Chapter 24 ~A new friend~

"Fake friends are like shadows, always near you at your brightest moments, but nowhere to be seen at your darkest hours."

Iris's POV

"Wow! Miss Jones and Mr. Carter, this is impressive." Our History teacher commented and we both gave each other a high five.

''See, I told you all, history isn't that boring after all." She stated.

Umh! it is. We just did this to get good credit.

Aspen and I walked to our seats, which was at the back of the class right beside Lucas and Zander, as our history teacher summoned the next group for their presentation.

"Bro! that was so good, I never knew you had that much sense in you." Lucas teased and Aspen glared hitting the back of his head.

"He wouldn't have done it without me." I smiled flipping my hair dramatically.

"Someone is being humble," Zander muttered with sarcasm dripping in his tone.

I rolled my eyes, flashing him a smile, "I know right". I said and he shook his head and crossed his arms on his chest.

None of us talked for the remaining period, instead, we had to listen to other groups defending their project.

I jumped out of my seat as soon as the bell rang indicating the end of class. I ran out of class ignoring the stares of students around me as I jogged to the restroom. I breathe out a sigh of relief as I finished my business.

I was about to leave the stall, but I paused when I heard a cry from someone. It felt like I was interrupting the person's private time. I heavily breathe out as I muttered the courage to walk out.

I spotted her at the corner of the restroom, coiled up into a ball with her brown hair covering her face. I slowly walked towards her as I bent down rubbing her spine softly, in a circular motion.

"Hey, are you okay?"

I know it's a dumb question.

She sniffed and raised her head, my eyes widened a little as I stared at Mia. She's one of Charlotte's minions or 'friends'. Her eyes were bloodshot and I grimaced at the sight in front of me. Her makeup was completely ruined, with mascara streaming down her face, her lipstick smudged and one of her false lashes was about to fall.

It took everything within me not to laugh and take a picture.

"I am fine." She answered drily, rubbing her eyes with the ends of her sleeves, making her left lashes fall.

I scoffed, "You are not fine, I expected you to be with Charlotte and your other friends, ruining other teenagers' lives and not in a bathroom crying your eyes out." I retorted harshly and she nervously scratched her wrist.

My forehead furrowed and I gasped as I spotted various cuttings on her arms. Some of the cutting still looked fresh, I spotted the razor blade beside her, which was already designed with blood.

"Are you-" I couldn't even form any statement, just flat out mystified.

"Why?" I whispered and she duck her head.

"Can you please just leave me alone, I know you would find my situation amusing because of what we have done to you, but please don't tell anyone especially Charlotte." She pleaded as tears rolled down her eyes, as I held on to her left wrist.

"Okay, first of all, I am glad you know what you guys did was awful, and just so you know I am not like you." I sucked in a deep breath and continued.

"And why does it matter if Charlotte knows, isn't she your friend?" I asked as I air quoted the word 'friend'.

"It's complicated." She sighed and sniffed.

"It's only complicated if you make it complicated."

"It's just that... A lot has been going on at home and Charlotte and the other girls are the last people that want to know about it. If she knows about what happened, I would be the next laughing stock of our school and besides, they are my only friends." She explained as she played with her fingers nervously.

"I don't think that's what real friends do. Real friends stick together and help each other out even in difficult times."

"Look, you are new here. That's how things have been. This is a school for the Rich, you are lucky you got in. Being friends with Charlotte might not be the best experience but I got all the attention I wanted. Before I came to this school, I was so socially awkward, but I met them. Even though I came from a rich home, they taught me how to act like one and I eventually broke out of that anti-social shell. Here, power and money mean everything." She explained with a distant look on her face. I felt so furious. I know there is nothing wrong with being rich, but these so-called friends don't even care about her feelings.

"Look, life is not just about riches, power, or fame. Those stuff don't even last. I am sure when they are done with you, they will throw you away and treat you like trash. You can't keep this a secret forever." I motioned towards her hands and she stared at them in disgust.

"I know you don't want anything to do with me, but doing this won't solve anything. If you need someone to talk to, I would be right here." I rubbed her shoulder and she just stared at me with an unknown expression.

"You don't have to act nice to me. If I were in your shoes, I would have used this against you." She spat guilty.

"Well, that's really tempting, but I will pass. Like I said before, I am not like you and everyone has problems, even Charlotte. All that matters is dealing with the problem." I stated firmly.

"T-thank Y-you." She stuttered.

I smiled, "You are welcome, by the way, you don't look cute when you cry." I joked picking up her lashes and she laughed.

"You are not that bad, maybe that's why Charlotte hates you, you kill people with kindness." She said and I laughed.

I worryingly glance at her arm, she forced a smile and said, "I can take care of it, let's go to class."

I nodded and stood up and stretched forth my hands and help her to stand to her feet. I waited for her to fix herself before we both left for our various classes.

I guess, I just made a new friend. Kind of!

* * *

"My mom threatened him, that he will go back to Nigeria." Treasure said sipping her fruit juice and we laughed. Her little brother was so devious, and I can't wait to meet him. I have heard a lot about him, knowing Treasure, all I know about him were apparently the bad part.

I spotted Charlotte and her squad walking to their seat at an incredibly slow pace. Mia waved and smiled when she saw me and I waved back. Charlotte noticed this and plastered a scowl on her face, saying things to Mia, which I obviously couldn't hear, but the expression on Mia's face stated that it was nothing pleasant.

Her other friends, Jane and Serah plastered the same ugly scowl on their faces, glaring at me. I hissed and ignored them. I still wonder why Mia is friends with those manipulative b*tches. But who knows, maybe they are not that bad after all.

"Umh, did I just see you wave at Mia?" Lizzy asked with an annoyed look.

I nodded and took a bite of my turkey sandwich and they both sent disapproving looks my way.

"She's tolerable and not that bad, I guess." I shrugged.

"Hmm, she's related to Charlotte, and anything related to her screams trouble." Treasure said and Lizzy nodded in agreement.

"Guys, just drop it. It's not like I am Besties with her."

"Okay, fine. Just be careful." Lizzy raised her hands in surrender.

Luckily, they dropped the subject and we spent the rest of lunch with Treasure telling us about her life in Nigeria.

"Shit! we have class now, why is the Lunch period always short?" Lizzy said packing her stuff.

"Aww! Sorry guys. Luckily for me, I have a free period." I grinned and winked at them.

Treasure scoffed and they both left to their respective classes dragging their feet.

Since I didn't have anything productive to do, I walked around aimlessly with my sketch Pad in my hands until I got into the music room. I beamed at the sight in front of me, there were so many instruments, ranging from guitars, drums, harps, and so.

I dropped my backpack and sketch pad on a table and walked towards the Grand Piano, inspecting every edge and corner, I ran my hand on the outer rim and lid. It's been years since I last played the piano. I frowned at the memories I had with the instrument. Both my Dad and Devon never took interest in music, but my mom did.

I remembered when I was so little, she was so fascinated by the piano and I would always watch her play. We would even sing, harmonize, and scale together. She always told me I had a good singing voice and I should never be shy to show the world my talent.

I laughed bitterly at the memories. She was the one who inspired me in music, I even learned the piano and guitar because of her. But where is she now?

My hands kept trembling as I suck in a deep breath and let it out shakily, as I held onto my pendant. My hands were itching for me to play.

I stifled a sigh and took a seat on the piano bench. I placed my feet on the Pedals and my fingers on the keyboard. I played random notes and keys.

I suddenly felt like singing. Striking the key E, playing the intro of Goodbye's the saddest word by Celine Dion.

I closed my eyes and sang, already lost in another realm.

Mama

You gave life to me.

Turned a baby into a lady.

Mama

All you had to offer

Was the promise of a lifetime to love.

A tear rolled down my eyes, as I recurred memories of my mum and I. She was always a fan of Celine Dion.

Goodbye's the saddest word I'll ever hear

Goodbye's the last time I will hold you near

Someday you'll say that word and I will cry

It'll break my heart to hear you say Goodbye...

"Wow! never knew you could sing." A voice said behind me. I jumped and held my chest.

Thank God, my heart is still intact.

"Jesus! Zander, haven't I told you not to scare me like that. I am too young to have a heart attack." I deadpanned and he just stood there with a neutral expression while his hands were in his pocket.

"Well?" I folded my arms and glared. He walked towards me and stopped right in front of me

examining my face.

"Were you crying?" He touched my cheeks which were already dried with tears.

My face heated up, "No, I was just emotional." I stated as I looked at my feet.

"Oh right, is it that time of the month?" He asked amusingly.

"No!" I gasped and hit his chest and he laughed.

His chest is so hard, ouch!!!

"You should really see your face, it's nothing to be shy about." He smirked.

"I was- I, never mind. Why are you here anyway, you are disturbing my peace and quiet."

"I was bored." He shrugged and walked past me and sat on the piano bench.

But that's my spot!

"As I said before, I didn't know you could sing and even play." He played with the keyboard and I nervously played with my pendant and bit my lips. Besides Chris and my family, no one has heard me sing before.

I walked and took a seat beside him.

"Don't do that!"

"Do what?" I asked as my forehead furrowed.

"That stuff you do, when you are nervous or feel anxious." He used his fingers to release my bottom lip and I gasped.

"Don't be surprised, I am very observant." He ran his hands through his hair.

"Well, there are a lot of things you don't know about me."

"Who taught you how to play?" He asked, all of a sudden.

"My mom," I said and there was suddenly a pregnant silence.

"Is that why you were crying?" He said more like a statement than a question.

"No, like I said I was just feeling the vibe of the song."

"Hmm, really even the lyrics of the song were saddening, so it definitely had to do with your mom." He looked at me, trying to search for answers.

"Whatever." I faced the other direction, avoiding contact with his hypnotizing Blue orbs.

"Wanna talk about it?"

"Look who's talking, like you would want to talk about your problems with others." I scoffed.

"Depends on the person." He shrugged.

"Well, I don't trust people and I would rather deal with my problems myself." I deadpanned.

"That's unhealthy, one thing I have learned so far in my life, is to let it out. Keeping it bottled up can destroy you and others around you." He stated and faced the ceiling.

"Don't be like me." He whispered.

"What do you mean?"

"You know what never mind, do what makes you feel okay."

"I- I have to go." I stuttered and he nodded instead and grabbed my backpack, dashing out of the room.

* * *

Hey guys, how are y'all?

Just wanted to say a little something. Avoid Judging people and try not to say things to make people feel bad, or belittle them, 'cos you don't know what someone is going through.

A little word of encouragement or even a smile can make one feel a lot better.

Quick question: What's the most emotional song you have ever listened to?

What do you think about Mia?

Love ibby.