The Bully's Princess

CHAPTER 8 - Negotiating Freedom

The extremely cold weather gave the atmosphere of the school a sombre look. There was less noise and bubbling in all the classes. The students all responded in the most disinterested way possible, as their teeth were chattering despite the heater booming all around the class.

The PrincipaL Lancester was not one to declare breaks without due cause, and the cold weather was definitely not a good enough reason. He argued that there were kids in Yakutia, the coldest village on earth, who went to school despite the crazy cold and snow.

According to him, Westernside only had minimal snowfall. So, no breaks. The students all trudged to school grumbling in thick sweaters and neck shawls. The temperature level kept on dropping as each second passed by.

Peter, who had no neck shawl, had gotten off with his father’s big sweater. And in order to get away with his criminal act, he stole away from home early enough. He knew he could get something from the charity’s clothing store in the town. But he would rather be beaten to death by his father than allow people to know about his current situation at home. He would be forced into a foster home soon enough if his father was ruled unfit to take care of him.

And that was the last thing Peter wanted. He loved his father. He still remembered the type of man he was before he gave himself over to alcohol.

Walking the long road to school It was at this moment that he envied Dahlia, with the free ride to school. He could really do with one right now.

He entered the school premises swiftly, greeting Principal Lancester, who had made himself a spot at the school gate alongside some poor teacher he had dragged to partake in his hellish inspection with him.

The principal nodded in awe as Peter walked past him.

"You are early to school." That is a good improvement. I hope to see more of it, "he encouraged.

Peter smirked as he left. If only he knew his motivation for the early appearance. He only hoped he would not end up with a burst lip at the end of the day.

Upon entering the class, he noticed the random looks he was getting. He knew that look. He had seen it so often that he was sick of it.

"Wow, I wonder how one can be so lost in life that he has no more thoughts in his head," he thought as he entered the classroom.He cast a heated glance at the boy who spoke. He avoided his gaze anyway. Peter ignored him, not wanting to start a fight early in the morning.

"I wonder how someone can be so handsome and yet so dumb." Maria’s irritating voice reached his ears. He forced his feet to move forward. There might be a fat chance he was not the topic of discussion.

He sat down, ignoring the stares on his face. Immediately after he sat down, Anna came around him, flipping her beautiful hair as she came. She sat down in Dahlia’s spot, the very image of a sexy vixen. He would have been smitten in earlier times, but not anymore.

"Are you really blind?" She asked

"What are you talking about?"

"Everyone has been talking about your low marks ever since Mr. Eric dropped them with Daniel," Anna revealed, covering his hand with hers.

Peter's eyes snapped up at Daniel, who sat like a lamb. Peter’s blood boiled a hundred times over. He had a suspicion he was the subject of the mockery.

"What is the score?" he asked, his voice low.

"It is so low, Peter," Anna whispered in return. "He even gave you extra demerits on the subjects." He wrote some text as well; Daniel didn’t let me read it.

"You were the one who read the score?" Peter asked, suddenly catching on to her slip up. The damn girl, yet she had the temerity to sympathise with me.

"No. It wasn’t me. The boys suddenly collected it from me. " She stuttered, trying to defend herself. She placed her hands on his shoulders.

Peter shrugged her off.

The whispers stopped as he stood up. He walked to Daniel, who looked at him guiltily. Peter snatched the marked sheets from him. "Where is Dahlia’s?" Peter asked. He wanted to see her intelligence rating since her pen moved nonstop during the quiz.

"And why would I give you that?" Daniel asked, unwilling to give it up.

Peter smirked. He bent and dragged Daniel's desk closer to him, cutting off his free space. "Is it okay for you to show around my sheet but not Dahlia's? Have you no brain? You really should have found someone you can mess with successfully without it backfiring. " Peter accused succeeding at intimidating Daniel

"That’s no fault of mine," Daniel rushed to defend herself. "They took it before I could intervene."

Peter snarled angrily, making Daniel flinch. He slammed his palm on the table angrily. Daniel turned away from him, his eyes rolling in his sockets. He really could not underestimate Peter’s anger.

"It will be in your best interest to stay away from me today," Peter warned as he snatched the paper from Daniel and began flipping through it one after the other.

"You are not allowed to check others' scripts, Peter." Daniel launched at him but was silenced by Peter’s penetrating stare. Daniel backed off, angry he could not confront Peter.

Peter concentrated on the task he was doing. He went through the papers quickly. He paused when he got to Dahlia’s name. He was dumbfounded when he saw she got perfect scores. It was an astounding 98 percent.

Maria stretched her neck to check the score. Her mouth fell open as she saw the aggregate score. She stole a peek at her own, her countenance changing immediately. She squeezed the paper tight in her hands.

Peter took Dahlia’s and his scripts, dropping the other scripts on the floor. Daniel sent him a death glare as he walked away.

He ignored him; he had better things to think of. He and Dahlia were like light and day. They existed in separate seasons and moments. But still, he needed redemption from his shabby world. And fate was giving him more than enough reasons to seek it at her door.

The day flew by as each teacher taught the class, making fun of Peter and failing every attempted question he was called to the board to answer.Mr. Eric had him stand outside the class as punishment for not taking his studies seriously. He wondered what sort of dysfunctional method of teaching that was.

At last, the bell rang for the close of lectures. Peter happily arranged his books. On second thought, he removed the sweater he wore. The atmosphere was less chilly now. He could go home in time and return it before his father got back from work.

He was halfway to the door when he was surrounded by seniors from the final grade. Peter immediately stood on alert. He had no business with them and he was not going to cower.

"State your business, Henry, or you get out of my way." Peter dragged, his hand tight on his schoolbag.

"Follow quietly, otherwise you will hate yourself," Henry shouted at him. making the remaining students in the class jump with fright. Henry was a 6’2 bully who had his own share of brainless encirclement following him. He was the kingpin, ruling the block, and was as equally known for trouble as Peter. He was stout with a round face and a large face, which further helped his reputation of making people fear and obey him. The sight of Henry was a terror to his fellow students. The teachers could not wait for him to graduate and leave the school.

"Why do you always get in trouble?" Maria shouted at him, disgust written clearly on her face.

"Why is it your business?" Daniel whispered to her."He is bad news."

"I know," Maria snapped, arranging her desk.

"Then why do you care about him? Do you like him like Anna said?"

Maria shot a sharp glance at Daniel, who stared right back at her. "I am not stupid. What would I want with such a dullard and the son of a drunkard?"

Peter swallowed in irritation. He heard them loud and clear. I will come with Though you guys are just looking for trouble. "

"We will be the ones to determine that," another boy said, pushing Peter as he walked with them. They dragged him off, despite his willingness to walk with them.

They dragged him to the school rooftop. Peter was scared inside, but he kept up a brave front. He could not give them the pleasure of seeing that he was scared. He shook off their hold on his clothes. He could not afford the clothes. They were torn. He had no money to afford new ones.

"What is it? Why are you disturbing a busy person like me? " He groaned. Perched on a chair nearby, He was clearly undermining their superiority over him. his face in a blooming smile.

"The police took us in yesterday, and questioned us quite inhumanely about the growing car parts theft in WesternSide. Do you happen to know a thing or two about that?" Henry said quietly, his voice dangerously low. Peter maintained his silence. He needed the most tactical answer. Brutes like Henry would think, he would not dare lie to them. They believed they were well feared.

Peter laughed out loud, his voice a sweet melody, his handsome face radiating in the evening light. which made Henry and his crew irritated by the minute.

"Principal Lancester told me about the car theft already." And he assured me no one from our school was involved. I do not know how the police got their hands on you guys. " Peter whined innocently.

"Principal Lancester? Right. How come I did not think of that? Anyway, I truly hope you are not behind the ruckus going on. Because I will definitely make sure I end you on these streets. "

"I tell you I am innocent." Peter maintained his stance.

"Take this as a warning. And do well to stay out of my way outside school, as I will not hesitate to crush you and whatever you love. Especially that drunkard you call a father. And your special grandmother, Jane, who likes to bake. "

Peter frowned, not liking the tone in which he was being talked to. But he could do nothing; they were too numerous. It made him feel as though he was with his father again, the punching and never-ending beatings. He felt suffocated.

The sound of running steps on the rooftops made the boys all replace their earlier stance with a cooler gaze. They started talking to each other in cool tones. Henry joined Peter on the chair, and as he sat, his heavy hands flung around his shoulders. Peter groaned in annoyance.

Anna’s pretty face came up first, followed by her friends. Her fake smile came up as soon as she saw Peter.

The guys all began smiling as soon as they saw her. Anna was their cheerful female. She loved to flirt with all and sundry with no inhibitions, which made the boys love her.

They began hailing her as soon as they saw her open top and short skirt. She had managed to roll up her uniform skirt in such a way that her mid thighs were exposed. She made for Peter, sitting on his lap.

Peter, irritated at the performance, tried to plunge her off his lap as the other boys looked at him jealously.

"Principal Lancester wants you in his office right now." She whispered in his ear, "You can leave here. I will distract the guys."

"I don’t need your help," Peter answered her smugly, not forgetting the stunt she pulled on him the previous day. He would not fall prey to her whims anymore. He launched her off his lap, setting her on her feet.

"Principal Lancester wants you, believe it or not. It's your call, "She said loudly this time." making her friends grumble.

Henry stood up from the chair, giving Henry free rein to Anna. He drew her close immediately, touching and kissing her everywhere. Peter left the place hurriedly.

He was stepping out of the school building when he encountered Marilyn and Mark. Shocked out of his reflexes, he hid and watched as they drove off.

He had no doubt that they came to see Principal Lancester. He had the option of going to see the Principal or staying at home.And there was a high chance he would be waylaid by either his father or Greg and his cohorts.

He was not in a losing game. He recounted all of his activities in his mind before stepping into Principal Lancester’s walkway. Recalling all of his actions was going to be tacky as he could see the glaring reasons why he was called. He had taken Dahlia’s script; he had deflated Mr. Golden’s car this morning at the building park when he got too jealous. He manned up his shoulders and knocked on the door. No matter how brave he was, the sight of Principal Lancester always managed to make his teeth chatter.

"Come on in, Peter," came the voice.

He opened the door without further ado.

"You called for me?"

"Of course. "Have a seat," Principal Lancester said quite lovingly. To Peter’s chagrin, Principal Lancester poured him a hot cup of coffee.

"It’s very cold weather. You should drink it up. I know that your father probably forgot to buy the groceries again.

"How do you know that?" Peter asked, dumbfounded. He had always thought he kept his family affairs well hidden. He did not want anyone’s sympathy.

"You do not have the right to question me, young man. Drink up and let's get down to business. If you don’t want it, You are welcome to leave it. But I would very well like to give you a breakthrough plan from all of your troubles. "

Peter c****d an eyebrow at Principal Lancester while drowning the coffee down his throat. He felt warmed up immediately. He had no idea that he needed the coffee.

Peter could see Principal Lancester looking at him with a strange look. It was so fleeting, he thought he imagined it. His face was back to normal as soon as Peter dropped the cup.

"Are you okay?" Do you want a refill? "

"No, thank you, sir." Peter shook his head. He could not overstay his welcome in Principal Lancester’s office.

Principal Lancester came to sit opposite him. "Alright. I did say I have a proposal for you. "

"Yes sir." Peter listened with rapt attention. He was very well aware of the buzzing phone in his pocket. He slipped it out. His father’s name popped out. A cold sweat rang through his body. He knew he was in for trouble.

A text message popped in. He could not pick up the call, not with Principal Lancester in front of him.

"Are you okay?"

"Yes, I am," Peter said, forcing a smile.

"The Goldens just left here now, and they made a very hard request." I told them I was going to find the perfect person to carry out the exercise. And while searching through the school database, I found out that you two live in the same building. Isn't that fate? "

Peter nodded slowly, unsure. He had no idea what the old man was cooking up, so he could not give his consent just yet.

Dahlia, as you well know, is more of a child genius. This is confidential information that I am sharing with you, so do be discreet with it. The Goldens are in a bit of a financial situation. Mrs. Golden needs to work alongside her husband at the factory. She will work in admin, but still her work is not flexible enough to give Dahlia the care she needs. "

"I am to be her nanny." Peter asked, flaggerbasted.

"No"

"A babysitter then"

"I said no, and they explained that everything was already arranged; they just needed someone to walk her to and from school, and I recommended Peter Blythe."

"Why?" Peter asked skeptically. He could not believe there wasn’t a catch involved.

"Why not? You are one of the school's troublesome students and my biggest headache. You have the worst reputation in the history of the school. Why don’t we call it reputation management, uhhh? I am trying to help you rebrand your reputation in the west. Your name is often linked to your father's name, but while your father’s name is irredeemable, yours is."

Peter groaned. He knew he was walking into a tight situation with Principal Lancester. He could not afford to take on the job, not with Greg and Henry on his tail. His father even disliked Dahlia, and he would often misunderstand his association with her.

Dahlia was an alluring girl that he could not promise he would keep his hands off. It was like bringing a baby goat to the lion’s den. Principal Lancester would be disappointed if he found out that he had any affections for Dahlia.

"It's not for free." They are willing to pay.

Peter was still adamant.

"Alright, if the money is not attracting you, which it should be. I have something else that I can do for you in return while you do this. It is a win-win situation for the both of us. The Goldens proposed a teacher that would tutor Dahlia privately at home, but I kicked against it. My school cannot afford to lose such a brilliant student.There aren’t many like her. All I have is the likes of you and Anna. That is enough to make me grow grey hairs to the grave. "

"What is the win for me?" Peter asked, because he had no interest in Principal Lancester’s pity story.

"It is something that will interest you very much, Peter Bylthe, and even free you from the shackles of your father." The WesternSide Full Time Scholarship to Cambridge "

I understand.No matter how much I study, this scholarship is not for the likes of me. "You are lying to me."

"Academic excellence is not the only criteria for choosing the awardees. Peter. There are several other categories. One of which includes my very own reference. Edron Academies student of the year This scholarship was stopped by me years ago as I failed to see a student worthy of it. I have decided to start it up again. by choosing my own awardee for the Edron Academy Student of the Year. And this particular scholarship has nothing to do with academics, just a plain clean school record sheet and my reference letter. You help out the Blythes in these trying times by escorting Dahlia to school and back from school. They even promised you a bicycle and a car as soon as they settled their finances. What say you? Mr. Blythe? "

"Yes, yes, yes," Peter muttered incoherently. He was beyond shocked. The fact that he had the opportunity to escape his father was an eye opener for him. It was like a breath of fresh air. He could breath again.

As he walked away into the snow, he had the feeling that his choice would forever seal his fate. And he was done allowing others to decide for him. He would write his own destiny now, with Dahlia as his golden pen.

He only hoped he would be able to keep his hands off her. It was altogether tempting to kiss her. His fate was sealed. It was indeed a golden opportunity too good to pass up. He only hoped nothing would wake him up from this illusion of bliss and happiness. He wanted to live it forever. But he knew it was only a matter of time. The Goldens seemed to be hiding a secret that might be too big for him to handle.