I SHOULD HAVE WALKED AWAY

“Judy,” a voice called out. I heard it faintly through my headphones. I quickly paused my music and removed them. “Yes, Daddy,” I replied, turning slightly to look at him through the rear mirror. Our eyes met briefly before he looked away again. “How are you feeling, Judy?” he asked calmly. “I’m fine, Dad,” I said softly. He stayed quiet for a moment, focused on driving. The car was moving fast, too fast for my liking. “Dad… do I have to go?” I murmured. He glanced at me. “Judy, we’ve talked about this. You’re going to be fine. This is a new city and a new school. No one is going to hurt you again.” I frowned and looked down. “I promise you,” he added gently, trying to smile, “it won’t happen again.” I leaned back and closed my eyes, but I could feel his gaze still on me. After a while, he spoke again. “I have a plan.” I opened my eyes immediately. “A plan? What are you talking about?” “Don’t worry, Judy. I’ll protect you my own way,” he said. I didn’t fully understand him, but I didn’t ask again. I simply put my headphones back on and looked away. We drove for a while until we reached a large school gate. My heart tightened the moment I saw it. The gate opened, and Dad drove in slowly before parking at the school lot. I stayed in the car, my arms crossed, my eyes closed. I wasn’t ready for this. The car stopped. Dad sighed softly and looked at me through the mirror. Then he got out, walked to my side, and opened the door. “Judy, come on,” he said. I didn’t move. “Judy, please,” he added gently. “We can’t do this now.” I suddenly snapped. “Must I go to school, Dad? Must I? I told you I can take private lessons at home!” I shouted. He didn’t react harshly. He only looked at me calmly. “No, Judy,” he said firmly but gently. “You need school. You need to be here. I’ll take care of everything, I promise.” I stared at him, breathing heavily, then jumped out of the car and walked away. Dad quickly grabbed my school bag and followed me. The school in front of me was huge. Beautiful. Almost unreal. I stopped walking and just stared. “Dad… isn’t this too much?” I asked softly, still looking at the building. He smiled. “Do you like it?” I didn’t answer immediately. “I chose it carefully,” he said. “Since I couldn’t protect you all the time, I wanted to make sure you’re safe here.” I turned to him quickly. “But Dad, this is too expensive. Won’t this affect you financially?” He laughed softly, like I had said something funny. “You really underestimate your father, Judy.” I sighed. “Dad, I can’t do this. If I’m going to school, take me somewhere normal. This is too much.” He only smiled and walked ahead, still laughing slightly. “This school is nothing,” he said. I followed him inside as security guided us through the compound. Everywhere looked like a luxury hotel instead of a school. Clean, polished, almost unreal. I kept stopping just to look around. “How can a school be this beautiful?” I murmured. “How are students supposed to focus here?” “They will adjust,” Dad said. “It’s a high-standard school.” Then he added, “And I’ll be able to watch over you from here.” I froze. “Watch over me?” “What do you mean by that?” I asked quickly, rushing after him. “Dad, are you going to be stalking me?” He ignored me. “That doesn’t sound right,” I kept arguing. Just then, his phone rang. “One moment, sweetheart,” he said, gently patting my cheek before walking away. I stood there watching him leave. “What is he planning?” I whispered to myself. I sat on a nearby bench while a security man sat beside me. “What’s your name?” he asked kindly. “Judy,” I replied quietly. “Welcome to NERO ROYAL HIGH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL,” he said with a smile. I sighed. “Why is this school so expensive, sir?” He chuckled. “Every school is special in its own way.” Then he added casually, “You’re very beautiful.” I looked away shyly. After a while, Dad returned. “I have to go back to work now,” he said quickly. “Please take her to her teacher.” He held my hand. We walked through the school staff area until we reached a large office. The security man knocked and opened the door. Inside was a middle-aged woman with a calm but firm expression. “Is this our new student?” she asked. “Good afternoon ma’am,” Dad greeted. “Good afternoon ma,” I said quickly. She smiled slightly. “So your father greets before you do?” I flinched a little and held Dad’s hand tighter. “I’m sorry, ma.” The security man quietly left. She looked at me for a moment. “What class are you going into?” she asked. “Grade 9,” I said softly. “Can I trust you with her care?” my dad asked. She nodded. “Don’t worry. She will be safe here.” Dad smiled. “That’s all I needed to hear.” He leaned close and whispered, “I told you I’ll take care of everything.” I smiled faintly, even though I still felt uneasy. Then his phone rang again. “I have to go,” he said. I panicked slightly. “Dad…” He kissed my forehead. “You’ll be fine.” And then he left. I stood there watching him go… feeling a little emptier than before. “Judy,” the woman called again. I turned slowly. “Come closer.” I obeyed and sat down in front of her. She studied me carefully. “Are you uncomfortable?” she asked softly. I nodded slightly. She sighed gently. “Your father came here last week. He was worried… really worried. He told me everything.” My chest tightened. Tears slowly formed in my eyes. “I don’t want to be here,” I whispered. “I don’t want school anymore.” She leaned forward calmly. “You belong in school, Judy. Not everyone is the same. And I made a promise to your father.” She paused. “I’m not just your homeroom teacher. I’m also your counsellor. You can talk to me anytime.” I looked at her quietly. For the first time, she didn’t feel scary. Just… calm. “Can I really talk to you?” I asked softly. “Of course,” she said. I took a deep breath and slowly nodded. “Okay,” I whispered. “Then tell me your story, Judy,” she said gently. I looked down for a moment… then leaned back in the chair and closed my eyes. And I began.