Deon

That was a shitty morning. I missed thirty minutes of first period because the principal, the mayor, my mother, Sarah and I were all talking about last night’s incident.

My mother looked annoyed that I didn’t tell her about what we saw last night. Mayor Bravura was just as displeased with the entire event, even threatening to sue the school for not keeping tabs on the students. The principal looked genuinely horrified by the mayor. I mean who wouldn’t be? A powerful man like him is livid that his daughter had to go through that.

Sarah on the other hand, although we stood apart from each other, she looked like she was deep in thought. Her makeup looks a bit thick today. This was unusual but how would I know? It's a nice thought that maybe, even if it's all in my head, Sarah was just like me last night, unable to sleep... But knowing her, she’s trying to look extra pretty today just so she would look like she wasn’t affected by the fiasco.

The Mayor put his trust in me. “Watch over my daughter and protect her from whoever dares to hurt her, Deon. I saw you take her home last night. I was very happy. Please continue to look after my daughter.”

It’s honestly harder on my part if I let things like this continue to happen needlessly to anyone in class. The damage control, keeping an eye out for any suspicious activities. This makes me massively unhappy and unable to focus on my class. Despite all of this b.s. I want to take back the top spot in our class.

Breaktime came and Keith smacked my shoulder.

“Hey, Deon. What’s up? It’s rare to see you this out of it so early in the morning.” He looked at me with a bit of concern. “Did it have something to do with the incident involving Mayor Bravura?”

Seeing my friend like this despite how he acted during my dream feels so surreal.

“Ahh… Student council duties… were just draining.” I lied a bit, not wanting to spread rumors about last night.

“Well, that sucks. I heard someone put a pile of shit on Sarah’s bag. The mayor looked unhappy going to school this morning.” Keith said all pissed.

“Where’d you hear that from?” I look at him curiously.

“Girls were gossiping about it just now. Looks like there’s going to be a manhunt towards our quiet little Ms. Smith. Poor kid. Too bad she had to piss Sarah off.” He said, mocking Vivian.

“It wasn’t her.” I looked at my friend, done with all this bull.

“Really? Who said? Vivian? Please. She’s got a grudge at Sarah for all that harmless teasing.”

“You think that was harmless, Keith?” My tone filled with spite.

My morning was horrible. I’m put under a lot of pressure, and I lack sleep. My self control is gradually slipping.

“Hey. We were just teasing her, Deon. What’s wrong with that, man?”

“So you think it’s funny to laugh at someone who has feelings for another? No matter how futile that is?” I glare at him. “What if it was you being laughed at for having a crush on Sarah? Or what if someone laughed at you for your problems with your brother? Or any important family matters at that. Huh? I’m amazed at how thick headed you can be. How can you laugh at someone when their world is falling apart?” I get up from my seat.

My classmates look at me. This was the first time I was having an outburst in class.

Sarah stopped what she was doing to look at me. Vivian gave me a very concerned look.

I messed up.

I clench my fist. “Don’t go accusing Vivian of doing that shitty mess last night when you don’t have solid evidence that she fucking did it.”

I catch Keith chuckle at ‘shitty mess’, but I was not having any of it. I slam my hand on my desk.

“Do you think this is funny? Huh? Give me hard evidence that Vivian vandalized Sarah’s bag. Then, you can go. By all means, go after her on the manhunt. If she did commit the crime, then she deserves it. If she didn’t do it, then all of you better fucking apologize for all the shit you put her through.”

My ears were red, I was furious. Everyone looked at me in both surprise and confusion. Keith looked down, he just pat my shoulder. “Right… I’m sorry… Calm down… Let’s go get you something to drink in the canteen.”

I put my hand against my face and rub my temple. I nodded. My frustrations were building up too much. Hopefully, Keith drops his shitty behaviour.

Vivian

Out of nowhere, Deon started raising his voice and speaking with conviction. I couldn’t help but think he’d make a great member of the debate team if he continued on like that. Ahh, well both his parents are lawyers even though his mother stopped practicing. It does make sense that he’d be able to speak with conviction the way he did.

Everyone in our class stopped what they were doing to look at him. They all look shaken by Deon.

The way he defended me made me feel warm and happy inside. I’m surprised he wasn’t playing neutral this time. He was actually putting his thoughts out there. It seems like Deon is the type to put all his cards out once he feels like he’s cornered.

“Wow, is Deon okay?” Maisie asked Sarah. “I’ve never seen him act like that.”

“He feels pressure.” Sarah replied while looking towards the boys walking out of the classroom. “He’s waiting on the results for his college application, feeling the pressure of working with the student council, trying to win back the spot for valedictorian. I think it’s pretty understandable that he’s in a lot of stress.”

“Well, he is the only one here who can match you in terms of wits.” Michelle smiles. “It’s always fun to watch you two compete for grades.”

Did Sarah just ignore the fact that he could have been feeling off this morning because he was in the principal’s office with the city Mayor? His father’s boss? I should stop listening into their conversation.

“He shouldn’t think too much about those stuff and just relax. When is the student council announcing the grouping for the sports festival?” Claire asked, looking excited. It was their circle’s time to shine, cheer dance competition, sports competition, family day. Goldstone Academy’s sports festival is always one that outsiders would look forward to.

“We’re announcing it tomorrow.” Sarah grinned playfully. “It’s time we crush our other classmates at sports.”

“Spoil us Sarah. Who are going to be teammates?” Maisie asks with a mischievous smirk.

“No way. It’s a surprise.” Sarah prods her friend’s shoulder. “Let’s go get snacks in the canteen.”

Sports fest huh… Now that I don’t have any friends to spend this time with, I’m no longer excited for the festivities.

While I open up my sandwich, four of my classmates surrounded me. My heart starts to race, I felt nervous. Was this Michelle’s follow up? I calmed myself down and look up. It was Anna, Leslie, Flora and Terrence. Why, what do they want with me?

Terrence went around me like a vulture ready to strike at its prey. He looks at me closely and then stepped back, crossing his arms femininely. His green eyes focus on me as if it’s seeing through my soul.