Claws And Flaws

~Chapter 2

HARLEY

The bell finally rings. It is the end of my English class. I got up and sigh in relief. The whole period I couldn't focus with the girls looking at my direction, at Asher. It was really annoying especially when they kept whispering about how hot he is and why he decided to seat next to a "nobody". Don't they know I have ears? The insults.

When I was done packing up, I slide my bag over my shoulder and decided to look forward only to see Asher waiting for me. I stare at him with confusion written on my face. I try fast walking pass him but with his long legs, it felt like I was walking slowly. He followed me as we reach outside.

"So what's your next class?" He asked facing me. I rolled my eyes then turn to face him. He is really bringing so many eyes on me because of his stupid handsome looks that's starting to disturb a lot.

I gave him a death glare so he would get the hint or message that he should back off, away from me. But he frowned, making him cute. How stupid! I then turned back forward and started walking.

"Hey! Wait-"

"Hey! Are you Asher? You must be the new student." I heard the female seducing voice. I look back to see about three girls blocking his way. I rolled my eyes and turned back forward. "Let's show you around in exchange of your phone number. Deal?"

I couldn't hear his reply as I was far away from them as possible. But already forgetting what I usually pass through. I was pushed to another person then another person then another then another, it was like I was drawing a pattern till I was finally pushed to the wall. I yelp as I felt a pain shoot on my left toe.

I brought my toe up and try easing the pain but it hurt to the extent I wanted to cry but I hold back. It's not the first time, I have been stomped on my toe. It is like almost everyday but this time it must have been a really big foot.

After the corridors cleared up, I start walking, I obviously couldn't hide my struggles to walk to class. I finally reached my Mathematics class. Luckily I wasn't too late this time.

I got in and went straight to my seat. Few minutes later the teacher walks in.

***

The last bell for my day in school finally rang. A smile made its way to my lips. As I quickly pack my books this time.

Fortunately, I haven't seen Asher since the first class and I'm happy about that. No more attention like I was receiving this morning. But of course rumours spread. Like:

"Have you seen the new guy?"

"Oh My Gosh! I can't wait to cross sides with him."

"We should get close to him!"

"Doesn't he look like Klein?"

"I heard he is Klein's brother."

Wait, what? I just heard this right now.

"But I heard he is Klein's cousin."

My walk slows down. As I remember what Asher said this morning.

"So my cousin also goes to this school. But apparently he was so focused on getting laid early this morning, before coming to school. Imagine the craziness." Then he chuckles. "That can explain why I'm late today right?"

My books dropping on the floor brought me back to reality. I was already receiving weird stares. As I quickly apologize and pick them up. They rolled their eyes and then went back to their conversation.

"But I heard there is this strange looking girl he was following this morning."

"More like she was following him."

My books drops down again making the same noise. "I'm sorry." I quickly mumbled and started picking them up again.

"Is that your best way to get attention?" One of the girls ask before facing her friends. "Let's leave before we get the virus." She says as they all pick their bags and start leaving the wall they were once leaning on. What virus? I wondered as I look at their retreating figure turn a corner.

Why would they think I'm the one following him when it was clear that he was. I angrily stomp my feet as I make it to the exit and out the school.

My house is a fifteen minutes walk from school and vice versa.

***

I finally reached our house.Its a small two storey house. I took out the key my dad gave me incase they are both not at home. The door clicks open and I stepped in locking the door.

"Mum! I'm home!" I yelled.

"Here sweetie!!" I heard her voice. I made my way to the kitchen where the voice came from and I could hear her chopping something. I entered the kitchen and find her chopping the Spinach on the chopping board. I walked up to her and set on the stool opposite her, facing her.

"Hey sweetie. How was school?" She asks giving me a quick glance. My mind drifted to Klein and the rumours about the "strange girl" and him.

"Not so bad." I said. The chopping sound suddenly stops and my mum stares at me with wide eyes looking shocked like I just said something I shouldn't have. Getting tired of the sudden felt silence and her surprised look. "What?" I asked. Then she starts chopping again.

"Sweetie how was school?" "It was fine", "Sweetheart how was school?" "It was fine mum", "Sweetie how did school go today?" "It was fine"." She says then tries mimicking my voice in a tired, bothersome tone while chopping every reply of mine. "It was fine, it was fine, it was fine. That was your one and only favourite reply."

"Really?" I asked then thought of all the time I came back to school and she asks. That's true, I always gave the same answer. "I actually never noticed."

"Then something must have happened today." She says and finally finished chopping.

Of course.

A new guy at school who beats all the guys in the "most good looking guy", I got attention, I was part of rumors today even though I was referred as the "strange girl". Pretty lot of difference from my other days.

"Nothing mum. I need to go and change." I said and got up from the stool.

"Doesn't sound like." She whispers more to herself. "Okay sweetie, go change!" She yells at my back as I step out the kitchen.

Pfft, mothers.