Beyond Captivity

Friends

Nerissa's Pov

1 week later

I didn't do anything. Even if I had, it's my life. Nobody has the right to comment. 

I kept repeating the words to myself as I slowly made my way inside the school. My eyes constantly surveyed the students to see if any of them were looking my way. Few were but most had moved on from the now old gossip. 

Skipping school was beneficial after all. Not only was I able to piece together my mind, everyone got a new topic about a couple cheating which instantly dragged me out of the limelight.  

My gaze met Mathew and his friends, they gave me a judgmental teasing look to make me uncomfortable. But I ignored them and went to my lockers. 

After not getting the validation by dragging me down, they've stopped mentioning me among other students —from what Jules has told me— and would probably not try anything new anymore. 

If they do, I have my parents on speed dial. This time if anything happens I'm complaining against them. I'll worry about the consequences later. 

After dropping my bag in the locker, I walked to my class. Jules and Warner were standing together whispering among themselves as Jules giggled. Warner isn't supposed to be here since it wasn't his class but he probably came because I texted them last night that I'll come to school. 

“Jules, Warner.” I called, going to stand next to them. 

They shifted their attention to me as a huge smile appeared on Jules face before she took me in a hug. Warner gave me a small smile and nodded as a greeting. 

“I missed you so much, Ness.” Jules mumbled. 

“I missed you too.” 

There was a weird discomfort in Warner's movements today. But he spoke clearly nonetheless. “How have you been, her highness.” 

At least the nickname is still there. I thought our friendship would go down the drain now. 

“I've been good. I'm sorry I couldn't reply to your texts, I was just not in the right mind…” I mumbled. 

Though I did text Jules. But I wasn't as comfortable with Warner. 

“It's okay, I understand.” He told me, sounding genuine. 

I took the seat Jules saved for me next to hers. Having no other place, Warner came to sit on the table in front of us as we still had ten minutes till our lecture and his class was right next to ours. 

“You guys are not mad at me, right?” I asked just to confirm, cringing right after my question. 

“Not at all.” Jules replied immediately. “It's your life, you can choose to not tell.” Her reassurance felt nice. 

“But you could've at least told us… We’re friends…” Warner mumbled with a slight hurt in his voice. 

I understand he may have been friends with me with a secret intention. But his feelings aren't mine to accommodate. I never gave him any wrong signal. I always took him as a friend. And for the most part I didn't even believe he was interested in me. 

Jules elbowed him. “Don’t make her feel bad about it.” 

Warner looked at her and nodded. “Sorry, Ness. That wasn't my intention, I was just surprised because I would’ve never guessed… that's all.” 

I know that's not all. But I make no effort to ask further. I simply nodded to his words. 

“I just met you guys a couple months ago… I needed time. I didn't know if I should tell this to anyone…” I explained.