My Teacher's Heartbeat

Clara ’s POV “And again the highest in the last concluded test quiz is Clara .” The teacher muttered as the whole class became silent with most of the girls sending me very deadly glares. I tried to avoid their stares as I bent my head gaping keenly at my desk, staring at nothing in particular.  It was apparent none of them seemed to be happy with my attainment. After noticing the look of detests from my classmates I swallowed hard as I stood up and approached the front of the class to collect my test script from the teacher. For a moment I wish I didn’t do well in this particular test and the teacher didn’t declare the test results, at least I wouldn’t have to go through this. As I lurched forward, I instantly lost my balance and before I could recollect anything, I fell face flat on the floor and the whole class burst out into laughter. Bella’s voice along with her minions was the loudest as I heard her mutter slurs about me. At this point I felt like the ground should open up and swallow me because I couldn’t deal with this anymore, I couldn’t tell if the teacher was laughing too because the class was too loud. “Miss Clara , get off the floor.” I heard a familiar masculine voice call out with urgency. I gathered up both strength and courage and stood up trying hard to give in to the hot tears which gathered up at the corner of my eyes. If I broke down, it would only give Bella another opportunity to ridicule me once again. I walked ahead and picked up my script and just as if God heard my silent prayers the bells went off and it was recess period. I instantly ran to my desk and gathered my books into my bag before running into the restroom where no one could see me. I shut the door as soon as I got in and I peered through the holes in each door to be sure I was alone here, so no one would hear me. After making sure the coast was clear, I stood in front of the mirror in self-pity and I couldn’t hold back my tears anymore. They fell freely from my eyes as I kept on wiping them away. I couldn’t deal with this as it became a constant scene that happened to me every single day. Bella just hated me and she would stop at any extent to make sure she ridiculed me. I studied hard for this test and I don’t know why it’s a reason to be hated. I heard the door fling open and just like I feared it was Bella standing at the door with a smirk, with her minions aligned at her back. “Well well well look who it is, our little class nerd just where I expected her to be.” She spat out with a smile plastered at the corner of her lips as she approached me. “I didn’t do anything to you Bella, leave me alone,” I muttered, not setting my eyes on her as I spoke. My annoyance at her behavior towards me was taking the best part of me. “I didn’t do anything to you Bella, leave me alone.” She mimicked and her friends burst out laughing even though it wasn’t funny at all. They would do anything at all to get on her good side, so they don’t fall victim like me.  “What do you want? You’ve had your fill in class, haven’t you? Enjoy your recess and let me be.” I found myself blurting out and my voice already portrayed my anger. “Ohhhh, since when did you become so bold? And the last time I checked I don’t take orders from anyone, especially you.” She blurted with a scornful look as she scanned through me.  I remained quiet glaring at her wondering the next stupid act she would do. “I’ll leave.” She murmured as she walked past me and before I knew what was happening, she poured a bucket of cold water on my body.  My body shrieked as my hands folded into a fist the water was very cold but I did nothing but stand and glare at her. “We all know you started getting high scores as soon as the new teacher came, don’t think we all don’t know what you do behind closed doors to get such marks.” Bella spat out with disgust evident on her face. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, I got those scores because I worked hard for those test scores and you can do the same.” I retorted in my defense. “Well let's see who believes that.” She brought out her phone and took a picture of me, drenched and soaked. After she was satisfied she stepped out of the restroom, leaving me in my distressed state. The next morning… As I got into the School hall I felt all eyes on me as everyone would turn as I passed by. This never happened as I almost thought I was invisible but today happened to be different and I think I knew why. I immediately remembered yesterday and the picture Bella took after drenching me as I placed my bag on the floor in shock and checked my phone. It was everywhere! How could she? “Clara got her test scores by making out with the teacher.” “She’s a slut” “Guess how the class nerd got her last test scores? She’s been banging her teacher.” Tears fell voluntarily from my eyes as I scrolled through the various school articles she posted slut shaming me. Just as I perked up, my eyes met hers and at that point, I felt nothing but pure outrage towards her.  “Slut!” She yelled out looking towards me and everyone veered around to look at me and started laughing, some taking pictures. I bent down and picked up my bag as I staggered along the corridor into my class. Thinking about it, I never really did anything wrong to Bella, and yet I got this, she was never going to let me go, was she? I was going to get back at her no matter how long It took me to, I would make sure she repays all the tears she’s ever caused me. I murmured, clenching my teeth.