Amazing fan art by _MAGNIFICENT_SAM_ ❤❤
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Amara Knight

School's corridor is a whole different world, compared to the classroom or the outside world. Here, junior-senior doesn't matter. Here you are given two choices, either you mingle with all or you stand in the corner, alone.

I opted to go for the former, which helped me befriend almost all. It helped me to have the freedom to squeeze my way into any group of students until my close friends arrived. Because being early at school without the dramatic people you hang out with could be difficult, even if it is just for ten minutes.

I had been chatting with a group of students when someone wrapped an arm around my shoulder. "Sorry to interrupt guys but I gotta steal my best friend from you. Have a nice day."

For some unusual reason, I heard mirth in Drew's voice, which caused suspicion to surge inside me. Snickering, he dragged me with him towards his locker.

"Ah, Drew, effin' leave me!" I nudged his side, making him free me. Narrowing my eyes, I placed my hands on either side of my waist. "Why did you ask me to come early when you were gonna arrive late?"

He left me agitated when he burst out laughing. "I didn't know I could prank you good. I thought you'd catch my lie but you didn't."

My nose flared, prepared to blow out flames to burn him alive. I thought he needed may need something since he sounded sincere about meeting early at school.

I pointed a finger at him. "You, Drew Martinez, are a certified Abysmal Scuzzy Schmuck Hole."

"I am what?" He shrieked, still laughing.

"Asshole. She means you are an asshole."

Becky came and stood beside me with crossed arms. Ugh, she didn't have to translate it.

She haughtily flipped her hair, her eyes still on Drew. "Which... Admittedly, you are, aren't you?"

Drew smirked. And I was absolutely prepared to hear the naughty remark he was about to hurl at her. "Yes, an asshole you used to adore, or maybe you do it now, too. Just don't have the courage to admit it. Who knows."

I saw a slight change in Becky's expressions, which I presume Drew saw, too, because his gaze towards her softened. I couldn't help myself from mentally rolling my eyes. I mean, why couldn't they just admit they still loved each other?

"Know what I think?" Beck stepped closer to him, making Drew take a cautious step back in fear. Must have recalled his last encounter with her. His poor babies.

"I should've kicked you harder the other day. My bad. Gotta do it now."

She almost kneed him when he backed away, raising his hands. "Whoa, whoa, whoa, stop right there, Becks. My multiple Guardian Angels somehow managed to save me from the agony of not having my kids in the future. Moreover, if you knee me again, how'd you have kids in the future, Becks?"

"You bitch! I'm so gonna kill you." Becky charged at him, making him run the other way. She ran after her and they both left me in a laughing mess.

"See you in class!" I hollered and trudged to my locker when I saw Sia, Joshua, and Tory walking my way.

Overjoyed to see Sia back at school, I ran and engulfed her in a tight hug. "Good to see you back, Sia."

She laughed. "Good to see you, too."

I stepped back and asked. "You're okay, right?"
I couldn't flush out the images of her crying hysterically when Harry dumped her.

Tory came and stood by my side.

"She is. I made sure of it." It was Joshua who replied in her place. He wrapped an arm around her waist. Sia passed a gentle, shy smile at him, making me wonder if I was being kept in dark. I'd every right to get suspicious because, well, Joshua had feelings for her. What if he confessed?

I stared at Joshua amusingly, secretly confirming my suspicion. He slapped the side of my head. "Don't even think of voicing out whatever's running in that smart head of yours."

Sia being clueless or maybe deliberately ignored Joshua, just laughed. Then she held my hands. "Thank you for being by my side, Amara. You're a friend I'd want in every life."

I rolled my eyes. "Ugh, stop with this emotional drama of yours. We shouldn't be talking about other life when we don't know what's there for us. Let's keep the things only for this life, shall we? Besides, threatening Harry was fun. You should have seen his face." I laughed.

"Yeah, he got his pants wet." Tory laughed. "However, it was the doing of our badass, here, but does it matter? All that matters is he wouldn't dare to come near you."

"Yeah. Thanks." Sia passed a smile, but I saw the distress right through it. She bit her lip, "I should have known his intentions..."

"Hey!" Joshua turned her to him. "What had I told you about blaming yourself? Fuck, I skipped my basketball practice just to make you understand non of it was your fault and you are back at it again."

She held her hands in the air. "Alright, alright, I wouldn't do it again."

"Where's Drew?" Sia questioned.

I pursed my lips, trying not to burst out laughing. "Running from Becky...who's after his flesh and blood."

"Christ, that guy wouldn't leave a chance to keep her after himself," Joshua commented and we all laughed. See, everyone knew about them.

"Hey, Amara, you remember you promised to ride with me after school?" Tory questioned, pulling me to him by wrapping his arm around my shoulders.

"Yep, I do," I exclaimed. Just then, my eyes caught the sight of Ryan walking through the doors into the corridor, accompanied by his friends.

Our eyes met and how he hurt me the other day came flashing back to me. We wouldn't leave the chance to exchange harmless arguments, but this time I was slightly hurt. I mean, what could have cost him for accepting the flower with a smile?

I saw his steps making their way toward me. Probably wanted to say something. But I didn't want to talk with him, not when Zoe's presence distracted me.

"Uh, that's my cue to leave," I mumbled to myself and tried to sneak away but was held back by Tory.

"Wherever are you slipping off to?"

I absentmindedly checked the time on my wristwatch. "It's almost time for class to start."

"Let the bell ring first," Joshua said but I could only see Ryan with whom I didn't want to interact at the moment.

I quickly grabbed Sia's wrist, dragged her with me, and hollered, "Have something private to discuss with Sia before class starts."

"Whoa, Amara, what was that?" I let go of Sia only when we were in the other corridor near the stairs.

I grabbed the railing and placed my foot on the first step. "Uh, nothing." I then turned to look at her. "You tell me, what's up with you and Joshua?" I wiggled my eyebrows.

She shyly chuckled as she placed her foot on the step. "What, nothing."

"C'mon, you don't have to be shy with me," I remarked as I walked backward on the stairs. She didn't answer but I kept on staring at her with a huge grin, waiting for her to give in. And before we could even reach upstairs, she gave up.

"Okay, fine! He was more gentle while talking to me than he usually is. There...there was something different about him when he consoled me...when he hugged me."

Freakin' finally you got the courage, Joshua. I mentally celebrated Joshua's effort to make Sia feel something about himself.

I wore an innocent expression. I so badly wanted to scream what our idiot friend felt about her, but it wasn't my story to tell. Besides, I wanted to encourage Sia to understand herself. "Why different? I mean, he's the same Joshua we know about."

I heard her let out a soft sigh as she dropped her hands to the sides. "I don't know. I can't explain it to you right now."

"Mmhmm," I hummed. We had already entered our class and I saw Drew sitting at the very end of the classroom with other students, which was highly unusual of him since he always took a seat beside me, and Becky at the very front. She had her jaw clenched and her eyes trained on her lap.

I raised my eyebrows at him when his gaze switched to me. He took out his phone and typed something on it. Just then, my phone beeped. It was a text from Drew.

"She warned me not to come in her sight until she cools down or she'd castrate me. That's why she took the front seat. Help her cool down, Amara. Please. Please. Please. Please."

Amusingly shaking my head, I took a seat to the right of Becky and Sia took the left one.

"I see he's still alive," I muttered.

"Not for long, though." Becky raised her eyes. Her frowned lips stretched into a smile. "Forget about him. You tell me, how are you, my baddy."

"Well, your baddy, here is good. Sia, however, feels something different for our Joshua." I tipped my head in Sia's direction.

"Whoa," Becky spun her head to her left. "C'mon gimme the juicy details."

"God, please." Sia groaned but we kept teasing her until the class had started. Joshua entered the class only when our teacher had entered. So typical of him.

By lunchtime, Becky's anger had subsided, which, fortunately, allowed Drew to tag along with us to the cafeteria.

There too, I came face to face with Ryan, however, this time I couldn't just walk away from him because Austin wanted to have a casual chat with me, which I couldn't refuse. Even though I had a strange feeling about Zoe but would never show it on my face. So when she greeted me, I enthusiastically waved back at her.

"I heard you spent a day out with Ryan. How did it go?" It was Austin who asked playfully.

My gaze moved to Ryan, who had his captivating gaze fixed on me. I smirked at him before shifting my gaze back at Austin.
"Certainly, the air around me was bitter all along. Too bitter that even the essence of my sweetness couldn't wash it off. Nevertheless, I made it."

"You're damn good, Amara." Austin and I shared a hi-five as we cracked out laughing.

"Why don't you-" Ryan wanted to berate me but I didn't allow him to say any further.

"Ah, Austin, I gotta go. See ya later." I looked at Owen. "Nice tee, Owen." My day wouldn't have been complete without poking him a little.

I joined my group to have lunch. We were chatting while munching on our food when our principal, Mrs. Judy Fairy, graced the cafeteria with her presence along with other teachers. Her mere presence was enough for the rattling of the students to cease and stood in their respective places out of respect.

Mrs. Fairy was a tall woman in, maybe, her early fifties, who gracefully donned the signs of aging. Her posture invariably remained straight like an iron rod. I had never seen her flex or relax her muscles, never in public. Her bob-cut, silky straight, blonde hair never left its place. I wondered what amount of hair spray she used.

Despite the intimidation and unyielding attitude she portrayed in her posture, everybody knew she was one cool lady-one like Professor Minerva McGonagall from Harry Potter. Well, I consider Professor Minerva McGonagall cool.

"You all may take your respective seats." Her firm yet gentle voice boomed in the silent cafeteria, making everybody sit without making a single noise, not even the screech of chair dragging could be heard, which was one usual noise there.

"Alright." She took three steps ahead into the cafeteria, clicking her pointed heels on the tiled floor. She crossed her hands at her back.

"Lately, I've been hearing about the misconduct some students have been performing." She stated as her gaze lingered all over the cafeteria before ceasing at me.

Obviously, she knew about the prank. I lowered my eyes and tucked the loose strand of my hair behind my ear.

"Am I required to give a warning or my presence here is enough? Miss Amara Knight... Mr. Drew Martinez, am I?"

Upon hearing my name, I went stiff and shook my head, not looking up at her. I believed Drew did the same. I didn't want to even look at him because I knew I'd end up laughing.

"Thought so. Anyway, I've come here to inform you about the events lined up throughout the month, including a sports event cum cultural fest. I wish to see the enthusiasm in participation while maintaining discipline on the school premises. Don't forget to check the bulletin board for detailed information and if you have problems understanding anything, reach out to the teachers in the organizing committee. That's all for now. Have a nice day ahead."

With that, she walked out of the cafeteria along with the teachers that accompanied her.

I let out a sigh of relief and slumped in my seat. "Geez, I thought I was gonna get another detention."

"Tell me about it." Drew breathed a sigh of relief, too. Joshua and Tory broke out into fits of laughter.

"It's rare to see you two scared of someone." Joshua laughed.

"As if you aren't!" Drew and I snapped in unison. Their laughter didn't still waver, making me stand up and charge on them. However, I stopped when Grace and her minions came and stood by us.

"Well, hello, Sia. I apologize for not acknowledging your presence in the classroom. I was preoccupied, you know.." She waved her hand. "But I have some free time now. So, how are you?"

"Finer than you expect her to be," I replied in place of Sia.

"Seems like Sia pays you to be her lawyer," Grace smirked. "I'd like to know how much does she pay?"

Smirking, I stood toe to toe with her. "Enough for me to buy boxing gloves to punch right in your face."

I heard the students snickered, including my friends.

"Ouch, quite a punch, isn't it, Grace?" Becky came and stood by me to support me.

"You!" She pointed a finger at both of us when Joshua stood up and snapped.

"Grace, I'd suggest you shut your mouth and warn your brother to stay away from Sia or you both will have it from me."

"Wow, so many to stand up for you, Sia, but you can't for yourself. Such a loser. Good that my brother dumped you. You don't even deserve him." Grace mocked and I swear I and Becky were on our toes to scratch her face with our manicured nails, but Sia's sudden outburst stopped us.

"Stop it, Grace. I've heard enough." Sia stood up, pushing the chair back with a screech. Becky and I exchanged a look and decided to step back and allowed our friend, who unexpectedly found the courage to speak, to take the lead.

Sia stepped before us. "Yes, you're right, I don't deserve him because I deserve way much better than that useless brother of yours. And who are you to call me a loser when it's your brother that's scared shitless to even face me. Where's he, huh? Hiding in Mumma's arms to save himself from my slap?"

Whoa, whoa, whoa. Our girl was so on fire.

It wasn't just me who was surprised by her outburst, it was every student sitting in there. They all cheered Sia with hollers and never-ending bangs on the tables.

Grace's face twisted in anger but all she could do was run out of the cafeteria, hiding her tail between her legs.

Squealing, Becky and I jumped on her, then we wiped the tears that rolled down her face. "Thank you, guys. You all are my strength."

Joshua decided to take Sia out of the crowded cafeteria to console her. Once they were out, we sat back in our seats when Ryan boldly came up to me.

"Amara, can I have a word with you?"

Huffing, I gently slapped my hands on the table and stood up. "Guys, it's almost time for class to start. Let's go."

I didn't wait for anyone to stand up and left the cafeteria, completely ignoring Mr. who- hurt-me Peterson.

Everybody questioned me about my ignorance towards Ryan but I dismissed them by making excuses.

After school hours, my friends had left but Tory asked me to wait in the parking lot until he had a word with his coach. So, I waited for him by his motorbike while scrolling through my phone.

All of a sudden someone came and stood before me and I didn't have to look up to see who it was. It was Ryan. Slowly, I raised my eyes at him as I put the phone back in my pocket.

He crossed his arms across his chest. "You have been avoiding me!"

I crossed my arms as well. "Are you accusing me of-"

He cut me off before I could complete it. "I stated the truth, Amara."

I shrugged. "Fine. Yes, I'm ignoring you."

He dropped his hands to his sides and softly asked, "Why?"

I chose not to reply. I wanted him to understand why I had been ignoring him. We remained standing there silently for good two minutes. Yes, I had my eyes on my wristwatch.

I heard him sigh, then he spoke. "Uh, I like how Sia stood up for herself."

"Say it to her, not me," I commented monotonously.

"Yeah, uh, I'll surely do it. Guess you still don't wanna talk to me? Umm, Wouldn't you even ask about the flower you gave me?" He gently questioned.

My jaw flexed as I raised my eyebrows at him. "The flower you refused to accept? No, I don't want to."

"What's wrong with you today? Here I'm trying to have a conversation with you but you are giving me attitude." He snapped.

"Because you hurt me bad, Ryan." I snapped back.

His forehead creased and he breathed out, "What? You do realize you're accusing me of something I'd never do? Not intentionally. Now that you have, do enlighten me with what I did that hurt you."

"Well, well, well, who do we have here?"

I shut my eyes and mentally groaned. Not now Tory.

"Later, Tory. Amara and I have something important to discuss." Ryan glared at him from over my shoulder.

I felt Tory slowly wrapping his arm around my shoulder. Ryan's gaze went on Tory's hand that gripped the side of my arm.
"Oops, you gotta wait for that 'cause it's already fifteen minutes past school hours and I've to drop Amara home."

Ryan's firm gaze switched to me. "Why? Where's your chauffeur at? Forget it. Come, I'll drop you home."

Ryan extended his hand to grab my wrist when Tory held his hand. "You might want to keep your hand to yourself, man. She promised to ride with me today."

"My house is near to hers, I'll drop her-"

"Enough both of you." I groaned. "You two are speaking as if I'm not here. In case you are forgetting, I can decide for myself." I snapped.

I faced Ryan. "Ryan, I'll go with Tory."

His jaw flexed as he glared at Tory who I presume was smiling standing beside me, then he stared at me. Displeasure was evident in his gaze. "Fine. Do whatever you feel like and keep on ignoring me."

He turned on his heels, rode his motorbike, and drive off.

I shut my eyes and mentally groaned. Had I created more rift between us?

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