Page 19 of Bad Kind of Love

CHAPTER FOUR

Becca

The weekend flew by like it didn’t even happen. Monday morning crept up on me quicker than a wink of an eye. Ever since arriving late my first day, I made sure I got to school extra early so I couldn’t make a fool of myself again in Mr. Fitzgerald’s class. At six thirty on the dot, I was strolling through the empty halls with my headphones on, blasting Blink 182. I wish school was like this everyday day, no students around to bump into, just a vacant quiet hall to walk through with little to no worries.

A flash of dark hair caught my eye as someone rounded a corner. Picking up speed, I glanced around the corner and saw it was Mr. Fitz with a phone to his ear as he entered a random classroom. Curious, I slowly removed the headphones till they were hanging around my neck and tiptoed down the hall. Once I was close enough, I peered through the small window on the door only to see his back was to me. I couldn’t make out what he was saying, it all sounded muffled but by his arms flailing in the air, I could tell he was upset. I know I should walk away and mind my business, but before I could stop myself, I was reaching for the door handle. As slowly and quietly as I could, I pushed down till I was able to crack the door open a sliver.

“I told you not to call this fucking number again.” He roared causing me to jump in my boots. I could hear his heavy footsteps pacing the room as he listened on the other end of the phone.

“He’s my son, my responsibility. Last time I checked, I have full custody and the right to say what he can and can’t do.”

Wes. He was talking about Wes.

Pressing my ear a little closer to the door, I’m eager to hear more.

“For fuck’s sake Hannah.” He groans close to the door. The mention of another woman’s name has me tensing up and with my hand still on the door handle, I feel my grip tighten.

“Becca?” I hear a voice call out from down the hall causing the door handle to slip from my hand, making a loud noticeable creak.

Shit.

As I’m about to run off, my eyes connect with Mr. Fitz’s cold stare. His eyebrows lowered and a look of pure anger mars his face. But before he could confront me, I scamper off down the hall.

“Are you okay?” Mrs. Turner asks, the same voice who called my name.

“Yup.” I scurry past her, and enter the nearest girls’ bathroom. Resting both hands on the sink, my head drops as I try to catch my breath. My heart feels like it’s about to burst out of my chest, pounding to the point it feels like it's vibrating. Lifting my head, I gaze at my reflection.

Flushed cheeks, wild hair and no makeup. I looked like a train wreck. Turning on the faucet, I splash some cold water on my face.

I was caught once again, but this time I was worried. Not only was I caught listening to a private phone call of his, I ran away like a scalded cat before he could confront me.

As time dwindled down, I sat on the bathroom floor waiting and dreading the moment I would have to set foot in Mr. Fitzgerald’s class. With two minutes to spare, I reluctantly pulled myself off the floor and slowly made my way to the beast's lair.

Students' laughter rang in my ear as I trudged through the halls. Paranoid, I couldn’t help but think they were laughing at me. With my head kept down, I tried to drown out the loud chatter by focusing on my footsteps. Grasping the strap on my bag, I held on for dear life like it was the only thing saving me.

Once I was in arms reach of the door, another student cut in front of me, opening the door and motioning me inside. I nodded in thank you. I couldn’t speak, all I could focus on was the loud thump of my heart banging against my breastbone. Stepping inside, I notice his back is to me, so I swiftly move towards my desk until my foot catches onto something, causing me to tumble forward. With fast reflexes, I latch onto the edge of my desk before I could go all the way down.

“Oops.” I hear Vicky chuckle from behind me, along with a few other people.

Red faced and heavy breathing, I steady myself before turning to glare at her. With her foot out in the middle of the aisle, she smiles sweetly while flipping me off.

“Do we have a problem, ladies?” Mr. Fitzgerald interrupts, concentrating on me. His flinty eyes look me over almost as if he’s concerned.

“Nope.” Vicky chimes in. “We’re all good.”

Taking a deep breath so I don’t cause a scene, I lower into my chair, trying my hardest to ignore the hushed laughter. With one last glance between the both of us, he spins around and begins class.

An hour passes by with no scowls or intense eye contact. It was like he made it his mission to ignore me the whole class. After being caught spying on him, I would have thought he would have at least done something. After the bell rang, I felt relieved to stand up and walk out of there. As I passed his desk, I was startled by a deep voice beside me.

“O’Connor.” Mr. Fitzgerald called, causing me to slam on my brakes.

Here we go.

“Yes?” I managed to breathe with my back to him.

“Stay.” He demands like you would a dog. My eyes slam closed and I instantly kick myself for snooping. As I slowly turn around, I watch the faces of other students as they filtrate out with an amused grin on their faces, like they knew I was in for it.

Keeping my gaze focused on the torn laces of my shoes, I feel Mr. Fitzgerald’s hard stare, beckoning me to lift my chin and meet his eyes.

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