"THERE, IT'S DONE."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdwAZXfiLy
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"Show me." I lean over Jackson's shoulder to get a good look at the opend website on my phone. "Where?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecODdTKPtH
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"There you stupid. it says 'your order will arrive within a week's time.' Happy?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNaABQE1biJ
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I snatch the phone out of his hand and take a closer look at the purchased book.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXXkxXhNf3
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King's Cage.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlufa8t4Sjy
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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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA6IaHyOJK7
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"Thanks Jacky, you're the best," I praise, ruffling the grumbling boy's hair before skipping down the hall to my next class.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡty4rSCoapE
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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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeL8tWgX19g
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I knock on the door to my English class and walk in, grabbing everyone's attention.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKnhU5QJOA
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"Care to explain why you're late Miss Carr?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRi9WJ1y7bY
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I glare at Hugo, ignoring the slight snickering from some students and make my wat towards the assigned seat.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMqKVTHbQIl
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"Mr Axel. Why don't you read out page number sixty one, since you're so keen on taking my place," Mrs Cristiana says.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7i5uz0zqKo
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"Why that would be delightful Cathy."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1BGaxqb6yn
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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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5kNQfHxryg
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"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 you boyfriend kills your baby cousin," he pauses, the silence deafening at the new reveal before continuing. "she reminded of a wh-"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFyT98TJyE
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"Thank you Hugo, you can stop here."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zfOKNeWUN
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My head snaps upwards at the words, disappointment sinking in me. Great, now she's going to pick on someone else. With a monotone voice too.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZ77PnPnOn
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"Okay," the teacher proclaims, turning her back to us and writing on the board. " I want someone to tell me a quot from the small text you just read."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDC3bvdjpWS
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When no one puts ther hands up or utters a noise, Mrs Cristiana turns around to face us. "Carol, tell me one quote from the text."copyright protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0yVylsSsg0209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34rjSc7781
Carol, a chubby guy that 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 protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3B9JA0MTI209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUs12ARppee
The teachers, seemingly satisfied with the answer, nods and writes it down on the board. "Any other quotes you see there Gabby?"copyright protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡpod4Z9VBcX209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRQR3m4mL0
"No ma'am."copyright protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡrcvmKQOCi4209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfP5H9XTg51
"Are you sure?" She turns to look at the girl with raised eyebrows. copyright protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡCY8e8RP9EI209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZuj14brup
"Yes." Gabby nods.copyright protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡS37586f3Hr209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFihv9kRdHD
Mrs. Cristiana accepts her answer and looks back at Hugo, who-no surprisingly-has his big head down on the desk. "Mr. Axel?"copyright protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18Dwvomj1F209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWskDBhwSn
Hugo lifts his head up, his chestnut brown hair ruffled up from his five second short nap. "Yes?"copyright protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡoEEwSMnIW2209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyan2up7FQB
"Would you like to continue reading?"copyright protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡrO5yUeE9im209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vTm03GSgo
"No," he deadpans.copyright protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjveP0CcjD209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvkYPYA7vs
"That wasn't an option Hugo."copyright protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡRHhwdajBTf209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3DS68hdN7
He sighs, picks up the book begrudgingly before asking, "can I bounce instead?" copyright protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡEl4KTYYy8g209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPSDIfDLWw2
"Continue the sentence you were reading and then you can bounce," she replies.copyright protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIzpXopzBJ209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2yF0nEAv9
"But Miss, can't I-"copyright protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtrvZFGigA209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30dHSkP9xD
"Time's ticking Hugo." copyright protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVVDFOCDnK209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnvU5KyRG4
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, who flew straight into the trap the thorny roses built for her, and for that reason, I smiled back."copyright protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡThttHqS70t209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU16sG7QkIl
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 protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡQeWhKVXqed209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuLmHse2ioz
"Any quotes you see there Vel?"copyright protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0N8VqOK3r8209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFWrz2c8UT
At the sound of my name, I freeze, a deer caught in headlights, even though I've done nothing wrong. copyright protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlpgO7HGeI209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdOUkhBr7W9
"Well?" She looks over her shoulder.copyright protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95W5nG1k7g209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqVP8o3aGr
I quickly skim through the short paragraph before answering, "I smiled back."copyright protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡy73H3uvOxW209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKB7H3HKfPE
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 protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkimB6tjMI209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ82t2mKEORA
I blush, uncomfortable from the attention. Oh god, what do I say now?copyright protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1WOX2bE3vL209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYk1T9aidlY
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 protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4TnLWRhLo209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5AMNEuxTk
Ready to utter some bullpoop, I open my mouth to speak but was cut off. copyright protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHJv4lCyEp209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1mF4JpIyh
"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 protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFm5DoghsM209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwBkqLvIZQ
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 protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2LQV9CS0TE209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHEVirJWVgP
The teacher briefly glances at me before smiling at Hugo. "Thank you Vel for answering the question."copyright protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡp7m8DqtfY8209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfsRC7VmxEU
"Anytime Mrs," he replies, a wide grin plastered on his face. copyright protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡFfN1krpBIR209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXrqiScNAb
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 protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLDeHMRANK209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEiQzAhjxdz
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡns2e5aarHO
BY THE TIME lunch comes around, my brain is exhausted. Hitching my empty 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 protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡecSAlv1PL0209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmwMOW5G9Th
"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 protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡXqfLsAcRcV209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxzb7atqIG
"Make yourself at home why don't you," He says, rubbing his head before picking my bag up from the floor and placing it on the table. "What's the point of carrying this thing around if it's empty?"copyright protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡJzHnOoaFZX209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0592kecuGU
I shrug. "I dunno know, it's comfortable."copyright protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdahOwNPly209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3q6Snbzw5
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 protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjZ54rGhjS209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRCq3KBwaj
He gives me a blank look, stuffing his face with hot wedges. copyright protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3sTrgiBVh209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdapmdJBpei
"Obviously not," I mutter, standing up. "Look after my phone."copyright protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡzlvKDjgr9B209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxmJEe7QND
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 protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZVZ4ZrLhL209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVEvy5ziG5s
Glancing down, I count the money that I have. $5.80. With little to no money. copyright protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡDuO6ogmGRi209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0jDqFQahgo
School canteens are expensive. Why? My petty 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 protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡYrEtbiNrJW209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzzWWjAaqqY
A girl's gotta eat what a girl's gotta eat. copyright protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3JVYI0XaMf209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mDAUI9cpf
I admit, I may or may not be one of those girls who eat a lot. "A lot" sounds like an understatement right no-copyright protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqJKw70TOS209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqyjQe91vp
"Can you hurry up?" copyright protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMjQfu83WS209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp5Zm1iXcJo
"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 protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZBVXkWVuI209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNKOnEwwRW
His lips tug upwards in an amused smile. "Yes it's me. You're holding up the line."copyright protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡbp8U9F1ayP209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxmkQdz0e4
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 protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2KCmBSRKVN209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEaq1bIYos
"I can hear you, you know." copyright protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡCUNdQKxMG2209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmzf6nDLUaD
"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 protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRrEMBjNMS209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWadh1rQ2G
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 stereotypical leather jacket and combat boots. copyright protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡDODgbe82Y3209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVsk5TlhCkF
Sure, he may keep his reputation up with appearance and 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 protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBYDPOomB4209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4GekNCXzw8
I remember, last year, at the end of term three, he'd gotten into a fight with Nicky Robotham, a kid with an intense temper. But instead of throwing punches like a normal person would, he'd started dancing around Nicky, making quacking noises too.copyright protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡp6WQKIs4we209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcm4nzmp0cr
Because apparently chickens quack nowadays.copyright protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡXa3AqePzgO209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8U1eNnvpH
Or at least, that's what Lilly had told me. But maybe I shouldn't believe everything she says, especially when she'd claimed that Hugo had run around the school with Nicky chasing after him. copyright protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡC6pAJep8B0209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuoqOb2LLz
"You should'v seen them Vel," she'd laughed. "He would've put Usain Bolt to shame!" copyright protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡc069RRSjWp209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXVYlvlLwy
But her story doesn't add up. Especially after bumping into a badly bruised Nicky the very next day. copyright protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTABu0PjA6209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdG7fUVDql
I'm snapped out of my thoughts when I feel warm air brushing against my ear.copyright protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ccwNWLc4m209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCPJ2DV5pG
"It's your turn Vallyhills." copyright protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡchmjrebjx8209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjEAi05DLC
I involuntary shiver at the proximity but push Axel's face away with the back of my hand. "I can see that Hugo."copyright protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ51jGwkvPU209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXQS55N1Ie
Did I forget to mention that he's also a creep?copyright protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡBW6OtTLe6P209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3QbNTPIYf
"Good to know your eyes are still working."copyright protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡAi7XCybOSJ209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDz3dS3jwO
I turn around to glare at him. An annoying creep, but a creep nonetheless.copyright protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCOYVvuf0k209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVIMLARRoSz
"What would you like today Vel?"copyright protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9CggrK9cYg209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfDtrqmg8l
I turn around at the sound of a gentle voice and smile at Merida. "Can I please have a box of nachos?" copyright protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zy9xbIIZB209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxY6AcYEvu
She nods her head and I watch her grab a small red box. Hands clamps on my shoulders and I purse my lips in annoyance, knowing their owner but keep my mouth shut.copyright protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWdgU8LpoM209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsrdedN64cZ
"Make that two Merida."copyright protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxp0OQKY2J209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPfhiGIEXR
"That'll be seven dollars," she says, smiling amusingly at the two of us. But I don't have seven dollars.copyright protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4jNeQYWzY209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZtoYzZayEF
I glance down at my coins and count out three dollars fifty. copyright protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1UMiPV4fj209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ267glk4sog
"I've got it." copyright protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYRfZF5KD8209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs35Hlnn32l
I look up and watch Hugo pay for the food before thanking Merida and picking up the boxes. He walks away from the canteen, as if expecting me to follow. "Come on, you're holding up the line," he calls out over his shoulder.copyright protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRcNErEDod209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2Oj0ojbWX
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 protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWfxIymDCC209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZ4YfqijTH
He hands it over silently and I bite my lip, the heat of the junk seeping through the bottom cardboard. "Here," I say, placing the nachos on the table and taking the coins out of my pocket. "Take these."copyright protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡXsBOIAuOl7209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlKF363qa6
"You don't have to pay me back," he replies, shaking his head. copyright protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡXPZaDEBhhZ209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM59ApaZIlW
"Hugo," I sternly say. "Take it."copyright protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTWLrFjOiV209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGcVLabbtv4
He hesitates for a second before shaking his head again. "I don't want your money." copyright protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡqgo157CzWX209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5qVLt2PUc
And without a second glance, he leaves with his hot nachos in hand.copyright protection205ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTNG3qkEIC
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