9This chapter is longer than the other one, here you go!
xxx
Chapter Two
Middle September
xxx
"Rinnnnnnnnnngggg"
I jumped up so fast that I fell of the side of my couch before I could figure out what was happening. I ran my hands along the floor trying to find the location of my cell phone. The annoying alarm went off repeatedly, bouncing off the walls of my living room in a harsh echo that taunted me. Finally, stuck in the edges of the couch I turned it off.
I couldn't remember how I got home, or why I'm in the living room rather than my own bed. I couldn't have been that tired.
The news was playing on my small television, the people looking just as pissed to be up early as I was. It was only seven in the morning but I haven't been up this early since about a month ago, and I wasn't happy about it ether. I didn't see why I had to go back to the same school I've been outcasted from like a witch in a small village. They practically tried to put me to death by stake. Though I'm not actually sure if I would have burned, death by fire seemed far more pleasant than anything else.
Well to me anyways.
I had to go through my bedroom to take a shower in the only bathroom my apartment had. I didn't wake up early enough to be able to straighten my black hair, so it looked like it would be curls for today. I liked the way my hair bounced on my shoulders this way. I never wore my hair in curls anymore, I'd gotten so used to what my stepmother liked that I'd forgotten what I liked. And what Loraine liked, William went along with. That's what mattered most.
I heard my cell phone going off while I was in the shower. Normally I would ignore this but today it was playing the ringtone I'd preset for my probation officer. If I didn't answer it he would automatically think I'm up to something that I shouldn't be. I refer to Jake as 'Ye who has little to no faith in me'. I only added the 'little' bit in because he complained that it made him sound careless otherwise. I almost killed myself on the bathroom tile the way I jumped out in the middle of my shower, slipping as I raced out the door. Naked, I ran down my hallway to the living room where my cellphone was.
"Hello?"
"Why do you sound out of breath?" Jake asked me quizzically.
"Well I was killing kittens in the bathtub, and in my excitement I almost missed your call over the screams. So you know, I had to run to answer the phone. Else you'd think I was up to no good"
"Your humour is not amusing me this morning. I like cats." Jake sighed.
"I wasn't amusing." I wiped my feet on the carpet before carefully making my way back to my bedroom. Once I got there I found a towel and put him on speaker. Throwing the phone on my bed I went into the washroom to turn off the shower.
His voice sounds distant from the other room, like he was here in the apartment with me and not at his home. He said "Do I need to tell you to go to school?"
"As we speak, I'm getting dressed." I was about to put on a red v-neck short sleeved shirt when I remembered that the school was uniformed. Where had I thrown that box when the delivery man had given it to me yesterday morning? Under the bed? No the kitchen counter. After retrieving the package I tore it open with a box cutter not caring how deep the blade went. I guess I was kind of hopping that it would make contact with fabric and that it would be so far gone, I wouldn't feel guilty wearing something else. I put on the flowing white button up shirt that stopped just after my waistline and the grey and black plaid skirt. I was surprised to see that the skirt stopped above the knee, but knowing the girls at the school, they had probably fought for it. Went I went to throw the box away the schools signature blue maiden pendant fell out from the bottom. Shit, I was hoping that they forgot to pack it.
I would have to get on the subway wearing this thing, like we didn't separate ourselves from everyone else enough. It didn't matter that we were the only uniformed school in the area but we had to wear a pendant – at all times – to make everyone else know who they were dealing with. Ravenwood was a small town but damn it if they didn't divide the able from the more able. It was ridiculous to me, everything. Upper class in a town were that shouldn't matter. There was only one main subway that didn't have more then seven stops, and even less main buss routes. Nevertheless, there was a gated community, a country club, and whole lot of – other shit – that not many people knew about. Yet here we are uniformed, and branded like a cow with a pendant. Cause you know, God forbid we have a certain kind of humble dignity about these kinds of things.
"...Are you listening to me! Remy!" Jake screamed into the phone.
"Yes, yes, I am! I heard every word" Where were my black shoes? I wouldn't be allowed to wear sneakers. The only black shoes I had hear were Ugs. Whatever, they couldn't have it all from me today. It's not really my fault anyways. I wasn't doing it on purpose.
"Then what did I say?" I could hear the irritation in his voice.
"Specifics, specifics.." I yawned.
"No trouble."
"Or drugs or alcohol. Fire." I chanted like a mantra.
"I didn't say that." He pushed between his lips. The sound of a kettle going off behind him made the sound of a screaming child.
"No you didn't, but that is what you meant. The true meaning behind the words" So save it. I picked up by oversized bag and looked at myself in vanity mirror. This is the best I could do today.
"You always make me out to be the villain when I'm just trying to help you." He must have been cooking something because I could hear him slamming pots around.
"Your a probation officer Jake. Your payed to 'help me', a legal stalker. Not Gandhi." I picked up a brush and ran it through my hair, glancing at the clock. Thirty minuets after seven. "Well would you look at the time..."
Reaching over to the bed to – admittedly – rudely hang up, Jake's voice rang out loudly from the speakers.
"You better not hang up on me! I give you to much freedom, talking to you as if you were a-"
I interrupted him. "A what? An equal." I stated.
He paused clearly tired with me. He was so over this. I didn't blame him.
"Remy you better be at school. If I just so happen to check up on you today or any other day and your not there. That. Is. Strike. One." He hung up the phone before I could produce a retort. Good, cause I didn't have one. As much as I yanked his chain, I knew he was serious. One word from him to my dad and I'd be right back in that detention centre for the full period of my stay. Not out early, like now.
It sucked, all of this. This situation I was in.
Hell.
I swear I didn't even know what happened – stop. Just go to school Remy. Thinking about it never led anywhere.
Grabbing my keys and locking the door behind me, I made my way down the hallway and pressed the button for the elevator. When the elevator door opened a man was standing inside with his dog. Immediately, when I stepped in, the dog backed all the way up to the wall in front of his owner glaring at me silently. I never had a thing for animals, or they didn't have a thing for me. Except cats, cats loved me. The whole ride was awkward. The dog and I were having a bit of a moment while the owner rode along in a unknown bliss. Humming along to the annoying music playing overhead. When we reached the lobby I made sure I was the first one out the door. Doing so got me so close to the dog that he barked at me, but when I looked down directly into his eyes he stopped. He whined and retreated into the comfort of the older man. Whatever.
I was walking down the lobby when the front desk boy called out after me.
"Miss, miss! There's a car here-" But I was already out the door.
It didn't matter anyway I got the point. My dad's town car was out front waiting for me. I was not taking that to school.
The boy bumped into my back on his rush out the door.
"Oh! I'm sorry Miss. I just meant to tell you that there was a car out front for you."
"Yes, I see that." Immediately I felt bad for saying it the way I did. His freckled face dropped from a shy grin to a clear slate. "I'm sorry it's not you. I'm just.. well I'm, I'm a bit of a bitch."
He looked at me, not quite ready to grace me with his smile again but he cracked. He looked about 13 at best. If I had a younger sister, this would be a boy I might of hooked her up with.
I laughed. "It's okay you can laugh at me. I am, I can't help it sometimes. You know what you could do for me?"
He still didn't laugh but he was fighting it back. "What?"
"Next time I'm so rude, just flat out tell me anyway you want." He eyes opened. "Really, I won't tell a soul."
He smiled. "Your not rude, your honest."
"I'm sorry, really" I said before leaving him behind to walk up to the car.
I knocked on the passenger window. Oh great, when it pulled all the way down my dads personal driver was looking back at me. I wasn't his favourite person in the world.
"Your dad told me to bring you to school Remy, so here I am" He never called me miss. I think I was way to below him for that. That's kinda why I liked and hated him. He didn't give a shit who you were, if he didn't like you, he didn't like you and that was that.
"I'm taking the subway."
"No, your going to get in this car so I can do my job."
"Or I'm gunna take the subway and you can say that I was happy to ride along with you."
"I thought about that myself trust me, but I'm sure someone in that building would tell your dad."
"Hmm."
"So since I know your not going to let me drive you, I've thought of this."
"And what's that?"
"I'll drive you around 3 blocks down and drop you off at the subway there. Where you can then go the rest of the way. It looks like I did my job, but if you don't turn up at school Remy I won't do it again. I'll also lie, I'll say you escaped or something, if you don't go to school"
I pretended to think about it. If I said no I'd just drop lower on his list of tolerable people and he'd never offer me something like this again.
"Fine." I said climbing into the back seat.
The subway was easy. Most people from where I used to live avoided being down here but it was peaceful to me. I didn't see anyone I knew because they all rode above ground and that was the best I could ask for. I didn't get any special looks, actually, people just looked right through me. Ether way if people did recognize me, they wouldn't come up to me anyways. For the past few months I've been the upper towns outcast and the lower half's weird bag lady. I stayed in and didn't speak to anyone. A mystery.
From the subway I'd half to walk the rest of the way to school. I didn't really mind walking, did it all the time lately. Man it was hot out here and I'm wearing Ugs like an idiot. It only helped that they were so damn comfy.
Stepping on the schools grounds again was like steeping into a slow boiling pot. It wasn't hot yet, but you knew you'd boil if you stayed to long. Melt away into nothing.
That's how North Wellington Private School made me feel. A slow death.
Clutching the forms in my hand I made my way to the office. Glancing around I sighed. The girls were dressed up, I wasn't even sure how you could dress up a uniform but they did it. Heels, everywhere. Was that code? I looked down again at my Ugs, oh well. The guys were hot, if you like the imitation hard – yet preppy – kind of guys. I barely blinked an eye.
Sue me.
I like the real thing.
Bad, hot, breaking all the rules. Staying up late, sneaking out, kissing in the dark. Hand up your shirt, in your hair, on your leg kind of guy.
Never wanting anything serious, just a little fun. On the other hand... or I did used to like those kinds of guys anyways, I shouldn't. It didn't do anything for me but get me into trouble. Both the good trouble I like but then again mostly the bad. Which I didn't mind so much ether, but should.
This probably said a lot about myself.
When I got into the office I had to wait awhile before the Principal came out to see me. Personally I think he did it on purpose. He secretly hates me, I'd bet anyone on it.
Jenna, the student morning announcer stared at me from over the desk. Jenna was always in my class since eight grade. She didn't like me one bit. At least it was justified, I accidentally purred a can of pop on her at graduation, I slipped – promise – but that didn't matter. I would have hated me for that to.
Principle Rogers popped his head out from behind his door and motioned me over with his hand.
"How have you been Remy? It's been awhile" Mr. Rogers asked me from behind his monster of a desk. More like the king's round table, or in this case rectangle. Mr. Rogers was a tall man, wide shoulders, and handsome. He had a smile that was always up to no good.
Still, it takes me a moment longer to answer him. I never liked being in here. It felt like you were getting ready to plead for a life you didn't know you had to fight for.
"I'm fine."
"That's great!," He grinned, showing whatever he had for breakfast right between his two front teeth. This was a slip up for him, the always neat and tidy. Must have not gotten the time to practice his usual narcissism in the mirror this morning. "How's your mother?"
I wouldn't know, since I've never seen or met her, but that's not the one he's talking about. Step-mommy. Wouldn't know about that one ether.
"She's fine."
"That's good, great." He leans forward and dusts of his dress shirt. Everything is always good, great, freaking fantastic to him.
"Well you know Remy this past year has been hard for you I'm sure. What with all the mishaps and all but I'm sure this year will be better. I've never been one to take part in gossip and would like you to know that the teachers and myself will treat you no different than we treat everyone else" He says all slow and clam like he needs to make sure this sinks in.
When I say nothing he leans back into his chair.
"Though I do have to let you know, that I am sure that nothing like last year will take place in this school again. Rules have changed around here and nothing goes unnoticed," He warned me. "On the other note, I have a feeling this year will be a good one!" He laughs.
"Why am I in advanced math?" I ask, completely ignoring the affect he wants to have on me. He even seems disappointed for a moment. If you let Mr. Rogers intimidate you, you'll never get away with anything.
"Your father specifically picked your classes and signed off on them. I'm afraid if you want them changed you'll have to talk to him"
I knew there wasn't a point in arguing at this point. If my dad picked it, it would be like trying to pick up a bolder with your hands. No point in trying. I have to pick my battles with him.
"Well than, wouldn't want to be late for class..." I place the palms of my hands on the armrests of my chair.
"Very well than, if you need anything Remy. Just come and talk to me" He grins again, but this time it doesn't quite reach his eyes.
When I found my math class in room 116, silence followed me as soon as I entered the class. It had been like this all morning, no one talking to me. Completely erasing the fact that I knew most of them since kindergarten.
"Hi, I'm Ms. Chambers" A short very beautiful voluptuous women says politely. Her hair is light brown and curves around her face and shoulders. Blue eyes just beginning to get crows feet at the corners. I've never seen her before in my life.
"You must be Remy, please take any one of the empty seats" she waves her hand and I look up at the class. I spot Jenna at the back of the class right behind a tall girl I seen in my English class. What was her name again, Andrea? Ether way, that was a side of the class I wasn't going to sit on. I made my way to the left side of them room and sat at an open desk near the back by the window. There was another empty seat behind me but when I looked at it there were so many scribbles on the desk that I decided against it. Someone else must sit there.
After sitting down I dropped my books on the desk, the sound causing everyone to snap out of their trance. Faces begin to slowly turn away from me and focus back on the teacher. I tired to make sense of the text book but there was no use. So instead I decided put my head down on the table and pretend to read along for the rest of the class.
The bell woke me up. The class was rushing for the door and Ms. Chamber was frowning at me from the front of the class. Shit.
"I admit, I heard a lot about you, being a new teacher this year. Although since I wouldn't like people me presumptions about me with out knowing me, I suggest... You stay awake in my class" She said picking up her suitcase and giving me one last polite smile before leaving the class.
I blinked after she left. That was... not what I expected.
After stuffing my books in my bag I made my way outside for lunch. No one really stayed in the cafeteria in the summer. September was beautiful in Ravenwood. Flowers, lakes, and lots and lots of open field to hang out on.
I made my way to the back of an old burned down building they were rebuilding. It's been wrecked since I was in elementary school. Since all the new kids overflowing the school, they wanted to add it back on as a new wing. Though for now it was empty and abandoned. Just how I liked it.
At the back of the building, far away and unseen from all the other kids, I sat down against the wall stretching my legs out before me. I dumped my bad down beside me and took out my pack of cigarettes and a lighter. I didn't buy anything from the caff, so a chocolate bar would have to do. Lighting a cigarette, I pulled it to my lips and took a long drag. Ahhh... I put my head on the wall and blew it out. Closing my eyes I stayed like this. Sucking in, and blowing out. It must have been minuets before this shit happened to me, of all places.
I felt someone standing in front of me. Irritation washed over me, since when did people come all the way back here. I slowly opened my eyes and looked up. A long way up, how tall was this guy? 5'11, 6 feet. God. He was wearing a Nike zip up over his uniform and the schools pendant was tagged onto the front.
His eyes were grey, and he had black shaggy hair that was a mess and looked like it needed to be cut. A strong jaw, lips...um...big. There was a ugly scar that ran from the left side of his chin and down to the middle of his neck. He was hot. Though I couldn't get it past me that he was staring down at me, and he looked kind of pissed.
"What are you doing in my spot?" He asked.
"You must be mistaken because this is my spot" I grunted, tapping my cigarette on the floor removing the aches attached to the end.
"No if this was your spot you would have been here yesterday, and the day before that. But of course you weren't here because I was here" Pissed boy retorted.
"That's because I was away for a while. This has been my spot since grade nine, and I'm not giving it up" We glared at each other, him standing and me sitting. His presence felt like a ten pound weight being held over my head.
Then this guy, this guy, reached down and plucked up one of my cigarettes! Staring at me, he then continued to reach into his pocket, pull out a lighter and light it. Blowing out the smoke he looked in the other direction behind him, into the forest.
"Don't be here tomorrow." He said and left into the direction he had been staring in.
The audacity of him.
xxx
What do you think? Weird huh? R&R, would like to hear from you :) What do you think about Remy?