Chapter 24 : Approaching the Class Rep

'Let's try again, once again. I want to trust this person in front of me.'

With new conviction in my heart, I slightly squeezed Mrs. Victoria's hand. "Thank you."

Mrs. Victoria brightened so quickly as if she just heard the most delightful news. "No, thank you for trusting me."

There was a brief silence, but for once, it didn't feel uncomfortable at all. Mrs. Victoria slowly retracted her hand from mine. "The break is almost over. I bet you have not eaten yet, aren't you?"

"It's okay, I'm not too hungry. I will eat on the next break."

Mrs. Victoria nodded her head. "Don't forget to drink more. You'll need enough water in you to keep going."

"I understand. Thank you." I said gratefully. Mrs. Victoria was truly kind. To think I was trying to scheme against her just a few minutes ago, I was ashamed of myself.

Be that as it may, now what should I do? I abandoned the plan to use Mrs. Victoria, leaving me with no other plan for now. The fastest solution was for me to get a stronger backing than Mr. Gilbert's, but I couldn't see that happening at all. Not with everyone's prejudice against me.

What if I had evidence to prove my claim? No, that won't work either since, to get evidence, I needed to be extra careful. Mr. Gilbert was a cautious one. If he found out I was snooping around or deliberately tried to lower his guard, he would see through me instantly. And it would be game over.

It seemed my initial plan was correct after all. In order to beat Mr. Gilbert, I needed an ally. Not Mrs. Victoria, but another person. Someone who knew Mr. Gilbert as much as I do, or perhaps more.

I had to talk to the class rep.

***

When I returned to my classroom, I spotted the class rep almost immediately. She sat on her seat, reading a thick book. I was not a loner by choice, but the class rep was definitely different.

Her long black hair was drawn back with a red hairband, it made her facial feature look sharper and more stood out. She was so focused on her book without paying any attention to her surroundings, and she had earphones on both of her ears, prompting a 'do-not-disturb' aura to envelope her.

It was as if she never wanted to leave her seat at all. I seldom saw her interacting with other classmates. Not that I ever paid that much attention, though.

I sat on my seat while observing the class rep. She hardly moved a muscle as her gaze was nailed on her book.

If I wanted to talk with her, I would need to do it discreetly. It was obvious she didn't want to have anything to do with me. Nevertheless, she still tried to warn me about Mr. Gilbert. Perhaps, she knew what Mr. Gilbert planned to do with me.

'Does that mean she is an accomplice with a guilty conscience? Or is she a fellow victim like me?'

Actually, taking class rep as my ally would be a risky move. If she happened to be an accomplice, then I couldn't proceed with my plan, since my plan would require her full support.

I needed more information, but unfortunately, there was no time to hesitate. No matter how risky it was, I would gain nothing by just standing around like this.

I tried to look at this matter positively by thinking I had nothing to lose even if this plan failed. The worst I could get was an expulsion, and while it would be better if I could remain in this school, I was not as desperate as I was before.

I didn't know why, but after talking with Mrs. Victoria, I felt half of my burden was lifted. It was amazing how a person's words could drive you to a corner or give you the courage you need.

I tore a scrap of paper from my book and wrote something in it. I chose my words carefully before folding them into a small envelope. After that, I stood up while carrying my small letter and a notebook in hand. My gaze fell on the class rep's back as I walked towards her.

Carefully as to not surprise her, I tapped my finger on her desk. It caught her attention quickly. She raised her head and her eyes widened when she saw me. There was a sense of apprehension flashed through them.

"Is there anything you want from me?" She asked me while pulling her earphones away from her ears.

"Mr. Gilbert asked me to give this to you." I handed my notebook to her. She looked confused but received it regardless. As she grasped my book, I shoved my small letter to her palm secretly.

She noticed my discreet move and looked at me with more confusion and apprehension on her face. I stared at her meaningfully. "Then I will leave it to you."

I was about to go back to my seat when I caught a glimpse of her notebook on the desk.

'Kelly Clarkson. So that's her name.'

I made a mental note as I turned my heel and went back to my seat. At the same time, the bell signaling the end of break time was ringing.

***

Previously, I thought Mr. Gilbert would ask me to come to visit him again after school ended, but thankfully that didn't happen. Perhaps he didn't want to attract more suspicion from Mrs. Victoria. She had witnessed my messy state earlier, and no matter how thick-skinned he was, he didn't dare to act rashly.

I hugged my bag in my lap as my gaze darted around the schoolyard. I was watching how the boys were playing soccer and how the girls were cheering on them excitedly when I heard a small voice from behind me.

"Why are you calling me here?"

I turned my head and found Kelly was standing a few steps away from me with caution. She looked uneasy and uncomfortable.

"Sit down first. I bet you are curious about how it went with Mr. Gilbert." I said as I gestured to her to sit on the bench opposite of me.

However, she refused with a frown on her face. "Just say what is your business with me. I don't want to be seen being around you."

Of course, she would not want to. Not in such an open place near the crowded schoolyard. I was too focused on my objective and I forgot that small detail.

"Of course. How about we change the places then?"

Kelly shook her head impatiently. "No, I don't want to. I didn't even want to talk to you. I just came here out of curiosity. If you call me out for nothing then I will be leaving."

"Are you sure you want to talk here?" I approached her with a smile. Kelly immediately took a vigilant stance as she glared at me.

"Stop! Don't come any closer!"

However, I ignored her and leaned in on her, and whispered slowly, "Even if it's about how Mr. Gilbert 'uses' you?"

I deliberately emphasized the word 'uses', to stress out my point. Kelly's body obviously stiffened as she looked completely aghast. "Wh-what do you mean? I-I don't know what you are talking about!"

By this point, there was no turning back. I laid out the bait, let's see if the fish was going to take it.

"Is that so? Too bad. Forget it then." I showed her a disappointed pout, then pretended to leave by turning my heel.

Kelly, who was panicking, stopped me by seizing my arms and clutched them so hard it was almost painful. "Wait! You can't just go away after taunting people like that! What do you mean by that? You… What did you know?! Did Mr. Gilbert tell you something?!"

'Bingo.'