Author: Hey guys! Sorry it took so long. I have been focused on my other story fo a little bit. I hope that this chapter isn't too boring for you guys.
Also, I'm sure you guys have seen the teaser for the new live action Sonic movie... I'm praying that I don't get nightmares from Sonic's ugly design...
Anyways, enjoy!
"And one, two, three, four! One, two, three, four!" Gracefully, I performed each step, careful not to miss a single one. "Now big finish!" I ended the routine with a pirouette, then a finishing pose.
"Well done, class! Well done! Especially you, Angel, my dear!" My ballet instructor praised, clapping her hands enthusiastically. I smiled as an exhausted sigh slipped past my lips. "Thank you, Madame Rayla." I replied with a bow.
Following the others, I walked over to the far side of the room and picked up my duffle bag. "See you all tomorrow." I said, waving goodbye to my fellow dance mates. I walked out the front door where I expected to meet my dad. Only thing is, he wasn't there.
I told him that I would be finished by seven o' clock.
I rummaged through my bag and pulled out my phone. I typed in the passcode before speed dialing my dad's phone number. Unfortunately, the call went straight to voicemail. "Hey, Dad. My ballet class ended. Where are you?" I hung up the phone once I finished the voicemail.
Well, maybe he's just running late...
I sat on the curb and patiently waited for my dad to show up. Time passed by. I pulled out my phone to check the time.
7:45
I sighed, stuffing the phone back in my bag.
I guess he forgot again...
Grabbing my bag, I stood up and began making my way down the street. The street lights flickered on, signaling that it was dark. Suddenly, I felt a cold drop of water hit my forehead.
Oh no.
Feeling more drops pelt my body, I quickened my paste. Frantically, I searched for a dry place to wait out the rain. I squinted my eyes to see a small cafe coming into view. I sprinted to the door but groaned once I noticed it was closed. Luckily, there is a tent over the door to keep me dry. I started digging through my bag in hope that I brought my umbrella. Much to my dismay, I didn't bring it. "Just my luck..." I mumbled to myself. "Need some help?" I looked up in surprise to see Anthony holding an umbrella over my head. "Anthony! Thank you so much!" I exclaimed gratefully. "Well, I can't leave soaking wet ballerina out here alone." I glanced down to see my ballet uniform was indeed soaking wet. I smiled at him sheepishly. "Come on, I'll walk you home." He offered. "Thank you so much."
"So, what are you doing out this late?" Anthony asked. "Well, I finished my ballet class but my dad...forgot to pick me up..." I explained sadly. "Forgot? Are you sure he's not just stuck in traffic or something?" I shook my head, allowing a few wet locks of hair to fall from my bun. "This isn't the first time he's forgotten. You see...my dad hasn't been the same since my mom passed last year..." I solemnly confessed. "Wow...I'm so sorry, Angel..." Anthony apologized with a sorrowful expression. "It's okay. I have been taking good care of my dad. Sure it's rough, but we manage..." I explained, shrugging my shoulders. "I see..."
"What about you?" I asked changing the subject. "Huh?" Anthony asked in confusion. "What are you doing out this late?" I clarified. "...I went to see Sasha's parents..." He answered reluctantly. "Ohh...how are they doing?" I asked. "Sasha's mom is taking it hard. As for her dad...who cares about him..." He said, clenching his fists.
What's wrong with Sasha's dad? Is he that bad?
"Ya know, you never told me how you two met." He mentioned, changing the subject. "Sasha never told you?" I asked, honestly surprised. "Well, she told me that you two met on the bus but that's it." He clarified. "Well, that's kind of the story."
~Flashback~
"Ok...notebooks? Check. Pencils and pens? Check. Wallet? Check." I listed as I confirmed that all my supplies were in my tote bag. "Good, everything is here. Now, I can stop talking to myself..." Nervously, I checked over my outfit for what felt like the tenth time as I waited by the bus stop. I had on a casual white sundress a jean jacket and silver sandals. For accessories, I wore silver heart shaped earrings and a matching silver necklace.
Okay, Angel, calm down. It's only your first day of high school...Nothing to freak out about...
The bus finally arrived at the curb, making a loud squealing noise as it came to a halt. The doors swung open, allowing me to enter. Trying to relax the butterflies in my stomach, I stepped onto the bus.
After the doors shut behind me, the bus instantly pulled off. Instantly, I grabbed onto one of the seats to keep myself from falling onto my face.
Goodness! How rude!
I noticed that it was completely packed with noisy students. Cautiously, I walked down the aisle in search for a vacant seat. Most of the students I passed seized what they were doing and stared at me. Sheepishly, I smiled and waved at them to which most returned the gesture. At the end of the bus, my eyes landed on a brown-haired girl who sat alone in a seat with her backpack occupying the seat next to her. She was adorned in dark clothes unlike everyone else. Her gaze stared carelessly out the window while her headphones tuned out the noise around her. It was as if she was completely cut off from the rest of the world around her.
"Um, excuse me..." I said as I shyly tapped her on the shoulder. The girl took off her headphones and glanced up at me with a dull look in her dark brown eyes. I couldn't help but feel slightly intimidated by her gaze. "May I sit here, please?" I politely asked, gesturing to the seat where her backpack was placed. The girl examined me from head to toe for a moment. Without saying a word, she moved her backpack, allowing me to sit down. I watched as she put her headphones back on before glaring back out of the window as if nothing happened.
Okay...she doesn't seem friendly...
Reluctantly, I sat down next to her but did my best to keep my distance. "Aww, look at the poor freshman. It's her first day and she's stuck sitting next to that outcast." I heard someone whisper behind me. Another person snickered. "Yeah, sucks to be her" Feeling uncomfortable, I clutched onto my bag and scooted closer to the edge of the seat.
Please let this be over soon...
~Time Skip~
The school bell rang, signaling that first period was over. I sighed in content as I packed my things into my bag.
First period: done! Now just six more to go.
Once everything was in my tote bag, I stood up and began to exit the classroom. "Ow!" I exclaimed as I tripped and fell, causing the contents of my tote bag to spill onto the floor. A few students snickered at me as they passed by.
How graceful of me...
Groaning heavily, I began to recollect my things. Just as I was finishing up, I saw my light pink lip gloss being handed to me. "Are you okay?" A voice asked. "I'm okay. Thank you for a-" I froze in mid-sentence once I saw that it was the girl from the bus. Her dark brown eyes stared dully at me. They almost seemed lifeless. "I...uh...um..." I stammered, nervously. Feeling completely frazzled, I snatched my lip gloss from her hand and ran out of the classroom.
~Time Skip~
It was now lunchtime and I was practically starving. Patiently, I waited in the lunch line with a couple of girls I had met in my last period. They seem really nice and they knew a lot about make up. It would be fun to share makeup tips with them. "Hey, Angel? One day, can you show me how you apply your eyeliner so perfectly?" Asked the bubbly girl with the long black braid and blue eyes.
"Sure, I would love to, Brittany." I replied happily. "You know what, Angel? You're pretty cool for a freshman." Said the girl with red, shoulder-length wavy hair and brown eyes. "Natasha's right. You're welcome to hang out with us anytime." Agreed the girl with short blonde hair and dark green eyes. "Oh! Thank you, Pamela." I replied with a closed-eyed smile.
After reaching the front of the line with my tray of salad and water, I started digging in my bag for my wallet. I kept digging but for some reason, I just couldn't find it.
Aww... where is my stupid wallet?
At that moment, I felt someone tap me on my shoulder. I turned around and gasped at the person I saw. It was the same girl from earlier. "Wh-what do you want? Why are you following me?" I asked, feeling intimidated. "Go away, freak show! Can't you see you're scaring her?!" Pamela said, glaring at her. The girl ignored her as she dug in her black and gray backpack. "Here, you dropped this earlier." She said handing me my pink and white flower wallet. Surprised, I took my wallet from her hand. Without another word, she turned on her heal and exited the cafeteria.
"Ugh! I'm glad she's finally gone! What a weirdo." Brittany commented in disgust. "What was she doing with your wallet? Did she steal anything out of it?" Natasha asked. I opened my wallet to check and see if anything was missing. "No...all my money and stuff are in here." I confirmed. "Well, that's good. Anyways, don't worry about, Freak Show. We won't let her bother you again." Pamela said reassuringly. "O-oh...ok..." We walked to a vacant table with our lunches. As we ate, the girls conversed about boys while my mind couldn't help but linger on the mysterious girl.
Why does everyone dislike her so much?
Is she really that much of an awful person?
Also, why did she leave the cafeteria?
Doesn't she eat lunch like everybody else?
"Earth to Angel! Are you listening?" Pamela exclaimed, snapping her finger in front of my face. "H-huh? Oh! I'm sorry. What did you say again?" I said, blushing sheepishly. "What do you think of Anthony?" I tilted my head in confusion. "Who is that?" Brittany gave me a dumbfounded expression. "OMG! He's like the most popular guy in school obviously!" She before shoving a spoonful of yogurt into her mouth. "Not to mention that he's probably the hottest guy in school." Natasha added, taking a bite of her cheeseburger. "Probably?! He IS the hottest guy in school!" Pamela corrected as she was about to eat a forkful of salad but froze stopped and gasped.
"Look! Here he comes now!" Pamela exclaimed, pointing behind me. I turned around to face who her perfectly manicured finger was pointing at. Walking by, was thin and slightly built with dark brown curly hair. He was indeed handsome but what stood out the most about him was his charming bright smile. I couldn't help the blush rushing to my cheeks. "Wow...! He is just...wow..." I stumbled over my words. "I know right! And that precious hottie is all mine." Pamela announced proudly. "But didn't he break up with you last year becau-?"
"Shut up, Brittany! I'm the one that broke up with him! But no worries, we will be back together again!" Pamela snapped defensively, causing Brittany to cower down a bit. "Sure you will..." I heard Natasha mumbled to herself as she glared down at her food. "Um...I don't mean to pry but...what happened between you and Anthony that caused him to break up with you?" I asked, genuinely curious. Pamela's expression darkened as the grip on her plastic fork tightened. "Freak show is what happened. She took him away from me." My eyes widened in shock while Natasha rolled her eyes. "Really?"
"Yeah! That girl is a shady weirdo who steals boyfriends and hangs out with even shadier weirdos." Brittany added before taking a sip of her cartoon of milk. "I have heard that." Natasha agreed while wiping her hands on a napkin. "Oh my gosh! That's awful!" I said putting my hand over my mouth. Pamela nodded her head as she stabbed her fork into her salad. "Yeah, but like I said before. Don't worry about her, we'll make sure she doesn't bother you."
~Time Skip~
Once school was over, I ran straight to the bus loop in hopes of not being stuck sitting next to that girl. When I stepped onto the bus, it was already packed with noisy students. I sighed as I once again searched for a seat. As if fate was out to get me, I found an empty seat. I rushed over to the seat but instantly stopped in my tracks when I saw the person sitting by the window.
It's that girl...
Hesitantly, I sat down in the seat next to her. She didn't even bother to glance at me. She probably didn't hear me with her headphones on. As the bus pulled off, I began to think back to what Pamela and the others told me during lunch.
'That girl is a shady weirdo who steals boyfriends and hangs out with even shadier weirdos.'
I shuddered at the thought of the kind of shady weirdo she could be hanging out with. My then transitioned to back to earlier when I tripped and dropped all my things. She was the only person to help me and ask if I was okay. Not to mention, she returned my wallet to me when I needed it. She didn't even take any money out, unlike some people who probably would do so.
Maybe I should at least thank her...
I looked over at the girl who stared out the window with the same dull look she wore this morning. Taking a deep breath, I lightly tapped her shoulder. The girl jumped at my touch as she turned to face me in surprise. She then removed her red headphones and stared at me with confusion laced into her dull brown eyes. "U-um, hi..." I greeted shyly. The confused expression her face morphed into a slight frown. "Hi." She spat monotonously before preparing to put her headphones back on. "Wait!" I said unconsciously grabbing her hand. The girl flinched at my touch as she looked back at me in surprise. "I just wanted to say thank you so much for returning my wallet!" I blurted out. "Um...you're welcome..." She replied as she quickly recoiled away from my touch as if my hand was on fire.
"And I'm sorry..." I added. "Huh?" She asked, tilting her head in confusion. "You have been nice to me and I have been so rude. I'm sorry." The girl stared blinked a couple of times. "Oh...It's alright..." I smiled, finally beginning to relax. "My name is Angel." I introduced, extending my hand out for her to shake. Her dark brown eyes glanced between me and my hand skeptically before finally shaking my hand. "Sasha." She stated. "Sasha? That's a pretty name." I said, giving her a friendly smile.
"Why don't you just cut the crap, ok?" She suddenly spat out coldly. Being taken aback, I stared at her in shock. "Wh-what do y-you mean?" I asked, a little frightened. "Did Pamela send you to me to pretend to be my friend just so you guys can mess with me?" She asked angrily. "Wha-! N-n-no! Of course not!" I stuttered. "Yeah, right! How I do know you're not lying?" She accused. "I-I'm so sorry to upset you! B-b-but I swear that I'm not lying to you. So, please don't be angry with me!" I pleaded, feeling tears begin to prick my eyes. Sasha stared at me for a while until the intense glare in her eyes finally softened. "You really are telling the truth... I'm sorry... " She said, leaning back in her seat. "It's okay..." I said calming down. "I'm just not used to people being nice to me...especially someone who is friends with Pamela..." She explained. "Oh..."
Not sure of what else to say, we soon drifted off into an awkward silence. The sound of the yelling students and humming of the bus engine being the only thing keeping things from being too quiet. A thought then came to my mind.
"Is it true what they say?" I suddenly asked. "Is what true?" She asked with a raised eyebrow. "Did Pamela break up with her boyfriend Anthony because you took him away from her?" I asked curiously. I preferred to hear both sides of the story before I make any assumptions. Sasha scoffed as she crossed her arms. "Of course not. Anthony told me that she broke up with him because she wanted to see other people." She replied. I tilted my head as another question came to my mind.
"Who is Anthony to you?" I asked curiously. "He's my best friend." She replied while nonchalantly shrugging her shoulders. My eyes widened in shock and disbelief. "What?! You're best friends with the most popular guy in school?!" I asked in disbelief. "Yeah... I am..." She said as I caught a glimpse of the corners of her lips tilted upwards into a barely noticeable smile.
The school bus screeched as it came to a halt at my bus stop. I grabbed my tote bag and stood up from my seat. Before leaving, I looked back and faced Sasha. "Um... I'll see you tomorrow...?" I asked uncertainly. She stared at me with dark brown that held uncertainty. "Sure..."
~Time Skip~
The next morning, I walked down the school halls in search of Pamela, Brittany, and Natasha. Although, I couldn't get my mind off that mysterious girl, Sasha. Sure, she pretty emotionless and doesn't speak much but she doesn't seem as bad as how people she is. I then thought about what Sasha told me yesterday.
Was she telling the truth about being best friends with the most popular guy in school? Also, who was telling the truth? Sasha or Pamela?
I turned a corner and immediately stopped in my tracks.
It's Sasha and that guy Anthony.
"Tell your mom I said thanks again for letting me carpool with you guys." Sasha said to him. "No problem. I can't let my bestie miss school because she overslept...again." Anthony said, teasingly. "Shut up." Sasha pouted while lightly punching his arm. Anthony chuckled lightheartedly and rubbed his arm. "Well, I'll catch you later. And please come eat in the cafeteria today? I'm not comfortable with you skipping lunch." He said with eyes laced in concern. Sasha looked away, seeming to be in thought before sighing and shoving her hands in her hoodie pockets. "Ok, fine." She said in defeat. "Good. I'll see you later." He waved before walking away. I couldn't help the happy smile that grew on my face.
So she was telling the truth. They really are best friends. Maybe I should go talk to her.
Sasha sat on a bench as she pulled a novel from out of her backpack and began reading contently. I thought about going to talk to her but I sure if I should disturb her right now. Just as I made the decision to leave her be, I caught a glimpse of three people walking up to her.
Pamela? Brittany? Natasha?
Once the three of them reached Sasha, Pamela smacked the novel out of her hand. "Oopies! Did I do that? Sorry about that, Freak Show." Sasha glared at her as she bent down to pick up her novel. Before she could touch it, Brittany kicked it away from her, causing it to slide by my feet. I bent down and picked up the book and dusted it off of any dirt.
"Can you three please leave me alone?" Sasha asked through her gritted teeth. "What were you doing getting out of the same car as Anthony?" Pamela asked, putting her hands on her hips. "None of your business." Sasha retorted. "Sounds suspicious to me." Natasha said, crossing her arms. "Yeah! I bet slept over at his house!" Brittany accused, also crossing her arms. "Not even close to what happened." Sasha defended, running a hand through her dark brown bangs until Pamela grabbed her by the wrist. "Let go of me, Pamela!" Sasha demanded, trying to pull her wrist away which made Pamela tighten her grip. "Stop lying! What were you doing at Anthony's house?! What did you do with him?!"
"Pamela, stop!"
The four girls looked in my direction with shock written all over their faces. Even I was shocked at my own outburst but I couldn't stand to watch any more of this torture. Pamela released Sasha's wrist and smiled at me with her red lipstick painted lips but I didn't return the smile. "Nice to see you, Angel." She greeted as if nothing happened. "What is your problem?! She told you the truth!" I yelled. "How do you know?" She asked, crossing her arms. "I heard the two of them talking before you guys showed up. He really only gave her a ride to school because she overslept." I defended, catching a glimpse of Sasha looking at me curiously.. "I see... Well, I guess we'll leave then. Come on, Angel." Pamela said as she began to leave with Brittany and Natasha.
"No."
"No?"
"I'm sorry but refuse to be friends with you all any longer." Brittany stared at me with wide blue eyes while Natasha gave me somewhat of an approving smile. "That's too bad. I actually liked you, Angel. Well, your loss." Pamela shrugged as she walked away. Brittany followed after her like a lost puppy. Natasha then followed soon after but not before giving me an approving smile. I looked back at Natasha with a quizzical look but brushed it off as I walked up to Sasha.
"Here's your book." I said, handing the novel back to its rightful owner. "Thanks...you didn't have to do what you did, you know..." Sasha said, putting the novel back in her backpack. "I know but I couldn't watch her do that to you. Anyways, I would prefer to be your friend. Uh...if you're okay with that?" I asked uncertainly. "Well, I'm not comfortable with people who eavesdrop on me." She said, glaring at me. "Oh, goodness! I'm so sorry!" I apologized sheepishly, putting my hands over my mouth. "But for you, I'll make an exception." She stated, giving me a small smile for the first time.
The school bell rang, signaling that it was time to go to first period. "Come on, we have first period together right? Let's go before we're late." Sasha said as she stood up and began walking to class. "Right!" I couldn't help but smile happily at my new friend as followed her to our first period class.
She's defiantly not as bad as they say she is.
~Flashback end~
"So that's the whole story, huh?" Anthony asked. "Yep." I confirmed. He nodded his head. "I see...but you know what Sasha said wasn't the truth." I looked at him quizzically. "What do you mean?" Anthony sighed before answering. "I broke up with Pamela because of how she treated Sasha. I refuse to be with someone who mistreats the person I care about." I couldn't help but feel that there was a deeper meaning to what he said. I was going to ask him about it, but then another thought came to my head. "Why didn't you tell Sasha that?" I asked. "If I tell her, she is going to feel guilty and try to avoid me. I don't want that, so I let her believe that Pamela broke up with me." He explained. "Oh..."
"I'm glad she has you as a friend." He said, smiling at me. "You are?" I asked. "The truth is that I'm always worried about Sasha because of the things that she been through. I try to stay with her as much as I can but sometimes she feels that I'm smothering her. Now that she has you, I don't have to worry as much." I smiled back at him. I don't blame Anthony for being overprotective of Sasha, especially after what happened with that Eric guy. It makes me wonder how Sasha copes with it all.
Eventually, we finally reach the front porch of my house. Thank you again for walking me home." I said, gratefully. "No problem. I'll see you around, Angel." Anthony said as he made his way home. A shiver violently ran through my body as the cool wind penetrated my damp ballet uniform. Furiously digging in the small compartment of my duffle bag, pulled out my house key and unlocked the door. Upon walking in, the faint smell of alcohol filled my nostrils.
Not again...
I walked into the living room, to find my father passed out on the couch. There were several bottles of alcohol on the table. I walked over his sleeping form and shook him by the shoulder. "Dad? Daddy...?" He groaned as he stirred awake. He rubbed his bloodshot eyes. "Angel...? What's wrong, sweetie...?" He asked groggily, as he sat up straight. "You forgot to pick me up from ballet class again..." I said. He stared at me with wide eyes before burying his face in his hands. "Oh, gosh! I'm so sorry, Cupcake!" I sat down next to him and hugged him to me. "It's okay, dad. I know things have been difficult since mom passed but we are going to get through this together. I promise things will get better." I assured. "You're right. I promise I'll get myself together and that I will do a better job taking care of you." I smiled at him, believing that he will keep his promise. "Well, I'm going to clean this mess up and get ready for bed. You should do the same. Don't need you catching a cold from those wet clothes." He said, as he stood up and collected the empty bottles. "Alright. Goodnight, Dad." I said before walking to my room. "Goodnight, Cupcake."