lucy_mumbua

I had three simple rules:  
1. Never remove the hood and mask.  
2. Don’t attract attention.  
3. Follow rule one and two at all costs.  

Simple, right? Well, I followed them religiously—until Jason came along and shattered them all. I didn’t want anyone to know my identity. I just wanted to stay in the shadows, finish school, and disappear. But no, the stupid jock had to get in my way, and now my peaceful, hidden life is in ruins.  

I didn’t mean to embarrass the school’s golden boy. His name? Jason. He’s the son of the country’s richest CEO. Ironically, I chose this place to hide from my own father, the man I’m trying to escape. I look too much like him, and if anyone made the connection, my cover would be blown. Hence, the hood and mask I wear every single day.  

But now, instead of just hiding from my father, I have to watch out for Jason, too. He’s vowed to make my life miserable. I still can’t figure out his obsession with me—one minute he’s humiliating me in front of everyone, and the next he’s trying to kiss me behind the bleachers.

The Girl in the Hoodie is Mine

Now, I had to decide: open the door and unleash a murderous tirade on him or just ignore it and go back to bed.

The rage was bubbling up inside me. Part of me wanted to just pretend I wasn't home and slink back into my room. But another part of me—the smarter part of me—knew that if I opened that door, there would be murder.

And I wasn't about to be the dead body in this scenario.

I took a deep breath and reached for the door handle. But before I could turn it, I stopped myself. This wasn't the mood for playing nice, for explaining that I had cramps, that I was in no shape to deal with any drama or conversation. No. I wasn't going to be the polite, kind-hearted Ella who let people walk all over her.

Instead, I glared at the door and muttered, "You better turn around and walk away, Jason, or so help me god..."

Cramps (II)