When I woke up Friday morning, I couldn't have been happier it was the end of the week. As much I as I claimed to Elliot and Aspen and Oliver that the semi-threatening, caustic notes being left here and there for me weren't affecting to me, there was only so much of it I could withstand. Shoulders slumped, I forcibly dragged myself through the day, probably failing the vocab quiz in English class I'd forgotten to study for. I was naturally good with vocabulary, but the week's words had been a little tricky.

"Maybe you should tell someone," Aspen whispered to me.

I turned my head, my cheek pressed to the cool wooden top of my desk. Even though I couldn't see my face, I knew there were dark circles under my eyes. "It's no big deal," I grumbled.

"You look like hell. I thought you said what was on the notes didn't matter to you?"

"They don't," I defended sharply.

She pursed her lips at me, crossing her slender arms over her chest. "I don't think so, Allie. I think you're considering that complete crap that jerk is writing about you."

"I'm not," I protested. "It's just..."

"Just what?"

"It's hard hiding it from my guardian..." Boy was that the truth it. I could care less if my friends knew I was being bullied, but I did not want Paul to figure it out. Or my parents. This wasn't their problem. Somehow I'd figure it out by myself.

"Your guardian doesn't even know?"

"No." Thank God.

Aspen put on her best bitch face. "Allie."

"Look," I interjected before she could go on another one of her you-should-tell-someone rants. "I know who's doing... I just need to catch her in action."

"You mean you think you know."

"No, I'm positive."

Rolling her eyes, she ran a hand through her auburn hair. "So, what? Do you at least have a plan or something?"

"Working on that..."

"I'm worried," she confessed, dropping her voice. "Some of the things some of these kids do... You did hear about the kid who had his arm broken, right?"

Grimacing, I nodded. "Yeah, but I'm not worried about physical attacks... Olivia is obviously a coward."

"Shh!" Aspen shushed me, pressing a finger to her lips. "Lower your voice."

Straightening up in my seat, I squared my shoulders. "Why? I'm not afraid of anyone listening."

"Allie!"

"Girls," a stern voice called from the front of the room. "There are still people taking the quiz."

As expected, a blush dusted Aspen's cheeks as she smiled meekly up at Mr. Tucker. Meanwhile a scowl was still on my face, so when our gazes met, I assumed I appeared to be glaring at him. Which caused him to do a double take, then frown at me. Softening my look, I sighed, pressing my forehead against my desk again. I needed to create a plan. A plan that would catch Olivia red-handed...

"That's it!" I gasped, sitting straight again.

Mr. Tucker stared at me, the corners of his lips twitching. "Yes, Miss Heywood?"

"Ah, nothing." Embarrassed, I once again lowered my head, keeping my eyes glued to the floor. How hadn't I thought of the solution earlier? It was so simple! In order to catch Olivia— and if not her whoever was— putting those notes in my locker, I just needed to be vigilant. And show up to school Monday way before anyone else, even earlier than Paul, that way I could watch the hallway like a hawk. The strategy was so simple, I felt ashamed for not thinking of it earlier.

When the period ended, I stayed seated, hoping I could convince Mr. Tucker to let me retake the vocab quiz. Aspen went ahead of me, claiming that if she waited she'd be late again. Once all the students had filed out, I wandered up to his desk. Leaning back in his chair, he surveyed me with curious eyes. "Well, I think this is the first time you've stayed after class out of your own free will. I'm flattered. I was beginning to think you hated me."

My eyes widened. "What? Why would you think that?"

"You know," he began, and I felt the sudden urge to smile, "you never look at me. You always avert your gaze. I thought maybe I'd been a bit overbearing..."

"You're not, er, weren't. Don't worry about it. I'm just an awkward person, haha..."

A frown flitted across his handsome face. "And apparently a mutt faced commoner."

My mind blanked. "Um, what?"

"I found this on your desk just before class started," Mr. Tucker informed me, tossing a folded up piece of paper onto his desk. His expression turned serious as I picked it up and scanned it. "You're being bullied, aren't you?"

As I took in the note, my whole body tensed.

I almost forgot you like to take pity from teachers, mutt face. Or maybe you just seek their attention. Especially from the young ones. Mr. Tucker would never fall for a commoner like you. And if he did, he's a sorry excuse for a man.

"This is unbelievable," I muttered, staring at the words so hard they started to blur.

"Don't listen to what that says—"

"I mean, it's one thing to attack me out of jealousy, but a teacher? What the hell? I'm seriously considering if this bitch is mental or something," I ranted, crumpling the paper up, throwing it to the floor, and crushing it under my loafer. "Something's definitely out of whack up there... falling for me? Where does she come up with this stuff?"

Mr. Tucker cleared his throat and I quickly focused my attention on him, smiling sheepishly. He offered a small smile back. "While I do appreciate you wanting to stick up for me, I have to advise you to watch your mouth..."

Scratching the back of my head, I laughed awkwardly. "Sorry..."

"When did this start?"

"Monday," I admitted reluctantly. It was no use trying to hide it now. "It's no big deal—"

"No big deal?" Mr. Tucker echoed. "Allie, you're being bullied!"

Puffing out my chest, I held my chin a little higher. "It's not bullying because I am not hurt by the empty words and threats."

"Threats?" he parroted, eyes wide. "What threats?"

"Er..."

"Allie, we have to tell the principal—"

"No!" I cried immediately. "No, don't. I'll take care of this. I don't want anyone involved."

Mr. Tucker frowned at me, his eyes full of concern. "Why not?"

I chewed on my bottom lip. "I'm the new girl... if I let this get to me, everyone will think I'm weak. I'm going to prove them wrong. I won't let anyone mess with me. Monday this will all be over."

"Why's that?"

"I'm going to have a stake out and catch Olivia red handed... oops."

"Olivia?"

I half-smiled. "It's just a inkling..."

"Why do you think it's her?"

"Nothing, it doesn't matter. I have it sorted. Thanks for your concern though, I appreciate it."

Mr. Tucker pursed his lips at me for a moment before sighing. "Okay, I'll trust you to take care of it then. I won't mention it to the principal."

"Or any other teachers?" I asked, but it sounded more like a plead.

"Or any other teachers," he promised.

Visibly relaxing, I nodded. "Thank you."

"But you know..."

"Hmm?"

"This is all because of your piano playing, right? Since you said it started Monday I can only assume that's the reason."

I tilted to my head to the side. "Yes?"

While his bright blue eyes held childlike innocence, his pink lips curved up into a mischievous smirk. "Why not go out banging?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, do what you did last week. Show them up. You don't want to be messed around with, right? So prove that you're a force to be reckoned with. Blow their socks off again this week."

For a moment I stayed silent, considering his brazen words. Would it be worth it? Wouldn't I just bring more trouble onto myself? But then again... the image of Olivia's stunned, jealous face was suddenly implanted in my mind. Maybe his idea wasn't such a bad one after all. To prove I wasn't weak, I would play my best again. Since it was Friday, it meant it was open mic. Grinning wickedly, I dipped my head toward Mr. Tucker. "Tucker, you're an evil man."

"That's Mr. Tucker to you," he corrected with a wink. "And I know I am."

Hitching my backpack over my shoulder, I headed toward the door. Just before exiting I paused, turning back to the blonde. "Hey, um... thanks." I threw him one last grateful smile, lifting my hand in adieu.

For some reason he seemed surprised, and immediately ducked his head, waving me off. "Yeah, no problem. See you tomorrow."

I frowned, confused by his reaction, but didn't linger to question on it. Hurrying out of the room, I jogged down to the piano wing, reaching the beginning of the hallway just as the bell rang. Not that it mattered if I was on time or not. Paul seemed pretty lenient with the on-time rule. I slipped into the classroom one minute later, glancing around the room and realizing Paul hadn't arrived yet. Which wasn't too surprising. Generally, he was late to class three out of the five days in the week.

"Hey," I greeted Elliott, plopping down in the seat next to him.

He grunted his response.

"So, it's open mic again," a nasally voice started from across the room. "Allie, are you going to play another overplayed piece?"

Smiling innocently, I shifted around to Olivia. "If you want me to outshine you with common pieces, then I will. Really, I don't mind outplaying you with any. Your choice."

"You think you're some hot shot," she growled, narrowing her eyes.

"No, I don't. I just happen to be good."

Dean laughed at this, and for a second, I thought he was laughing at me, but when I caught his eye, he grinned. "Well, I have to say I like the competition, New Girl."

"I'm not exactly the new girl anymore..."

Shrugging, he grinned. "Yeah, well..."

"Dean, don't compliment her. She already seems to have an ego," Sophie commented snidely.

Girls, I thought with a roll of my eyes. What was up with them? Maybe it was natural to be a bitch when feeling threatened. Some kind of fight-or-flight instinct. Darwin's theory. Whatever the reason, it was stupid. "That's a funny remark seeing as nobody in this class talks to each other. I'd like to know what else you know about me."

"You're a commoner," Olivia stated as if it was an insult.

"Point?" I asked with a bored expression.

She glared at me. "I think the point's in the statement."

I pretended to exam my nails. "Uh-huh. That's a really clever insult, Olive."

"It's Olivia."

"Olive, Olivia. Same thing."

From the corner of my eye, I caught Nicole grinning at me. Before either she or Olivia could speak, Paul strode in, a packet of paper under his arm. "Sorry, I'm late. An alligator attacked me."

Olivia let out an obnoxious giggle and I rolled my eyes. To my annoyance, Paul smiled at her handsomely. My stomach twisted uncomfortably and I narrowed my eyes slightly at Paul. Was he trying to encourage her to flirt with him?

"So it's open mic day... who's up for a playing?"

My hand shot up in the air immediately, as did Olivia's.

"Olivia, why don't you go first?"

After throwing me a smug smile, she sauntered up to the grand piano in the middle of the room. My lips pressed into a thin line and I stared at Paul, who offered me a friendly smile. Even though I knew I shouldn't be, I felt a little upset that he'd chosen her so readily. There was no reason to though. It wasn't like he liked her more than me... was it?

What am I thinking? I thought with a grimace. What did it matter? Just because I lived with Paul didn't mean he was obligated to choose me before anyone else. And yet I still felt that annoying twinge of jealousy. Probably due to the fact it was Olivia. Had it been anyone else, I wouldn't have cared but... I like her. Paul's voice resonated in my head. Surely there was no romantic sentiment in his words, but it still unsettled me.

"I'll be playing Clair de Lune composed by Debussy," Olivia announced, curtseying before taking a seat at the bench.

"Twilight? Really?" Dean muttered from behind me.

I fought to keep my face straight. Here she was telling me I was playing simple songs, and yet she was playing Claire de Lune?

As much as I disliked her, I couldn't help but admire her playing. Even though it was a simple song, she knew how to play beautifully. It made me wonder why she felt threatened by me. Even though the whole class had been shocked when I played, they weren't far behind me— if not at the same level as I was. When she finished I clapped politely for a few moments before thrusting my hand up in the air.

Paul quirked an eyebrow at me. "Excited?"

"I'm going to play a fun piece," I informed him, nearly jogging to the piano. "Requiem For A Dream," I stated blandly before taking a seat, once again not bothering with the actions of a real performer.

Which of course, Olivia made a belittling comment about, relating it to my financial status. I bit back a retort, focusing on the piano. The way she blabbed, I didn't feel bad for disliking her. For lack of better words, she was a rich bitch.

Taking a deep breath, I placed my left hand on the piano, stroking the first few bars before adding my right hand. While the piece wasn't difficult, it had its moments. Luckily I played if flawlessly. To which I gained a standing ovation from Paul. And once again, the class held amazement, their eyes wide.

And the look on Olivia's face. Oh, it was priceless.

_________________________________

I hate how the tab key doesn't work on here anymore. Grrr.

Anyway. I apologize profusely for making this so short ): I just wanted to update something before I go home to my internet-less home. BUT ALSO. I know it's an unspoken rule that you don't mention tumblr outside of tumblr, but you guys are technically my friends, right? And I need to follow some new people because all I do is follow Supernatural worshippers (not that I mind xD) so if you want, leave your url in a comment c: My url will be in the external link if you want to follow me. Or my user is oh-hey-ass-butt.

One more thing. Who do you guys prefer? Whenever I write, it seems Allie is leaning towards Elliot. I want to do more with Kyle and Paul. But whenever I write, it just is......... Elliot and Allie. Ellie. lol Ellie. Alot... <- ship names.

LOL WAIT ONE MORE THING. A little story about my 7th grade boyfriend. So, his name was P.J. And my friend (who I shall not name) also liked him. Before we started dating, we just you know, talked and flirted in that awkward middle school way. Then one day in my computer class, I got a note from a 1000 year old ghost named... crap, I forgot. OH KRISTINA. Okay, so Kristina and it was like "you can't date P.J. I have a crush on him and I'm a ghost and I can haunt you. You're too ugly for him." and all that. And that's what inspired Allie's notes.... ah, that wasn't as good as I remember. But the best part was that it was in my friend's handwriting and to this day she is like IT WASN'T ME.

Oh, and she also started dating P.J two months later when I broke up with him.