Long chapter....I think. I was inspired to start writing by someone who wrote long chapters.

Chapter 11: Go Away, Creep

The next morning was too much for me to handle. Julian had somehow gotten my number (Piper, probably), and texted me that he had another plan for our deal. The only problem was that when I didn't reply to the text, he decided to call me ten times . . . at one in the morning.

I didn't answer even once, and he didn't give up. At the end, I simply turned off my cell phone.

I had a teribble start to my morning.

First, I woke up at six forty-five. Second, I missed my morning jog. Third, school still started in forty minutes or so. 

Fortunately, Cate was getting a ride from a friend.

I ended up at school, grumpy and pissed off. I didn't eat breakfast, and it seemed like one of those days where everything went wrong. When I reached school, I found a tall, skinny boy stood next to my locker. I hadn't any clue who he was.

"That's my locker," I said flatly as I approached the guy.

"I know," he said with a smile.

He shifted and moved out of the way. The dark blue locker opened fairly quickly. As I finished grabbing my books and putting them in my backpack, I noticed that the person was waiting for me.

"Do you need something?" I asked him and slammed my locker shut.

"Yes, a lot of things, but for now, I'll settle with your phone number," he smirked.

I blinked at him.

"Go away, creep," I snapped and pulled my backpack on, preparing to leave. But the idiot blocked my way.

"I knew you were going to react this way. Please give me a chance," he pleaded and stole a quick glance over his shoulder. I saw a couple of guys snicker in the corner of the hallway.

I raised an eyebrow and replied, "Listen, number one, I'm Sandy Evans. That means you don't talk to me or bother me for unecessary reasons. Number two, if this is some kind of bet with your friends over there in the corner, then you're definitely losing." Being accustomed to guys approaching me because of bets, I wasn't even surprised.

His face paled as he took in my words. I shook my head and pushed him out of my way to get to class.

"Wait!" he called behind me and tugged at my bag.

I was taken by surprise as the bag was pulled and I was jerked back. My mind went alert, immediately. I tried to grab on to something but air wasn't the best savior.

"Gotcha, Evans."

Long arms wrapped around, saving me from falling on the floor.

I groaned as I realized who it was. His lips curled into a smug smile. Quickly, I stood up straight and pushed away his arms wrapped around me. I didn't like skin contact.

"Don't touch me, Crowell!" I snapped trying to brush off his germs from my sweater.

Lucas rolled his eyes at me and retorted, "Evans, if it weren't for me, you would be lying on the floor, right now."

"Still better than you touching me," I muttered under my breath. "Bully."

"I take a shower every morning if that helps," Lucas said, a small smile playing at his lips.

"I definitely needed to know that. Idiot," I rolled my eyes.

"Hey! Can I still have your number?" I looked back to find the tall, redhead kid looking at me expectantly. He had issues. He really thought I was going to give him my number after he had nearly killed me. People can die from falling if they land on the wrong spot.

Lucas furrowed his eyebrows in confusion. I pursed my lips and glared at him.

Swiftlyopening my bag, I pulled out a piece of paper.

A small pencil poked out of the side of my bag. Shaking my head as to why it was even there, I grabbed the pencil out and scribbled down.

911. That's the number I will be calling if you bother me again. I mean every word.
-Cassandra Evans.

I handed the redhead the piece of paper.

A victory grin spread over his features once the paper rested in his hands. It immediately turned into a frown as he read over it.

Lucas grabbed the paper from him and laughed.

I didn't wait for another response. Class started in five minutes and thirty seconds. Our school hallways had digital clocks hung up, so the students could see how much time was left for classes to start.

I proceeded to first period.

"Evans," Lucas said catching up with me.

"Crowell," I said in a mocking tone.

"Sandy," he grinned waiting for me to continue.

"Idiot," I replied.

He gave me a flat look and said, "Why was Tyler asking for your phone number?"

"His name was Tyler?" At least, now, I was aware of what the creepy dude's name was. I had to remember it for future references.

"Yes, he's in our math class," Lucas told me.

"He is?" It was half of the year, and I still didn't know my classmates. I knew Lucas, Piper, and Julian were in there, but I didn't know about any others.

"Yes, Evans. Try paying a little more attention to the people around you," he suggested. I didn't bother replying . . . just so he wouldn't talk again. But he was a Crowell, and Crowells don't shut up that easily. "Some might actually like you." I raised my eyebrows. Did he, out of everyone, just say that? "You don't wanna be forever alone, now, do you?"

"Being alone beats being in the wrong relationship."

¤》¤《¤

"Lucas, what's the derivative of two x squared minus five x to the fifth power?" the math teacher, Mrs. Tal asked.

Lucas and his group of friends had been chatting loudly in the corner. Obviously, none of them were paying attention.

"Um . . . five x," he answered scratching his forehead. That was the most off point answer I'd ever heard.

"No. I suggest paying more attention, Mr. Crowell," Mrs. Tal said pointedly.

Of course, Lucas didn't listen to her. After about five or ten minutes, the teacher couldn't put up with him, anymore. She slammed her pen down on her desk. I saw her look around the room and settle her eyes on Piper and I. We were really quiet.

"Lucas, switch seats with Piper," she said and leaned back on her chair.

"What? No," I blurted out before I could stop myself.

"Did I ask your opinion, Ms. Evans?" Mrs. Tal asked raising an eyebrow.

I said nothing and stared at the wall ahead of me.

Piper gather her books and bookbag, and switched with Lucas.

"Hey, Evans," Lucas bumped his shoulder into mine and smirked.

I stomped his foot and followed along with the teacher's lesson.

¤》¤《¤

"Ready for today?" Julian asked as we walked down to my locker. It was the end of the day, and I was still in a bad mood.

"No. What have you planned?" I asked as I opened the long locker and dumped a couple of binders in there.

"Not much for today. Just one thing. Do you want to go to the cafe near the school? It'll be easier there since barely anyone goes there," suggested the foreigner. Not even a month here and he already knew about the cafe.

"Sure, why not," I answered. If only these kids would know that I didn't drink coffee or any other caffeine infested drink.

I gathered my materials, and proceeded towards the exit. Doing nothing during the school day can be exhausting, too. Julian walked with me.

"So, I heard you punched Lucas, today in math class," said Julian with a small smile.

"What?" I thought about it for a second. "Okay, I did. But it was well deserved. The goddamn idiot kept nudging me. That's sexual harassment," I pointed out.

Julian gave me a strange look and said, "I have noticed how every time someone touches you, you call it sexual harassment."

"Obviously, it is. Did I ask anyone to touch me? No. Did I give anyone permission to lay a finger on me? No. Do I want any physical contact with anybody? No. So, it is indeed sexual harassment. Lucas was obviously touching me without my consent," I reasoned.

Julian gave me a flat look. "Cassie, you know, maybe Lucas likes you."

I looked at him shaprly and replied, "No. No, he doesn't. And don't you bring it up, again."

Frustrated, I picked up my pacing. Julian easily caught up due to his longer legs.

I hate tall people.

"Did something happen, Cassie?" Julian asked genuinely concerned.

"No!" I snapped. "Nothing did and nothing will," I told him in a much calmer voice.

"Brilliant. So, you're available. The new exchange student is single as well," he smirked, nudging me. I raised my eyebrows at him. "Joking. Only wanted to see your reaction." Joking about which part exactly?

Why should I care?

The whole car ride was silent. Well, it only lasted ten minutes considering the fact that the cafe was close by.

Julian and I went in there quickly. It was a cold, chilly day in February. All I wanted to do was go home, eat, and sleep. The ideal life.

The foreigner ordered a regular black coffee while I ordered nothing. He asked me the reason behind it, which I answered honestly.

"Oh, I'm sorry! I didn't know you didn't drink all this," Julian said.

I grinned and replied, "That's what you get for forcing me to skip my after school nap and food." The cafe had food but none of the things I wanted. It was mostly desserts like brownies, cookies, etc. I didn't mind all that but I wanted something like Doritos or Cheetos.

The waiter gave Julian his order and we were left to ourselves. I grinned at Julian as he sipped his disgusting, sugarless, black coffee.

He gave me a flat look but said nothing. Instead, he pulled out a laptop from the bookbag he was carrying. I waited for something to happen but nope.

After about fifteen minutes, Julian said, "Finally!"

I narrowed my eyes in confusion. "What is up with you? When are you starting your part of the deal?"

"Patience is virtue, darling."

"I don't even have to do anything from my side. Hate wins all."

"Oh please. Just wait. Give me one second, it's still connecting," he said taking a sip of coffee and staring at the laptop screen.

I could only see the back of the laptop and that bothered me.

"Here you go," Julian said with a wide smile as he turned the laptop towards me.

I looked at the screen and widened my eyes. Blinking back at me were my own parents. I looked at Julian who was leaning back in his chair with a smile.

"I don't wanna talk to them," I hissed closing down the laptop.

Julian's face fell as he sat up straight. "What? Are you mad? I spent so much time trying to do this. You are not ruining this, Cassie. Talk to them!" he ordered. I could see his temper rising slightly.

I shook my head and started to scoot out of my chair. I couldn't remember the last time I talked face to face with them. I think it was when I was three. There was no way I was going to Skype video call them and talk.

Julian was shaking his head. He got up and sat down on the chair next to mine. I wasn't quick enough to get away. He grabbed my hand and tightly held it.

"Julian, let me go," I hissed.

"No, not until you talk to them. I am not joking, Cassie," he said firmly and tightened his grip on my right hand.

"Sexual harassment," I mumbled as I pulled up the screen again.

Julian muttered something incoherent as my parents faces popped up.

"Sandy!" Mom said excitedly. She seemed a little to happy to see me. If I remembered correctly, she was the one giving me the grades talk.

"Hey, Sandy," Dad said adjusting the camera. That helped with focus, and I could see their faces more clear.

Both of them had dark circles under their eyes. Mom's blond hair was pulled up in a neat bun and her green eyes seemed dull. Dad had really cropped, short, dark brown hair.

"Hi," I waved awkwardly with my left hand.

"How are you?" asked Dad.

"Like I was a year ago and the year before that . . . and the year before that," I answered looking at them directly in the eye.

"Sandy--" Mom began.

"Yes?" I said sharply.

"Don't be difficult, honey. How is school going?" she sighed.

"Like it was last year and the year before . . . year before that . . . you get the gist," I replied purposely repeating my last answer.

Mom and Dad exchanged looks. I knew I wasn't being civil but they deserved the harsh treatment.

"How were they last year?" asked Dad finally.

"You don't know? Really? I mean, Mom made a good job of keeping track," I said with my temper rising.

"Sandy had straight A's all her life, Nathaniel," Mom said in an exasperated tone.

"Oh yes, I forgot," he said rubbing his temple.

"Of course, he would forget," I muttered under my breath. "You know, Dad, it's okay. At least you remembered there is a girl named Sandy Evans in your household. I think that should be enough," I said with a bitter smile.

Julian squeezed my hand, but I tried to tug it out of his hands. But he was stronger than I was. His tightened his grip.

My parents' faces paled. Dad pursed his lips and said nothing. I hated that habit of his. Too bad I inherited it.

"Sandy, you are being difficult again. We are a family. Let's act like one, too," Mom said in a calm tone.

"Excuse me?" I said in disbelief, "Don't even bring up that 'we are all a happy family' thing. Bunch of B.S." 

"Sandy, watch your tongue. And we are a family. Just because your mother and I work out of country for almost the whole year does not separate us all," Dad said giving me a pointed look.

"Of course, father. Anything else you have to say to defend yourself?" I asked with a bitter-sweet smile.

"Cassandra Evans, we did not call to have an argument, alright? We haven't seen each other since last Christmas," said Mom.

"Mom, you act like we talked during Christmas time. Tell me the last time you actually saw me and talked to me?" I demanded.

Mom and Dad sighed.

"Last Christmas?" Dad offered.

I shook my head. They were too busy with their Christmas party and . . .Cate.

"The Christmas before?" Mom said.

"Nope," I replied.

"The year before that?" guessed my father again.

"No," I answered flatly.

"Okay, you made your point," Mom surrendered. "We are sorry, Sandy. We really are. But this is out of our hands. Business isn't easy to handle when competing with the Crowells."

"You know, Mom, it's really easy to give excuses and saying sorry. And you know what? Everyone can say that. It is just to make your own self feel better," I said shaking my head sadly.

Mom bit her lip and fell silent. I wasn't wrong about what I had said. Brandon had taught me that "sorry" was a selfish word and nothing else. It was simply used to make ourselves feel better that we apologized. Anyone and everyone can do that.

"But Sandy, we'll always be here for you," Dad said in a low tone.

I laughed. It wasn't a real laugh but a mocking one.

"Oh really? Maybe if that incentive was available ten or eleven years ago, we wouldn't be here right now," I spat.

"What?" Mom asked confused.

Julian squeezed my hand again, but I wasn't having it. I tugged my hand out of his grasp, forcefully. I didn't care about the stares I was getting from the employees. Julian and I were their only customers. I turned my attention back to my parents.

"Of course you don't know anything. Why? Because I am Cassandra Evans not Jimmy or Catherine Evans," I said bitterly.

"What are you trying to imply?" Dad asked irritated.

"The fact that you don't give a damn about me," I retorted.

"This is no way of talking to your parents," Mom snapped.

I looked at her in disbelief. "I don't have parents, mother. I have people who gave birth to me and left me with a goddamn nanny at the age four. After that, I saw those people once a year for ten days . . . maybe. I was taught to call them 'mom' and 'dad.' They always came and brought tons of presents. They thought the presents made up for their absence. No. No, it did not."

"Sandy--" Mom began.

"No, I'm not finished," I interjected. "So, these people have been doing the same thing every year all of their kids' lives. They paid attention to the youngest child and the oldest. The middle child? Who cares? She was always a kid who preferred being left alone. Why? No one bothered to figure that. I mean, what drama can possibly occur in a six year old's life, right?"

Julian was staring at me silentl along with my parents.

I didn't continue. I didn't want to bring back up memories of those treacherous days. It was terrible enough to go through that once.

"Sandy, what happened?" Mom asked with an alarmed look on her face probably assuming the worst.

"Oh you know, nothing. Just the fact that she was bullied every day of school. Nothing big. Oh, and not to forget how she cried herself to sleep every single night that year," I shrugged. It wasn't like they cared.

Mom and Dad were just staring at me. Julian took my hand again. I sat there blinking straight at my parents. I knew I was never getting the opportunity of telling them off again. They needed to know some things face to face.

"Oh, honey, I am so sorry! Why didn't you tell us or your teachers or anybody?" Mom said.

"Of course I told them. You guys never had time to just 'chit-chat.' My teachers waved it off because they didn't know it was a big deal," I said sharply.

"We didn't know," Dad said in a low voice.

"That's the problem, Dad. That's the problem," I said sadly as I leaned back in my chair.

"We have a lot to catch up on," Mom trailed off.

"Really? I couldn't tell," I said sarcastically.

"No, Sandy, quit this behavior and talk to us," Dad snapped.

"Quit what behavior? And now, you wanna talk? You do realize, I'm aware of the fact that it was Julian who set this all up. You guys wouldn't have bothered talking to me, otherwise," I retorted.

"You are acting so bitter--" 

"Dad, this is me. I am a bitter person. This is how kids are when their parents don't bother with them," I said coldly.

"Sandy, we can talk this out. I can clearly see how you are doing. And I'm terribly sorry to leave you the way you are," Mom said softly.

"Ha!" I snorted, "I am fine. And mom, anyone can say sorry." Both of my parents looked at each other. Of course, they hadn't any idea what to say next. I shook my head sadly at their blank looks. "It's okay. I'll be fine. Don't you worry about coming with another excuse or apology."

Excuses were like buttholes as my teachers put it. They stink.

Closing down the laptop, I tugged my hand free from Julian's grasp and got up. He was lucky enough to sit away from the camera, so he couldn't get in the conversation.

"Do you need a ride?" I asked.

"No, I'm going to stay here a bit longer. But are you alright?" he asked carefully.

I shook my head honestly. "I know how to take care of myself though so don't worry."

I knew today wasn't going to be the best day, but I didn't expect it to be this bad either. I turned around and walked out of there. I hated being vulnerable.

I am Cassandra Evans. I deserve better.

The drive home was quiet and peaceful.

No one at home bothered asking me any questions or anything. Well, it was only Petrina there, anyways. Cate was out somewhere. Petrina never bothered me.

¤》¤《¤

That night I couldn't sleep. I wasn't crying or anything because there was nothing to cry about. Surely, the fight with Mom and Dad was big and long over due, but there was nothing that hurt me. I had always expected my parents to react that way on the day I would have an outbreak.

I sat next to the small lamp on my bedside table. I flipped the light switch on and off.

I felt too tired, exhausted, frustrated . . . and hollow.

Life had no meaning to me. Just because of one promise I was still living.

That stupid idiot made me promise on purpose, so after he left I wouldn't do anything reckless. My mind back to him. If only he was here for me. He knew every damn thing . . .yet, he left.

Nothing gold can stay, I guess.

***
Cassie is a person...with feelings! SHOCKER! Just kidding.
Anywho, what did you think of the chapter? Good, eh, meh, boo?
Do you like all the characters so far?

CATE is short for CATHERINE.

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