Chapter 47: Chapter 47

My mouth fell open. I was completely caught off guard by Romeo's defense of me. Why would Romeo speak up for me? Shock washed over me like a wave, eclipsing any embarrassment I might have felt. My heart was beating so fast. I looked down as I tried to process what had just happened.

For a moment, the class room was completely silent. If a pin fell down, I was sure I could hear the pin drop. Everyone was stunned by the sudden defense of me. No one expected anyone to stand up for me and the unexpected support left everyone speechless.

What stunned everyone even more was that it was Romeo who had defended me. No one expected him to stick up for me and the fact that he did made the silence even more deafening.

The first boy who spoke cleared his throat. " You don't have to do this, Romeo. Everyone knows you are not together anymore. So, what is the point?" He babbled.

" I want you to dare me. Mess around with her and you will see what I am capable of doing. Asshole. " Romeo threatened him.

" You think you can always be there for her? Think again. She is better without you and your so-called protection. It's not as if you didn't play with your heart too. " Another boy blurted out.

His voice quivered with fear as he spoke, each word trembling with terror.

" It is not as if you didn't play with her heart too."

His last sentence felt like needles piercing my skin. I couldn't take it anymore. What was the use of standing in front of class room listening to the hurtful words? Why should I have to listen to their words?

Without waiting to hear any other word from Romeo or the boys, I stormed out of the classroom.

My lips trembled. I had so many emotions bubbling inside of me. I felt the urge to cry and scream at the same time. I couldn't stop reflecting on all that the boys said. I replayed their hurtful words like a bad movie stuck on repeat. Their words were like poison, seeping into my blood and making me sick. They made it seem like Romeo used and dumped me. Like, I was just a piece of shit.

I instantly regretted stepping my feet into the school. I should have listened to my gut feeling that told me to skip school. I should have lied to my mother so that I could stay at home. Now, I have humiliated myself. I became the butt of everyone's jokes.

Yes, I was in a relationship with Romeo and we broke up. It shouldn't be a big deal. No one should taunt me because of that. Other couple broke up too but why was I different? Why should they make me feel like I did something wrong by dating Romeo?

" Well, that is what you get from dating the bad boy of the school. " My subconscious mind mocked me.

I let out a hiss of annoyance. Funny how I thought my relationship with Romeo would be different. I thought it was going to last. But, I was only lying to myself. He broke up. He fûcking broke up with me. He ended our relationship. The funniest part is I still got bullied because of it.

What a sad and pathetic life!

I heard snickers and whispers behind me. This whispering was so close that I couldn't help but look behind me.

It was three girls grinning from ear to ear. Obviously, they were talking about me. Their eyes were wide with delight and their lips were curled with mischievous grins.

I didn't bother to listen to whatever they were saying about me, I quickened my pace. I felt the need to escape the clutches of this gossip ridden institution. I couldn't cope with this. At least, not today.

By the time I reached the school park, I had decided that I would be going to a bookstore. That would be the bookstore Romeo took me on our first date. I didn't choose the bookstore because of memories. I just thought it was a nice place to rewind. The bookstore would be a soothing balm for my nerves. I craved the solace of a good book, searching for an escape from everything.

*

I arrived at the bookstore in what felt like seconds, my haste driven by a need to be free of the school.

I wandered through the bookstore, my eyes scanning through the shelves. I longed for a book that would keep me on the edge of my seat, maybe something about crime cases. Not that I was going to hurt someone. I just needed a book that would take me on a journey of suspense and crime. I would get such a book using my mom's credit card with me. My mother wouldn't mind me getting a book with her credit card, knowing how much I love to read.

" How unexpected to see you again in the same bookstore. " A voice I knew too well sounded from behind me.

I spun around, eager to discover who was behind the familiar voice. For the first time today, the corners of my mouth tugged upwards turning into a smile. Imagine seeing someone you thought you'd never see again.

" Human Goôgle. " I chuckled.

I was so happy to see him that I could help but throw my arms around him.

" I hope your boyfriend is not here, homo sapien. " He joked, before hugging back.

" My name is Ivy and we broke up. " I told him.

" My name is James and I am so sorry about your break up. " He uttered.

"It is okay, " I muttered and I disengaged from the hug. " It's so good to see you again. "

" I'm so glad we got to meet up again," James expressed, a smile plastered on his face. " Are you not supposed to be in school?"

I gave a half shrug. "Don't remind me. I skipped school." I stated.

"You should also be in school, by the way. What are you doing here?" I asked him.

"Well, I didn't ditch school. I was not feeling too well so I stayed at home." He answered.

We strolled through the bookstore, chatting about everything. That was the perfect way of catching up and book shopping. We talked about anything and everything under the sun. I was glad he didn't bring up my break up. I was not ready to talk about that.

It felt like I had known James for ages, as if we'd been friends for a lifetime. He had such a great vibe and he made my day.

The time passed so quickly, the afternoon was gone before we knew it. We had finished our books shopping. I picked two mystery books that James suggested, he even paid for the books. He offered to give me a ride and dropped me in front of my house. We made sure to exchange contact information, so we wouldn't lose touch this time.

It was a day well spent.

I was shocked to see my mother's car in our compound. Why was she early? I hoped I wouldn't land in trouble. I took a deep breath and pressed the doorbell.

The door opened. I felt my jaw drop as I saw the person standing in the doorway.

What on earth was he doing here?