The Wallflower's Revenge

AWR Chapter 27: Truth or nah?

Leylah couldn’t be at ease. She knew that she'd be doomed in a short while. She’s thinking about her classmate Ameliah and the announcement that she made a while ago. She regretted that she believed her right away. She knew that Ameliah is one of Eveelia’s minions. Why did she ever fall for it? She ended up biting her lip until it hurt so much. She glanced at the clinic’s big mirror and she saw her reflection. She’s nothing but a big, fat mess right now.

She couldn’t even think straight because of what happened to her the whole time. She felt that going to school could make her feel any better but she's wrong.

"Wow, you even had the nerve to be absent at Mrs. Williams' class? Good luck, girl." The nurse said with a grin. Does she belong to Eveelia's minions?

How she hates the bullies because she feels like they're everywhere.

"Hey, I am talking to you."

"Just do your job, alright? My problem is mine alone."

The nurse was left dumbfounded until she realized that Leylah was right. She never bothered talking to her again and concentrated on,  watching videos on her phone instead.

Leylah also checked her phone to see if Walter left her a message but there was none. She sighed as she went back towards evident the clinic's bed, pulled and pulled the blanket, and covered herself entirely.

Of all the emotions flowing through, she couldn't fight back her tears. Leylah started to recall the things that she did that she thinks are wrong for others.

She started closing her eyes because of the need to loosen up a bit before she'll meet Mrs. Williams in the faculty room.

She politely asked to go out of the clinic to go to the faculty room right away. She walked slowly as the clinic is just a block away from the faculty.

When she knocked, it was Mrs. Williams who told her to enter the room. It was evident from her voice. She swallowed and heaved a courageous sigh as she twisted the doorknob of the faculty room.

She was instructed to sit down on one of the chairs facing Mrs. Williams' table inside the faculty.

"What happened to you, Miss Hacke?" She started by asking her right away. Maybe Mrs. Williams noticed Leylah's bruises on her face that's almost covered by betadine solution.

"I fell while going back to your room, Mrs. Williams. I apologize.” She kept on looking down but Mrs. Williams leaned closer to her and touched the strands of her hair that’s blocking her face.

“You know that I am not canceling any classes, right?”

“Yes, miss. There was just a little misunderstanding a while ago. I admit that I was wrong and I do apologize.”

“Did something happen when I was not around, Ms. Hacke? Please tell me.” Leylah couldn’t help but gaze upon the eyes of Mrs. Williams. She’s well aware that Eveelia is her niece. 

“Nothing, Mrs. Williams.”

“You mustn't be afraid.” She tapped her shoulders and gave her a warm smile. Leylah looked at her and sighed. She then got her phone from her pocket and played the audio file she recorded a while ago before bullying  Ameliah went in front of the class.

"Hey classmates, our teacher will not be here because of a very important meeting."  Mrs. Williams and Leylah couldn’t help but look at each other because of what they both heard. 

"Ouch!" Mrs. Williams frowned all of a sudden when hearing the laughter and some students before bullying someone.

"100% certified b***h. Leylust." One of her classmates even read the message aloud for her to hear clearly. It was followed by a resounding laugh from Eveelia and friends.

“Did it happen a while ago, Leylah?”

She looked down and bit her lip. She doesn’t want to tell Mrs. Williams as much as possible because she knew that she’d be on her side for sure. Mrs. Williams is friends with Eveelia’s relatives around the school campus. She’d assume that she would turn a blind eye on her if Eveelia is involved.

“I need you to tell me who these girls are.”

“Those are Eveeliah and Ameliah and the rest of my classmates, Mrs. Williams.”

“Nobody helped you?” From her expression, it’s like she couldn’t believe what was happening from the time she wasn’t inside the classroom.

Leylah shook her head while she looked down. “I need you to be honest with me. You have to give me the names of those students.”

“I’d rather not, Mrs. Williams.”

“You’re a brilliant student, Leylah. And you know for a fact that I hate all kinds of bullying and I won’t ever tolerate it, even if  it involves Eveelia.”

Leylah met Mrs. William’s gaze. She smiled warmly at her, a reassuring one. She suddenly realized that Mrs. Williams is not bad after all. It’s nice that she has the heart of a teacher and is equal to all of her students.

“From what happened, I will excuse you from today’s class. Here’s my phone number in case you wanted to ask me if we’ll be having our classes from now on.”

“Mrs. Williams, may I know why you’re doing this?”

“What do you mean? Isn’t this supposed to be done by teachers?”

She couldn’t help but bite her lower lip. Leylah couldn’t believe what she just witnessed. She knew for a fact that she’ll be dead with Mrs. Williams. She never expected the turnaround of events all of a sudden. She has a point. The only thing that worries her right now is Eveelia and their next moves are.

“I will be calling Eveelia and Ameliah after this meeting with you. Please meet us in the guidance and counseling room because your father is already there.”

“My father?”

“Yes. Mr. Hacke came to visit. He wanted to discuss some things. I think I know what the issue is all about right now. Don’t worry, I will be here to help you too. Don’t be afraid because this school tries its best to provide learners with equal opportunities and rights.”

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“You know that you’re being a victim of bullying and yet you’re not doing something about it.”

Leylah looked down as she sat in front of her dad. They’re now in their living room as they talked heart-to-heart about what he discovered from her. Leylah couldn’t look straight into her father’s eyes. She didn’t know how to start and to explain everything because she’s too worried about him.

“Dad, I told you, I’m okay.”

“How will I ever know you’re not if I didn’t go to your school today? This has been an ongoing issue and yet you’re not telling me about it.”

“It’s not a big deal.”

“So, when do you plan to tell me? If the worst will happen to you? I can’t allow you to experience any form of violence especially if you’re in school.”

“Dad, I’m too scared to tell everyone. You’re busy, mom’s busy and most of our teachers are influential when it comes to Eveelia and her family. I don’t want you to be dragged into this.”

“Quit those kinds of thinking, Ley. I’m your father. You have to be honest to me so that I can help you.”

“Sorry, dad.”

“If I didn’t visit your school today, I wouldn't even know this has been happening to you for months already.” Leylah hugged her father tight. She couldn’t hold back her tears anymore. This is one of the moments that she will never trade in the world. Being comforted like this by her dad is one of the best feelings she could ever feel. She’s not a ‘typical, showy’ type in their family but that tight hug calmed her senses. She felt like the lost strength was coming back to her again.

“You’re my only daughter, Ley. It’s just not obvious but I care so much for you. You have to be honest with me. I will do my best to protect you no matter what.”

She remained to hug him tightly. In fact, she can’t remember when was the last time she hugged her father this tight. She never realized that she needed this kind of comfort in her life after everything that happened to her.

“Don’t be scared. You have to be tough whether you like it or not.”

“I’m not like you, dad.” Leylah met his gaze as she looked directly into his eyes. “But you’re one of those people whom I look up to for being courageous in life.” She softly added. Her dad caressed her cheeks as he wiped the tears away.

“ You’re not my daughter for nothing. You should think that you can do it, too.”

Leylah’s hopes seem to flourish. From what she heard from her father, she could see hope in everything. She realized that advice coming from her father is different in that it lifted her no matter how down everything may seem.

“You know what, dad? I suddenly remembered your promise that we’re going to my uncle’s house, right? Is mom okay now?”

“Yes, she’s fine. She insisted that she’ll never go to the hospital for a checkup.”

“That’s a relief.”

“Where is she now, by the way? I can’t see her somewhere.”

Leylah looked at her dad and he said nothing. She could hear his sighs. From her father’s look, she realized something wasn't right. 

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