My eyebrow raises at the name he chose. Looks like someone has an attitude problem. Not that I am any different but I know how to be civil. Scoffing, I step aside, but not before saying to the Principal, "I hope you remember what I have said as we have talked over the phone." He starts sweating remembering who I am referring to and nods, immediately. Turning to the muscly guy, "Don't know what your problem is. But firstly, there is a word called 'etiquette'. Learn it, and maybe you might have less trouble." Smiling over at him that is anything but sincere.
As soon as I leave, I swear I hear him curse and I know for a fact it's at me. Hell, if I'd care. If someone has a problem or an anger problem, don't take it out on me.
Shaking my head at his choice of words even though he knows that I have bearly left the room makes me want to chuckle. Heading in the direction of Owen's classroom that he'd pointed out earlier, I stop by. I take one more look at Owen and see he's already adjusted and sitting in the front row. Hmm... Since everyone is sitting in pairs, I am surprised there isn't one with him. Oh well. I'll ask later. Heading outside I stop in my tracks as I hear crying. What the... I follow the sound and see the person behind the voice and see that her face is completely blotched due to tears. She's been bullied and it's not the normal type either. She has cuts and bruises and her hair has been cut haphazardly, making her look like something I'd rather not think about.
I gasp at her state. She looks up and is horrified that she's been spotted and tries to make an escape but I am faster, she trembles and begs, "Please let me go... I swear I won't tell anyone. I will lie."
Dark thoughts run through my head and I know my dark side is now showing on my face but I could care less. I take a deep breath and try to calm myself before speaking to her, "Sweetie, I am not here to harm you. I want to help you." Reaching into my pocket, I take out chocolate candy and give it to her. Trembling she takes it. Looking at her she's no older than my brother. What I don't understand is that this school is ranked as its best in education and discipline. If this is the so-called discipline then I'd rather not think about the mediocre ranked schools.
I close my eyes trying to avoid thoughts infiltrating my head that has a tendency to make me say words that are normally not a problem but definitely a problem for the little angel in front of me. It breaks my head seeing her like this. "Sweetie, I know this may sound awkward but do you want to go to a doctor? I have heard this school has one of the best medics."
She violently shakes her head, "Please no! He is even worse. He... harasses me..." I don't let her finish and gently pull her into a hug.
I never knew the school was this bad. I had heard only remarkable words. But maybe that's because I only am with people who have sons and none of their daughters have attended this school. I will make sure to investigate this matter very thoroughly. For now, she needs medical attention.
I slowly but surely coax her to come with me to the clinic I go to and the moment the doctor spots me smile but almost instantly it vanishes when seeing the little girl beside me. She starts shaking beside me and grips my damaged shoulder making me wince.
"What on earth happened to the little girl, Celeste?!" He says more like shouts if he could but he needs to maintain his composure so asks me to settle down.
"Alex, can you please get a female doc to look at..." I realize now that I don't even know the name of the little sweetie pie.
"Umm... Bloom. My Name is Bloom." She answers my unasked question.
Nodding I continue, "Bloom. She is a case of bullying. Don't ask her questions. I will take care of it all." I stop him from asking anything unnecessary.
His hands form into fists and he nods, "Celeste, please step into my office after reassuring Miss. Bloom." Leaving the place, he was once sitting vacated.
I have a feeling I am gonna get a lecture. But I'll worry about it later. I lead Bloom to the best female doctor who also happens to be Alex's fiancé, Anastasia, Ana for short.
She has the same shocked look on her face as I did when I found the child. She gets to work without asking any questions except for making sure she's alright, "Bloom, I am gonna head to the head doc's office. If you feel uncomfortable or simply want to find me, ask Ms. Ana and she'll lead you to me, okay?"
She nods, I then step out and walk towards his office. The moment I step the smell of smoke and cigarette fills my nostrils making my nose scrunch up in disgust. He is supposed to be a doc, yet he smokes.
"Unbutton your top before I force you." He says with no emotion in his voice.
"Dude, be careful. What if your dear fiancé hears you?" But nonetheless, I comply and the bruising has gotten worse as expected.
"If she's the condition you are in, she'd be lecturing you and most probably consider tying you up until you regress on taking so many risky cases!" In comparison to his harsh voice, his touch is so gentle as
though he's handling porcelain.
After applying meds wraps the wound. In between the process, Bloom walks in a much better condition but is shocked to see me being treated. I simply smile and request her to take a seat. She obliges easily. I laugh at Alex's grumbling while treating me. Once done he takes a seat in his office chair and prescribes meds to me. After examining Bloom's condition, he becomes a bit stiff making me concerned.
"What happened?" He clears his throat and looks from me to Bloom giving me a silent gesture.
"Umm Bloom, why don't you go sit in the car and I'll be there after grabbing the meds." She nods and leaves.
"You may want to take the girl to a psychological therapist. She may seem normal from the outside. But she is not okay. I have seen my share of these cases. She may not show symptoms right now but she may have suicidal thoughts. Due to a lack of affection and overall care. You may wanna see her living condition and the attitude of the people around her. That is my personal observation from when she came in. But it's your call. You know if the matter explodes, you know you have us at your back."
Hmm... That explains the smoking in the morning. He doesn't do it, other than when occasionally stressed. I nod and take the observation he has written along with the details of the best therapist available in LA. He knows how to get the work done without even asking.
"Alex, I need a favor." He cuts me off, "Don't bother, I was wanting to meet my little bro."
I smile and leave his office and Ana hugs me, careful of my shoulder, "I don't this is the first time she's been bullied. I saw some marks that have faded with time but still, they're heart-wrenching. It reminds me a lot of someone very dear to us all, you, Celeste. So, bear that in mind."
I smile slightly and head out. Sitting in the driving seat. I reverse out of the clinic and put already have the next location in mind, "Th-Thank you, Ms. Celeste." Bloom says out of the blue, making me halt for a millisecond. Stopping at the traffic light, I look at her.
"What are you thanking me for?" She's about to speak up when I realize what she's going to say,
"Actually, leave it. Just know this, Bloom. I am not a kind person. People who know me call me the Devil's Advocate. Because I pave the way for them to meet him and get their judgment. However, for children like you, I will do all I can to protect you. So, right now, we are heading to the salon to get some much-needed attention, and then we are heading for lunch. At lunch, we will discuss what happened to you and where we'll go from here onwards."
The lights turn green and put my foot on the accelerator, then continue, "Of course, I will not ask you to share the details you are uncomfortable with. Only the most necessary of questions. Are you okay with that?"
She seems to be in deep thought, before asking, "But why are you helping someone that you have no clue about?"
I smile, smart kid, "Let's just say, from the day I have been able to remember, all I know is sadness and pain. So, I cannot help everyone but those I can, I will so that one day I leave this place forever, I have no regrets."
She nods and for the first time, there is a sparkle in her eyes. She looks at me with awe and pride. We reach the salon and see one of the staff members already at the entrance waiting for me.
"Ms. Campbell! It's a pleasure to have you with us!"
I nod, "This time I am not here for myself. But for this girl who is accompanying me." I wait till Bloom comes to stand by my side. "She's had a bit of an incident and I want to make sure that her hair is in the best state. Along with her clothes."
The staff is surprised at my statement as normally I only make appointments for myself. This time not only did I come with short notice, and promise to pay them a good amount but it's not for me either.
She nods and leads the way. It's an easy feat getting an appointment with their services comes with a price tag normally you wouldn't even look at. But not for me. It's okay. At least the service is good and offers privacy. That's what Bloom needs for the moment. To collect herself.
Once she's comfortable they start with her hair and the owner herself comes to greet me, as always. "Darling, it's truly a surprise to see you. So, I've heard you need help in choosing clothes for the young guest who's with you.
I only raise a brow at her indicating, I am not in the mood to handle her antics, "Not help. Just need the options, available in her size."
She gets up and sashes away as she always does, and then moments later the staff asks me to follow them, I am impressed they have good choices and they all seem to be her size. Choosing the one I know, that'll suit her, I ask them to bring it together.
White skinny jeans, a pale pink top, and sneakers and to color coordinate a black jacket with pale pink flower and a cute hat.