Well this is quite the development. Still I have my free period that allows me to do the work assigned in my academic classes. No time for other people but me. Wow a pretest to assess skill levels and another for political alignments. All online, even the notes I missed in first period. This is twice the work my mother required on the first day of every homeschool year.
"Enjoying your free time Ms. Vernier?"
Not another interruption! Before spitting at the feet of this man I saw his face. Principal Thomas. His towering frame intimidates even teachers. Whoever I dealt with earlier didn't have on a black suit or slick back hair. This man must be out to bury me.
"Um yes. Sorry I wanted enough time in school to work on school work." I fumbled.
I don't even know why I'm being so apologetic.
"What an effective way to use your time, but homework is the work you do at home. " He stated.
His leering gaze lingered. What does he want from me?
The bell rang for Gym class, fifth period. No time to think about that creap of a guy. Why even make him principle if he’s not a good read with teens?
"Hey everyone to the locker rooms!" Coach Mavrin announced to the class with enthusiasm.
"Sir, I didn't know we were-"
"That's fine you can stay in class with the others."
A literal dark room of shame. Nope, not doing it. I'd rather move than play sit still in our chairs for the entire day.
"Okay, I'll take a look in my bag."
Every hour was going rough, so right now needs to be better. I know who to ask but what time is it in Japan?
'Hey Yoshi, what time is it over there?'
…
'It's 1:01 am. Whats up.'
'I don't have any gym clothes and I don't want to sit in class right now.'
'Aww, is public school treating you nicely?'
'Can you do me this favor, please?'
'What? You want me to send you something?'
I'm at his mercy and he has full opportunity to put me in a clown costume if he wanted to.
'Give me a minute.' He texted back.
The showers were not in use unless it was swim day. That meant they were private changing rooms for the insecure every other day.
'I got the shoes covered so, just the clothes are fine.' I texted back.
'No I got the shoes too. Actually found the ones you liked a week back.'
'Holyshit really?'
Five more minutes. I rushed off to the showers. A charcoal sketching stick will have to do. On tile? I'll clean it later.
A wall to wall teleportation spell. And with a confirmation photo, the clothes were tossed at me like he didn't care or maybe he was too embarrassed that he had a girl's high school gym uniform in his dad's home. Every once and a while Yoshi likes to cross-dress, which may have been Deedee and my fault for putting him in her modified outfits for a couple of full moon balls. We were seven.
I hope this gym attire doesn't cause too much commotion. Short shorts and a t-shirt is what it looked like. A Japanese large is an American small and this says XL, let's hope it's a medium. The Locker room checked me out, their reactions said I look like road kill. Is it that bad? I hope the guys side of class won't say anything.
"Whow where'd you get that outfit?" A familiar voice came from behind.
Valeria, my saving grace of matching pink hoodie and tennis skirt. She stood exceptionally small next to the buff girl in an all grey jumpsuit hijab combo.
"Hey, I don't think you've met Luliya. ROTC top of the class. Most influential women in school next to The Christian Unity Club leader and The Cheer Team's leader." She bragged.
I preferred this group of rag-tags over the celebrities in varsity jackets.
"Hey. What's with today? I thought the first days of school were supposed to be chill. I've already gotten homework and now a physical?"
She gave a humorous reply, "Oh yeah, you're homeschooled. Well after the pandemic a couple of years back, teachers have just been streamlining classes, lessons, and everything really. You'll catch up. I remember when Pre K was only about play play then boom, elementary school. We started getting homework and tutoring!"
We walked out in a parade of mismatched partnerships. I felt confident for once.
"Now that's a really good look for you." A voice passed.
Yet another person commenting on my outfit, no it's been my body at this point. I glanced over. If he were not as attractive, he'd be a sleaze.
"Leave us alone, Damien." Luliya coldly replied.
"Whow sorry, just seeing how Jerome's little partner was holding up."
Valeria rolled her eyes and huffed under her breath. "Yeah, you sure care about how girls feel."
I could feel Luliya's hands tense up on my arm. Someone's gotta defuse the situation before one of them starts a fist fight.
I played off a diversion, combing my braids over my shoulder. "Hey, are you headed off to class? I'll walk you."
Taking him away was probably for the best, but who's going to save me? Looking behind me just to be sure, Valeria gave me a disapproving look.
She called out to me, "We're going to be in the basketball gym with the other classes. Hurry back."
I nodded enthusiastically. A five-minute window. Taking Damien’s arm, this might be my only opportunity to get something on him.
He smirked. "Well five minutes, aren't you being helpful?"
I coldly responded, "Why do you care? I just wanted you out of their hair."
A bead of sweat dropped off of his straight white nose onto his leather jacket. He swept his short black hair back like a mob boss, "I see you've heard some rumors about me. Sorry about that. I was dumber last year. I was only sticking up for my guy. He's a cool dude, so he wouldn't do anything they said he did. If you had a friend you grew up with since diapers, wouldn't you know them better than anyone else?"
Yeah, my covenmates. What rumors? No one is telling me shit. Am I just a good opportunity because I don't know anyone? That explains the hostility but conveniently leaves out all the important information.
"Oh sweet, they restocked the Pop Tarts." Damien trailed off into the shadowy nook where the water fountain and restrooms meet, happily getting himself a bag.
But there's one silver lining in this whole situation. I picked up my braids into a ponytail and stepped towards him. Our eyes met.
Greeting his wandering gaze with an enchantment, “Hey. If you’re going to call us friends, I’m going to need your number.” I batted my eyes.
His eyes glazed over, “Uh, yeah you can have my number."
He's casually nervous. This is a good place to charm unsuspecting villains. Off to the gym I hurried. This is my luckiest day.
"Hey, we saved you a spot." Valeria yelled in a whisper.
There's still one thing I need: to ask all sides to get the full picture.
I took a deep breath and started "So what's up with Damien and why do I have to be weary of him specifically."8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmgoaFxiyB
?wary, enchantment,
and then Add to home screen.