CHAPTER 8 : BONDS WITHOUT BOUNDS - 1

Daniel's classroom :

Daniel could still feel his anger, it had been quite some time, since the incident. They all had to go back to their respective classrooms for the next period.

However, Daniel couldn't believe that he thought that asshole Xavier would change. If only Viveria would have been in his classroom! He still needs to talk to her and check whether everything is fine or not.

Looking beside him, he saw that Dew was as equally angry as he was. Dew's eyes were filled with rage. Daniel knew, compared to the both of them Dew has comparatively kept the anger under control.

He lightly touched Dew's shoulder and said: Don't worry, we will deal with Xavier ourselves if required. Calm down Dee...

Dew ( suddenly his eyes changed from rage to guilt and to be more precise a mix of both) : I'm so sorry Daniel, I fell for it, it's my fault Viv was hurt again! I had said to Xavier that if he really wants to apologize, then Viv would be in the classroom. But , I swear! I really didn't know that he would again hurt her. I'M SO FUCKING SORRY... ( raising his voice a little)

Daniel was stunned. So, it was Dew who had told Xavier that he should apologize. Well what had he expected it's not like that moron has any sense of manners. A manner less freak!

The teacher who had been noticing the chit chat, going on between both the boys, said : Excuse me? Both of you! Want to share your interesting talk with the whole class? Daniel, it's so disappointing to see you also disturb my class. This is why I tell you to not hang out with Dew. He doesn't study himself, he won't let you study either.

Daniel and Dew both apologized to the teacher and sat back.

Daniel wanted to hold Dew responsible, but he knew that Dew never meant any harm for Vive. Plus he was surprised that Dew had actually wanted Xavier to accept his mistake and give Vive a chance at forgiving him. They both knew how Viveria felt towards Xavier.

He reassuringly gave Dew a friendly nudge , mouthing - It's ok. Don't be too harsh on yourself, it'll be fine.

Dew giving a gentle nod, went back to his chain of thoughts. He was always a screw up, his entire life he had been, even when he had met Viveria, he had stirred trouble for her.

( Viveria had always been the topper of the class and Dew was always the trouble maker, however, they both somehow had an unique understanding. He never interfered with her matters but she always helped him during the exams.

He wouldn't have called it friendship, more like he was just taking advantage of her for her notes.

But it all changed when one day, a group of seniors had barged into their class and one of the male seniors had grabbed his collar, he accused Dew of ill treating another female senior, June. He claimed that Dew had proposed to her and in return when she rejected him, had started to stalk her and then one day grabbed her hand forcefully.

Though he admitted he was always flirting around, but he was not a stalker. Also, it wasn't his fault that June lived near him. He had proposed to her and she had rejected but he never followed her, not intentionally at least , also he had grabbed her hand yesterday to actually save her from the stupid speedy biker who would have dashed with her.

But before he could have explained, she had hurriedly ran away and here they all were accusing him of being some stupid egoist pervert!

But Dew had learnt the hard way, that if people already form an opinion about you it's very difficult to change it. After all, didn't everyone think that his mother is a gold digger who just married his dad for his money? Didn't his dad think that having an affair and cheating on his mom was okay as long as he was providing for them. People always see what they want to see. No one cares about the facts.

As Dew, was ready to battle it out with the senior. Viveria had been the one who had intervened. She had vouched for him. She had said and he clearly remembered "Brother, I promise, Dew may look like a bad person but he actually isn't. I'm sure there is a misunderstanding, let's just not fight okay?"

However the senior who clearly wanted to be the hero had rudely pushed Viveria aside cursing at her. That was it! Even before realizing what he was doing Dew had punched him straight in the face! What happened next was pretty obvious, they were in the principal's office and he was to be suspended. The only thing that was not fitting in was that Viveria was there too!!! A straight - A grade student who had never been in the principal's office, specially for any fight or negative misdeed was standing right beside him, with tears in her eyes. Dew had never felt more guilty in his life. She just wanted to help him. She just wanted to be his friend. For real, what kind of a jerk was he?

But in the end it had all been okay, they were all given a warning, thanks to Viveria's good reputation and her request to actually not let Dew be suspended just before the exams. His suspension was reduced and ever since, he had sworn to himself that, no matter how many girls come into his life - She would always be the most important girl of his life. He would always be her friend and stick by her side.

ALWAYS.

As years passed, they had grown more close and today Viv was the only person who accepted him for who he was. She was the only person who had seen right through his façade of just being a playboy.

But what had he done to repay it?...)

As the strong dull bell broke Dew out of his thoughts, he realized that his eyes had grown moist again.

DAMMITTT!! He shouldn't have trusted that son of a bitch, it was all his fault and he would pay for it.

As Dew, started to stand up with his clenched fist.

Daniel, grabbed his shoulders and said : Dude, I know you want to hit Xavier so bad. But now is not the time. If we interfere now, Vive might just end up in more trouble. I'm not saying that I myself don't feel like Xavier should pay for hurting her. But I just don't think it would be any good punching him. Besides, Viveria handled it pretty well, I think, so let's just wait, calm down for the sake of Vive, okay?

Dew realizing Daniel had a point. After all, Viveria started to grow strong, she was slowly learning how to deal with the meanness of people around her.

And in any case if things ever went wrong, he would bring hell upon that person!!

Meanwhile in Viveria's classroom...

Jackie had been quietly observing Viveria since that incident, she had not cried! Not even once.

Viveria, lost in her thoughts, was constantly asking herself one simple question.

Why does she like Xavier? Does liking someone means that one should let go of one's self respect?

More importantly is she willing enough to do that for him?

The main question is will it even be love or a mere compromise?