Chapter 20
The van door swung open with a metallic screech, and I was tossed out like a discarded rag doll, my body crashing onto the cold, unforgiving ground. The impact was brutal, my leg twisting beneath me in a painful contortion. I struggled to stand, my vision blurring from the shock.
The van didn't hesitate, didn't even slow down. It sped away, leaving me alone and vulnerable in front of the school. I watched it disappear into the distance, a mixture of anger and humiliation burning within me.
I limped towards my hostel, each step a laborious effort.
As I reached my hostel, I fumbled for the key, my hands shaking with adrenaline and pain. I unlocked the door and stumbled inside, my leg numb and throbbing. I locked the door behind me, the sound of the latch clicking into place a fragile barrier between me and the world outside.
I collapsed onto the bed, exhaustion and pain washing over me like a dark wave.
I pulled out my phone, the screen lighting up in the dim room. I scrolled through my messages, my eyes scanning the texts until I saw Jo's message. "Are you asleep yet?" he asked. I ignored it, my fingers hovering over the screen before I pushed the phone aside.
I didn't have the energy to respond, didn't have the energy to do anything but sleep. Hunger gnawed at my belly, but it was a distant concern..with what I passed through, the food I ate before the incident was gone...exhaustion won out, and I let myself drift off.
It was a blessing that the students outside hadn't noticed me, hadn't seen me being tossed out of the van like trash. Everyone was minding their own business, oblivious to my struggles. I was grateful for that small mercy. With a sense of relief, I closed my eyes and let sleep claim me.
*
*
*
Morning...
As I emerged from the classroom, the fluorescent lights of the hallway seemed to intensify, casting an unforgiving glare on the sea of faces rushing to their next destination. I checked my wristwatch, the ticking hands mocking me with their indifference. 10:05 AM. The surprise test had stretched on longer than I had anticipated, its questions lingering in my mind like a persistent hum. A "welcome back to school" assessment, the teachers had called it. I couldn't shake off the feeling of absurdity that had settled in the pit of my stomach as I scribbled down answers.
The test was over now, its uncertainty replaced by a sense of detachment. I took a deep breath, letting the cool air fill my lungs, and stepped into the unknown rhythm of the day.
I spotted the coffee machine and my eyes lit up. I walked over to it, and as I pressed the button, the aromatic scent of freshly brewed coffee filled the air. I watched as the machine dispensed the perfect blend, and I couldn't wait to take a sip. I mixed in some milk, sugar, and hot water, and the flavors melded together beautifully.
I grabbed the cup and took a long, satisfying drink, feeling the warmth spread through my body. As I finished, I tossed the disposable cup into the nearby trash can and continued on my way, lost in thought. I considered taking a stroll before heading back to my room, enjoying the freedom of a Tuesday morning. Just as I was getting into my stride, a loud "Boom!" made me jump. I spun around, my heart racing, and that's when I saw Jo standing there with a mischievous grin. "Hello, pretty," he said, his voice smooth as silk. "Did I scare you?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Of course, you did," I replied, trying to sound stern but failing to hide a smile. "Okay, okay, I'm sorry," he said, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "I'm sorry," he repeated, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
"It's fine!"
"Well, I saw you this morning,I know your class now," Jo said.
"Oh, really?" I replied, curiosity piqued. Jo continued, "I was actually with my friends and I decided to come say hello since I saw you." I raised an eyebrow, intrigued by his sudden interest in approaching me. "You just came to say hello?" I asked, trying to gauge his intentions. Jo's eyes sparkled with amusement as he asked, "By the way, how was the test?" I shrugged, "It was not bad." Jo's expression turned thoughtful, and he hummed a soft "Hm" in response, as if considering something.
I was struck by the effortless ease of his attire. A pair of faded jeans hugged his legs, while a blue hoodie enveloped his torso, its sleeves pushed up to his elbows. A black beanie sat snugly on his head, adding a touch of rugged charm to his features.
For a moment, I forgot to breathe. He was handsome, breathtakingly so. I forced myself back to reality, shaking off the distraction. "Focus, Sarah," I whispered to myself, mentally scolding my wandering thoughts.
*
*
As we descended the stairs, the soft hum of conversation and the creak of footsteps filled the air. I turned to Jo, curiosity getting the better of me.
"So you have lots of friends?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. He nodded, a fleeting smile crossing his lips.
My mind wandered, and I asked another question, "Do you have siblings or anyone else in this school?" Jo's expression softened as he replied, "I have a sister,we both in the same class year..don't ask me how."
A pang of understanding flashed between us, jo continue "we agreed to pretend not to know each other."
"Why?" I asked
"Just turned out like that!" Jo said.
As we walked, Jo's words drifted into the space between us, "I'm heading out to join some friends for a hike up the mountain." My eyes widened in surprise, "A mountain?" I asked, my voice laced with curiosity.
Jo's enthusiasm was infectious as he nodded, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
We parted ways at the bottom of the stairs, and I made my way to my room, the soft rustle of my uniform a reminder that I needed to change.
With the test behind us and the day stretching out like an empty canvas, I felt a thrill of anticipation. This was an opportunity to bond with Jo, to peel away the layers of our carefully constructed facades and see each other for who we truly were.