JADED

It was 11: 47am, the lunch break period of Dexterford High School. More than half of the students, sat in the cafeteria eating their lunch, some minding their businesses while the others were bullying and seeking to bully others. The other half stood outside the cafeteria, gasping and murmuring as they watched a girl, dressed in black pants and hoodie, paint a giant skull on the outer wall of the cafeteria while hanging from a rope. She had long black hair that touched her waist and that was all most people had seen of her. But, some people had seen more more than that. They had seen her fingers and her nails which were always painted black and were always covered by gloves. Some had seen her eyes which were always surrounded by black shades of eye shadow and her lips that seemed blacker each time you looked at it. But, none had noticed those bright blue irises that sparkled whenever she smiled. Neither had anyone seen her smile. They all knew her name and all she did but most of them would never recognize her if she wore a color other than black. She was Jade Adler, the Gothic troublemaker who had almost burned down the school during a chemistry practical. In a few minutes, the principal, Mr Dolan, was making his way through the crowd with some teachers. He held a megaphone which he spoke through as soon as he stopped right underneath where Jade hung. His bald head shone under the bright sun as he told her to come down as calmly as he could. Jade smiled mischievously as she looked down at the people below her. Their incoherent chattering felt bearable as she was more than 20 feet above them. Feeling the wind in her hair, she felt motivated to cause trouble and she popped open the paint she held and poured it over Principal Dolan's bald head. The crowd erupted in laughter as black paint dripped from his head, ruining his clothes and Jade used that opportunity. Pressing a button on the belt she wore around her waist, Jade threw down the empty can as she was pulled up by the rope she was hanging on. As soon as she reached a window, she grabbed the window frame and jumped over it, packing up her gear into her backpack and running into the elevator. She pressed the second button and as soon as she reached the second floor, she left the elevator and used the steps. Just as she expected, the security team were waiting for her at the elevator. She scoffed at their stupidity and she raised her hoodie to cover her head, then she walked sneakily out of the building. She ran to the parking lot where her black motorcycle was waiting. She mounted her bike and wore her helmet. Plugging her keys in, she was about to start the engine when a hand gripped hers. She gave a slight frown as she raised her head up to look at the person who dared to hold her hand. Standing in front of her was Shawn Beckett, her former best friend. His 6 ft 4 height, towering over her 5 ft 7 frame, making it compulsory for her to look up at him. He had short golden hair which was slicked back and bright green eyes which he covered with large rimmed glasses. His lips were round and full, fitting his well chiseled face perfectly. Even without making an effort, he was already handsome. And, if Jade was a little bit like other girls, she'd have fallen for him. “What's your problem, Bucket?” She sassed coldly, glaring at him. “Your actions have really gone out of line, Jade. Come back with me and I promise to make sure you don't get expelled.” Shawn uttered calmly and retracted his hand from Jade's. “No thanks. I don't need help from a broken bucket.” Jade scoffed sarcastically before kicking start her motorcycle and zooming out. Shawn watched her leave and sighed as she disappeared out of his sight. He missed the old Jade. He missed his best friend. Sighing deeply, he turned on his feet and headed to the principal's office. He would try to get him to reduce Jade's punishment, even if he had to bear it with her. ★. ★. ★. ★. ★. “Principal Dolan?” Shawn called out as he arrived at the principal's office. The secretary, Mrs Ahmed, was nowhere to be found so he walked in. The office smelt of mint, thanks to the peppermint plants grown in every corner of the room. Principal Dolan sat at the other end of the table, his back turned away from the door. Even though he had tried very hard to wash it out, Shawn could still see the traces of the paint on his head. “Principal Dolan.” Shawn called out again and Dolan turned on his chair to face him. Shawn noticed that his oval glasses which normally hung down his nose, making him look stricter, was now a little bit higher, covering his eyes. But, he could still see the redness in his eyes. His face softened as a thought came to his mind. Principal Dolan cried. The clearing of throat from Dolan brought his senses back and he took a seat opposite him. “Sir, I'm here on behalf of Jade Adler. I would like to apologise about...” Dolan interrupted. “Save your breath. Nothing will save her from expulsion this time. If her father wants to use his power, he should use it to get her into another school.” Shawn sighed before speaking. “Sir, I know Jade crossed the line this time. No, she has crossed it every time but, please give her some time. You know that there was a time when she was among the best. Grief changed her. She just need more time.” Dolan scoffed. “Mr Beckett, don't you think that line is overused? You've been saying that since her first mischief. But, it's not going to work this time. I'm going to do what I should have done the day she almost burnt down the school. I will expel her.” “I'm sorry sir but if you do that, you'll have to expel me too.” “What? Do you know the complications of what you're saying?” Dolan huffed, visibly annoyed. “I do and I'm willing to bear the consequences. If Jade gets expelled, then I'm leaving as well.” Shawn reiterated. Dolan gave a slight frown as he pinched the bridge of his nose. “Hmm.. You have placed me in a tight spot, Mr Beckett. You're our best student. Losing you will be a great loss. I'll think about giving her another chance. But, are you really willing to bear her punishment with her?” “Yes sir. I take responsibility.” Shawn replied, feeling hopeful. “Two weeks suspension for both of you.” Dolan said as he scribbled something on a piece of paper and handed it to him. “I hope you'll be able to handle things at home and have enough time to talk sense into her.” “Thank you, sir.” Shawn said as he stood up to leave. He was about walking through the door when Dolan stopped him. “Both of you are very different. You're what I would call polar opposites. Why would you keep hanging out with her, knowing it would bring ruin to you?” Dolan said, adjusting his glasses. Shawn simply smiled at him and walked out of the room. If he didn't hang out with Jade, who would? Besides, opposites attract, don't they? ★. ★. ★. ★. ★. Jade curved her lips up into a wry smile as she stared into the mirror at her reflection. Her black hair which was dripping with water, stayed glued onto her smooth skin, making her look like a goddess - or so she felt. She had washed off her Gothic makeup all that was left was the angelic looking beauty in the mirror. The innocent looking face that had ruined her life. She gave a smirk as she turned on her feet and walked out of the bathroom into her room, with only a towel tied around her chest. She got to her dressing table and was about to apply lotion when she heard a knock on the door. Frowning, she went to open the door, wondering who it was. It definitely wasn't her stepmother - as she had warned her to stay off - and it wasn't yet time for her dad to return home. Unless he had been informed of her current mischief. She looked through the peephole and on seeing Shawn, she shuddered. What was he doing here? She opened the door and he walked in. His eyes widened with embarrassment as soon as he saw her and he tried to leave the room but Jade shut the door. She found it funny seeing his face turn red in embarrassment. “Why are you here, Bucket?” “I.. Uhm... I uh.. I.. I..” Shawn stuttered, trying to get rid of the silly thoughts in his mind. “You haven't gone home, have you?” She teased, noticing how he still wore the same clothes from school. “No, I haven't.” Shawn confirmed, turning his back toward her as seeing her in only a towel was making him uncomfortable. “I wanted to talk with you. You have to stop what you're doing. It may seem harmless, but you're hurting a lot of people.” “That's their cup of tea, not mine.” Jade shrugged, slightly disappointed that her game wasn't working anymore. “How can you say that? Knowing how many people you've hurt, even Principal Dolan.” Shawn criticized, a little annoyed over her calmness. Jade shrugged. “I just gave him a new makeover. Stop making it sound like I made him cry.” Shawn burst out. Jade was simply being outrageous. “Yes, you did. Principal Dolan fu... Principal Dolan cried.” Jade smirked. “Impressive.” Shawn turned to face her, visibly annoyed. He couldn't believe how much she had changed over the past year. “Impressive? That's all you have to say?” Jade replied calmly. ”Well yes. But, I doubt that's what you came here for.” She curved her lips up in a naughty smile as he put her arms around Shawn's shoulders. “I feel you came here because you're attracted to me.” “No way. That's.. That's impossible.” Shawn stuttered, his cheeks turning red in embarrassment again. His heartbeat became uncontrollable as Jade leaned closer to him. She tilted his head downward until his ear was just right beside her mouth, then she whispered: “Well, let me tell you something, Bucket. You're not attracted to me because we're opposites. You're attracted to me because we're both broken.” And, with that she let him go. Seeing him rush of the room like a deer being chased by a tiger, Jade gave a light smile and went back to the dressing table. After applying cream to her body and wearing a pair of shorts with a tank top, she lay down on her bed watching the ceiling. Soon she drifted off into a deep sleep. And there, the memories came.