NINA I think my eye is getting better. Looking closely at the bruise, it used to be bluish-dark color but now the discoloration becomes lighter, like yellowish-green. It still looks hideous but thanks to the topical arnica gel and of course, the occasional placement of the ice bag, I think within two or three days my eye is fully healed. Just as the bruises in my body. Looking at my stomach, waist, and wrists, I’m happy to say that they are no longer visible now. It would be a problem if Yu starts questioning my preference for oversized hoodies. I start dressing up in my new uniform to see if it doesn’t look too big or too small for me. First I put on the light blue dress shirt. I was at first worried if it’s too loose on me (that makes me look like a child) or too tight (I’d rather not get attention) but thankfully, it fits right on me. From what I’ve been told, Rodrigo and my mom were the ones who picked the size for my uniform. Then I slip the blue and white plaid pleated ski
“I’ve never heard of the Caulfield family from one of my father’s connections but tell me, what does your father do?” Curious stares are looking in my direction as one of my female classmates approaches me after the teacher leaves.“That’s a sexist question, Hannah. What if her mother is the corporate heiress instead?” Another girl, probably “Hannah’s” friend, butts in.“Hey, what’s with that eyepatch?”“Maybe she’s an exchange student. But her looks don't show any prestige at all.”Hey, you don’t need to say that right in front of my face. Yu had already told me the other day that Dawn Peak Academy has a different system from the typical American high school. We attend the same subjects with the same schedule and we don’t go room to room except for electives and PE. And that’s because there are fewer students here than the likes of public schools.If anything, this reminds me of Asian schools.So when I arrived on my first day of school, I was aware that their eyes had alre
“Nina, over here!” A cheery voice catches my attention as I enter the cafeteria. I look at the corner of the room and there is Clarence, waving his hand at me. I smile, almost hesitantly, giving a slight wave in return. I feel like after I did it, eyes are still looking at me. I’m not sure whether Clarence was right about me being a transfer student or…it’s something more than that. As I make a beeline towards his table, I haven’t expected him to be alone. I don’t usually judge people based on the book of its cover but normally, people like Clarence Benz are usually the center of attention. So he should be surrounded by a lot of friends, right? “I save a seat for you.” “Thank you,” I nod and sit across from him. No matter what I think, maybe my gut feeling is wrong. Clarence might genuinely want to befriend me without anything in return. But the funny feeling I felt earlier is still there when I sit down. “So, are you getting used to the school here? How is it differen
TRIGGER WARNING: Assault Since I’m short, capturing me is an easy feat. Former bullies from Freedomville High take advantage that I am more of an easier target than Gene. So I became more alert at all times, relying more on my feet to get away from them. However, a large hand gripped my arm before I could move another step and immediately dragged me inside. At that moment, I knew I had no chance of escape. My legs won't help me this time. I was stupid enough to let my guard down just because I am now studying in a different school. As I am being forced to get inside, I continue to struggle to loosen the tight grip, my other hand grabs his grip and my nails pierce its skin. “Oh, a nice strategy you got there, Nina.” A familiar voice behind me whispers next to my ear. “Too bad that I have high resistance to pain like that.” I freeze on the spot, my struggling wavers as my mind slowly processes the situation. “Clarence,” I utter his name before turning to face him, whose
I just keep running. I don’t know why I just keep running. Even though Clarence and his friends never attempt a cat-and-mouse chase. Even though Clarence intentionally let me escape, even though I knew deep down that what he did was a scare tactic.But despite that, I run.I don’t know where I am going. I just run straight without stopping. Curious passersby stare at me with wonder and sometimes I almost got hit by approaching cyclists.A few quick apologies here and there if I bump someone but I don’t stop.Once I am finally out of breath, I put myself into a sudden halt. Wobbly legs restrict me from going further and I am panting a lot, as I walk slowly to the wall next to a Japanese-looking restaurant and lean my back on it.While trying to catch my breath, my mind that was once numb from running, like a fleeting adrenaline rush, yet,While trying to catch my breath, my mind was once numb from running, like a fleeting adrenaline rush, yet it reverts me back to my own thou
Warning: implied abuse“C-could you get him, please?”“Daddy says not to interrupt them when they are in the basement.”“P-please, Rupert,” I start begging, as my whole body trembles. “I-it’s important!”“But daddy will get mad at me, too. And Gene deserves it because he didn’t—”“School work!” I suddenly exclaimed as this idea just came spur of the moment. “I need your brother because of school work! We have a school project coming up for tomorrow! Your dad won’t mind if I borrow him, right?”There is a slight hesitation from the other line and I know that I am actually pressuring a seven-year-old kid to do my bidding. But Gene’s safety matters first.Finally, he says, “Okay, I’ll tell daddy.”“Thank you!” And I smile in relief.Then I hear a soft thud of the phone being dropped on something concrete. Sounds of footsteps become distant while Rupert’s voice calls out for his father until it disappears.All I need to do is wait.But…How come Gene is back in the basement? The
“Uh… Gene?” I pale a bit as soon as I hear the phone warning tone informing me that my battery juice is soon going to run out in a few seconds. “I’m not at Luca’s place so we can continue after I charge my phone, okay?”“...sure.” Apparently, our conversation made it worse for his voice.Right after we ended the call, the phone battery died. Perfect timing, I must say.I sigh and I look at the pink shirt that is placed next to me. O-oh, right. I forgot about that. I take off my blazer in a swift moment before putting on the pink shirt. Just as I suspected, it is just like one of my oversized hoodies.Then I put on my blazer back.As I stand up, I give a sideways glance to see the restaurant owner who is wiping the counter with a rag.“I’m sorry you have to witness that.”“It’s okay. I’m just glad that you cried with your heart’s content because you were seriously lost earlier,” the restaurant owner chuckles as he pats on my head. “Glad you’re feeling better now.”“T-Thank yo
It’s strange, really. I don’t normally faint in front of anyone, let alone in front of Gene and my mom.But looking back, I had signs of losing consciousness on my first day of school: with Clarence and his warning, about Gene’s situation and well, Luca.Speaking of Luca, I remember the events before fainting, I made a stupid move, right? Like some kind of soap opera stunt that only happens if it’s intentional...yet, once again, I made a fool of myself landing on him right AFTER he helped me out.I won’t blame him if he finally snaps from any rationality and decides to kick me out. I mean he was forced to be my guardian, right?I finally lift my eyes open, the once blurry vision slowly returns back to normal. And I see an unfamiliar ceiling that doesn’t seem the same as my bedroom.The first thing that registers in my mind is the sound of boiling water then the faint aroma that I find it hard to decipher.“W-where am I?” I ask myself.“Oh, kid, you’re finally awake.”My head