......I need to clean up.

After I took a shower and wrapped a towel around me, I stepped out of the cubicle and am now standing in front of my locker that is in the ladies' room, where we girls keep our spare set of clothes. I have a dark blue short dress with a plunging V neckline. I skip wearing my bra since I don't have another pair and the one I am wearing is green and will look really bad as it will be peaking out of my dress. I tie my hair into a high pony tail. I keep my green undies on. Stepping into my blue heels that was kept in the locker, I put my black heels from today in the locker. I walk up to mirror and apply just the right amount of make-up. I know when some of the boys who have girl friends or are interested in Charlotte or some one like her, will feel that my face is caked up in too much make-up but the ones who are interested in my body won't have a single problem.

This isn't the first time. This happens with us everyday.

For the first time my conscience agreed with me and said 'us' and not you.

Because it is not your fault.

No. It was his fault. Sighing I get out of the ladies' room and check my watch.

12:30

I am late for my fifth period. Might as well skip it. I go to my locker, the one against which Francis slammed me. I pull out my books for the sixth period. My eyes land on Drake's hoodie. I run my hands on it. I feel my hands involuntarily bringing the hoodie near my nose as I take a whiff.

Sandalwood and turmeric.

Hmm, nice! I like it.

Me too. Suddenly realizing what I was doing and how dangerous it is, not for my nostrils but for my heart, I shove it in my bag and close my locker. I head towards my next class.

Biology. With Mr. Keyneson.

Shit! You are going to be early!

I know. I shudder at the thought of what Mr. Keyneson will do if he finds me alone. I can't even refuse him. I can never refuse any one!

Call him. He promised he will come.

I know he will. But.....I don't need his help. I am capable of taking care of myself. It's just that if I refuse him, he will lash out on some poor girl who will not know what is in store for her. I can't let that happen to anyone.

Says the girl who maintains a planning diary to plan the destruction of someone or the other's heart!

So what?! I give them emotional pain, it strengthens them. It strengthens me. They can get over it. I can get over it. Then what is the problem? But him! He gives scars that are impossible for any girl to forget. He kills them, may be not physically but mentally. This pain hardly strengthens any one, it just breaks them. Shatters them. Like he broke Melinoe. Like he shattered her.

I deliberately take small steps trying my best to save myself.

12:37

Exactly 23 minutes left. I am standing in front of my class.

Run!

Oh..kaay.. I turn around

"Aaah! Julia! Where do you think you are going, Miss Archer?"

I turn around with a nervous smile. "Nothing I am just going to get my dissection tool box."

So as to castrate your manhood.

Only if I could!

"Oh don't bother, Miss Archer. I always have a set or two to spare my favorite students."

I gulp and nod smiling seductively at him. Keeping my smile intact I walk into the classroom and take my seat at the back of the classroom. I set my things down clearly aware of his lustful gaze on me.

He walks towards me with long purposeful strides. My breathing quickens and I try not to think of what will happen to me. To be honest Mr. Keyneson is quite an attractive man but.......he is a beast when it comes to sex. Last time I had to do it with him for just 10 minutes, I was sore for the next three days. Not just that, he even tore a handful of my hair leaving a bald spot that I had a hard time to cover and recover from.

He comes to stand in front of me and I involuntarily shudder at what is going to happen. Unlike other times when I am about to do the deed my body doesn't respond lustfully instead it reacts out of sheer fear and panic and my lack of bra makes it clear. Mr. Keyneson mistakes it for arousal causing him to let out a groan that caused another chill to run down my spine out of fear.

"Oh, Julia! You will drive me crazy." He says in a husky voice that can drive just about any girl crazy unless they know what a ruthless bastard he is.

I close my eyes awaiting the familiar sound of rip.

But.....instead I hear........

Thud!

My eyes fly open as I take in the scene in front of me. Mr. Keyneson is on the ground straddled by a beach-blond red T-shirt wearing boy. I didn't need to see his face to know he was.....

"Drake? What are you doing here? Don't you have a class now?" I ask trying to look annoyed when in reality I am relived.

He doesn't bother looking at me. "I. Told. You. To. Call. For. ME!", he growls punctuating his words with a punch aimed at Mr. Keyneson while still glaring at the man.

He is here for you.

No. It can't be.

My eyes connect with Keyneson's and I gulp another time knowing very well what all he is capable of. "Dra.....Drake get off him! Ple.....please!" I say in a shaky voice. Drake turns his head towards me and Keyneson takes the opportunity to headbutt him. Drake lets out a groan. Keyneson uses his now free hands and pushes Drake off himself. Drake falls back helplessly. Keyneson raises his fist to hit a distracted Drake, busy in rubbing his forehead. "NO!" A scream leaves my lips.

"Please Mr. Keyneson let him go. He has no clue what he is doing. His sister's suspension has taken a toll on him. But it doesn't matter, we all know I am yours." Turning to Drake I say, "Leave. Now."

"Yes, listen to whore. Just because she is amazing in her job I am letting you off the hook this time, Walters. Everyone knows you are nothing without your sister. So as long as she is gone, this slut is all mine. You can play with her once I am done. Now get out!"

Whore. Slut. That is all you'll ever be.

I know. I hold back my tears. I never cry. Tentratice Aigle never cries and neither does Julia Archer.

Drake is now already on his feet. I turn my face away not wanting to see the disgust in his eyes instead I hear a booming voice.

"I am going to fucking kill you, bastard!"

Oh hell! Drake is swearing!

Yes, hell! Drake never swears. I turn back to him to come face to face with a panting and very pissed looking Drake Walters.

I know now is not the time, but girl! Is this boy hot when he is all angry and protective. I just want to jump his bones.

Urgh! Conscience shut up! I am trying my best to ignore the evidence poking the upper part of my dress by passing it as an indication of fear!

But we both know your nipples aren't swelling out of fear. And can't you give me a proper name? Why always call me conscience when you just quarrel with me and not listen to me.

Shut up! And I will give you a name later on. I am kinda busy now.

A loud groan interrupts my mental conversation. I look up to see Keyneson holding Drake captive and pummeling him.

"Drake! No! Keyneson, get off him, you monster!"

That seems to have caught his attention. Keyneson turns to me and asks, "What did you call me, whore?"

"I....I called you master. "

"Are you sure?", he asks looking amused. This distraction gives Drake the required leverage as his locks Keyneson's head with his left elbow jabs his right index and middle finger to the right side of Keyneson's head, all in a matter of seconds.

Drake lets go and an unconscious Keyneson slithers down his body. He lands on the ground with a loud Thud!

I look around to see if anyone is here and to my relief I realize the door is locked. Drake must have locked it when he came in. I run to his side and glaring at him say, " Who told you to play Knight-in-shinning-armour ? Who said I am damsel in distress? Didn't my fight with Francis proved my might? Didn't it occur to you that I might not want to fight Mr. Keyneson? Hell! Didn't it occur once what will happen to you if you beat up a teacher? Gosh! You are bleeding so badly. I swear Emily is going to murder me! You idiot! Why did you do all this? Don't you know what he is capable of? What are we supposed to tell Principal Ethans? You do realize that your reputation will go down the drain? Huh? Tell m....."

"Jeez, girl! You talk too much you know? Just breathe. I am fine, these are just minor injuries, nothing to worry about. As for Keyneson and his capabilities, Francis will take care of it. My reputation won't be affected at all if Francis Johansen speaks in my favor. Don't worry you won't be dragged into it so there is no question of Emily getting mad at you and even if she hears, she will rather thank me then condemn you. Now as for you, Trice, I can very segregate your I-want-to-jump-his-bones look from your I-need-help-asap. And sitting in your seat you were giving the second look you know. The look you were giving me when I was busy beating him up was the first look, right?"he asks with a smirk.

I blush a bright red and glare at him. "Ya, ya in your dreams, sweetheart. I told I......."

"...won't touch your best friend's brother. I know. I know. I am not even asking. All I am saying is give yourself up to someone who takes care and not hurts you."

I look down trying to ignore my quickening heartbeats and sat,"Why do you care?"

He lifts my face up to make me look into his eyes and smiles, "I told you before I will tell you once I figure it out myself, Trice." I nod and lead him to the nurse room.

******************

After having left him to the nurse's care I attended the rest of my classes. Mr. Keyneson was replaced by Miss Hamilton, a young and enthusiastic teacher who happens to be Miss Locke's cousin, for good. Someone had revealed Keyneson's dark deeds and Melinoe stood witness along with a quite a few others, both girls and boys.

Good riddance.

True!

I am currently standing in front of my locker in the hallway. My eyes land on the dark grey hoodie. Drake's hoodie. Sighing I shrug it on and text Austin.

Me: Julia here. Where are you? I want to meet up regarding the missing of the girls. I accept your proposal to help if that means I can bring a plus with me when required.

Austin: Meet us in the parking lot. Sure you can bring a plus one but I don't know what Drake will do if the plus one is Kevin.

Me: U r ri8. I am gonna brng Kev. Dnt worry abt Drake I'll hndle him.

Austin: Fine. And did you suddenly realize you were typing correct English?😂

I ignore him. And continue to walk towards the parking lot bracing myself for the insults I am sure Francis is going to throw towards me.

I have one and one purpose only, to find Emily......

************************************
Heya, buttercups! I am sorry for a day late update but I was feeling lazy yesterday😅. I hope you are not angry. Chowy!!

Moving to question answer round.
1) Who loves Julia's dress?
2) Who hates Keyneson?
3) How do you think Miss Hamilton is going to be? Will she hate or like Julia?
4) Who loves Drake??? (I do!😍😍)
5) Do you think Julia took the right decision to join Knights and Candace to search for the missing girls?

Please answer as many questions as you like, (if possible all).

Until next time

Comment. Vote. Share.

💞💋💞 Reina