CHAPTER 4

Ava's POV

As the mathematics class concluded and Mr. Martin exited the room, the bell rang, signaling the start of lunch. Students began to filter out of the classroom. While heading toward the door, I inadvertently collided with the boy who had just been assigned detention. What was his name again? Ah, yes—Knight.

"I'm sorry," I said, my tone apologetic as I glanced up at him.

"Watch where you're going, girl," he retorted sharply, his voice dripping with disdain.

"Jerk," I muttered under my breath, irritated by his overreaction despite my apology.

"What did you say?" He fixed me with a fierce glare, his expression a mixture of anger and intimidation.

"I assume you're having trouble hearing, so let me repeat myself: I called you a JEEEERK," I enunciated, emphasizing the word with a touch of mockery.

His face darkened as he moved closer, his rage almost tangible. If he were a cartoon character, one might imagine smoke billowing from his ears and nostrils. The thought nearly made me laugh.

"Do you even know who you're talking to?" he demanded, his voice low and threatening.

"Of course," I replied with a smirk, "I'm addressing an insolent person who just earned a detention for his rude and foolish behavior."

As the remaining students watched with a mix of curiosity and amusement, a few of them chuckled at my retort. However, his piercing glare quickly silenced them.

"You—" he began, but his friend interrupted him.

"Xave, let's go," his friend called, clearly trying to diffuse the situation.

"Just a second, Rick," he said, his attention still fixed on me. He leaned in close, speaking softly yet menacingly, "Don't think I'll forget this."

"Oh, I'm trembling with fear," I replied sarcastically, placing a hand over my heart as if to emphasize my mock terror.

"Get lost, jerk," I added, glaring at him.

He shot me one last angry look before storming off, his anger palpable.

At Recess

During recess, I settled at a table, waiting for Mia. She joined me shortly, and we stood in line to get our food.

"How was your class?" Mia asked as we waited. "I heard Mr. Martin is your teacher."

"The class was fine, but I had a run-in with a complete jerk. I almost wanted to smash his head in," I replied, still fuming.

"Oh, sounds juicy! Tell me everything," she said with interest as we collected our food and took a seat.

I recounted the entire incident, including the confrontation with Xavier.

"Two hotheads clashing, huh?" Mia observed with a grin.

"I'm not an angry person; I just can't stand arrogant jerks like him," I said, pouting.

"I'm surprised you didn't actually punch him," Mia commented.

"I was about to, but his friend intervened," I said, shrugging.

We chatted about various topics until a sweet, deep voice interrupted us.

"Hey, Mia," the voice said, drawing our attention.

"Hi," Mia replied, her voice softening as she smiled.

I was taken aback. Mia, who is usually energetic and outspoken, was unusually calm. This guy must have had a profound effect on her.

"This is my best friend, Ava," Mia introduced me.

"Ava, this is Noah, my classmate," she said.

"Hi, Noah," I greeted, offering a polite smile.

"Hey Ava, nice to meet you. I heard today is your first day. How's the university so far?" Noah asked.

"So far, so good," I replied.

As Noah and Mia engaged in conversation, I observed other tables where students were staring at us, particularly the girls who looked on with envy. My gaze drifted to a specific table where Xavier sat, glaring at me. I smirked, remembering our earlier exchange.

"Let's see what you've got, jerk," I thought to myself.

Eventually, Noah excused himself, and Mia and I prepared to leave.

"Mia!" Noah called out, drawing everyone's attention to us.

"Go ahead, I'll catch up," I whispered to her.

"No, come with me," she insisted, pulling me along.

"Hey Ava, I wanted to introduce you to my friends," Noah said as we approached them.

"Alright," I said, following Mia.

"Guys, meet Rick and Xavier," Noah introduced.

So, this is Xavier, I thought.

"Hi Mia, and you are?" Rick asked, waiting for my introduction.

"Ava Jones," I said, shaking his hand.

"Aren't you the girl who had that argument with Xave this morning?" Rick inquired.

"Yes, that was me," I replied with a smirk.

Xavier's glare was still directed at me, his anger palpable. I met his gaze with a sarcastic smile.

"Hello, Xavier Knight. It's a pleasure to meet you," I said, my tone dripping with irony.

"The feeling is mutual, girl," he retorted.

"I'm aware that I'm a girl; you don't need to remind me. And since you seem to be hearing impaired, perhaps I should buy you a hearing aid. My name is A-V-A," I emphasized, enjoying the irritation it caused him.

Mia nudged me, but Noah and Rick laughed heartily.

"Oh, Xavier Knight has finally met his match," Rick teased.

"Do you even know who I am?" Xavier asked, his anger barely contained.

"Aren't you just another human? Or are you an alien?" I quipped.

"Mia, stay away from him. I've heard aliens can be pretty weird. I think I can smell it on him," I added with a mock disgusted expression.

"Eww!" I exclaimed, pretending to close my nose. 

"HOW DARE YOU!" Xavier started to advance towards me, but Rick and Noah quickly restrained him.

"Bye, Noah. Bye, Rick," Mia said, pulling me away as the situation escalated.

"Bye, guys!" I called back, waving cheerfully. As I left, I added, "Bye, alien!" Xavier's furious glare followed us as we exited.