Chapter 8 Stay neutral

Chase

I woke up with a slight jolt once the alarm went off. I sighed deeply in exhaustion before heading off to the bathroom. There I splashed water on my face carefully reminiscing yesterday's events.

What I thought he meant by 'she's dangerous' wasn't anywhere close to murder. She did deny it though whilst looking directly into my eyes leaving little to no room for the possibility that she's lying.

As soon as school closed, I was out, they seriously bunmed me out for a first day.

The thing is that I don't know who to believe. On one hand, she didn't look like someone who could even hurt a fly talk of two human beings but then again looks tend to deceive.

It finally made sense. The disgusted glares, the isolation, the fear they seemed to have for her, everything made sense now.

During dinner, mom asked if I made any friends and for some reason, her cute face flashed in my mind.

However, I shook my head indicating a 'no'.

She tried to hide her disappointment but I saw it anyway. Mom has always wanted me to be normal. To have tons of friends; genuine friends; male friends but it never seemed to work out for both of us.

She sighed and we continued to eat with a more comfortable subject.

I retired to bed with an extremely troubled mind. Who do I believe? What would I do tomorrow when I face her? How do I even know who's telling the truth?

I huffed in frustration. So much for a first day.

After much thought, I finally made a decision...

Present

I brushed my teeth and then took a quick shower.

With my towel hung low on my waist, I exited the bathroom feeling refreshed.

Deciding on a casual look today, I wore a simple t-shirt and brown pants.

Then I simply brushed my hair back and put on a pair of sneakers.

Finally done I made my way to Derek's room right beside mine.

He seemed to be having trouble putting his blazer on so I made myself useful. I ruffled his hair and he giggled adorably.

"Piggie back ride" he squealed at the top of his voice. I put both hands up before giving him the go-ahead to climb on.

He jumped and I caught him mid-air before wrapping my arms securely around his tiny body.

We proceeded down the stairs with him smiling from ear to ear.

The tantalizing aroma of fresh coffee, bacon, and scrambled eggs wafted towards me the closer I got to the kitchen.

"Smells great mommy" Derek praised and I couldn't help but agree with him. This statement earned a wide, eye-twinkling smile from her.

Mom wiped both hands on her apron before setting it aside.

I pecked her on both cheeks before making my way to the dining room with Derek still on my back. I set him down carefully in his seat and he smiled his appreciation.

I reached school early today and headed straight to class.

Last night, I decided to stay neutral and just observe. This way, I can know everyone better from afar.

I attempted to switch places with a girl in front of me but she refused. I tried two more but the results were the same. They claimed they can't sit close to a murderer.

I sighed in defeat then slumped in my seat.

Soon after class began.

Twenty minutes into math class and the door opened earning the attention of everyone in the room. A timid-looking Evangeline walked in with her head hung low. The teacher stopped her right in her tracks with his hand raised.

"Young lady, do you know what time it is?"

"I'm so sorry Sir, it won't happen again I promise," she said in a small voice, her head still lowered.

He let out an exasperated sigh before asking her to take her seat.

I made sure to keep my emotionless face straight on the teacher; not sparing her a glance.

After lunch, I still had ten minutes so I decided to use it in the garden which caught my attention immediately during the tour.

As I sat there, the still air lightly brushing against my skin, I couldn't help but wonder how it got to this; being a complete and utter loner.

I never had a male friend because well they were threatened by my looks and I never had a female friend too because they only flock around me because of my looks and my money.

I made my way to class once I heard the bell signifying that lunch was over.

Damn!

Time seemed to run fast today for some reason.

The rest of the day went by in a blur and in no time, I found myself seated in my car heading home.

I went straight upstairs to my room for a quick shower and to complete my homework since mom wasn't back yet.

She owns one of the biggest restaurants in the city so she's a very busy woman yet she still has time for her family.

What a truly remarkable woman she is.

Finally done with both tasks, I made my way to Derek's room only to find his tiny body sprawled comfortably on his bed. His chest heaved up and down peacefully. Not wanting to disturb him, I went back to my room.

The door finally clicked open and I knew immediately mom was home. I raced downstairs and enveloped her in a hug surprising her. She giggled and ruffled my hair playfully.

"To what do I owe this pleasant surprise," she asked still grinning.

"Nothing just love you so damn much"

"Love you too, darling," she said fondly.

All three of us had dinner and called it a day. As soon as my head hit the pillow, I was out cold...