la'

ed into weeks that hellish afternoon when I'd met my mom's husband who was also a person I despised more than herself, Andre.

y family drama. My dad was dead, and I couldn't

hat was the best way to avoid the icy dinner I was going to

at right at the entrance of the

lways. "What is he doing here?" I whispered to m

sore I had ever seen. I pretended not to see him and turned q

, trying to sound cheer

ve class," I muttered, hoping he'd take the hint

his voice dropping a little. "You sure

I replied curtly. I didn't wa

oiding me," he pointed out, sticking clos

o you," I snapped. "You've got you

en shook his head. "It's not like that

t be kidding. You're probably just happy to see me so

n his eyes. A flicker of relief, maybe? I didn't want to read too much into it. Also,

ates laughing and chatting. I made a beeline for them,

led again, more in

nd took my seat. I buried my head into my b

ront of the room where he could watch me

cafeteria. I just wanted to eat my sandwich and

e said, sitting do

work or are you one of those jobless adults who

alk. It's really good to see you again," he said, tryi

living in that big house, probably enjoying all the thin

is brow. "I wouldn't say my life is per

eing in my shoes fo

esting. How about I set a little trap for you?

y a trap?" I asked,

e you willing t

"What's the worst

d me. I rolled my eyes, trying to ignore him. Then, out of the blue, I stumbled

exclaimed, la

I couldn't believe he had pulled that stunt on

I really do," he said, eye

g. "And I was doing just fine before you started messi

him hard on the arm. "You don't

not angry. "Okay, okay! I deserve that.

g before I walked away. "I d

hat a day. My life felt like a never-ending rollercoast

Unfortunately, luck wasn't on my side because, t

ubject read. My heart dropped. Was

have a spot just for you. Let's

e was no way I was going to his academy. But deep down, I fel

nd at any moment. When I stepped inside, I felt out of place right away. Everyone was weari

roached me. She had a mean look in her e

newbie." she sneered. "You think you belong he

Was this high

me, who

I'd expect a lowlife like

ost in her hi

rica?" I replied, an

flicking her hair. Then she moved closer, pushing me a lit

Now please move," I said,

baby?" she teased, and her

eat up with anger, I hea

here?" Andre sa

d, almost surprised

going o

stuttered as Andr

. "You, will leave her be. Regardless of what you might call

ca asked as if she

, wanting to dis

nothing to do asides hover like a pesky fly. "You're not going to bully her. I

fore walking away with her frien

from him towar

thank you?

ck at him. He just