Two

It was later that day I discovered that Damien was actually my neighbor. He lives directly opposite my house and I watched him all day through the window. It's the first time in a decade that I actually felt alive. I had a feeling and to me that's an achievement. My first day in mcade high, though marked as the beginning of my problem, isn't really is. I had mixed feelings and they remained mixed because Jude Kam was on a business trip and I was all alone at home. I escaped his defilement for that day and that pleased my soul, then the stunning but arrogant class president ends up becoming my neighbor. I was pleased that I'd be able to watch him, anytime I like (stupid, haha) and also scared that I won't be comfortable once he finds out. One more thing changed about Paige. I wrote in my diary. I miraculously had the guts and I made it an habit. 

About Damien, I was sure of one thing: we might never cross each other's path again. I've never had issues with class leaders. I might never.   

* 

I wasn't so nervous and I didn't stand at that goddamn pavement. I had my student id hung around my neck and I was ready for the worse. On a second day at a new environment, I had much more hope. 'It's a peaceful school' I told myself all morning. It's really peaceful. I was overdressed, aside the long sleeve shirt and short pleated skirts we wore as uniforms. I wore a thick black pop socks and a black tunic draped over my shoulders. I purposely wanted to look different. Besides, it's freezing marching and I can't stand the cold. I wasn't optimistic, I just knew my blank brain would have something else to hold on to. At least.

The Class began with English studies. I barely heard what she was saying—even her name. Sometimes I wonder if I'm 'attention deficit' or just stupid, or a little bit of both. It really was an interactive class. I wasn't listening, cause I wasnt interested in reviewing some dumb literature book with them. I just sat there my head buried in a textbook I wasn't even reading.

I was shocked when the teacher stopped at my seat and said some things I didn't hear. I don't have hearing problems but my mind wasn't in that school, talk less that class. 

"Pardon?"I raised my eyebrow, screaming at my unlucky self within.

"I asked a question."The teacher said. "What was Jem's reaction to Dill's challenge? And what to do think about Jem's opinion of honor?" 

I had no idea. I noticed they were reading a literature book and she has just asked me a question from it. She must have thought I was following. I'm not really smart but in times like this I always have something to say. At least to save my face from the arrogant class president who would have to take me to detention a second time. I had to say something, anything. 

"Jem…ehm…"I adjusted my glasses. "Jem didn't like to be challenged. His opinion of honor is quite awkward." 

The teacher had a i-don't-think-that look on her face. I couldn't have caref less. I was glad when she walked past my seat without saying a word.

I was already looking forward to break time.

*

When bell was rung, everyone rushed to the cafeteria. I chose a seat at the far end of the hall, placed the food made by dad on the table. A book in hand, barely eating but reading. I'm one of those people that became a book lover by force. I find my peace in the books I read. The fictional world is better than my real life anyway. Besides, it would help me hide a bit of my loneliness and sadness.

After a while, two guys joined my table. At that moment, I wished I had magical powers, maybe I'd have disappeared. It's Damien and one other guys I do not know. Did I say guy? He looked more like a man. Gosh! How old are these dudes?! Damien's hair was packed in a dough. I wished I could explain why that's the first thing I check whenever I see him. On first thought, I wanted to ask them to leave the table but when I checked around, I saw the others were full.

Paige and bad luck!

"Look, our new fairy princess reading a fairy tale book." The other guy said, snapping me out of my tangled thoughts. The two guys laughed.

"Tell me, how's our school? I hear you're from an international School." Damein asked gulping down a bottle go fruit juice. Paige was staring at his throat. For heaven's sake! So dumb.

"It's good."

The other guy was glaring at me. They're both arrogant, I could tell from their looks and the other guy had his school tie tied around his head. Who does that?!

" Shit! " He dragged the book off my hand. I didn't expect that so I was rather numb.

"Hey, easy on her okay?" Damien warned. He took the book from the old brat and dropped as t on the table. "She just joined us yesterday. Paige, meet Liam. The god of our class."

Liam had a proud smile on and I didn't know exactly how to react. Did he just say God?

Little wonder.

"Okay. " I picked up my book but Liam took it away as soon as I was about to open it.

"This is a cafeteria, not a library!"

I frowned, he smiled and Damien was dumb. I had no choice than to eat.

" Damien is my very good friend. He's just so dumb sometimes. " I wondered why he was blurting out those stuff. " Since I've gotten to meet you today, then I'll reveal today."

He dropped his spoon noisily, startling the both of us.

" I have something I'd like to show you Paige." He stylishly withdrew his phone from his pocket. " Mister President, you can have a look too. " He was grinning like a … I won't insult him yet. But this Liam guy annoys me.

He opened his phone gallery, my next sight, shook my world. I gasped along in shock, almost choking on my food. It has the picture of myself and Damien, that awkward position in the principal's reception. How the hell?!

"You weren't in school yesterday. How…" Mr President was perplexed also.

Liam laughed. " How sweet?"

PAIGE! You're toast!