NEVER GONE SEASON 1

CHAPTER 12

BRITTANY'S POV:

Finally, school was over for the day. What a day it had been! I couldn’t wait to get home, curl up in bed, and forget everything that had happened.

I slumped onto the bench outside the classroom, watching the bustle of students eager to leave. My thoughts were interrupted as Dwayne approached, her face a mix of concern and determination.

“Hey,” she said, plopping down beside me.

“Hey,” I replied, trying to mask my exhaustion.

“So, I told Mycseen about what happened,” Dwayne said casually, as if she hadn’t just dropped a bombshell.

I blinked, sitting up straighter. “You... what? Why would you do that?”

She shrugged. “He needed to know. Alia’s behaviour was out of line, and I thought he could help.”

I frowned, my mind racing. “What does she even expect him to do? I can handle this myself!” I said, though even I wasn’t sure if I believed it.

Dwayne gave me a reassuring smile. “Mycseen’s not the type to sit back and let things slide. He looked furious when I told him, Britt. He said he’d handle it.”

“Seriously?” I muttered, shaking my head. The idea of Mycseen getting involved felt like adding fuel to an already blazing fire.

Dwayne touched my arm gently. “Relax, Britt. Mycseen’s got your back. Alia needs to understand that she can’t just go around bullying people.”

Before I could respond, Dawn called out from across the hallway. “Dwayne, come on! We’re going to be late!”

Dwayne stood, slinging her bag over her shoulder. “I’ve got to go. Don’t overthink it, okay? Everything will be fine.”

I nodded weakly. “Goodbye,” I said softly, waving as she walked away with Dawn.

From the corner of my eye, I saw Mycseen heading to his car. He glanced in my direction, giving me a small wave before sliding into the driver’s seat.

Hesitating, I raised my hand and waved back. There was something reassuring about that gesture, as if he was silently telling me, I’ll take care of it.

I stayed on the bench for a while, trying to collect my thoughts. The hum of departing cars and chatter of students filled the air, but I felt disconnected from it all. My chest tightened with unease.

Finally, I pulled out my phone and called Josh.

“Hi, Josh,” I greeted as I climbed into the car minutes later.

“Hey, Brittany,” he said with his usual warmth. “How was school today?”

I hesitated, my hands gripping my bag. “Uh... Please, I don’t want to talk about it.”

Josh glanced at me through the rear-view mirror, concern flickering in his eyes, but he didn’t push. “Alright,” he said simply, focusing on the road ahead.

The ride home was quiet, save for the faint hum of the engine and the occasional shuffle of my bag. I stared out the window, watching the buildings blur past, my mind too clouded to process the scenery.

When we pulled into the driveway, I mumbled a quick goodbye to Josh before stepping out of the car. The familiar warmth of home greeted me as I opened the door.

“Good day, Momma,” I said as I walked in, trying to muster some enthusiasm.

“Hey, sweetie,” Mom replied from the kitchen, her cheerful tone cutting through my gloom. “How was school?”

Her question made my stomach twist. Why does everyone keep asking me that?

“I don’t want to talk about it,” I said flatly, avoiding her gaze as I headed for the stairs.

“Alright,” she said softly, though I could hear the concern in her voice. “Let me know if you need anything.”

I nodded without looking back and climbed the stairs, the weight of the day pressing down on me with each step.

Once in my room, I let my bag slide off my shoulder and onto the floor with a dull thud. The tension in my chest hadn’t eased, and the events of the day swirled in my mind like a storm I couldn’t escape.

I headed to the bathroom, hoping a hot shower would wash away the stress. The warm water cascaded over me, soothing my tired muscles and dulling the ache in my head. For a moment, I let myself imagine the water rinsing away Alia’s harsh words and Mycseen’s involvement.

When I finally stepped out, the cool air hit me, bringing me back to reality. I slipped into my softest pajamas and crawled into bed, pulling the duvet up to my chin. The familiar comfort of my room, with its lavender-scented sheets and the faint hum of the ceiling fan, felt like a sanctuary.

As I closed my eyes, my thoughts drifted back to Dwayne’s words, to Mycseen’s wave, and to the unresolved tension with Alia.

What a day, I thought as sleep slowly claimed me, the promise of tomorrow both a relief and a dread.