To say Shawna was shocked and caught unawares is an understatement. Her eyes were wide open like they wanted to bulge out of their sockets. She listened to her sadistic laughter and everything she and Tessy had said that day and could not help but be ashamed of herself. Tessy held unto Shawna's skimpy skirt as she closed her eyes tight in embarrassment. “So tell me, what excuse is there for you to say? As you asked, this is an evidence. Oppose it.” The principal asserted, waiting for a reply from her. “Sir…” She stuttered. This time is even worse than the first time. How does this girl always find a way out of my plans?. She thought as she stared at the ground, silently imploring it to swallow her up. And that too in front of Jayson?. Her subconscious mind added. Shawna felt like crying and dying. Like every chances she gets to get back at her always backfires. She closed her eyes tightly in regret. Regret of doing this when Elsa is already close to Jayson. And time, she knew that the little string that was between her and Jayson has officially been cut. She cringed as the she heard the principal yell at her. “Tell me, what do you think will become of your parents hard earned reputation. You really disappointed me. You tried getting an innocent student expelled for a crime she did not commit. Not only that, it was not even her but her sister. When did you start thinking like this?” He asked out of frustration. He pinched the bridge of his nose as he pulled off his glasses. He cleaned them and wore it back. “You had better thank your stars that the examinations is over or else, you would have been suspended or even punished severely. Now, apologize to her.” He said, looking at the victim – Ellie, who hid behind Jake. Shawna looked at him instantly, like did he just asked her to apologize to Elllie? She darted her gaze from him to Ellie. Jake noticed this and moved slightly away from her, making her come to face Shawna's hateful glare.
“I am sorry.” She mumbled without remorse. “Not accepted.” Jayson spat out. Everyone turned to look at him. “I…” Shawna looked up at him. “Since you are not remorseful about it because an apology should come from the heart which means she did it deliberately. You should punished.” Jayson stated matter-of-factly. The principal seeing this spoke up. “20% of Shawna's overall percentage of her result will be deducted while just 15% of Tessy's overall percentage will be deducted.” He did not want to appear partial so he gave the judgment.
“But sir…”
Jayson and the rest bowed their heads slightly and exited the office, leaving Shawna and Tessy to beg. Elsa not forgetting to sneer at Shawna.
~•~
As they walked out of the block, the rest that stood outside waiting for them ran towards them. “How did it go?” Jeremy was the first to speak up. “She has been punished alongside Tessy.” Elsa replied with spite. Jake looked at them and walked past Julia. Jasper and the rest all looked at Jake and darted their eyes to the rest for an explanation. “Just leave him. He is having an hard time.” Jayson said.
Jake walked like his soul have been removed from his body. Like a living dead. He did not know how to comprehend the situation. He did miss him. He did miss the family he was born in. But he hated himself. His mother. And his father. When they knew they won't last long, why did they bring him to this world to be lonely?
His mother was always on business trips, leaving him to his nanny who would not stop maltreating him. After he reported her to his mother, his mother decided to send him to Shining Stars High. In one word, loneliness was his middle name. He stood suddenly and looked around for a pavement. He saw one and walked towards it. He hopped on it and sat down. Aria looked around for Jake. She really needed him to explain everything that had happened in the office. If it was not what her subconscious mind was trying to tell her, then they are cool. But how was it possible? That she has had a crush on her step brother? No!, impossible. When she saw him… Gosh, this was driving her crazy.
She looked around and saw him sitting silently on a pavement. She slowly stride to him. He was staring at the sky, maybe blaming it for his misfortune. “Jake.” She called out but he did not answer as he has tuned out everything else in this world. She knew he was not aware of her presence. She sighed and hesitantly brought her hands to touch his cold skin. He flinched a little bit and a lone tear found its way down his face. He dabbed it off and his lips curved into a small sad smile. He patted the pavement, urging her to sit down. She looked at the place and slowly placed her butt down. “What would you like to know?” Jake asked after a huge time of silence.
“Is he really your dad?” She asked. He nodded his head positively. “Your mom and him are divorced?” She asked again and he nodded. “You know it is really weird that we have been in the same school all these years and did not know each other. Even after talking to each other though not frequently, we still did not know we were actually step siblings. And also how we became siblings even without knowing we were actually one.” He release a low chortle. “I just did not know that my dad once had a family, I would not have…” She was still talking but he placed his hands on her lips, shunning her. “It still does not change anything. I don’t blame you or your mom. In fact I will love to meet your mom one day. “ He announced. “So it does not change anything?” She asked to be sure. He hummed a positive answer and she smiled. She spread her arms out and he hugged her.