Chapter 9
The next day, my arm was pretty much healed. So it wasn't that bad a cut. Still. My foot still stung slightly, although I was lucky because the flame hadn't got through the shoe and actually got my foot. As I walked with Thea through the parking lot, my good intentions were still intact. I had told her the rest of the story on the way here after I had left the classroom in the car. But as we walked, I suddenly made eye contact with Zed, who was by the railings as usual. Folded arms, leaning on the motorbike surrounded by his mates. He looked at me, and dismissed me as nothing more than a fly. I clenched my fists."Ignore him," Thea murmured, seeing our exchange.
How could I when I wanted to storm right up to him and punch him hard?
Come on Rose. Girl or mouse? Mouse. Every time. Except this.
"Excuse me a moment Thea," I said. Before I knew it, I had changed direction and was heading towards Zed and his mates. Heads began to swivel as I stopped right next to him.
"Just what is your problem?" I demanded furiously. Whoa - I hadn't just said that, had I?
"What?" Zed shoved his hands in his pockets, a smirk forming on his face, similar to the ones on his friend's faces, waiting for Zed to beat me to a pulp.
"I think you know what," I snapped. "You set my bag on fire and almost burnt my foot off. Remember now?" My heart was pounding like crazy, but I ignored it. He stared at me in shock.
"I was to blame?" His tone seemed to be marveling at the fact that someone dare address him like this.
"You seriously must have not been paying attention to the fact that you had me pinned down on the ground whilst my foot was being burnt."
Zed stared at me in amazement.
"Who's the angry chick, Zed?" one of his mates asked.
"No one."
I felt that like a hard punch. "I am not 'no one'. At least I'm not a dim witted, arrogant pain-up-the-backside with a permanent sneer." Shut up Rose, Shut up. Have you got a death wish?
His friends howled, and collapsed about laughing at my words.
"She's totally got you pegged, Zed," said one with slick, dirty blonde hair, who was holding a cigarette in one hand.
"Yeah, she's certainly something," Zed said, shrugging. "Now, run along Bo Peep." He waved me away dismissively. Clutching my books to my chest, I mustered all the dignity I could as I strode off into the school building, Thea running to keep up with me.
"Wow, Rose - I mean, wow! What was that?"
My heart suddenly stopped. "Did that just really happen?"
"Yep, with most of the school gathered around to hear. Nice going."
"Zed had it coming." Suddenly I realized. "He's going to hate me now."
"Don't worry, I'll be around to protect your back."
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