Bexley’s P.O.V.
My morning routine seems off today for some reason. I get up and work out for at least a half hour. Take a shower, have breakfast, and get ready for school.
Should be an easy-peasy morning, right?
But I can’t explain it, something feels off. Like, something’s about to go wrong, but I don’t know what.
All while driving, that feeling won’t stop nagging me.
Ugh! This is going to drive me insane by the end of the day!
“Hey, Bex. How was your weekend?” Oliver, my best friend asks as I get out of my car.
“Mostly the same as usual.”
“Mostly?” He asks, c*****g an eyebrow.
“Yes, mostly.”
“Not going to elaborate on that statement?”
“No, not really. Nothing to tell.”
“If you say so,”
Swinging my bag over my shoulder, I locked the door and headed inside.
Why do I have math class first thing in the morning?
I slouch in my seat, letting out a deep sigh.
“What’s got you all worked up?” Oliver asks, sitting in the empty seat to my left.
“I don’t know. Something about today just feels…off,”
“What do you mean?”
“I don’t know. I just can't shake this weird feeling since I got up.” I say, shaking my head.
“Whatever ever it is, I’m sure it’s nothing serious,”
“Maye. I hope so. I’ve had enough BS in the last couple of days,”
Taking out my textbook and pencil case, I go over my homework. I forgot to do it Friday before heading to work and rushed last night to complete it.
I’m so focused on my task that I don't notice everyone settling in their seats and the teacher walking in.
“Good morning everyone, I hope you all had a good weekend and finished your homework?” Mrs. Godin asks. Looking t everyone.
A few other students grown, but most mumble a small yes.
As she’s about to start today’s lesson, someone knocks at the door.
That nock makes my stomach turn inside out.
What the hell?
“I’m sorry I’m late. I had to go to the office and get my schedule and everything sorted. I had a hard time finding the class, sorry,” I hear a familiar voice say from just outside the classroom.
Please tell me this is a joke!
“It's quite alright. Come on in.” Mrs. Godin says, gesturing for whoever is there to come in.
“Attention everyone, we have a new student with us this morning. Why don't you introduce yourself?”
She turns to face the class and waves her hand shyly.
Big difference in attitude compared to when she yelled at me at the rink.
“HI. My name is Janelle Anderson. I’m from Bathurst, New Brunswick. I moved here a little over a week ago, aaaand, that’s pretty much it,” She says, waddling from one foot to the other.
So the tigress had a name.
“Welcome to Richmond Hill, Janelle. Everyone, please make sure she’s properly welcomed. There’s an empty seat next to Bexley over there,” Mrs. Godin says, pointing to my right.
You have got to be kidding me?!
The pit of anxiety I have been feeling is now at full height. That must have been the bad juju I’ve had since waking up! The tigress is now in my school. It's the same freaking class as me. And now sitting next to me!
When she looks toward where Mrs. Godin is pointing, I notice her gasping when our eyes meet.
Great, just great!
She clears her throat and makes her way to her newly assigned seat.
“Here’s your textbook. We’re going to have a recap of last week's assignments for today. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate.”
“Thank you. I will.” She softly says.
I would never have guessed she could sound so gentle the way she barked like a chihuahua the other day.
“HI, your Bex, Bexley, right?”
“Yup,”
“I’m sorry I didn’t get a chance to properly introduce myself the other day. I’m Janelle.” She says, extending her hand toward me.
I look at it and scoff.
“I kind of gathered that was your name when you said it two seconds ago in front of the class,” I say, rolling my eyes.
“Dud! What the hell?” Oliver whispers/yells, slapping my arm.
I give him a pointed look.
“What?”
“Since when are you such an ass?”
I roll my eyes at him and turn back to face Janelle when she clears her throat again.
“Look, I know we got off on the wrong food at the ice rink, but,”
“You guys met before?” Oliver asks.
“Yeah, we did. And you are?” She asks softly.
“Sorry, I’m Oliver. Oliver Fitts.
“Nice to meet you, Oliver. I’m Janelle, but I guess you already knew that,” She says, blushing a little.
I roll my eyes and ignore her.
“Look, Bex, I just,”
“You don’t get to call me Bex. Only my friends do. And as far as I know, we aren’t friends,” I bark at her.
She looks at me stunted and turns around in her seat to face forward.
For a second, I felt bad about how I just talked to her, but then I remember how she talked to me at the rink and I don’t feel so bad anymore.
“Seriously Bex, what the hell is your problem with her? It’s her first day here. What could she have possibly done to piss you off that much?” Oli asks, looking at me as if I grew horns.
“Forget it, Oli. This nice persona is fake as s**t. Trust me. She’s not so nice.”
“And how would you know? When did you meet her then?”
I huff and finally tell him.
“I met her at the ice rink the other day. She’s a real piece of work if you ask me. Coach Henly seemed to know her well though. Kicked me out of the rink for a while because of her too.”
“Seriously? Coach Henly told you to get out? I don’t believe it! He’s practically begging you to take up competitive skating again.”
“Believe it or not, it’s true. So don't go believing she's actually nice. She a devil in disguise.” I scoff with a loud laugh.
“Alright boys, settle down,” Mrs. Godin says, making both of us quiet down.
I notice Janelle wanting to say something else to me, but I guess my glare made her change her mind.
This is going to be a long day.
Aksara