"THERE, IT'S DONE."358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtWarQLc9h
copyright protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡlblbNaGe95
"Show me." I lean over Jackson's shoulder to get a good look at the opend website on my phone. "Where?"358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwFJwKAB3J
copyright protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57hftNl8YJ
"There, you stupid. It says 'your order will arrive within a week's time’. Happy?"358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgRRxCI7w4
copyright protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYn0JacAmx
I snatch the phone out of his hand and take a closer look at the purchased book.358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8xxjYn4bx
copyright protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡrIJMTwXAL6
King's Cage.358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmX32HANibQ
copyright protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQdX5HLrPJ
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.358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ147SWEvFL1
copyright protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡaoIyorJB25
"Thanks Jacky, you're the best." I ruffle the grumbling boy's hair before skipping down the hall to my next class.copyright protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8tOSfHpcia
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.358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJm9gUsfixq
copyright protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡjX0xV6eGx3
I knock on the door to my English class and walk in, grabbing everyone's attention.358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUoTW5tKoF
copyright protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡqIr8hQA0rD
"Care to explain why you're late, Miss Carr?"358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApKHiHmNm8
copyright protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6A6UsmCRzU
I glare at Hugo, ignoring the slight snickering from some students, and make my way towards my assigned seat.358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5vYmprBIZ
copyright protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SR2qN8EtG
"Mr Axel. Why don't you read out page number sixty one, since you're so keen on taking my place," Mrs Cristiana says.358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2yTqrQwVAU
copyright protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUoa2F0DFs
"Why that would be delightful, Cathy."358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbklTC2fqp
copyright protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡgL3nGwJioj
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.358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnfvSeRiGt1
copyright protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqc4sCRBgl
"’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—’”358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvzzW0qsW0
copyright protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZfG9il9V1
"Thank you Hugo, you can stop here."358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxcHS5kVlL
copyright protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcNFztcjLA
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.358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJ0QCfHUVb
copyright protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡCX0O2trT4H
"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."358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBHvaDwA6s
copyright protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡemGu2QMnZI
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 protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCUciuFuOr
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 protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rp5gryHkD
The teachers, seemingly satisfied with the answer, nods and writes it down on the board. "Any other quotes you see there, Gabby?"copyright protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzZ532VQpV
"No ma'am."copyright protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPyt1QYHkM
"Are you sure?" she turns to look at the girl with raised eyebrows. copyright protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8pexvuY4bj
"Yes." Gabby nods.copyright protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡHASHGWJCM9
Mrs Cristiana accepts her answer and looks back at Hugo, who—no surprisingly—has his big head down on the desk. "Mr Axel?"copyright protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡxlY5P0WNHh
Hugo lifts his head up, his chestnut brown hair ruffled. "Yes?"copyright protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQHOocingu
"Would you like to continue reading?"copyright protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡGY4zGLwqni
"No," he deadpans.copyright protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVEy1tzXgg
"That wasn't an option, Hugo."copyright protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡeR7VGv8YSp
He sighs, picks up the book begrudgingly before asking, "can I bounce instead?" copyright protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzny94jFuG
"Continue the sentence you were reading and then you can bounce.”copyright protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4CCCD5bAm
"But Miss, can't I-"copyright protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPeALU5TTY
"Time's ticking, Hugo." copyright protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡimyGUILenf
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 protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmjxYWa48L
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 protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBAFbmzhfs
"Any quotes you see there, Vel?"copyright protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡgyPOfJx0YU
At the sound of my name, I freeze, like deer caught in headlights, even though I've done nothing wrong.copyright protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTgzqfwBjE
"Well?" She looks over her shoulder.copyright protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKfXqrjZIz
I quickly skim through the short paragraph before answering, "I smiled back."copyright protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡsY8hNn1koZ
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 protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡfETwekLKV5
I feel the heat rise to my cheeks. Oh god, what do I say now?copyright protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡoiQEgh5zgO
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 protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9IMh0AF1V3
Ready to utter some bullpoop, I open my mouth to speak but was cut off. copyright protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bIUHWetG9
"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 protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5sqJIHPiX
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 protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrGpJG0oIW
The teacher glances at me before smiling at Hugo. "Thank you Vel, for answering the question."copyright protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡsI7aDP6RiM
"Anytime Mrs," he replies, a wide grin plastered on his face. copyright protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SStiBcZqv
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 protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡX3WEtGlu43358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtZNbSTwOe
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 protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwMyHpnNgG
"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 protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhysLR4YRv
"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 protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡtPyqt26Pxb
I shrug. "I dunno know, it's comfortable."copyright protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYIFwp4Ucl
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 protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMD9fo1jmT
He gives me a blank look, stuffing his face with hot wedges. copyright protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQIogcqm1Y
"Obviously not," I mutter, standing up. "Look after my phone."copyright protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡyUWgztFEnR
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 protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡZYED8U1aeo
Glancing down, I count the money that I have. $5.80. With little to no money. copyright protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33eLrvXSSZ
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 protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqUNGugl8E
A girl's gotta eat what a girl's gotta eat. copyright protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8DRLLLNVZ
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 protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡcY3rKuWImO
"Can you hurry up?" copyright protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdeC0U6hfe
"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 protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡVsnyj8k5Wf
His lips tug upwards in a smile. "Yes, it's me. You're holding up the line."copyright protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58e8zYDvGZ
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 protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡjocx0ds6uH
"I can hear you, you know." copyright protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpaIYtQizM
"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 protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡyEVMNuLqZr
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 protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡqjQCRQQjXk
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 protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1iKb0IFR1e
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 protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzTzlH3673
Because apparently chickens quack nowadays.copyright protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxmoadf1xc
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 protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡlyv6KwOpnP
"You should've seen them Vel.” she laughed. "He would've put Usain Bolt to shame!" copyright protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡE2pyBKfFRn
But her story doesn't add up. Especially after bumping into a badly bruised Nicky the very next day. copyright protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqV5P6j47R
I'm snapped out of my thoughts when I feel warm air brushing against my ear.copyright protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡhtpNz9jnzH
"It's your turn, Vallyhills." copyright protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡddJCLln10f
I involuntary shiver at the proximity but push Axel's face away with the back of my hand. "I can see that Hugo."copyright protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJFjPvp8zx
Did I forget to mention that he's also a creep?copyright protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0R0pEzzYX9
"Good to know your eyes are still working."copyright protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡFanoN9JbaK
I turn around to glare at him. An annoying creep, but a creep nonetheless.copyright protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyu6SjBisb
"What would you like today, Vel?"copyright protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡPs3QSIpsGm
I turn around at the sound of a gentle voice and smile at Merida. "Can I please have a box of nachos?" copyright protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmxYLl7vxh
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 protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYQK4J3G2w
"Make that two Merida."copyright protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSYVIRE8jl
"That'll be seven dollars," she says, smiling amusingly at the two of us. But I don't have seven dollars.copyright protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVH2Tso1YV
I glance down at my coins and count out three dollars fifty. I’ll just buy my one. He can pay for his.copyright protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdTaXYT1EW
"I've got it." copyright protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡxxOwtxo7FH
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 protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡtaDbdwECyC
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 protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRPr1NpVP4
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 protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmBGT5ehdT
"You don't have to pay me back," he replies, shaking his head. copyright protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡZG4CRi9vUH
"Hugo," I say. "Take it."copyright protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7szXTALjwA
He hesitates for a second before shaking his head again. "I don't want your money." copyright protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡnoXZ4Q4i8i
And without a second glance, he leaves with his hot nachos in hand.copyright protection354ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8YhKQzUlu
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