FIVE

Claire parked her car in the school's parking lot. She made sure none of her scars were visible before getting out of the car and locking it.

She entered the school hallway and walked up to her locker. And to her surprise, the new guy's locker was right next to hers. At that moment, she realized that she didn't know his name. She glanced at him and then at the person beside him. Claire, for sure, was taken aback by the other being with the newcomer. Jessi.

Curiosity was digging holes in Claire's skin, so she decided to get the boy. She said,"Hi, I'm Claire. May I know your name?" Everyone looked in their direction. It was the first time the Queen Bee had greeted someone so nicely.

Alex looked at Claire, startled. But as soon as he discerned who she was, his eyes darkened. A wave odd anger ran through his body and he grit his teeth.

"Alex." he said coldly and started walking of towards Cole and his other friends with Jessi. His reply enraged Claire and she raised her brow. No student had ever gotten away by acting coldly in front of her and neither was he.

"Wait up, don't move." Claire demanded threateningly. Alex stopped but didn't spare her a glance. This provoked her even more.

Agitated, Claire went and stood in from of him. She held a child, hard glare. "Quit the cold behaviour. Thu don't know what'll come your way if you behave like that. Especially with me." She stated, starting him dead in the eyes.

"Why do you care? Do you really thing I'll fall for a bully like you?" Alex spat. His answer baffled everyone. By then, he not only acted coldly but also disrespected the Queen Bee. He did what no one ever dared to do. Claire was shocked. She was at a loss of words. She glared at him, for one last time before walking off to class.

In the classroom, Claire went to her regular seat and sat down. She then analysed the layout of the room carefully. She gestured a few students to come to her and when they did, she ordered them, "Make sure Jessi and Alex don't get a seat." Claire leaned back on her chair satisfied with the future outcome of her demand.

The students' eyes broadened because they understood what Claire meant. Taking her statement as a command, the students removed two desks from the room. They didn't object because they knew the consequences, which unfortunately, Alex didn't.

Jessi and Alex entered the class. In no time, they were in search of places to sit. While they were searching, Claire looked at them blankly, waiting for them to register what was actually going on. Just then, realization struck Alex and he glanced at Claire. He saw an evil smirk creep up her face but she quickly looked away.

Alex understood what Claire was doing and cursed her in him mind. He didn't speak up because he didn't want Jessi to suffer for his valiance.

On the other hand, Claire was oddly satisfied from seeing Jessi and Alex roam their eyes through each and every corner of the classroom in search of seats like lost children. All the things she had been through in the past had caused her to be just like a psychopath at school. She was afraid. Scared of showing her weak self. Because, she knew, that she would end up broken just like before if she exposed the weak side of her soul.

The teacher entered the classroom and noticed two students standing. He wished everyone a good morning and then locked his gaze on the two students without a place to sit in. He asked, "What happened? Why are you two standing?"

"We don't have a place to sit, sir." Jessi answered. The teacher seemed shocked as each classroom was set up according to name lists. So there was no possible way that the number of desks wasn't enough unless someone got them moved. The teacher thought for a few seconds before ordering some students to arrange desks for the two.

Just before the students left the class, a voice from the back of the room was heard, "Don't."

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