chapter one

 

MARIAH'S POV

 

I watched Reynold Davidson from the spectator line as he ran past the rival players in the court with the ball gliding effortlessly on his stick. My heart skipped a beat as I heard the cheers coming from the crowd surrounding me. I forced a smile and clapped with my eyes still fixed on his sweat covered face. His face was flushed, sweat clinging to his black hair as it stuck to his forehead. He slowed near the edge of the edge of the court and tossed his stick to the benches then brushed his brown wet hair back while sliding across the court to share a victory hug with his teammates. “Isnt he amazing?” my best friend, Ophelia, squealed beside me. I remained silent, my eyes still fixed on him cheering on the court. From the corner of my eyes, I could see the cheerleaders jump to the edge of the court, waving the glittery balls and wearing beautiful smiles on their goddess-like faces. I could see Charlotte standing at the front, that proud smile on her face as she twirled her tiny waist. She was Reynold’s girlfriend and the self-titled queen of the school. She was also called the BellaDonna of the school, which I agree with since she was the most beautiful girl within the thick, brown walls of Iris High School. “Her presence irritates me!” Ophelia spat with so much hate in her eyes. Her grinning face had turned sour and her lips were shot up in disgust. I wouldn't call the biggest girl supporter insecure. Charlotte was a known bully and narcissist. She was hated by half the girls in school but everyone aside, Ophelia always pretended to be her friend whenever she was around. “You need to make your hatred less obvious," I chuckled  and she huffed, her eyes narrowing. The false smile on my face suddenly dropped when I raised my gaze towards the court again and watched Reynold stroll over to the edge where the cheerleaders were. Charlotte froze, her eyes widening like she didn't know what would happen next with him strolling close. My heart dropped into the pit of my knotted belly and roars filled the theatre as he gripped her waist and slammed his lips on hers. My breath caught in my throat and pain snapped through my body as my fist tightened in silent rage. I tried to keep a straight face, like I was happy, but Lord knows I was dying inside watching them work their tongues out. I knew this would happen but my feelings always got the best part of me whenever it did. “I need to use the restroom,” I whispered to Ophelia and didn't even wait for her reply before jerking up and sliding away from the school hockey court. I didn't dare to take a glance at that kissing scene again until I was safely out and into the empty hallway. I sighed and brushed my hair back, leaning on the white cold wall while waiting for the pain to go away and my heartbeat return to normal. After standing there for a minute, and listening to the screams and growls in the court, I turned around and walked away to my classroom. I didn't have the courage to get back into that court after leaving in the middle of an intense, historical high school moment. It's not like anyone would care about me anyway. No one actually cares about Mariah Garrett. I was sure that aside from Ophelia,no one knew of my existence in this school. It was time to go home. I wouldn't stay for the late night party that would hold till midnight like the custom of the students whenever a match was won by our school hockey team. I dragged my feet across the hallway, enjoying the solitude and emptiness it held. If I would experience this kind of silence in school everyday, I wouldn't have my mom yelling over my ears to get ready for school. This was senior year but I still hated highschool. Was it because I'd been bullied constantly? Or because… I sighed and ran my hand over my neck before entering my class. My feet suddenly froze at the door and my breath hitched when I perceived a scent. I slowly lifted my eyes towards the last rows of seats and saw him. Ralph Levinson, the master bully of the school and a never ending nightmare. I felt my belly knot in fear and horror and my palms grew wet. He was sitting alone, his forehead pressed against his desk and a soft snore coming from him. I sighed and rubbed my chest, assuring myself that everything would be okay. I just have to go over to my locker right behind him and take out my stuff. It's just easy. So easy. I swallowed hard, pulled up a load of confidence then pushed my cold feet forward and towards my desk beside his. My eyes wouldn't stop flickering towards his direction as fear gnawed on my skin the closer I got to my desk. I held my breath the moment I reached my desk. My shaky hand reached for the books on the desk and I slid them into my arms. I cast a glance at him before moving further to the lockers at the back of the class. As I walked across the desks, my feet hit his chair and I felt my heartbeat stop. I froze, my belly knotting in horror. I heard a groan behind me and my heart dropped into my belly. I slowly turned and chills washed down my back when my eyes locked with a pair of large, red eyes glaring at me. Horror engulfed me and my legs shook in fear as I stared at his fearful, angry face. I needed no one to tell me that I was in deep trouble for waking the devil. I parted my lips to blurt out an apology but the only sound that escaped my quivering lips was a whimper. “Bitch!” His brutal curse caused my blood to run cold. I staggered back as he jerked up and kicked the chair to the side. “Are you blind?” he growled and I shuddered. “Look at me while I talk to you!” he groused again and my breath hitched. I slowly raised my head, praying that he would let this mistake slide even though it was obvious he would never. He was tall. So tall that looking up at him made my neck ache from the strain. He had square shoulders, large fists that always cracked my chin whenever he clenched it. I hated to admit it but he was handsome too. A handsome face that went to waste with the ugly mask of bullying that covered it. I wondered what he would do to me this time. Perhaps, grip my chin till it cracked like he always did or even worse. My heart dropped as the disturbing, painful news of sexually abused girls filled my mind. What if he tries to take advantage of me in this empty classroom? I slowly craned my neck to the side, staring out of the window. The night was fast approaching and I could see smoke already rising in the field. The bonfire would start soon and no one would care if someone was dying in here… “Hey!” He slammed his fist on the locker behind me and I flinched back to my gruesome reality, screaming. “Are you dumb, huh, are you?” He growled and my breath stopped. His face was just an inch away from mine and his hands were positioned on the lockers behind me, trapping me. My lips parted and slammed shut again, my throat knotting. I stared into his eyes but somehow I couldn't see the anger that was once there. I saw pain in those grey eyes. It felt like he wasn't pouring his anger on me but his pain. He used to be the best hockey player in high school a few years back but he withdrew and transformed into a bully. A groose, hated bully. “You won't say anything?” He whispered again, his voice was calm and breaking now. Sweat dripped down from his hair and onto my shirt and I felt a cold feeling grip me. “I… I…” I stuttered but no words came out successfully. I felt like I was being choked against his heavy gaze and his bulky arms trapping me in. The air was no longer there and tears were gathering in my eyes, threatening to spill in any second “Get away from her!” a voice echoed in the room and my blood froze. My body stiffened. Not in relief, but in horror. Ralph slowly turned, giving me room to look at the face of my savior at least. My heart dropped and my shoulders slumped in despair when my eyes locked with a pair of green eyes. The green eyes of no one else but Reynold fucking Davidson