Chapter 13

"So Geralt asked Nic for your number, who then asked Rye for Dee's number, then Rye texted Dee for it." Camila took a deep breath before continuing. "Then, Dee told me about the situation and obviously I went off on them for what was the reason for my dear innocent pure friend's number" she said proudly.

"No kidding. She put them in a group chat instigating for the reason" Dee added unamused. "But why didn't Geralt ask you directly in class today?"

" Ah c'mon Camila why you gotta be so extra bringing unwanted attention from those people" I signed. "I didn't get a chance to talk to Geralt in class because I rushed to tutoring. He texted me if I wanted to go to the arcade today..." Camila gasped followed by a high squeal.

"Let's go now!"

"Not so fast. I have work to do and I already told him no some other time" I felt tired, and brain dead from all those math equations.

"Fine. You got saved that I have to work on the Spring Ball flyer"

"Ugh don't tell me you're participating in that crap too?" Dee said in an appalled tone.

"I'm not competing but I'm on the planning committee, ya know I'm sucker for planning stuff!" I thought to myself how did Camila have energy after such a long and exhausting day.

"What spring ball-crap?" I asked dumbfounded.

"girl, you gotta get involved in school activities. It's the annual school King & Queen competition. Each year a king and queen is selected to be part of the student board. They advise and plan field trips and events for the senior class" Quickly regretting asking about it as Camila extensively explained the role and importance of the King and Queen.

"the term sounds archaic and outdated. Why can't they be two kings or queens?" I said bored of the conversation.

"preach girl" Dee snapped her fingers making a turn on to my block.

"well, its tradition from years ago. See if you become Queen, then you can impose that new rule for it to be two queens or kings" Camila pointed at me.

"Really. Would it be allowed?"

"As long as the future King agrees and doesn't violate any school regulation, I don't see why not. That is why it's such a big deal because at the end of the year, the 'royals' get to decide on one social change for example, gender equality policy" Camila elaborated.

"Since you're interested in this ball, why don't you try out for Queen?" Camila is pretty, sociable and likable. She'll make a good Queen of the school.

"I have way too many things on my plate right now. Running the newspaper club, cheerleading squad and classes. I can't fit anything else in my schedule. I only volunteer advertising for the event. Plus, I enjoy more planning than participating" she said honestly.

"Well, I'm not going to participate in some kind of beauty pageant, so good luck with the flyer. See y'all tomorrow. Toodles" I waved goodbye getting out of the car.

————

The week ended with high anticipation toward the upcoming ball. My tutoring lessons were going great. Rebecca even offered to tutor me over the weekend since we live close by.

"That's all for today. Complete the assignment posted by Monday. Have a nice weekend class" the teacher announced dismissing the class. I couldn't understand the lesson turning to Rebecca.

"Okay, so we take the ..." Rebecca began to explain the science problem when a shadow casted on our books of a guy standing in from our desks causing us to look up.

"Hi Rebecca, can we talk?" Some guy nervously asked.

"Talk then," Rebecca responded, refocusing her attention back to the textbook.

"I meant, can we talk in private?" He said using a louder tone.

"Not right now, I'm busy as you can see " She said in a nonchalant voice focusing back on the book lay in front of us. He slammed his hands on her desk startling us, I jumped from the sudden shock.

"Can you just give me a minute? It's about the Spring ball" He started sweating around his forehead. The boy was not taking no for an answer and by the way Rebecca was reacting so casually, it was something that frequently happened.

"Fine. What is it?" Rebecca said, looking up with a bored expression.

"Would you do me the honor of being Nathaniel Esposito partner in the upcoming spring ball?"

"No." And just with a single word, Rebecca declined unbothered by the situation and again returned her gaze to the book.

"WHAT. Why? Do you have a partner already? Who is it, Geralt or Rye Hemsworth?" He said gritting his teeth mentioning Rye's name and angrily balling his fists. As much as I hate to be involve in this stupid high school prom-posal, I couldn't seat idly and watch this idiot harass Rebecca. The way she was reacting left me under the impression that this sort of behavior from guys is frequent. Yes, it's true that Rebecca is not the nicest person but she doesn't deserve unnecessary drama from men. I'm going to regret this later, but fuck it- I'm also getting tired of his nagging.

"Are you deaf pal? No means NO. Now, leave us alone, so we can finish this pointless expensive class that we would never need in the future." I told him off receiving a grilling stare to which I returned a similar burning glare. I absolutely despise how entitled everyone feels in this school and abusing those of lower class.

"And who the fuck are you?" Scoffing, Nathaniel snarled at me. I opened my mouth to respond to this piece of shit when someone interrupted.

"Is everything okay Becca?" I diverted my gaze away from the dumbass Nathaniel to Geralt. He came from behind us, standing next to Rebecca as her guard.

"Yes. Nathaniel was it?" Rebecca stood up behind her desk facing him. "Don't you ever disrespect us again. Next time, I'll tell headmaster Rockwell that you insulted me. Isn't that correct Geralt that your father doesn't tolerate the usage of curse words in this institution?" Rebecca's words left me both speechless and impressed without resorting in violence like I would. So, Geralt was the principals' son. I grinned at Nathaniel's reddened face.

"Now, apologize to Jayelina."

"I'm ...sorry." He apologized bowing his head to me.

"About the spring ball is not of your business who I take as my partner. I've got work to do, we're done talking." She said assertively.

"You heard her. Go scumbag before I tell my father how you harassed the girls" Geralt affirmed taking a step forward and Nathaniel finally walking out the classroom.

"Bitches" he murmured loud enough for just us to hear and Geralt moved fast after him. I quickly grabbed onto his sleeve stopping Geralt from going ballistic.

"It's not worth it. He's the bitch for not saying it to my face" my words seem to work as his back muscle relaxed and finally turned around. We made eye contact then, he unexpectedly started laughing while Rebecca and I exchanged a confused look. He was laughing at my face like I told him a funny joke. That's it, I had enough of this asshole too. I let go of his jacket sleeve, squaring my shoulders ready to fight him but hoping I wouldn't because he towered over me by maybe two heads.

"What's your problem buddy?" I was already fuming over the sound of his mocking laughter.

"I'm sorry, I wanted to keep a straight face but I couldn't because you remind me of an angry mink. No, of a baby koala!" He laughed even more and I pouted at his reference mentality agreeing with him because my face is too cute to be intimidating. Finally clearing his throat, he said

"Becca, once you made up your mind about the ball, call me " he winked at me before leaving. I stump my foot at him as a warning that I'm not afraid. Once Geralt left, Rebecca and I were the only ones remaining in the classroom.

"I appreciate you stepping in but in the future, don't do it. I've been dealing with all sorts of men my entire life. Well I'm going home. Today's been an exhausting day. Do you need a lift?" She's right, it's obvious that Rebecca can handle herself so, I shouldn't meddle if I want to keep a low profile and stay away from drama.

"No, I'm good. Mom's picking me up today. See you later" I packed my stuff hoping to catch mom outside to avoid Rebecca.

"Jaye," Rebecca suddenly called, "I'm sorry you had to go through this again because of me" for a split second her face crumbled as if she was about to cry but she quickly composed herself. What did she mean by again?

"Don't be. I don't regret it and whatever happened in the past, stays there." I smiled hiding my confused face. I didn't know Jaye and Rebecca had history, they were friends and something must've happened.