When the going gets tough, the tough gets going.

Well, that didn't apply to me right now.

I was sitting next to so called master of history essays. Also, in front off the so called the best prankster.

The constant tapping made me snap at him,"shut the fuck up!" I hissed.

My plan was as simple as apple pie:

1.Let Craig drown in his book.

2.On my mental search tracker and locate the file.

3.Pretend to tie ur perfectly tied shoe lace and borrow the essay.

It sounded so much simpler in my brain. Oh hell with it, I was already imagining my choco latte in my hands.

But no. Why in the name of hades(no offence hades) should he be here?

"Miss stone?" The teacher caught me,"is there anything you would like to contribute on this piece?"

Yeah, a load of crap.

Miss Hamilton, most irritating teacher who teaches my favorite subject. The irony.

I stood to answer her. My favourite drama. Julius Caesar.

Betrayed. Lost. Alone.

I always get goosebumps when I hear the verses et tu, Brute!

'Liam you too?'

I stood composed. Yet, this drama brings me into those ungrateful moments. They are nothing to reminisce about.

"Yes Mam. Mark Antony perfects the art of persuading the citizens. His strong yet, simple lines changed the course of action, Brutus and the senators had dreamed. A future which they dreamt, without the greatest Roman Emperor of all time, Julius Caesar."

I wish I said all that.

Mentally, I assumed I was the greatest orator of all time, Hitler.

But, in reality.

"Mam..ugh..Mark Antony starts to persuade the people..like..um" I was stammering over each word that came out. Just flawlessly stammering.

Worse than Donald Duck.

I heard the chair screech," The only loyal friend ever remained before and after the death of Julius Caesar, Mark Antony."

My eyes would have popped out, if they weren't attached to the sockets.

Nathan stood and answered. He narrated the whole summary I had planned in my mind. I literally felt like a victim, whose speech was stolen.

You were about to take the essay, right?

But, I am just borrowing it.

"That was very good answer Mr.."

"Slyer. Nathan Slyer" he said," A transfer student"

I expected miss Hamilton to give me a glare or few good words of inspiration. But, she surprised me.
She asked the both of us to sit down. No glares and no words.

Charms of the new transfer student.

I was so sure Nathan will be the talk of the school by lunch. The talks will lead him into his destined caste. The jocks, average athletes or the ambassadors.

I had a really hard time when I joined as a freshman. My past, utter disaster. My present, utter confusion. My future...I never imagined myself in the coming years.

The ringing of the bell marked the end of class.

Great, no choco latte.

"By the way, why were you staring at that glasses next you?" Nathan asked as he walked beside me.

"Cuz," I stretched out my hands,"I have this huge crush on him"

He chuckled,"sarcasm,eh?"

"Duh, Einstein"

We pushed through the traffic of teen hormones. If you stand in the middle of hallway and pay attention to the chatter, you'll get to know the school way too well.

Gossips, gossips and gossips....

We passed through the wall of fame. The ex-high school stars and their trophies. I picture myself in there.

Yeah, in the wanted list.

Opened my locker and dug out my next class's book. I turned around and to my surprise Nathan's locker wasn't anywhere around me.

I sighed in relief. But, it didn't last long.

Nothing happens coincidentally. I found him right next to me.

May the odds be in your favour.

Yeah, totally.

"So, a tour around the campus?"

I shook my head,"no, I have a mission impossible to complete"

"Crushing on mr.glasses?"

I rolled my eyes.

I explained him my quest for a choco latte.

"That's it?" He grinned,"if I give you the essay..will u give me a tour?"

I know Craig isn't a guy who would help you with assignments. Especially, those which are being graded. Typical, cunning straight A student.

I nodded,"okay, Ethan Hunt,I don't think I'll be giving you a tour"

He shook his head,"let's see shall we?"

"Wow!" Jewel crushed me,"I'm gonna get a straight A for this"

I just stretched out my lips to give him a smile. I suppose it was a smile. I never felt this hesitant to give a person a 'welcome' smile.

Craig went over my expectations. Way over to Jupiter. Nathan made it look like mission apple pie.

Nathan went over to Craig, who was cramming for his next class. They exchanged few words and voila! The essay was in his hands.

No wonder why, communication counts as an important life skill.

It was lunch hour. I gave Jewel his essay and we were on our way for my choco latte.

"What's with Mia today?" I asked.

Jewel shuddered," I better don't talk about it"

"If you won't. Well, we are meeting with her eventually"

The three of us had different subjects and timings. It was our group's rule that no matter what, we have to meet up at lunch hour.

"Well, I sketched on her face"

Speak of devil#2.

"Just Sketched?"

Mia stood right behind Jewel. Ready for revenge.

She flipped him over.

Mia was well known for sweeping people of their feet. Literally. Well, also figuratively. She was well versed with the art of Judo. I could have too. But, I was too lazy to continue.

"Ow!" Jewel cursed,"what the fuck are you doing!?"

Nathan laughed hard and gave a high five to Mia. While I giggled and helped the poor guy to his feet.

We entered the canteen. It was filled. Canteen-full. Same old canteen.

The jocks were usually bullying some random guy. I never interfered in their businesses. I might be outgoing and helpful. But, not a hero or saviour. I'm content with my life.

Are you? Really?

Girls gossiping. Also, few PDA couples. Eww.

"Mia what really happened?" Nathan asked. We all sat at the free table available.

"After the snacks, me and Jewel pulled over at his house. I needed few of his brother's books. He went on searching for those books, while I slouched on the couch. I was tired and took a small nap. So," she removed her head band and we witnessed the master piece.

'I am a pig' was written with red marker, which was fading now.

Nathan chuckled,"dude, what are you a six?"

Jewel just chuckled in return. He was busy rubbing his injured back.

"What about the hoodie?" I asked.

"Well" she smashed the cupcake( do not try that! I will never forgive you for destroying a cupcake!!) ," I just happened to have bad hair day"

I nodded in understanding.

"Hey!" The job recruits greeted,"are you the new transfer student?"

Nathan looked up from his spaghetti,"more or less yeah"

"Why don't you join us?" The blonde asked.

"Yeah! It will be fun" the girl who was in need of clothes joined.

As cliche as it sounds,"why are you with these losers" asked the queen bee.

I never bothered to learn their names.I kept quiet, enjoying my pasta. I never minded any of these comments or attitude.

But! You have changed. Why don't you stand up for once?

Just to get unwanted attention.

I expected Nathan just go on with them. But, it wouldn't have surprised me if he declined the offer.

"I choose to ladies. Now,let me enjoy my lunch" he said with a poker face on.

Why can't I do that? Why was I a coward?

"Nathan come on" the blonde pleaded.

"Just take away your shit with you," Mia sneered,"it stinks in here"

"Maybe it's you retard" hissed the queen bee.

"I feel so bad that you and your life is full of shitiness..you don't even accept that" Mia pointed,"it's you"

"Says the person who's family is full of retards"

"Jeni just keep it shut. Your mouth is functioning as your arse" she stood and warned. Each word Mia said were filled with volcanoes ready to burst.

We were getting too much attention now. Nathan just watched the drama go on, like me. Jewel zeroed his sight at Jenifer, ready to kill her the next moment.

"Aww..is your brother still drunken and love sick?"

This blew them up. If Jenifer was a guy, she would have been having a funeral. Murdered by Jewel and Mia.

But, Mia knew better. She glared at Jenifer and stormed out of the canteen. I gave Jewel a nod and he followed her.

"Are you done," I snarled,"Jenifer?"

Jenifer Stewart, I remembered the queen bee's name.

She flipped her hair and walked back with her followers.

I sighed and put the fork down. Why should I always witness these stupid dramas?

"What's wrong with you?" I looked up and found Nathan asking me.

"What do you mean?"

"Why were you quiet? Why didn't you stand up for her?" I flinched as he continued,"Nate you say you have changed. But you haven't at all"

Yes, I was the same. Deep inside, I wanted to stand up for Mia. I knew what horrible things go on with her. I knew how dysfunctional her family was. Sitcoms are always funny with such families, but reality knows better.

"I chose not to" I said looking down on my food. It didn't feel right to eat anymore. Yet, I felt hungry.

Your hungry all time.

But, food is life! (To me)

How does a person lose their appetite when something goes wrong?

"You can't avoid situations Nate" he advised.

"I know" I sighed,"but after all saddy and Liam..." I almost spilled it out.

"What about them? Well, I haven't heard from them for a while"

"Oh, nothing" I said not meeting his eyes. Past is past, present is present. But, the scars will remain, no matter how faded they are. I didn't know how to judge my past.

What if he thinks I'm just a fool? A girl who couldn't stand being alone?

Great, you can't even judge your own past.

How was I supposed to breathe in my present?

-----------------------------------

Heyo people!

How was chapter 5?

Do you stand up for your beliefs?

Were you ever in a situation in which you didn't want to be involved?

If you ask me..yes I have been almost all time. Standing up for your friend is must. It is like you stand up for yourself. Your thoughts. Your beliefs.
Nate might be a coward. Or not.
Situations you face, can make a lot of difference.

I would truly appreciate it if you all comment your thoughts. I want to be connected with all my precious readers.

Do comment! Your each votes are energy boosters to me.

Thank you!

Love,

Enchanter 1409✨
P.S: What's you favourite Shakespeare drama?