Chapter 17

In a blink of an eye, it was Monday morning. After my panic attack, mom made a huge commotion about taking me to the E.R. It took a lot of persuasion from Dr. Hemsworth that I was fine and just needed rest.

“Honey, are you sure you want to go school? Wouldn’t it be stressful?”

“yes mommy. I’m okay! Pinky promise” I locked my pinky finger with hers and then embraced her in a tight hug. “Please mom” I pleaded, giving her my best puppy eyes. Eventually she gave in, allowing me to go to school and lord knows how desperately I need to continue those tutoring lessons. Camila and Dee agreed to have lunch together so we skipped our morning coffee.

As soon as I arrived at school, halls filled with whispers about my panic attack. I tried not to mind people’s talk, ignoring them and going inside the classroom.

“Hey are you okay?” Rebecca asked, wearing a concerned look which I felt was genuine.

“yeah. Just not used to a large crowd from that night” I replied. I smiled in order to put her at ease, obviously not working.

“why didn’t you say anything?”

“i’m -”

“if you aren't feeling well, you need to speak up. I thought we were… friends” friends?

It’s hard to believe but for a long time ago, we used to be best friends.

Jayes’s voice announced followed by a flashback of them as kids playing together. The image felt so foreign that it was hard to believe it unless you see it.

“yes, we’re friends. It - it just happened. Don’t worry, For my next panic attack i’ll let you know” I took her hands on mine, relief that she giggled at my lame joke. The lesson began and we busied with work. I turned and saw Rye and I made eye contact and he sent me a small smile. The events from that night at the balcony flashed in my mind and I felt my face get flustered. From my peripheral vision, Geralt and Nic were discussing something when Geralt looked up and made eye contact with me. I waved at them and he gestured to me to check my phone. I opened it finding multiple messages from him asking if I was ok from the panic attack.

I replied back assuring him not to worry about adding a smiley face emoji.

“Do you want to grab lunch together?” I blinked once processing what Rebecca just asked me. “Do you want to eat together?” I must’ve looked confused because she asked again.

“Ah actually I’m already having lunch with Camila and Dee. We can next time” I gave her an apologetic look and she frowned. The strong, confident girl was disappointed for not eating with me?

“Class let’s begin today’s lesson” the teacher barged in jumping into calculus lesson. Time flew and lunch time arrived. Students crowded the cafeteria and I’m not ashamed to admit to skipping some people ahead of the line. Once I got my lunch in hand, I joined Dee and Camila at the table.

“Can’t you believe the line today?” I laughed proud of myself for skipping ahead.

“Yeah good thing. You skipped all those people” Camila grinned eyeing my food as she was the only one without a meal.

“Oh you want some?” I smirked and took a spoonful of rice.

“Ha ha. It’s okay, I'll wait my turn” Dee laughed, also eating from her plate.

“Are you fine? What caused the attack” Dee asked.

“So, what did the doctor say?” Camila chimed in. I nodded while chewing my food.

“I guess it was the crowded-“

“Hey,” Rebecca said, seated in front of me. “Oh I’m Rebecca. Rebecca Harrison. Jaye and I are classmates and you must be Camila and Denise. Nice to me you” Both Camila and Dee looked at each other eyeing Rebecca as if she spoke a foreign language.

“Hi, we know who you are.” The table got quiet.

“Ok. Jaye, are you free later today?” Rebecca broke the silence turning to me.

“Umm yes, what’s up?”

“Good. There’s this new cafe that opened up on 7th Street. They have the BEST tiramisu cake” did she just say tiramisu?

“I love tiramisu cake, no I LOVE love tiramisu!” I exclaimed passionately inches away from Rebecca’s face.

“Really? I thought you prefer chocolate better”

“you hated anything not chocolate” Camila and Rebecca both said wearing confused expressions. Right, I forgot that they don’t know the real me.

“I do like chocolate. Recently I’ve tried it and became obsessed with tiramisu” They stared at me while I busied myself eating the plate of food.

“So, it’s set. See you after school” Rebecca got off, and left our table.

“Since when are you close with the ice queen Jaye?” Dee asked, not convinced at Rebecca's sudden friendship.

“Ah, well it turns out we were childhood friends long ago. Ever since tutoring we became close?” I hesitated, clearly confusing her more.

“And all this time going to the same school, now she decides to be friends again?” Dee pride is curious at Rebecca and mine friendship.

“Yeah, it's weird, I mean you were friends but you never told me why you stopped talking?” Camila added, curious about Rebecca.

“I really don’t remember guys” a cold sweat broke around my forehead. Thankfully my hair hid most of my face. “it was a long time ago anyway…”

“it’s fine you don’t want to tell us but don’t lie about it” Camila caught on to my lying. Worried that I would be discovered I have to give them something.

“The thing is that … Rebecca and I drifted apart. I got busy with the scholarship and mine studies. It just… happened.”

“Okay, but I would always be your bestest best friend” Camila and Dee seem content with my answer because the topic was changed. After lunch, I had the urge to pee badly storming in the bathroom. “watch where you going” I accidentally bumped into Chelsea meeting a deadly glare.

“Sorry,” I whispered, moving to the side because she blocked the entrance with her body.

“So, you’re not satisfied with taking my seat but now you want to steal my best friend?” She snarled

“Is your friend a property?”

“hmph I know a social climber when I see one” This was the second time someone has said that to me. At this point, I’m beyond pissed and without thinking slammed Chelsea on to the bathroom stall.

“And all I see is a pathetic follower with no personality.” Chelsea's face went pale from shock. Just like nothing happened, I went to use the empty stall finally able to pee. While inside the stall, I heard the bathroom door slammed guessing Chelsea left. I went out, pouring cold water to help calm me down. I slicked my hair back into a high bun. Staring at my reflection, my face was red from anger. I slammed my hand on the mirror, not shattering. I’m sorry Jayelina that you had to endure all this bullying alone. I inhaled deeply once calm enough went to class.