Chapter Six: Nice Narin??

Nyx’s POV

I was wrong.

I guess I had concluded too quickly, too hasty about declaring that day to be smooth and drama free. I really should learn to shut up sometimes.

There I sat at the end of Elemental class, scribbling some notes with my touch pen on my tablet. I hummed to the random tune playing in my head, happy and content even though I had no friends. 

Maybe Aunt Gacia was right after all. No friends, no excess attention, and no drama.

Unfortunately, my seemingly perfect day was ruined by the sound of the bell for recess.

Yes. The fricking bell. The clanging noise produced as metal clashed against each other made me want to scream and run into the unknown just to escape the fate that awaited me outside the four walls of my classroom. This was my safe haven, bearable to say the least.

Outside there were ravenous wolves ready to tear me apart.

I watched as other students trickled out of the class excitedly, and I nibbled on my lower lip. 

It couldn't be so bad, could it?

Sucking in heavy, ragged breaths, I glared hard at the doorway where my classmates trooped on and out. I couldn't shake the feeling of the last cafeteria experience I had, and it left me paralyzed in my seat, unable to move.

I swallowed hard, picking up bits and pieces of courage that I could muster but as I remembered how Otis and his friends humiliated me, a shudder of terror coursed through me.

On second thought, I decided to remain in class and study my notes till recess was over, but my stomach rebelled against my decision as it gurgled and whined. I tried to ignore it, but it was hard to do anything with an empty stomach.

Unable to bear the hunger that gnawed at my insides, I knew I had only one option.

I was going to face those devils, and may the moon spirit help me.

I rose to my feet and stumbled out of the class. One step after another I walked, counting down each second in my mind. 

You're doing great, Nyx. Almost there. 

As I walked down the hallway, I couldn't bring myself to turn to the left or right, my eyes resting on the large door that led to the cafeteria.

My legs slowly began to regain their strength and my breathing became more stable with every step I took forward. 

Just a few more meters. You're doing it!

I cheered myself on in my mind. I had a half-mind to dash through the throng of students right into the cafeteria but then I'll be drawing attention to myself, which was the opposite of what I wanted.

Almost there, Nyx. Almost-

“Is that…her?” I heard a girl sneer as I walked past. My heart flew to my mouth, almost escaping through a whimper but I struggled to continue walking. They can't possibly be referring to me, right? ‘Her’ could be anybody. They’re just having a conversation that has absolutely nothing to do with me..right?

“Of course, that's her, the clown princess!” A male voice snickered and I bite down hard on my lower lip. 

Almost…there…

My nerves are pulsing and I can feel my entire body tingle with every passing moment. I'm almost within two arms' reach of the large double doors when the sound of circus music hit my ears and loud, roaring laughter echoed down the hallway.

Was that a video of…me?

“Omg look how stupid she looks!”

“Otis is a real one for this!”

“Maybe we should make her Salvador’s loser Mascot, what do y'all say?

“It's still so funny after watching it a thousand times!”

I froze on the spot as my blood ran cold. I had no idea that humiliating moment was caught on camera! What if they posted it everywhere on social media? 

No no no!

“I’ve got to send this to all my friends right now!” Another girl chirped and that was when the adrenaline kicked in.

I staggered backward, backing away from the door in front of me. Their scornful laughter increased as they watched the video over and over again, forcing me to relieve every moment of my humiliation over and over again.

Tears stung my eyes as they traced the patterns of the marble floor. I was the object of their mockery, and none of them cared to know how their actions affected me.

I couldn't dare step into the cafeteria, which means there was only one way out of this before it got any worse. Before they knew I was right there in their midst.

Run.

I turned and ran, faster than I'd ever run in my life. As I pushed past the students standing in my way, I let the tears run free, trickling down my face and blurring my vision.

I didn't stop running until I got to the pathway which led to the dorm buildings. I leaned on one of the trees, panting heavily. My legs burned like my bone marrow were made of fire flakes and every gulp of air felt harder than the last.

After regaining some strength, I sneaked into my dorm room, fumbling with the keys as I heard footsteps approaching. If that was a porter, I’d be in sizzling soup and I couldn't add that to the list of my troubles here at Salvador academy. 

I've had enough to last me a year.

I sighed in relief when the door finally cracked open and I quickly stepped into the room before getting caught hanging around. My back slammed against the wall and I exhaled in relief. 

That was so close.

The quietness of the dorm drowned me in a somber mood and all that happened earlier flooded my mind once again.

It was like a vault of tears had been unlocked as I slumped on my bed, giving vent to the pent up anger, hurt, and embarrassment I had suffered at Salvador Academy.

Sobs wracked my frail frame and all I wanted to do was rip those smiles out of their bratty, little faces. 

“Arrgh!!” I screamed into my pillow, punching it repeatedly afterward. I felt lost, broke,n and worse of it all, I was still hungry but there was no way I'm walking back to that cafeteria.

I wiped my tears, right there in my weak, exhausted, and hungry state.

I could really use a miracle.

Why do I let a bunch of kids my age stop me from living my normal life? I've got to be strong. I couldn't continue to run like this.

With my head still buried in my pillow, I heard the sound of the door open but I was too weak to check who it was so I continued to sulk in silence until the sweet scent of pastry and chicken hit my nostril.

I raised my head and I did a double take. There stood Narin with a tray of food in her hands, dropping them on my desk with a soft plonk.

“Eat.”

That was the only word she said before turning away from me and walking to her own corner.

Confused, I looked at her up until she sat on her bed. Why was Narin being nice to me? Was this another prank? Are there hidden cameras somewhere?

“Why?” I asked the brunette who had barely glanced in my direction after offering me food. If she heard me, she didn't show it because all I got in response was silence.

“Why did you get me food, Narin?” I asked again, this time with a firmer voice if this was a prank, I would be really mad.

“Because you're hungry, duh.” Narin deadpanned. “And no, it's not a prank and it isn't poisoned,” she added as she listened to my previous thoughts.

Warmth spread over my heart knowing that someone cared enough to bring me food and I couldn't help but smile.

“Thank you,” I said, and I meant it from the bottom of my heart.

Narin rose to her feet, still wearing the cold expression on her face. I picked up the tray of food and my taste buds yearned to get them in my mouth.

“So, are you going back to class?” I asked, trying to make conversation and as far as I was concerned, I was failing horribly.

“Don't get ahead of yourself, clown princess,” Narin replied. “This doesn't mean we're friends.”

Ouch.

I couldn't ignore the pang in my heart as I watched her walk out of the room, leaving me alone with my racing thoughts.