Chapter Seven

I hide beneath a stair case. It was very low so I was not noticeable. The whole school was in chaos and I could hear threats from students who were searching for me. I also heard Liam had been transferred to the hospital. I felt like I needed to die. I deserved it this time. I could not cry, could not think. I just focused on the darkness that enveloped me beneath the stair case. Darkness-- that's where I belong.

After some time, I saw a figure join me in the darkness where I sat. I was shocked that I've been found and I froze in place. To my surprise, the person only couched beside me. I could tell from his smell who it was. Damien.

"Enough of the hide and seek Miss Kam. Your uncle is at Principal Dane's office."

Ideas or rather questions rushed through my head. I wished I could see his face. He would hate me forever for what I have just done. That was heartbreaking enough. 

I was also curious that he found me. Was he watching me? Oh my… I'm a mess. I felt like plucking out the veins of my wrist that moment.

" You can hear me, huh?"

I finally raised my teary eyes, grateful for the darkness that prevented me from seeing his face.

"I'm…" I swallowed. "I'm sorry."

I heard him sigh. "Not to me. You should apologize to Liam not me. "

I nodded my head slyly, wanting to ask if he was angry with me. I couldn't.

"How's Liam?"

" He will be fine. Been taken to the hospital. " he paused. "Why did you do it?"

I was quiet. I didn't mean to hurt Liam. I felt like I was possessed. It's not explainable.

"You shouldn't have." He said.

Then, I felt a sense of responsibility. I've just placed Damien into more troubles.

"I know. I'll accept my punishment too. " I sniffed. " Will you be okay? Would you be expelled because of me? Or suspended?"

He hissed. "Let's get out of here. The whole school is waiting. Everyone hates you for attempt murder."

I felt like a needle was pierced into my heart.

"And you? You hate me?" I asked and regretted immediately. 'What were you thinking Paige? He's here because it's his job' I scolded myself.

" Why shouldn't I?" He helped me up and left.

*

On Seeing Jude Kam at the Principal's office, my knees went momentumarily numb. The look on his face told me only one thing. 'We shall see at home'. I'll get the beating of my life.

"Miss Kam. Why did you do it?" Principal Dane asked?

I was quiet.

"Don't worry too much Principal. I'll deal with her myself." Jude said. "Finding her had wasted enough of my time already. I'll send the bills and the others."

The principal nodded. I had a feeling he was back with his bribing schemes. "She will stay in this school. It's your job to help groom her. About her violence. I know its trauma from her lost parents. I'll get her a psychologist. I apologise on her behalf."

Jude Kam and his lies.

I saw him write on a check, five of them. He dropped them on the table.

"For the boy's parents, the school committee, for our able principal. I'm donating this to the school welfare and the other for miscellaneous. I hope this matter doesn't cause any more troubles. "

I saw a slight smile on the principals face. " Ain't that too much money, Mr Kam? "

Milllion dollar bills. Jude Kam, wastes money.

" No no. Paige did a very cruel act. She will be away from school for a week..."

My heart shrank. He has cleared my name with money again.

"Till then, I want all this mess to be cleared. I ask of you Mrs Dane, no one should be expelled or suspended. I saw the pictures too. The guy in question, can I meet him?"

NO!!!

I wanted to scream.

"You don't have to, d...Uncle." I managed to say. He glared at me.

" You can." She turned to me. "Go get Damien Smith."

Jude Kam is just too dangerous. I do not trust him. He can do anything and will do anything to keep his reputation. I suddenly felt sorry for Damien. Soon, I was back in the office with Damien. He greeted the way he could and sat on the couch without being asked to. His guts, his charisma and his hair. I'll die.

"You are..." Jude questioned.

"Damien. " he replied nonchalantly. 

" you know why I sent for you right?"

"No" he shook his head, like he had no idea.

" I saw the pictures." Jude cleared his throat. "What relationship do you have with my daughter."

That was odd. My ears twitched. The principal broke in. " I have interrogated them this morning. It's just a fall Mr Kam. Teenagers and the games they play." 

Jude forced on a smile. "I understand you Mrs Dane. I want to hear from the horses' mouth. Damien, talk to me."

"Uncle, I can do the explaining." I said. He glared at me again.

" There's nothing between us. I don't know if the picture says otherwise Mr Kam but I'll say this once. It was Paige's first day in school. She fell while exiting the principal's office. I'm tired of explaining to everyone."

"Are you saying it was just a fall?"

"Exactly." He nodded. His expression was bland. 

" I see. " he snorted. "You look grown up already. How old are you?"

I saw Damien exchange glares with the principal. He isn't comfortable with the question.

" He is seventeen." The principal said.

Seventeen? He looks twenty. Oh Paige!

" Paige is just Sixteen. I am against relationships for her. I don't know of your parents and their rules but..." He stopped. " Do you have a girlfriend?"

The principal answered this again.

"Mr Kam. I do not think Damien smith would have a relationship with anyone in this school. He is our best student. That incident was just a game. The picture was probably photoshopped."

Why do I think we have the best principal in the world?

"Will you let him answer my questions peacefully?"

" It's a personal question, uncle. You don't have rights to ask him that. " I was straightforward and rude. I didn't care. I was fed up of his questions.

He ignored me.

"Who are your parents? Where do you live?"

Damien stood up from the couch. "Mister Kam, I do not mean to be impolite but I can't answer your questions. It's beyond that picture, beyond interrogation. And I do not tell strangers about myself, especially my family." He paused, breaking eye contacts with Jude. "I beg to take my leave." He left.

What guts?!

Little wonder, he is a president.

While I await my doom, I was glad he won't be suspended.