Chapter 2 A Fresh Start

Paula's POV

I knew the words I had said to mother stung because after that, she barely said two words to me but I didn't care. Days blurred into weeks that hellish afternoon when I'd met my mom's husband who was also a person I despised more than herself, Andre. I tried to forget how it felt to have him in my life again and so suddenly as well. Who was I kidding, it was fucking hard!

I was back at school, avoiding all thoughts of my family drama. My dad was dead, and I couldn't shake the heavy feelings that kept trooping in.

As I walked to my class that morning, I was contemplating what was the best way to avoid the icy dinner I was going to be forced to have with mother. I couldn't stand to see her.

I was taken aback by who I saw at right at the entrance of the class I was supposed to get into

Andre stood there, looking just as polished as always. "What is he doing here?" I whispered to myself. I didn't want to deal with him right now.

"Paula!" he called out, waving like he wasn't the biggest eyesore I had ever seen. I pretended not to see him and turned quickly to make my way to class. He rushed to catch up with me.

"Hey, wait up!" he said, trying to sound cheerful instead of desperate.

I quickened my pace, keeping my head down. "I have class," I muttered, hoping he'd take the hint. Even if I was going in the opposite direction.

"Come on, don't be like that," he said, his voice dropping a little. "You sure left home in a bad mood this morning."

"That's no business of yours." I replied curtly. I didn't want to talk to him-any of him.

"Really? Because I noticed you've been avoiding me," he pointed out, sticking close as we walked through the crowded halls.

"Maybe I just don't want to talk to you," I snapped. "You've got your life with Mom. Why do you care?"

He looked taken aback for a moment, then shook his head. "It's not like that, Paula. I swear I'm glad to see you."

"Glad to see me?" I couldn't help but scoff. "You must be kidding. You're probably just happy to see me so you can let me know how much better your life is now."

"Trust me, that's not it," he insisted. But even as he said it, there was something in his eyes. A flicker of relief, maybe? I didn't want to read too much into it. Also, did the man have absolutely nothing to do? Following me around like he was jobless.

Before I could respond, I spotted a group of my classmates laughing and chatting. I made a beeline for them, hoping to leave Andre behind. But he kept following me.

"Paula!" Andre called again, more insistently this time.

Ignoring him, I turned into the classroom and took my seat. I buried my head into my books, trying to focus. But he wouldn't quit.

I could feel him nearby, moving to the front of the room where he could watch me. My stomach twisted. I wanted to scream.

Then, during lunch, I found a quiet corner in the cafeteria. I just wanted to eat my sandwich and not deal with Andre. But, of course, he found me.

"There you are!" he said, sitting down across from me.

"Seriously, can't you take a hint? You don't have work or are you one of those jobless adults who seem like a bother" I shot back, glaring at him.

"I missed having you around, Paula. Plus I wanted to talk. It's really good to see you again," he said, trying to lean forward, but I pulled back. Was he insane?

"Who are you to say you miss me? You've been with my mom, living in that big house, probably enjoying all the things I couldn't have with my father " I replied, irritated.

"That's not fair," he said, furrowing his brow. "I wouldn't say my life is perfect. I know it's complicated for you."

"Complicated? Try being in my shoes for a day," I snapped.

Then Andre smirked. "Well, let's make it interesting. How about I set a little trap for you? You'll see I'm not the bad guy you think I am."

"What do you mean by a trap?" I asked, suddenly curious.

"You'll see. Are you willing to take the risk?"

I felt irritated. "What's the worst that could happen?"

Moments later, as I walked out of the cafeteria, I could feel him trailing behind me. I rolled my eyes, trying to ignore him. Then, out of the blue, I stumbled on a piece of loose flooring. I lost my balance and fell right into Andre's arms.

"Gotcha!" he exclaimed, laughing softly.

"Ugh! Let me go!" I shouted, pushing him away. I couldn't believe he had pulled that stunt on me. I stumbled back, my face flushed with anger.

"I swear I miss you, Paula. I really do," he said, eyes sincere as he looked at me.

"Yeah? Well, I miss my dad!" I shouted, fists clenching. "And I was doing just fine before you started messing with my life! Also, what's with the sappy attitude."

Caught up in my anger, I punched him hard on the arm. "You don't even get to act like you care!"

Andre raised an eyebrow, surprised but not angry. "Okay, okay! I deserve that. Just... just think about it, alright?"

I glared at him, heart racing before I walked away. "I don't need anything from you!"

That evening, I found myself at home, pacing my room. What a day. My life felt like a never-ending rollercoaster. I needed some space from everyone, especially Andre.

"I want nothing to do with the bastard anyway." Unfortunately, luck wasn't on my side because, the next morning, out of nowhere, I got an email.

"Welcome to Andre's Academy!" the subject read. My heart dropped. Was he really enrolling me in his school?

I opened the email hesitantly. "I have a spot just for you. Let's start fresh. Come see me," it said.

I slammed my laptop shut, irritation bubbling inside me. There was no way I was going to his academy. But deep down, I felt a mixture of curiosity and annoyance. Why was he doing this?

A few days later, I reluctantly made my way to Andre's Academy, half-expecting to turn around at any moment. When I stepped inside, I felt out of place right away. Everyone was wearing something friggin branded and I was putting on a simple dress and a scarf! WHAT THE HELL!

As I walked down the hallway, a girl approached me. She had a mean look in her eyes and a troop of friends flanking her.

"Well, well, if it isn't an abandoned looking newbie." she sneered. "You think you belong here? With your cheap looking clothes and hair?"

What the fuck? Was this high-school to her?

"Excuse me, who are you?"

"I am The Erica. Not like I'd expect a lowlife like you to know me of course."

Did she get lost in her high school era?

"What do you want, Erica?" I replied, annoyance creeping in.

"Oh, just making sure you know you don't fit in," she said, flicking her hair. Then she moved closer, pushing me a little. "You should leave before you embarrass yourself more."

"Duly noted little missy. Now please move," I said, trying to stand my ground.

"Why? You want to cry like a baby?" she teased, and her friends giggled behind her.

Just as I felt my face heat up with anger, I heard a voice from behind us.

"Everything okay here?" Andre said, stepping in.

Erica turned her head, almost surprised to see him. "S–sir!"

"What is going on here?"

"N–nothing." Erica stuttered as Andre scrutinised her.

"Very well, it better be," Andre replied as he looked at her. "You, will leave her be. Regardless of what you might call yourself. She's a student here and bullying isn't tolerated"

"A-a student?" Erica asked as if she didn't get the memo

I rolled my eyes, wanting to disappear entirely.

Andre stepped closer to me, as if coming to my defense. Did he seriously have nothing to do asides hover like a pesky fly. "You're not going to bully her. If I hear anything like that again, I will make sure you face the consequences."

"Of course sir," Erica huffed before walking away with her friends, shooting daggers back at me.

I walked away from him towards the class.

"Not even a thank you?" He yelled.

I didn't glance back at him. He just made my day worse.