't know." I waited f
"Oh Allison!" came the all-too familiar call, a couple of metres away from me. Holding back a frustrated groan, I slid off the stool I was seated on and sluggishly walked over to the poolside where Derris and Elaine, the girl who'd sat with Derris in Chemistry were relaxing on lounge chairs. "You called, Miss?" I said through gritted teeth. "Yeah. I would like a refill of my drink," she held up an empty cup which I was sure I just filled a minute ago. "Why?" I asked in an overly sweet voice. This was getting ridiculous as were her requests. "What do you mean 'why'? I want a refill of my drink and last I checked, you were here to help, weren't you?" "Yes, to help him. Not you!" I retorted, losing the politeness. "Besides, I just filled that for you. Do you have a tank in your stomach or something?" She gasped and turned to Derris. "Derris! Your maid's being mean!" Derris who hadn't been paying attention t
I was not ready to see Derris again the next day after what transpired the day before but it wasn't really up to me. It was up to him which meant that I was already at his parking spot, thirty minutes before his arrival because that was what he wanted. A part of me desperately wanted to hate Derris for what he did, like really hate him but it was literally impossible for me. I'd been in love with him since I was a little girl and a part of me still hoped that things would change and he would love me for me. I know it sounded stupid but what could I do? By the time Derris arrived in his flashy Ferrari, I was downright exhausted but I tried not to let it show as I greeted Derris a good morning and took his backpack from him. "Why's your voice so hoar... Oh!" he nodded on remembering. A part of me hoped to get an apology or something but it was not to be. "Serves you right, anyway," he shrugged, shouldering past me and heading into the school
Was it possible to love a jerk? Someone who was so mean and inconsiderate you sometimes found it hard to believe you actually loved them? If you ask me, I'd say yes. I should know too. I'm in love with the biggest jerk I know. Worse still, he doesn't love me back. After my meeting with Aria and my conversation with Nellie afterwards, I had no idea what to do concerning Derris. A part of me wanted to agree with Nellie and get rid of my feelings for him but another much larger part of me could only think of Derris defending me against Aria Charles, his own ex and a celebrity like him. And when I thought of that single act, I felt it more than made up for his earlier treatment of me. Anyway, by the next day, I was excitedly waiting for Derris at his parking spot, eager to see him again. When he hadn't arrived by the time he usually did, I became worried and thought of calling him. There had been no reported accidents so where was he? I had just made
Derris turned out to be a lot more creative than I would have ever thought because five minutes later, I was on my knees, preparing to scrub the floor with...wait for it...a toothbrush! Derris had this authoritative air hanging over him as he stood over me, a smirk forming on his lips. I glanced at the toothbrush in my hand, then at the bucket of foamy water beside me and up at him. "What exactly am I doing?" I asked, still a bit unsure. "Isn't it clear? I want you to scrub this whole lobby clean using only the toothbrush," he grinned devilishly, a clear sign that he was going to enjoy making me suffer. Once again, I glanced at the pristine floor and looked back at him confused. "What exactly do you want me to clean here? The floors are as clean as physically possible." On hearing my words, Derris frowned and furrowed his brows in thought. He left soon after which I took to mean he'd given up on punishing me but I rec
Despite arriving home quite late, I was lucky enough to avoid being scolded by my dad since he came home later than I did. All because of Derris' sudden act of generosity. Thinking back, I realized that I would never truly understand him but it didn't stop me from wishing his attitude would carry on till the next day.Who knows? Maybe tonight was just a sign that things were finally about to go my way. Only time would tell.Morning came and I did what I always did: got up from bed, said a prayer, made breakfast for dad and tried not to get on his bad side, took a shower, got dressed, met up with Nellie and walked to school with her. Since Nellie had some stuff to do with her partner, Caleb Stone concerning the English project, she left me in the parking lot to meet up with him. As I watched her leave, I was suddenly reminded of the project which I'd all but forgotten. Sure, the deadline wasn't for weeks but that didn't mean we didn't have to work on it. I would hav
After Aria left, things progressed smoothly from then on, better than I expected. For the rest of the day, I wasn't treated like Derris' errand girl. Instead, he treated me like an equal, for once. It was an experience that I would remember forever.By the time we got back to his home, it was getting pretty late so I wanted to get home as soon as possible and I told him so."Sure," he answered simply and waved over the driver from the day before.He told me to get back in the car and gave the driver the same instruction as before. Once the driver got in the car, he cupped my cheek through the open car window of the backseat where I was seated and gave a little smile."See you tomorrow, Red," he mumbled under his breath and pressed his cheek to my forehead. It was only for a few seconds but it was more than enough.I could only blink as my body was tried to process what just happened because I didn't quite get it too.On pul