Chapter seven: Exchanged numbers
Last few days were highly tough on her. a week of absence was a lot to fill up. Her hand trembled as she entered the class room. She could already feel those glaring eyes on her. Those bullies must have spreaded rumors about her. During the class, thier homeroom teacher called out for her. She entered the teacher's room. "May I come in?"
"Do come in. Have a seat Miss Lee." y/n obediently took seat and stared down.
"You've been skipping school for a week. I tried to contact your parents but they're not answering the school's call. We're worried about your studies. The exam is near. You'll fall off the list."
"I apologies…"
"Your…school fee is not filled up yet. Do your parents know that?"
"My school fee….?"
"Fill it up my next week. I want no further absents." she walked out of the teacher's room. that woman's words were running in her mind. She realised that, she now needs to earn not for only herself but also for her education. her head was spinning. without caring any less, she kept bringing those thoughts of destruction, how careless her parents were to leave everything on her shoulders and walk away. did they never care about her...?
Later in class, few students approached her. She looked up to their arrogant faces. One of them was familiar to her, Ava. the one who bullied her that day. The girl in the middle had the worst aura. It was Grace, Thomas's so called girlfriend.
y/n wanted to leave the scene but they stopped her. The one in the right who seemed to be only a sidekick, grabbed y/n arm tightly. Almost digging her long and fake nails in to her flesh. they noticed how weak y/n was."Is this the 'one' whom you mentioned?"
Ava stepped ahead, "You've seen right. She's the one who tried to approach Thomas." y/n whimpered in pain"I didn't—Let me go".
"What should we do with her?" Grace walked closer to y/n. She grabbed her chin forcefully. "Warning, last warning. Don't ever repeat this mistake." She walked away turning her back. The other two seemed disappointed in her action. They pushed her on to the ground and continued following Grace.
y/n sat there, helpless and powerless. Nothing she could do or handle. a world which seemed beautiful to her was all dark now. not a single light to shine upon. She knew she had to face thomas now or later. It's the only source for her to reach her dreams, dancing. It was suppose to keep her going. Why is It making things worse? Is dream really a choice?
.
.
.
————＊*——*＊————
.
.
.
The practice hour was over. as usual, Thomas didn't look back at her. y/n was confused, whether she should feel hurt or relieved. the students were leaving one by one. In a moment, the whole room was empty. at least, that's what y/n thought.
"Haven't seen you for a while", the voice startled her. She quickly bowed and stepped away. Unlike any other day when he seemed cold-hearted, he was different today. an expression of worried and sadden was visible in his face. He was hesitating with his words. y/n on the other side, looked confused. Grace's words were running in her mind. She grabbed her bag and tried to walk away.
"Wait-" she stopped in her track. His next words were full of stuttering, "Are you coming …tonight?" she didn't want to answer any of his words. "I don't think I can." Thomas showed an understanding look and left the room.
————＊*——*＊————
Y/n was all spaced out while working hour. She couldn't focus on anything. That caused a few complaints from the customers. Miles handled most of them. At the same time, he was worried for her.
The work ended. Y/n walked out from the store. She heard someone calling her from behind, "Let me walk you home." A bright smiled flashed in his face. she simply nodded and kept walking.
"So…How was your school?"
"…It was…fine."
"Okay…It's been a long time since I hung out with those friends of mine. I'll introduce you to them in the future."
"…"
"…Do you live alone?"
"I live with my dad. my parents split up… few weeks ago", She didn't even know why she was saying all those. For some reason, Miles was reliable to her. he could make out the reason for her being so sad at that time. "You won't be seeing them often now huh?"
"I won't see them ever again." her words seemed emotionless. She was numb over those words and feelings. Miles seemed to taken a step back for what he said."What about you? You live alone?"
"Yeah… My parents wanted me to study comfortably. I work cause I don't want them to spend more on my needs." their conversation ended outside her house. They stood there for while.
M, "I'll see you then…" the other nodded and walked closer to the door. "Y/n!"
"?"
"There's a...state fair happening next week...will you join me?"
"yeah...sure." Miles had a hidden smile on his face. He was happy to have someone around again.
.
.
————＊*——*＊————
.
.
Y/n wanted to sneak out of her house. While walking down the stairs, She noticed her father passed out in the sofa. Nothing new to her. She reached the practice room. As expected, It wasn't empty. She saw Thomas right after walking in.
Their eyes met. but once again, She decided to Ignore him. The air around them went dry with how their last conversation ended. "you came anyway."
"…" Thomas could feel her absence of mind. unlike the first day. Most of their time went silently. Both were into their individual practice. y/n struggled in a step of her dance. she kept trying but it wasn't satisfying enough.
Just then she felt a hand on her waist. before she could do anything to break through, a calm voice spoke up, "I'll lead you, you keep the balance." her heart began to beat faster in every second. She simply nodded and tried again with thomas was behind, leading her. Her next attempt was successful.
"You really need a trainer." He said after parting. y/n stood there confused of what to say. "Can I have your number?"
"?"
"Not if you don't want to. I could share you some advises for the next part. I've learned them before" she noddedand they exchanged numbers. How y/n thought she would feel awkward and nervous around her crush. Instead, She was comfortable. He helped her a lot in the next few hours. A friendly environment was before them. She completely forgot about the threats.