KAYLA'S POV:
I wake up with my head pounding, like someone hit it with a massive hammer.
Roselyn enters with a cup of coffee. I sip it slowly.
While getting ready for school, I check the time. I expect to be late as usual but it's still early.
Kayla: Oh man… I should've slept more!
I step out of my room and check Theo's door. It's still closed.
That surprises me, Theo always wakes up early and goes for his morning walk.
I walk in quietly.
Theo is still asleep. On the table beside his bed, I notice sleeping pills.
I know he takes them to deal with his trauma, I do too sometimes but something about this morning feels wrong.
I pat his arm and shake him gently.
Kayla: Wake up, Theo!
Theo: What…?
As he turns onto his back, I notice a red mark on his face.
I know exactly who did that.
Kayla: Did he do it again?
Theo: What are you talking about?
He tries to hide his red cheek.
Kayla: Did that old brat do it again?!
I'll teach him a lesson, just wait and watch.
I turn toward the door, furious, but Theo quickly pulls me back into the room.
Theo: Please don't do this. He'll get even more mad…
Kayla: So what if he does?
Huh?!
He has no right to abuse his own son!
Theo: You don't know what he's capable of.
Please stay away from MY family matters.
Kayla:Your family?
Oh, really?
I thought we were a family.
I thought you considered me your family but I guess I was wrong.
He reaches for my arm, but I pull away.
Theo: That's not what I meant, Kayla… I meant.....
Kayla: Go to hell!
Go and be your pathetic father's abuse victim and see if I care!
I don't give a damn!
---
At school, I'm still angry at Theo. He keeps texting apologies, but what he said hurt deeply.
I don't get hurt easily but sometimes, one careless sentence from someone you love too much can shatter your heart like fragile glass.
I'm talking with Annie and Aya. They're excitedly discussing the school dance competition scheduled for next week.
Suddenly, a student from Section A approaches me.
Student: The principal is calling you.
I sigh.
I have no idea what that old woman wants but I have to go.
I enter her office without knocking and sit down in front of her.
Kayla: What? Why did you call me?
She looks at me with boredom like she's tired of my constant pranks and insults and doesn't even care anymore.
Principal: Remember when you won the model competition last week?
Kayla: Yeah? So?
Principal: The judges were very impressed by your confidence and style.
They requested that you do a shoot for the school's fashion magazine.
Kayla: Ew… boring. I'm not interested in that kind of....
She interrupts me.
Principal: Listen, Kayla. I'm not asking you.
Kayla: You can't order me either.
Principal: Not an order. Not a request.
A deal.
You help me create a good impression of our school for the upcoming programs and I'll clear your record.
No suspensions.
Kayla: Until graduation?
Principal: Deal...
But if you back out of this deal, I will too.
Suddenly, there's a knock on the door.
Voice: May I come in, Principal?
The voice sounds familiar.
I turn around, my eyes widen in shock.
It's him.
Principal: Yes, Hari. Come in.
Wasn't your leave for a whole week? You're back in just two days!
Hari: Yes, my mom is feeling better now, so I returned as soon as possible.
I came to inform you about my return.
Principal: That's good. I'm glad you came back so soon.
He nods and leaves the office.