"THERE, IT'S DONE."444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3OcOHMOMyf
copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡtejBREHBPb
"Show me." I lean over Jackson's shoulder to get a good look at the opend website on my phone. "Where?"444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYFT2qmlv1
copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBbDFDpLFl
"There, you stupid. It says 'your order will arrive within a week's time’. Happy?"444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmNsKcf0gi
copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbRDTCJ12O
I snatch the phone out of his hand and take a closer look at the purchased book.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUV0yj5OEOQ
copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2ubBhhozH
King's Cage.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHg513V7slY
copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8eOkPSWWpD
It comes out on the seventh February. Just thinking about it makes me excited. I've waited a whole year for this book, and now, I'm finally able to purchase it; even though I have to wait a whole week, it's okay, I'll survive.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI2gWcMf7W5
copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡg645kITMAo
"Thanks Jacky, you're the best." I ruffle the grumbling boy's hair before skipping down the hall to my next class.copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡkp5PNaZ1fr
It's amazing how it's our last year of high school and yet the year twelves still muck around the hallways, late for their current classes. I'm not any better but at least I have a valid excuse.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmP6R6j6PDS
copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1V7f5JmDP
I knock on the door to my English class and walk in, grabbing everyone's attention.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVrrTdG1sr
copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡJuJlrde9Ei
"Care to explain why you're late, Miss Carr?"444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrFCTm48Jr6
copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDu9e3TMoU
I glare at Hugo, ignoring the slight snickering from some students, and make my way towards my assigned seat.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbhDSt8ZdS
copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1KGdpwEE5
"Mr Axel. Why don't you read out page number sixty one, since you're so keen on taking my place," Mrs Cristiana says.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSigzq1Doo
copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡyD0t3vTWXc
"Why that would be delightful, Cathy."444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPGn7fubXg
copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xCebHK5Yt
I roll my eyes at his immaturity and pull the only book in my bag out. Page sixty one. Page sixty one. Oh, here it is.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DEHJMoQ9B
copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUcwhIJ4xY
"’Rebecca caught my eye and smiles faintly at me. I could see the fresh tears in her eyes’," Hugo reads out loud, his voice—as much as I hate to admit—very captivating. "’I didn't know the reason why though. Maybe because her cousin had died or maybe because her boyfriend was the reason why. It's not everyday your boyfriend kills your baby cousin’,” he pauses, the silence deafening at the new reveal before continuing. "’She reminded of a wh—’”444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfm6isqzWyJ
copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHbC4OjJk5
"Thank you Hugo, you can stop here."444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9O3claAkMh
copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡB12PgacFWq
My head snaps upwards at the words, disappointment sinking in me. Great, now she's going to pick on someone else. Probably has a monotone voice too.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLVzKntwwv
copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡTeN5b6iZOJ
"Okay," the teacher proclaims, turning her back to us and writing on the board. "I want someone to tell me a quote from the small text you just read."444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSAFlnkocS3
copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZbRocsmFd
When no one puts their hands up or utters a noise, Mrs Cristiana turns around to face us. "Carol, tell me one quote from the text."copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpax5xjx4A
Carol, a chubby guy who sits at the front near the doorway, looks ups from his book. "It's not everyday your boyfriend kills your baby cousin," he replies quietly.copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡczYrI8OsFx
The teachers, seemingly satisfied with the answer, nods and writes it down on the board. "Any other quotes you see there, Gabby?"copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡTIAKmS60A8
"No ma'am."copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5nxz8AMdWt
"Are you sure?" she turns to look at the girl with raised eyebrows. copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWTq1rpP62
"Yes." Gabby nods.copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡdRAi5C1URc
Mrs Cristiana accepts her answer and looks back at Hugo, who—no surprisingly—has his big head down on the desk. "Mr Axel?"copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZGa2ntDq4
Hugo lifts his head up, his chestnut brown hair ruffled. "Yes?"copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6vfCWE9hn
"Would you like to continue reading?"copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20bQKF5QJ8
"No," he deadpans.copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡu65SKRBsah
"That wasn't an option, Hugo."copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4sTsvwCuff
He sighs, picks up the book begrudgingly before asking, "can I bounce instead?" copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxwTfVvVan
"Continue the sentence you were reading and then you can bounce.”copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvN33IV2gW
"But Miss, can't I-"copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLhacSUDra
"Time's ticking, Hugo." copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNjWclpiH0
He exaggeratedly sighs, making sure to blow some of his papers on the floor. For what reason, I have no clue. "’She reminded me of a white pigeon that flew straight into the trap the thorny roses built for her, and for that reason, I smiled back’."copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rTwSFgpZp
I look up from my book when no one utters a word. Mrs Cristiana has her head buried in the book, seemingly skimming over the lines before slamming the book shut and turning around to write on the whiteboard. copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡPSe7dUD75x
"Any quotes you see there, Vel?"copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡvb1j1FxBjK
At the sound of my name, I freeze, like deer caught in headlights, even though I've done nothing wrong.copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡqn1EffY3pI
"Well?" She looks over her shoulder.copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡGlj82JxAM2
I quickly skim through the short paragraph before answering, "I smiled back."copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSeRrfNKOo
She pauses for a second, staring at me, before copying it down on the board. "Want to explain your answer?" She turns around, a look of intrigue visible on her clear face.copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6RJJ3idXF
I feel the heat rise to my cheeks. Oh god, what do I say now?copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡwo7OpGfs2F
I bite my lips anxiously, and sink lower into my seat. I don't want to say my reason because it's weird, obviously, and frankly, I don't want others stealing my idea. I didn't even expect her to question it. copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡRDHhHUfeaZ
Ready to utter some bullpoop, I open my mouth to speak but was cut off. copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZojm5ohQX
"The quote can represent the direction of the plot," Hugo calls out, surprising me and everyone else in the room. "Just by reading it, you can either expect that Mila is planning something sinister, hence the comparison of the white pigeon and the thorned roses, or it could mean Mila doesn't blame Jessica for what happened, therefore the smile representing forgiveness."copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnkRMQkSKX
I look at Hugo, along with the rest of the class. Never in my life did I think Hugo Axel was capable of consently answering a question. copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡERfous5Lul
The teacher glances at me before smiling at Hugo. "Thank you Vel, for answering the question."copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ2S3aX85M6
"Anytime Mrs," he replies, a wide grin plastered on his face. copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxJ8jCOu14
Mrs Cristiana shakes her head and writes down the explanation on the whiteboard. I look at Hugo and quietly eye him. As if feeling my stare, his mouth twitches up into a faint smile, and I quickly turn back around, feeling embarrassed for staring too long.copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡqjmarXF0qL444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jDFd3f3Lz
BY THE TIME lunch comes around, my brain is exhausted. Hitching my bag upwards, I make my way through the sea of chatty student in the cafeteria, eyes set on a certain fair headed boy. Once within distance, I throw my bag at his rectangular head. copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡK6w4qh4RV7
"What the hell?" Lucian exclaims, his brown eyes glaring at me as I take an empty seat. I ignore him and grab a few wedges from his tray.copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡqxVXiv3SXh
"Make yourself at home, why don't you," he says, rubbing his head before picking my bag up from the floor. He places it on the table. "What's the point of carrying this thing around if it's practically empty?"copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1RF2N8uGL
I shrug. "I dunno know, it's comfortable."copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UqLkLD3zt
I look over my shoulder at the short line of hungry animals, waiting for their food to be served. "I'm gonna get something to eat," I say to Lucian, patting his shoulder. "Do you want anything?"copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7WKPG8tGEb
He gives me a blank look, stuffing his face with hot wedges. copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFkDHo3YcU
"Obviously not," I mutter, standing up. "Look after my phone."copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMIz3rWlkP
I make a beeline towards the canteen, my stomach grumbling as I near the sacred treasures. As I wait in line, I stare up at the school's menu, my mind jumping from one decision to another. There's so much to eat. copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvGsTy6ew7
Glancing down, I count the money that I have. $5.80. With little to no money. copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXFGRRSpVe
School canteens are expensive. Why? My mind doesn't have the answer to that. Although the food is particularly nice—depending on the lunch ladies' moods—the prices are overly high. A small chicken wrap costs five dollars and that alone would never satisfy my growing stomach. copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡovOT3rW2ue
A girl's gotta eat what a girl's gotta eat. copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡnExMs3MfOB
I admit, I may or may not be one of the people who eat a lot. ‘A lot’ sounds like an understatement right no-copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡBoqIobZWYt
"Can you hurry up?" copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbOV9fIwyC
"Huh? Oh sorr—" I turn around to face the intruder of my thoughts and immediately scowl when I see Hugo. How cliche."Oh, it's you." copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFcGft3RvC
His lips tug upwards in a smile. "Yes, it's me. You're holding up the line."copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlw7kJSe5X
My scowl deepens but I say nothing and turn around. "You're holding up the line," I mimic him in a deep voice. Holding up the line my ass. There's still two people in front of me.copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡEh1EygCnoS
"I can hear you, you know." copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡbP0aLiLdMj
"Good to know your ears are still working." I turn around and give him my most award winning smile before facing the front again.copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDflmQV6Wh
Hugo Axel. The "bad boy" of Roset High. At least that's what he likes to believe. We all know he's a wimp under his fluffy hoodie and combat boots.copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwSaKedfps
Sure, he may keep his reputation up with a few devilish moves here and there, but when it comes to owning a motorcycle, getting the girls and brutally winning fights, let's just say, he needs experience.copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡNW2wuFCAwu
I remember last year at the end of the first semester, he got into a fight with Nicky Robotham, a kid with an intense temper. But instead of throwing punches like a normal person would, he started dancing around Nicky, making quacking noises too.copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLAM2H0CPk
Because apparently chickens quack nowadays.copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡ78tAfxOBqg
Or at least, that's what Lilly told me. But maybe I shouldn't believe everything she says, especially when she claimed that Hugo had run around the school with Nicky chasing after him. copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1bVqRZ7HqW
"You should've seen them Vel.” she laughed. "He would've put Usain Bolt to shame!" copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡkHSBU5qaoH
But her story doesn't add up. Especially after bumping into a badly bruised Nicky the very next day. copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8CMUVhqsL
I'm snapped out of my thoughts when I feel warm air brushing against my ear.copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQimoPq6gy
"It's your turn, Vallyhills." copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6CBWliKK5
I involuntary shiver at the proximity but push Axel's face away with the back of my hand. "I can see that Hugo."copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmKG78TZVN
Did I forget to mention that he's also a creep?copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡdng0fJ23eH
"Good to know your eyes are still working."copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡGiI0UhxLRR
I turn around to glare at him. An annoying creep, but a creep nonetheless.copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMA8Dh4fAO
"What would you like today, Vel?"copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2iBHIuP1wD
I turn around at the sound of a gentle voice and smile at Merida. "Can I please have a box of nachos?" copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5ONYXdg8w
She nods her head and I watch her grab a small red box. Hugo’s hand suddenly clamp on my shoulders and I purse my lips in annoyance.copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡWsIcEY6bMg
"Make that two Merida."copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4wJuiC8r6
"That'll be seven dollars," she says, smiling amusingly at the two of us. But I don't have seven dollars.copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQDCG3x9a8
I glance down at my coins and count out three dollars fifty. I’ll just buy my one. He can pay for his.copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡsO416JlTYG
"I've got it." copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTeQVoLUHJ
I look up to Hugo paying for the food before he thanks Merida and walks away with the boxes. "Come on, you're holding up the line," he calls out over his shoulder.copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡGaZAIgVzlU
I narrow my eyes at his retreating back, but follow him begrudgingly. "Can I have my nachos now?" I ask once he stops near an empty table. copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxoAAgWW9M
He hands it over silently and I bite my lip, the heat of the junk seeping through the bottom of the cardboard. "Here," I say, placing the nachos on the table and taking the coins out of my pocket. "Take these."copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡfBEYUbxuH0
"You don't have to pay me back," he replies, shaking his head. copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Rx3a0qmrp
"Hugo," I say. "Take it."copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FUWv8suwj
He hesitates for a second before shaking his head again. "I don't want your money." copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdNvd7Ytct
And without a second glance, he leaves with his hot nachos in hand.copyright protection440ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmDveHtPXD
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