I SHOULD HAVE WALKED AWAY

JESSI'S THREAT

A bright light shone across my face with a faint voice calling my name. I just murmured as I turned to cover my face from the light, my eyes still shut. Suddenly, my body cover was pulled off as a loud voice sounded at me.

“Judy, get up, it’s almost 7:00!” it said aloud.

Immediately, due to shock, my body responded. My heart sank as I opened my eyes and jumped up.

“7:00, oh no, I’m late!” I screamed aloud.

Mrs. Laura was terrified.

“Are you okay?” she said quickly.

“I’m supposed to be in school before 7:30!” I said aloud as I ran down from my bed and rushed out like a mad girl.

My whole body was shaking in deep fear. My eyes felt heavy, and I felt waves of panic running through my bones.

Mrs. Laura dashed at me and held me tightly.

“Judy, calm down!” she shouted.

Immediately, her strong voice pierced through me, and I calmed down. I felt weak, and tears started running down my cheeks.

“What’s going on with you, Judy?” she asked.

I just looked at her, still shaking inside.

“Whatever is happening, it’s okay. You’ll be in school before 7:30. I’ll make sure of that, okay?” she said calmly as she wiped my cheeks and hugged me.

“Firstly, you are going to follow my lead, okay? I already prepared your bath, so go and bathe now. I’ll call the driver so he can be on his way. I’m almost done with breakfast. You can eat inside the car on your way, so you can still get to school before 7:30,” she said warmly.

A little warmth entered my heart and I smiled slightly.

“Thank you, Mrs. Laura,” I said in a low tone.

“You are going to tell me what’s going on when you come home, alright?” she said strictly.

I nodded slowly.

“Now go shower. I have prepared warm water for you,” she concluded as she sent me away.

I quickly rushed into the bathroom in a hurry. Mrs. Laura kept her word—she called the driver and prepared my breakfast. Thankfully, I was able to leave the house by 7:15. My school was not too far, so it was guaranteed I could get there before 7:30.

Just as Mrs. Laura said, I ate my breakfast inside the car on my way to school. I kept stuffing food into my mouth, swallowing quickly.

“Take it slowly, Judy, you’re going to choke,” the driver said quickly, watching me as he slowed down the car.

“Judy, don’t stuff yourself,” he warned as he drove slowly.

I tried to eat slower but still as fast as I could. I managed to finish eating before we got to the school gate. We drove through the gate and into the school parking area.

Immediately, I rushed out of the car, quickly opening the door and jumping down. The driver called out.

“Judy!” he said aloud.

I stopped immediately and walked back toward him in a rush.

“Yes, sir,” I answered quickly.

“Is everything alright with you, Judy?” he asked.

I looked at him and shook slightly.

“No, sir,” I replied in a low tone.

“What happened? Tell me, maybe I can help,” he said calmly.

I turned my gaze away.

“I don’t want to talk about it,” I said quietly.

“Why don’t you want to talk about it? Are you in trouble, Judy?” he asked.

I stepped back, and hot tears gathered in my eyes. He looked at me in surprise and held my hand. He pulled me into a hug, and I burst into heavy tears.

He tried to console me, and I stayed in his arms for a while.

“I offended my friends. I just met them, and I did something wrong that broke their trust in me,” I said aloud.

“I don’t know what to do, sir,” I cried.

I let all the pain out until I was exhausted. He allowed me to cry because he understood I needed it.

After a while, he smiled.

“It’s good you cried. Now you’ll feel better. No matter what happens from here, you’ll be fine,” he encouraged me.

I looked at him and smiled a little.

“Thank you, sir,” I said softly.

“You’re going to be fine, Judy,” he reassured me.

“Hey, Judy!” a loud voice called.

I turned in deep surprise. It was Jessi.

My heart sank, and I went cold instantly.

The driver held me.

“It’s okay, Judy. Just stay calm,” he said quickly.

“Judy! Hey, good morning!” Jessi ran toward me and hugged me, smiling brightly.

“Good morning,” I returned the hug.

She was so happy to see me.

“What happened, Judy? You slept like a baby,” she said, laughing.

I was surprised.

“She’s not mad at me at all,” I thought.

“She’s an angel,” I smiled, admiring her energy.

“Good morning, sir. Thank you for bringing my Judy to school today,” she said with a smile.

“It’s my job, angel,” he replied with a bright smile.

“Take care of her, can you do that?” he added.

Jessi nodded quickly.

“Yes, sir,” she said with a big smile.

“Come on, Judy, let’s go to class,” she insisted, holding my hand.

I smiled brightly, forgetting I was scared. I hugged the driver quickly before leaving with Jessi.

“Jessi,” I called as we entered the classroom.

“Hmm,” she replied as she walked to her seat and arranged her things.

I just stood there, watching her.

“Should I still apologize?” I thought as I stared at her humming softly.

“It doesn’t matter,” I said to myself.

“She’s fine with me,” I concluded and turned to arrange my things in my locker.

“She’s mad,” a cold voice said.

Immediately, I felt cold inside. My heart sank.

I raised my head—and surprisingly, Jessi was staring at me in a strange way. A chill ran through me.

“Huh?” I stammered.

“Nancy is angry, Judy. She’s very pissed. You shouldn’t have ignored her. She’s going to get back at you, Judy,” she said, staring deeply into my eyes.

My heart began to tremble. I was shaking and couldn’t say a word. My mind went blank.

“I’ll advise you,” she added.

“Whatever happens to you today, just know—it’s your fault and you deserve it,” she concluded.

She got up immediately and walked out of the class coldly.

My hands were already sweating.

“What… what was that?” I stammered inside.

“Was that really Jessi? What’s going to happen to me today?” I said to myself.

I sat frozen like a statue. I was scared—really scared—like I was being threatened.