My Enemy and I

Chapter 13

I woke up for once not really having to worry about anything specific, a rare, fleeting sense of calm. But that didn't mean I actually wanted to get up. I lingered in bed for a couple more minutes, savoring the quiet, before finally rolling out. I ambled into the bathroom, stepped into the shower, and let the warm water cascade over me, washing away the remnants of sleep. When I got out, I dressed quickly, pulling my hair into a high ponytail, then headed downstairs for some cereal. I was completely oblivious to the time, lost in my own thoughts, until I glanced at the clock. My eyes widened in alarm—I was going to be late for first period. I quickly finished my cereal, grabbed my keys, and dashed to my car. I drove to school, already knowing I was late, but surprisingly, I just didn't care.

I walked down the main hall, the usual morning rush replaced by an eerie quiet. All I could hear were the muffled voices of teachers talking between closed classroom doors and the rhythmic tap of my shoes on the linoleum floor. I made my way to my locker, grabbed my books, and started down the hallway towards my class. As I walked, I heard two people talking and laughing, their voices floating from around the corner. I really didn't care who it was, but I had to walk down that hallway anyway. So, when I rounded the corner, I stopped dead in my tracks, frozen in shock.

Isaac was standing there, laughing, with Tina by his side. They didn't notice me at first, too engrossed in their conversation, until my book slipped from my numb fingers and clattered to the ground, the sound echoing sharply in the quiet hall.

"Uh, Ali, I can explain," Isaac stammered, his smile vanishing, a deer-in-headlights look on his face.

"No need to explain," I said, my voice surprisingly steady, despite the tremor starting in my hands. "I see. This is where you've been spending most of your time lately." My voice hardened, filled with a sudden, searing pain that quickly morphed into pure rage. "So, you know what, Isaac? I'm done with you."

I walked closer to them, my blood boiling, and got right into Tina's face, my voice low and venomous. "I hope you're happy, bitch. You finally got what you wanted. I hope you die one day." I stepped away from her, my glare shifting to Isaac. "And you," I spat, my voice laced with bitter disappointment. "I was right this whole time. Once a player, always a player. Have fun with her, because I'm pretty sure you already have." I bent down, snatched my book from the ground, and walked away, leaving both of them stunned and silent in the hallway. I would not, could not, let them see me cry. I would not give them the satisfaction of seeing me break down. But deep down inside, all I wanted was to go back home, curl into a ball, and cry my eyes out until there was nothing left.

I walked into Mrs. Gross's class, already fuming, and everyone looked at me, their faces a mix of curiosity and surprise.

"Ms. Rivera, I will not tolerate lateness," she droned, her usual stern expression firmly in place.

I rolled my eyes, my temper completely frayed. "Oh, shut the hell up and teach the damn class," I snapped, then plopped down in my seat. Everyone still stared, their eyes wide."What? Take a fucking picture, it'll last longer," I growled, and suddenly, they all looked forward, pretending to be busy.

"Ms. Rivera, what did I tell you about your language?" she demanded, her voice tight with anger.

"You know, I could give two fucks about what you told me, but does it look like I'm listening?" I challenged, leaning back in my chair, a rebellious fire burning within me. I heard Ebonie and Nikki gasp, while Jenni started laughing like crazy, trying to stifle it behind her hand.

"Alexis, I will give you detention!" Mrs. Gross threatened, her face beet red with fury. Just then, Isaac walked into the classroom, his gaze finding me instantly.