Money Well Spent, Chapter Thirty Three

For most teenagers, the last day of winter break meant one last resting day, or not. Some will spend all day in bed or spread out on the sofa in their pajamas, sometimes reading a book or playing video games. Others will go out and see their friends for an outdoor activity, or simply going to the movies. But most of them wishes this day will never end. Of course, I wasn't an exception, but my reasons weren't the same. Returning to school was the least of my problems. No, it was mostly the seeing our teachers again part that was worrying me. One of them in particular.

What gave me anxiety was the reaction he'll have once he saw me. A few, I could imagine. He would slily smirk at me like always, or he would be mad. Unless he'll do what he did the entire time I was at my sister's: ignore me completely. Not one visit, not even a phone call, and even less a text message. He didn't give me any sign that he was still alive, and it hurt more than I'd like to admit. Apparently, I've had it all wrong.

Thus why I was such in a bad mood all week, which I regretted, since it wasn't fair to my sister. I wasn't good company, even if she welcomed me with opened arms. Of course, observant as she was, she already guessed I wasn't my normal self. However, instead of confirming it or trying to know more, she simply smiled and told me time will heal everything. She also said not to lose hope just yet. I had stayed frozen when she did, sceptical. It was like her to talk in riddles, so I wouldn't understand a word she uttered.

I sighed and stretched. The living room's ceiling was still plain white. And my sister's sofa, still as comfortable as ever. It seemed like I stayed doing nothing but think in this room for way too long. I had cried, got angry, got lost in my thoughts. In the end, after getting through every imaginable emotion, I now felt as empty as space, not able to feel any of them anymore. Only a vague feeling of sadness had stayed. I knew my friends didn't like to see me like that. To be honest, I hated this new me, but I had to mourn for a bit. And the best way to do so was to because emotionless. Well, for a few weeks at least, so my heart could stop bleeding over time.

Slowly, I tried to raise my sore body, which stayed too long in the same position. I cracked my neck, then my legs and arms, and took a deep breath. For my last free day, I should do something productive. Maybe shopping? It must have been months since I last bought something for myself, and buying new clothes would give me a fresh new start. Convinced, I took my bag hanging on the sofa, put in my wallet, my keys, my cellphone and my camera. Leïla had gone back to Law's place to take my essentials, only things I had to have. I then went towards the entrance, telling myself I didn't have to buy too much either.

xXxXxXxXxXx

"This t-shirt looks really good on you, miss!" said the exaggerated happy voice of the seller.

I turned around, to look at every angle, and frowned.

"You think so? I'm not sure…"

The blond gave me a forced smile and his eye twitched. He did everything in his power to seem friendly, even if he was on the verge of loosing it. It must have been twenty minutes since I started to try on clothes, never happy with how they looked on me. Too flashy or not enough, too tight, too long. There was always a little something off that stopped me from buying it. I'm certain that if he could, he would've left to help another customer, never returning. Unfortunately for him, I was the only one in the store at the moment. And not one piece of clothing interested me.

I spun again and looked closer. It was true that the shirt's fabric did look nice and the green colour brought out my eyes… I went back inside the fitting room and put on my own clothes. As I got out, I saw the seller waiting not so patiently, apprehending my answer. I gently smiled.

"I'll take it."

He let out a sigh, relieved, and brought me to the counter to make me pay. He thanked me with a smile that said he was happy to see me go and I got out of the shop, a new bag in my hands. As of now, I had bought jeans, a jacket, this shirt, and even a small blue skirt, which I didn't wear often. I felt fancy today.

I walked down the shopping center and decided to sit down for a while. Once I found a bench, I did so while letting out a heavy sigh. After all, it was pretty tiring to shop from one place to the other. I took out my cellphone and saw that I had two hours until it was closing time. I still had time to walk around. Maybe I should go to the bookstore to buy a book? It's been a while since I just sat down on a sofa, a warm blanket on my knees and a good book in my hands. What should I buy? A romance novel was out of the question. A detective story then? Even if I liked watching these kinds of series, reading one was something else. I had the tendency of permanently searching for the culprit, which killed my reading rhythm. No, I think I'll go for a fantasy and adventure one. A completely different world where I could escape to. Yeah, I think that's what I'll do. Buy a good novel, then buy hot chocolate at the local coffee shop and return to my sister's, to get myself comfortable in her couch for the rest of the night. Good plan.

Just as I was about to get up, I heard things collide and fall on my right, and I saw shopping bags spilling on the floor. A hurt growl was heard not too far away. Someone had apparently fell. I heard whispering around me, and even a few laughs. My fist tightened up. How could they react this way without even helping that person? I got up, glared at people around me, and went towards the one who was on the ground, their face against the floor. The behaviour of others irritated me so because I saw myself in that clumsy person. It could totally happen to me. I knelt beside them.

"You okay? You didn't hurt yourself?" I gently asked.

The person looked up and our eyes locked, tears of pain in theirs. I recoiled when I saw their face. That ginger hair and those brown eyes…

"Derek?"

As he recognised me, the redhead clicked his tongue and jumped up. He was apparently irritated to see me. I put on a pout at his reaction, but helped him pick up his things none the less. Once done, I gave them to him. He took them without thanking me, gave me a disgusted stare before walking away. I remained still for a couple of seconds. Why did he hate me all of a sudden? The first time we saw each other, it was the case at first; he was hostile. However, after a while talking, he finally became somewhat nice. What, did he suddenly realize he's supposed to hate me, and so he became his old bastard self? I shook my head. Why were people so complicated? Can't we just be honest with ourselves? (Maybe I wasn't the most qualified to judge after all…)

I picked up my bags and went where he disappeared. Even if I lost my good mood, which was as rare as it could get these days, my need to buy a book was still present. So I walked down the halls and saw Derek not too far ahead. I sped up so I could join him. Without a word, I followed a few meters behind him. He noticed my presence, but didn't give any sign that he was bothered by it. He only walked faster. I did too.

He bit his lip, indication he was mad, and suddenly turned and entered a shop. I looked up to see the sign. It was the bookstore. A small smile appeared on my lips. Was it destiny that decided we were going to the exact same place? No, it was pure coincidence. But if it were destiny, it had a strange sense of humour.

I went in and walked towards the adventure section, which was next to the mangas and fantasy novels. I saw, right in front of the manga section, a certain ginger, book in hands, carefully reading. One second, he looked amused; the next, worried. I gently smiled and walked quietly so I could see what he was reading. On the left page, I saw a big guy with a sword. I don't know why, but he pissed me off. And by his side was a younger (and smaller) man, with an opened shirt and stupid grin on his face. This one made me smile.

"You like One Piece?" I suddenly asked.

He jumped and made the book fall on the ground, which resulted in an angry stare from the bookseller. I offered them an apological smile while Derek got up from picking up the book. He turned my way and glared, unhappy.

"Are you following me or something?" He spitted out.

I didn't get bothered by the way he said it (starting to get used to it) and shook my head.

"I already had plans to come here before you even entered the store."

He muttered under his breath, then went silent. I pointed the manga.

"So, you like it or not?"

He remained silent for a few seconds and I thought he wouldn't answer until he shrugged.

"…I guess," he barely said.

I nodded. "And who's your favourite character?" I asked, curious.

He was surprised by my question and finally looked at me.

"What about you?" He answered with a question.

I stared at the cover and thought hard.

"Hmm.. Well, the main character, Lucy, is most certainly part of my top 5. But if I had to choose one.. I'd say Osupp!"

He raised an eyebrow to my reply.

"Osupp? But he's a coward!"

I glared at him so intensely that he almost took a step back.

"That's not true! He's a real badass, when he wants to! And when his friends need help, he doesn't back down and fights!" I exclaimed.

My breathing became labored, since I talked too fast in one go. But no one makes fun of characters I love in front of me, never! My temporary passionate moment must have amused him. I heard him giggle. I frowned.

"And yours is?"

He puffed out his chest, proud like a rooster.

"Low. Now that is a real badass! He has such a cool power and he's a surgeon too!"

"And he's a psychopath.." I muttered.

He rolled his eyes. And just like that, silence came back. I stumbled on one foot, then the other, and my initial quest came back to me.

"Say, do you know a good adventure and fantasy book?"

xXxXxXxXxXx

As I went around a couple too preoccupied by each other to see I was trying to walk pass them, I entered the cafeteria, my bag on my back. First day of school after winter break, which I would say was so far a success. I didn't cross path with Law all morning. True, I didn't have any biology classes today, but I could've seen him around school, which thankfully didn't happen. However, I had one of his classes tomorrow, so I had to prepare myself mentally… Unless I was "sick" and couldn't come to school? I had to analyse all the possibilities tonight.

The cafeteria was packed with students. A crowd of heads was in front of me, and I tried to spot certain ones. Fortunately, they were almost always at the same place, so I didn't have much trouble finding them. I jostled my way through to my friends. I walked from table to table, but suddenly stopped. There, on the far end of the room, was a redhead. Derek slowly ate his lunch, alone. Pity made its way to my heart. I know he would hate it if he knew I took pity on him, even more so since it was the reason it pushed me to walk to him. Actually, I also just wanted to talk to him. Maybe I'll learn a bit more about his hatred for me, we never know.

I arrived at his side and stopped so he'd look up and notice me. Only, his eyes stayed glued to his food. I sighed. I sat in front of him, which had the effect of him finally noticing my presence. He seemed surprised, and confused, by my sudden appearance.

"What are you doing here?"

I put my bag next to me and took out my sandwich.

"It's obvious, no? I'm eating with you."

He clicked his tongue, unhappy, but didn't say anything. He focused once again on his lasagna plate. The smell coming from it made me drool.

"Is it good, what you're eating?"

He looked at me with an irritated stare. I put my hands up as a peace indicator.

"Alright, alright, no need to give me this dark glare…" I pouted.

He sighed, exasperated. I took my lunch and put the plain bread in my mouth. I could've brought warm food instead, but it took forever to heat it up in the microwaves since there were always a million people trying to do the same, and so I avoided using them if I could. That's why his food made me drool. His warm lunch seemed much more appetizing than my poor sandwich. I sighed again.

"By the way, the novel you suggested yesterday? I started it, and I like it so far!"

He had a mocking smirk on.

"Of course it's a good book. After all, I was the one who recommended it."

I rolled my eyes in front of his comment full of narcissism. He laughed at my reaction. I tried to keep a straight and angry face, but failed miserably. I finally laughed myself. Then, silence came back, but more comfortable than those before. A smile on my lips, I happily bit on my bread and observe my neighbour. He had mature features and his hair, even though it was going in every direction, seemed soft to the touch. His small freckles on his nose gave him a playful aura, and his brown eyes glowed with mischief. Hm… He wasn't half bad looking, upon a closer look…

Suddenly, I saw him look up abruptly, then looking down just as fast. With a shaking hand, he took mine in his and gently stroked it. He slightly looked up again and I saw his cheeks turning pink. Then, a threatening shadow gave us shade. I looked up and saw Law. I froze. He stared at our joined hands. His eyes landed on Derek. His eyes shot lightning, his jet black expression sending icy shivers down my spine. He didn't utter a single word, just walked away quickly.

As sudden as when he took it, he let go of my hand and hurled his container in his bag before getting up and fleeing, his face bright red. I blinked a couple of times. Was I the only one who didn't understand what just happened?

xXxXxXxXxXx

Law furiously wrote down the exercises on the board before sitting behind his desk. He took a pen between his fingers and made it turn to try to calm himself. It didn't work.

Who was that brat who took her hand? And why did Cerys not do anything about it? Law asked himself far too many question, with no answers. Leïla told him to leave Cerys alone so she would calm down a bit, but did she completely banish him from her life, trying to replace him with that.. that.. redhead? His fist tightened. He mumbled under his breath. He wanted to break that kid's nose, but he then would have problem with the higher-ups of the school. Where did he see him before? Maybe he was one of his students?

Law clenched his fists, mad. If he touched her again…

"Uh, mister Law…"

The darkhaired teacher looked up to see a boy staring at him strangely.

"You broke your pen…"

His eyes glanced down to his hand and in fact, the object was broken in half. Sighing, Law got up and went to the trash to throw it out, his pen now completely useless.