Bad Boy's Secret

THE KING'S GAME

The smell of burning toast woke me up from my sleep. Putting on my flip flops I raced down the stairs to the kitchen where I found mom who was still dressed in a robe which was undone and sleep mask over her tangled hair and she was waving a napkin over the toaster.

"Mom?" I coughed using my hand to wave the smoke away.

"Oh I'm sorry honey, did I wake you up?" She asked her voice croaky.

"Nope" I coughed again and rushed to open the windows so as to allow the smoke outside.

"So um, how are you? How's...how's school?" Mom asked clearing her throat awkwardly and turning her back to me as she poured orange juice into our cups.

"School is fine and I'm okay, I think the question is how are you?"

"What do you mean?" Mom gave a shaky laugh.

"Well for one, I woke up to you burning breakfast" I stated as a matter of fact.

"Okay detective, it was just this one time" She said scoffing and turning to face me.

"Hmm Mmm and the crazy get up?" I asked motioning to her robe and sleepmask.

"Well excuse me since when do you have a say in what I wear or do not wear in my home?" She asked getting pissed.

"Since you got drunk last night and I started taking care of you!" I yelled not able to hold back any longer.

"What?" She asked looking at me confusion on her face.

"Ever since dad died you've been the worst character of a mom! You've been neglecting your duties and it's always been your work that comes first!"

"You mean the same work that puts food on our table and roof on our head?" Mom asked sarcastically.

"And that's all you care about don't you? Your oh so precious work? Your work that makes you forget being a mother?" I said scoffing.

"You don't know anything Zara so I suggest you keep quiet and get ready for school" She dismissed me by turning to clean the kitchen counter.

Blinking back tears I scoffed, "Yeah it always school for me and work for you, isn't it? You know what? I'm not even going to argue with you no more" I said giving up, "Work obviously suits you, not a mother, you can't even operate a f*****g toaster" I said grabbing my juice and my burnt toast.

"I got fired" I heard my mom mumble.

"What?" I asked turning to look at her.

"I GOT FIRED" She yelled, "The same work you complaining about, I got fired from it! Hope you are happy!" She yelled and went out of the kitchen to the living room.

I stood there disappointed in myself, I mean how could I have said those hurtful things to her. I didn't know she was hurting like this, I was so focused on myself to see she was hurt, oh my God, I'm a terrible daughter.

Walking slowly inside the living room where mom was sitting on the couch with a tissue in her hand, I came to stand in front of her.

"I'm sorry mom" I sniffed.

"Oh baby" Mom said stretching her hand out and I happily rushed into her arms as she engulfed me into a hug, "I'm not mad at you, I'm sorry too."

"I shouldn't have said those things to you, I love you mom, I'm so sorry" I sobbed into her chest.

"And I love you too sweetie" She replied kissing me on my forehead, "Don't worry hun, we are going to be okay" She said hugging me harder and I hugged her back equally hard cause I could tell she needed the comfort.

"So you have the whole house to yourself, Huh?" I asked looking around.

"Yup and I'm just gonna stuff myself with chocolate cake and ice-cream" She said teasing me while I groaned, she knows those are my weakness.

"So won't you be going to school today?" She asked adjusting herself on the couch.

I let out a sigh and she chuckled, "That bad huh?"

"Let's just say it wasn't as easy as I thought" I sighed again.

"Come on, let me hear it" Mom pressed.

Taking a deep breath, I told my mom everything, from Raze to the purebloods and everything else that happened.

"Wow" Mom breathed when I finished, "Raze sounds hot."

"Oh my God, Mom" I shouted looking at her in disbelieve.

"What? I mean ocean blue eyes, good lordy I need to meet this boy" She gushed fanning herself.

"Ha ha ha, never."

"Awww come on, why not?"

"Um excuse me? He threatened me."

"Pfft, I wouldn't call that threatening" Mom said waving me off.

"He had me in a janitors closet!"

"Oh silly, that just something boys do when they like a girl" Mom waved me off again.

"Um first of all that isn't true and even if it is, it isn't sanitary" I said remembering stories I've heard about the janitors closet and nothing about it sounds good, "And secondly, mom were you even listening?" I yelled again.

"Of course, I was I mean how else could I have heard about Raze?" She asked.

"Well if you listened closely you would know it was his girlfriend who tore my uniform into shreds" I said getting pissed.

"Ugh that b***h" Mom cursed which isn't an everyday occurrence, well she try not to use it around me, "And are you sure there's nothing I can do? I mean I'd be happy to lay hands on that girl, all she needs is some good ass whooping and she would be set straight."

"I wish that could happen but it can't, you lay hands on her she's going to file a law suit and trust me that's the last thing we need right now" I said with a sigh.

"Gah, never mind them, you just do you, not the weak ass you trying to be" Mom cursed again and I'm starting to wonder if she was actually okay, "Besides she can't be as tough as your grandmother."

"Grandma Madgalene? Nah uh, that woman puts the fear of God in an atheist."

"And she's coming today" Mom announced.

"What?" I shouted in disbelieve.

Grandma Madgalene is my dad's mother. She's from South Africa and ever since her only son that being my dad left South Africa for a English woman she has being a bitter lady ever since.

"Yup, and she is planning on spending time with her quality grand daughter" Mom said smiling at me while I gave a nervous laugh and I couldn't help but think my grandma coming would be an oh s**t situation and my mom is probably thinking it too.

We were each lost in our own private thoughts when we heard the door bell ring, "I will get it" I said

standing up from the couch.

I got a surprise when I opened the door. Trevor and Cassidy were standing at the door with Cassidy holding a school uniform in one hand while Trevor carried a shoe box.

"Um, hello?" I said still in a dazed state.

"Hello? The f**k is this the 80's?" Cassidy asked scoffing.

"Zara? Who's it? Oh hello, how are you?" Mom said coming to stand beside me.

"Hello ma'm, I'm Cassidy and that's Trevor" Cassidy introduced while Trevor did the peace sign, "And I love your robe it's so vintage and chic."

Nice one Cass, nice one, "Why thank you, I'm glad someone appreciates my mode of dressing" Mom said glaring at me, "Come on in, come on in."

They entered inside with Cassidy sticking her tongue out while I did the same.

"So um not to be rude or anything but what are you doing here?" I asked scratching my hair.

"The f**k you mean what are we doing here? Sorry ma'm" Trevor apologized when my mom shot him a glare as she handed him a glass of juice, "We came to get you."

"Aww that's so sweet guys but my uniform is ruined so thanks for the offer" I said sarcastically.

"Which is why I got you one dumb ass"Cassidy said handing me the uniform.

"Oh my God" I sniffed looking at the brand new uniform in my hands.

"Oh no, don't you dare cry" Cassidy said waving a finger at me, "Nope, nah uh, keep it in Z, Z I mean it, don't do any mushy stuff...awww geez she's crying" Cassidy said and came to hug me while I sniffed on her shoulders.

"Seriously is there nothing you ladies cry about, you cry when you sad, you cry when you happy, you cry when during break ups, you cry when you on your periods, you cry during labor, heck your even cry during sex..."

"Excuse me?" We all asked in unison.

"What I'm just saying" Trevor defended himself shrugging, "Ugh there's way too many girl mushy things in the air, so I'm just gonna go to the living room" Trevor said grabbing his glass of juice and heading for the living room, "Get dressed Z and FYI lose the braids" He called out.

"What's wrong with my braids?"

"Yeah sweetie as much as I hate to admit this, he's right, the braids gotta go" Mom said nodding in unison with Cassidy.

"Ugh! Whatever" I scoffed and moved past them and marched furiously to my bedroom to get dressed.

I got dressed and got rid of my twin braids and had my hair up in a messy bun. The uniform was a little too tight for my taste, I had to leave the two top buttons of my shirt undone and the skirt was a little short. I put on my socks and wore the shiny black ankle boots Trevor got for me.

"Hmm, not perfect but it's better than the braids" Trevor said while I gave him the middle finger.

"Well look at you, ain't you the diva?" Mom praised while I rolled my eyes.

"Come on guys, let's go" I said then rushed to peck my mom on the cheek and went our with my friends.

'Holy...Is that a Porsche?" I asked pausing and staring at the gray car in my drive way.

"Well after the embarrassment yesterday, Trevor decided to show up with a brand new car" Cassidy said while I was still staring at the expensive car.

"Well get in betches!" Trevor yelled whipping out a pair of sunglasses.

"He's just hoping this would be the hottest topic of the day" Cassidy whispered quickly to me as we got into the car.

'Rockstar' by Dababy ft Roddy Rich started playing from the car's stereo and we all sang to it as we did a little shoulder dance. We pulled up to the school and people stopped to gape and stare as we got down and I felt like a celebrity at that moment. Some guys cat whistled as Cassidy flicked her hair and some girls whispered and giggled as they stared at Trevor who paid no attention and walked to school with his head held high, looks like he achieved his aim after all.

The day started with biology and we were each assigned to our partners, Trevor and Cassidy got partnered up, Serena and Bree, while I got partnered up with a pervert who kept staring at my boobs, curse you Cassidy.

"Hi, I'm...i'm Gregory" He introduced himself nervously.

"Hmm" I gave a small smile as I mixed the chemicals into a conical flask.

"I'm on the football team" He said again while I rolled my eyes like seriously what is it with boys thinking they will get laid quicker just cause they are on the football team.

"Do you want to hangout tonight?"

Um hell no! "No, I'm not free tonight" Which was the truth and even if it was a lie I still wouldn't go with pervy Greg.

"Oh, okay what about..."

"Look Greg how about we just finished this project and we will see about you getting laid alright?" I blurted out just so he could focus.

I breathed out a sigh of relief when he nodded his head and his eyes went back to my boobs again, f*****g pervert.

"So can I have your number?"

Oh for the love of sweet sweet God can't this guy take a f*****g hint? I swear I'm one step from pouring the hydrogen on his Pervy meaty face.

"Scram Greg" I looked up to see Raze grabbing Greg by his shoulder and shoving him to his corner.

"Well you owe me a partner" I said glaring at him.

Saying nothing Raze lowered himself to the chair and continued with the pratical. I watched in awe as he mixed the chemicals together in fluid movement.

"Good job Mr Winchester" Mr Graham our biology teacher praised and I hate to admit even I myself was a little impressed with his work.

"Okay you can quit the good boy act now" I said not able to take it anymore, "what do you want?"

He still didn't say anything just continued with the pratical like I wasn't talking and somehow his silence was way was, "Raze, please just, I don't know what you want and it's frustrating" I said and he still kept mute.

"Look, I haven't said anything about the incident where your dad hit..."

At that Raze slammed the flask down with so much force I was surprised it didn't break. The bell rang and with that Mr Graham dismissed us.

"Yo that was intense" Trevor said coming to stand beside me.

"Yeah, what did my brother want with you?" Cassidy asked shoving her books inside her locker.

"He's your brother" I said shrugging.

"Nice make up fag" Bree said to Trevor while her friends giggled beside them.

"Wish I could say the same for your face b***h"

The whole place went silent as soon as the words left my mouth, oh my God.

"What did you just say?" Bree asked daring me to repeat it.

"Why don't you tell the doctor who works on your face to start work on your ears cause apparently you've got problems with hearing simple words" I spat at her.

"You dumb hoe" Serena said coming to stand in front of me.

"You dumb blond" I shot at her causing the crowd to gasp.

She was about to launch herself at me when Raze caught her by the arm and whispered something in her ear causing her to go still. Shooting a glare at me she left with her friends.

"What. Was. That?" Cassidy said turning to look at me while I just shrugged.

"That was f*****g fantastic and amazing" Trevor squealed hugging me, "I love this Zara more where has she been all my life."

"Right here" I said laughing nervously.

The bell for the next period rang, we had English and we said goodbye to Cassidy while Trevor and I went to the class.

"Hello class" Mrs Brown greeted and we greeted her back, "So shall we continue with our book, pride and prejudice?" She asked bringing out the book causing the class to groan.

"Okay then, an assignment in group of two's, Zara you are with Raze" Mrs Brown called out looking at me straight in the eye. Of course I'm with him, what is your deal woman?

I caught her giving me a smirk before she proceeded to pair out the rest of the class, "Trevor you are with Reed."

Reed! I turned back to stare at him, he was sitting at the far corner of the class with a black beanie on his head. I didn't even know he attended this class. I gave him a small smile when he caught me staring at me but he didn't give any sign of recognition.

Strange, I thought as I turned to face the rest Mrs Brown, "So anyone know what Pride is?" She asked clasping her fingers together.

"A feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one's own achievements, the achievements of those with whom one is closely associated, or from qualities or possessions that are widely admired" Trevor said raising up his hand.

"Thank you Trevor" Mrs Brown said smiling at Trevor who winked causing the girls to gasp and giggle.

"Anyone else?" Mrs Brown asked looking around, "Come on didn't you read the book? It should be simple for you" She said still looking around.

"I'm really disappointed in you guys, that's it, another assignment go write..."

“Pride is a very common failing, I believe" I said and the whole class went quiet, "By all that I have ever read, I am convinced that it is very common indeed; that human nature is particularly prone to it, and that there are very few of us who do not cherish a feeling of self-complacency on the score of some quality or other, real or imaginary. Vanity and pride are different things, though the words are often used" I finished not looking up just playing at the pen on my desk.

"Mary, Pride and Prejudice" Mrs Brown said and I looked up to see her smiling at me while I shrugged.

"Well you all should say a big thank you to Zara here as she saved you from writing a dozen essays on Pride" Mrs Brown said shooting a glare at the class who let out a loud whoop.

Trevor came over and gave me a loud smacking kiss on my cheeks. The bell rang and we all got up to go for lunch. As I stepped into the hall people started greeting me, some were patting my backs and girls even smiled at me.

"Well, well, well, look who's the local celebrity?" Trevor said as we walked towards our locker.

"Up top Zee" A guy said raising his hands up to give me an high five which I returned smiling.

"See you at the game tonight" He said walking backwards.

"What game?" I said turning to ask Trevor.

"There's a big game tonight, our school vs Devenford Prep, you should come" Trevor said shoving his books inside his locker.

"Nope I can't, I've got this stupid dinner with my grandmother" I said rolling my eyes.

"You don't sound to excited?"

"No, no, I am, it's just...She well, she doesn't like my mom much" I said shaking my head.

"Oh I get it, mother in law drama."

"That's the one" I said with a sigh.

"s**t happens, catch you at the cafeteria" Trevor called waving at me.

"Yeah sure" I nodded my head then shut my locker. I was heading towards the dining room when I was suddenly yanked backwards and pulled into the janitor's closet.

I was about to let out a scream, when I felt his touch on my neck and his breath close to my hear.

"Raze?" I breathed out both in relief and fear.

"Shhh" He shushed me. Then placed his nose in my neck and sniffed me. I had used the vanilla perfume my mom got for me today.

"Raze?" I called his name.

"Zara" He said and breathed in my scent again, okay this is starting to get weird.

Turning to face him, I looked up at his face and he was staring at me with those intense eyes of his, sweet Lord they are beautiful.

"Are you okay?" I asked him and he said nothing just kept looking at me with a blank look on his face.

"Raze?" I called his name and I heard him take a sharp breath at that.

I reached up to cup his chin in my hand, my thumb swiping over his bottom lip repeatedly. His mouth fell open at that and he stared at my thumb.

"Raze? Talk to me" I pleaded and took a brave step towards him.

That seemed to snap him from whatever trance he was in because the next thing I know I was pushed backwards and hit my back hard on the wall making me wince in pain.

"The f**k do you think you are?" He said holding by my throat, not enough to cut my air supply though, "Analysing me and thinking I would talk to a nobody like you?" He spat in my face while the tears rolled down.

"Just cause you were the uniform doesn't make you one of us, you think I don't see you strutting around the hallways like you one of us? What a f*****g joke" He said and laughed harshly.

"Why are you so mean to me? I've never done any of that, I haven't done anything wrong, I..."

"YOUR VERY EXISTENCE IS WRONG" Raze shouted cutting me off, "You should just leave this school, leave and forget this school ever existed" Raze said and turned to leave, "Oh and one more thing, this better be the last time I hear my name from your mouth" He said and with that left leaving me to cry alone in the janitor's closet.

After collecting myself I went out of the closet and went to the cafeteria. I took my tray of food and scanned the room to see who I'm going to sit down with. I found Reed sitting at the far corner of the room alone and he was peeling an orange.

I took determined steps and sat down in front of him not bothering about the whole cafeteria who had gone silent on my actions. I drank my carton of orange juice and ate my sandwich without making eye contact with him.

I was still eating when I felt his touch on my hand. I stopped eating and turned to look at him, my eyes getting misty with tears again.

"Zara, what are you doing?" I heard Cassidy whisper harshly from being me.

"Having lunch" I stated not looking up.

"Well duh" Trevor said, "We meant with him" He said shooting a glare at Reed who rolled his eyes.

"Reed's my friend and with all the shits happening to me in this school I will need all the friend I can get" I said with determination, looking at them straight in the eye.

At that I thought they would leave but my friends surprised me again by sitting down with me, Trevor sat down beside Reed while Cassidy sat down beside me.

"And just for the record, I don't like you" Trevor said narrowing his eyes at Reed.

"Thanks for the ride Reed" I said shooting him a smile.

"THANKS FOR WHAT?" Cassidy and Trevor shouted together.

"Geez you'd think I did more than give her a ride" Reed rolled his eyes.

"Shut it Kavinsky" Trevor said to Reed, "Now Missy, WHAT?"

"A ride" I said rolling my eyes.

"Who did?"

"Reed did?"

"Did what ?"

"Okay would you guys stop with the theatrics already" I said getting tired of the way they were both talking together at the same time, "Reed gave me a ride, he's my friend and I like him" I said and I could feel my cheeks grow hot.

I looked up at my friend to see them staring at me, "Okay" They said at the same time and continued eating like they didn't freak out five seconds ago.

"Reed pass me the mustard" Cassidy said to Reed who looked taken aback.

That's the thing I love about Cassidy the ability to easily adapt to situations and blend in with people. We had our lunch and carried on with the rest of the day.

It was closing time and I said goodbye to my friends as they entered their cars and drove off. The beep of a horn startled me. A red car pulled up in front of me. Mom!

"Baby" My mom squealed as she came to hug me.

"Wow, mom you look good" I said as I took in her appearance.

She had on a tight fitting nude top with tight fitting jeans which hugged all her curves. Her light brown hair was perfectly styled and it cascaded in waves down her back. Her makeup was perfect and completely flawless.

Oka"Hot damn" I looked behind me to see one of the football players ogling my mom. Ugh! You've got to be f*****g kidding me.

"Why thank you" Mom said shooting the dazed football zplayer a wink as she ushered me into the car.

"Okay what's with the sexy outfit?" I asked when she got into the car.

"For the dinner party" Mom answered using her seat belt.

"But don't we wear dresses to those?"

"It's my house and I will wear whatever the f**k I feel like" Mom cursed putting jamming the car key and turning the ignition switch.

"Oh kay" I said putting on my seatbelt.

"So how about we go shopping? Do some mani pedi's? You know quality mom daughter time?" Mom asked with a bright smile on her face.

I don't know what's wrong with mom or her weird attitude but I'm not about to pass on a good mom daughter quality time, so I nodded my head and we drove off singing loudly to 'Juice' by Lizzo.

We got to the shopping mall where I chose a couple of boyfriends Jean, some sweats and hoodies. I got some shoes and we headed straight for the salon where they made my hair while mom read a magazine.

"So how do you feel baby girl?" Mom asked while the attendants tended to our nails.

"Like the baddest b***h in all the land."

"Zara what did I tell you about cursing?" Mom asked shooting me a stern glare, Uh oh!

"Just kidding baby girl, say it and let them hear you, We them baddest bitches in the land!" Mom shouted.

"We them baddest bitches in the land!" I shouted with her and we laughed while some of the customers smiled at us and others glared but that's all right, I didn't care, I've got the best mom in the world with me.