{ Cole }
" Miss, may I go to the restroom?" I asked .
" Yes " came her short response.
The moment I got permission, I bolted from my seat, weaving between desks. My heart pounded like a war drum as I slipped into the dimly lit restroom. As the dark figure approached I smirked." Finally you're here, what took you so long?"
" What do you want? " He grumbled.
" Did you get my message?"
" Of course I did it's why I came ."
I raised an eyebrow." So is Mia alright?"
" None of your business. Now spill, what.do.you.want ?"
" Ummmm... I was just going to ask what you were going to do to her teacher."
He smirked." You'll find out soon enough. Now just keep keeping an eye on Mia and keep her safe."
" C'mon is this how you talk to your dear friend?"
Then, he suddenly disappeared in a puff of black smoke whispering." If you fail I'll break you !"
I just rolled my eyes and smiled ." So dramatic"
But his last words echoed in my mind, heavier than I wanted to admit. For the first time, I wondered was I really just a pawn in his game?
{ Mia }
As I made my way to the principal's office I chuckled.' I guess this is going to be my second home.'
After being comforted by the strange man, I felt much better, I couldn't help but wonder what he meant by ""not everyone gets away with making you feel small.""
Shaking my head I knocked on the door and heard Mrs. Jones's cold and commanding voice. "Enter ".
I tensed hearing her voice brought back memories I tried to keep buried deep inside.
Hesitantly I opened the door and entered the sound of my heart pounding in my chest made me self conscious.' could she hear it too ?'
Briefly she looked up at me and she grinned amused by my presence." You are such a troublemaker aren't you."
I sighed and plopped down on the chair in front of her. " It's not by choice " I grunted. " There seems to be a magnetic pull between us ." I laughed inwardly and my joke trying hard to stop the smile from showing on my face .
She smiled." So what are you in for now ?" She asked curiously.
" Well, apparently I ' offended ' the teacher and her daughter." I laughed.
Her smile flattered and she turned as white as a ghost." What did you do ?!"
I froze ." Do you really think that I would do anything of the sort ?!" I asked irritated.
" What. Did. You. Do ?!!!!" She repeated this time screaming.
Then, a knock sounded on the door saving me . I felt so grateful for whoever was at the door when suddenly the principal touche my shoulder and said coldly." Don't you dare think this is over young lady ."
Then she stated." Come in "
The door swung open revealing a rich looking man holding a briefcase in one hand.
" H-hello s-sir ." She smiled standing up .
" W-what can I do for you."
The man curled his lip, his green eyes glinting with amusement." Cut the pleasantries, I'm here strickly for business."
As I looked up at the man, a strange sense of familiarity washed over me. It wasn't just his face it was the way he carried himself, the steady rhythm of his breath, the faint scent of something crisp and clean, like morning air after a storm. My heartbeat, which had been racing moments ago, slowed as if my body recognized him before my mind could.
He looked down at me and smiled at briefly before his face returned to stone.
" I'm here to speak with mrs. Parker . Alone " he added.
" W-why w-what has my daughter done, sir?"
I froze ' her daughter?' is this why she got so defensive when I said I ' offended the teacher and her daughter?
"Mrs. Parker, please," the man said, his tone sharp but controlled. "This isn't a discussion for an audience."
Mrs. Jones hesitated, her fingers drumming against the desk. Her eyes flickered toward me, debating whether to send me away or keep me under her watchful eye.
I clenched my jaw, my mind racing. Her daughter. That explains a lot. No wonder she acted like I committed a crime. But who is this guy? And why does he seem so... familiar?
"Fine," Mrs. Jones exhaled sharply. "Mia, you're dismissed "
"No," the man cut in smoothly. "She stays."
I narrowed my eyes. "Oh, so now I'm just supposed to sit here like some kid in time-out while you discuss my fate?"
The man chuckled, a deep, amused sound that sent an unexpected shiver down my spine. He turned his gaze on me, studying me as if he were searching for something just beneath the surface.
"You've got fire," he mused, tilting his head. "That'll come in handy."
Mrs. Jones stiffened beside him. "Mia, leave. Now."
But something about the man's words, the way he looked at me like he already knew me, made me stay planted in my seat.
"I'm not going anywhere," I said, crossing my arms. "Not until someone tells me what the hell is going on."
The principal stiffened and with trembling hands she reached for the intercom." Mrs. Parker please report to the principal's office immediately."
I saw the man slightly smirk before masking his face with the same coldness as before.
The door swung open" yeah what do you want mom ?"
" You can leave no Mrs Jones." The man said coldly.
" Mia come with me we will discuss your punishment in the meantime."
" No." He stated firmly." She stays here."He said leaving no room for argument.
She clenched her teeth and left reluctantly.
"Mrs. Parker please have a seat."
"You're going to need to listen carefully. Mrs. Parker, I suggest you meet me at this address, " he said, pulling a small slip of paper from his jacket pocket and placing it on the desk in front of her.
Mrs. Parker looked at the address, her eyes widening slightly before she quickly masked it with a neutral expression. "W-what do you want with me there?" Her voice trembled, betraying her composure.
The man's lips curled into a thin smile, but there was no warmth in it. "That's for you to find out," he replied smoothly, locking eyes with her for a moment longer. "I'll expect you at precisely eight o'clock. Don't be late."
The teacher gulped, her fingers twitching at the edge of the paper as if she wanted to protest but couldn't. I could almost see her mind racing, weighing the consequences of this meeting.He turned toward me without a moment's hesitation, his piercing green eyes scanning me once more. "And Mia," he added, his tone shifting, becoming softer. "You will also be there. I expect you to arrive at exactly eight o'clock as well."
I blinked in surprise. "Wait—what?" I stammered, a sharp edge of confusion creeping into my voice. "Why me? What is this about?"
His smile returned, this time faintly amused, as if my confusion entertained him. " You need to know how to defend yourself "
"Remember," the man said as he turned toward the door, "eight o'clock. Don't be late." His voice was almost a whisper, but it was enough to send a wave of unease through me. And with that, he left the room, leaving only silence in his wake.
The door clicked shut behind him, and the room felt suddenly colder. I didn't know if it was the silence or the weight of his words that pressed down on me, but something about the stillness made it feel like the air itself had thickened. Mrs. Parker hadn't moved, her eyes fixed on the paper in front of her as if reading it would somehow change everything. I couldn't shake the feeling that whatever was happening, I was now part of it... and I didn't know if I was ready for what was to come.