Chap 3
1379 Words
Emilia's POV
I got to school Tuesday morning and noticed a crowd of students gathered. They were all staring at something on the wall, and I couldn't help but wonder what it was.
I made my way through the crowd, curious about what everyone was looking at. As I got closer, I saw that it was a poster on the wall. My heart sank as I read the bold letters: "Excursion Trip - 1 Week to Go!"
The crowd was buzzing with excitement, and I could hear snippets of conversation around me.
"Yes! I've been waiting for this trip forever!"
"Can't believe it's finally happening!"
"I'm so excited to get out of this school for a while"
"But do you think Liam will go?"
"I hope he does this time"
I felt a knot in my stomach as I read the details on the poster. The trip was happening in just one week, and I was stuck in a group with Liam. I couldn't bear the thought of spending hours with them, let alone days.
As I turned to walk away, I heard Liam's voice behind me. "Hey, Emilia! Looking forward to the trip?"
I didn't even flinch, pretending I hadn't heard him. I just kept walking, trying to blend in with the crowd.
But I could feel his eyes on me, boring into my back. I quickened my pace, trying to get away from him.
"Hey, Emilia, wait up!" he called out, his voice louder now.
I ignored him, keeping my eyes fixed on the hallway ahead. I could hear his footsteps behind me, but I didn't turn around.
Finally, I reached my locker and spun the dial, trying to focus on getting my books for my next class. But I could feel Liam's presence behind me, looming over me.
"Emilia, come on, talk to me," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "I know you're excited about the trip. Who wouldn't want to spend time with me?"
I bit my tongue, refusing to rise to the bait. I grabbed my books and slammed my locker shut, trying to brush past him. But he stepped in front of me, blocking my way.
I raised an eyebrow, trying to convey my skepticism. But I still didn't say a word. I just stood there, frozen, waiting for him to move out of my way.
"Liam, what are you doing?" Tiffany, called out, walking towards us, her hips swaying seductively as she moved. She was a stunning girl, with long, curly blonde hair and piercing brown eyes. Her makeup was always flawless, and she had a way of carrying herself that commanded attention.
But despite her beauty, Tiffany was not a nice person. She was manipulative and cunning, always playing games to get what she wanted. And what she wanted was usually Liam's attention.
"Liam, what are you doing?" Tiffany asked, again, her voice dripping with sweetness. But I knew her too well. I could see the malice lurking behind her eyes.
Liam turned to face her, a charming smile spreading across his face. "Just trying to tease the scholarship girl here," he said.
Tiffany raised an eyebrow, her eyes flicking to me before returning to Liam. "Oh, Emilia," she said, looking at me from my head to my toe. "She's so much fun to tease."
I felt a surge of anger at her words, but I bit my tongue. I wasn't going to say anything.
Tiffany raised an eyebrow, her eyes flicking to me before returning to Liam. "Well, Liam, she looks scared already," She said, laughing. "And she doesn't deserve your attention."
Liam chuckled, his eyes never leaving mine. "Oh, I think you are right, baby"
I felt a surge of anger and humiliation, but I still didn't say anything. I just stood there, my eyes fixed on him, trying to convey my disdain.
Tiffany laughed and playfully hit Liam on the arm.
I felt my face grow hot with anger and embarrassment. I couldn't believe they were talking about me like this, right in front of me.
Just then, the bell rang, signaling the start of class.
Tiffany rolled her eyes. "Liam, come on. Let's go. We have class."
Liam sighed, his smile faltering for a moment before he turned to follow Tiffany. "Fine. But this isn't over, Emilia," he called out over his shoulder.
I watched them walk away, feeling a mix of relief and unease.
I headed to the classroom also. Just as I was starting to settle in, the teacher, Mrs. Bryson, addressed the class. "Okay, everyone. I know you're all excited about the excursion trip next week. And to make the most of it. Each of you as a group will meet in the lab to do some practicals and review for the quizzes we'll be having on the trip."
Mrs. Bryson continued, "The quizzes will cover both science and general knowledge, so I encourage you all to start studying and reviewing your notes. The study group will meet every day starting today in the lab until the trip, and I expect all of you to participate."
I felt a sense of dread wash over me as I thought about being stuck in a study group with Liam. But I knew I had to grit my teeth and bear it if I wanted to do well on the quizzes and make the most of the trip.
"Each group will be given an experiment to work on, and you'll be presenting your findings on the last day of the trip," Mrs. Bryson continued. "So, I expect you all to work together and support each other. You should vote a person in each group as the group leader and they'll be responsible for organizing the study sessions and experiments."
Mrs. Bryson smiled and nodded. "I know you're all excited, and I am too! This trip is going to be a great learning experience, and I'm confident that you'll all do well. Now, let's head to the lab."
As we walked to the lab, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anxiety. Being stuck in a study group with Liam was bad enough, but now we had to vote for a group leader? I could already imagine Liam volunteering for the role, just to make my life more miserable.
When we arrived at the lab, Mrs. Bryson explained the experiment we would be working on and handed out the materials. We are to study the insects. We would be graded as a group. Then, she asked us to vote for our group leaders.
I hesitated, hoping someone else would volunteer. But of course, Liam raised his hand immediately. "I'll be the group leader," he said with a smirk, looking around at the rest of us.
"So, get started." Mrs. Bryson said, clapping her hands together. "Remember, you'll be working in groups to study the insects and present your findings on the last day of the trip. And the insects are still alive that's why they are caged, so be careful with them. I will leave you to it" And she left to explain to the other groups.
I felt a sense of dread wash over me as Liam started handing out the materials and explaining the experiment.
Just as I was starting to get into the experiment, I saw Tiffany walking towards us, a sly grin spreading across her face. She turned to me, a sweet smile on her face. Anyone who doesn't know Tiffany would have thought she was a goddess with her brown eyes. "Hey, Emilia, how's it going?" she asked, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
I didn't say anything and just focus on the experiment.
Tiffany laughed. "She never says anything. Well, I'm sure Liam is being a great leader."
Liam chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Yeah, I'm a natural-born leader," he said, laughing.
She moved closer to Liam and whispered something to him, her eyes fixed on me.
I felt a surge of anxiety. What was Tiffany saying to him? Was she telling him to leave me alone, or was she egging him on?
Liam's eyes never left mine as he listened to Tiffany. He nodded, a smirk spreading across his face.
I felt my heart sink. This was not good.
- Writer
