The Bad Boy & The New Girl

A Bad Day

Chapter 11

A Bad Day (Part 1)

(Ivy’s POV)

“We would like you to see a grief counselor.”

I stared at Dean Peters in shock, my heart racing.

I had only been at Langston Park Academy for three days, and here I was, sitting in the principal’s office—well, technically, the dean’s office.

“I’m sorry?” I managed to stammer.

Dean Peters regarded me with a reassuring smile. “Please, Ms. Matthews, take a seat.”

Reluctantly, I lowered myself into the chair across from him, setting my bag down beside me, feeling its weight as if it were filled with all my anxieties.

“Sir, I don’t understand,” I said softly, my voice barely above a whisper.

“When your sister transferred you over from Bergmont, your file was transferred as well. She also informed us of what happened in the past couple of months. I understand this might be a sensitive subject and that you may not want to talk about it. But we, as a school, would like to offer you support. You’ve had a hard few months, and I know moving to a new country and starting at a new school hasn’t been easy under these circumstances. I believe that seeing a grief counselor could help you navigate this,” he explained, his words tumbling out in a well-rehearsed manner.

I listened, watching Dean Peters speak as he tried to justify what felt like a label—telling me I was broken. I knew my situation all too well, and the idea of discussing it with anyone made my stomach churn. But in this instance, it seemed I didn’t have a choice.

“Ms. Matthews?”

“Yes, Dean Peters?” I replied, forcing myself to focus.

“Do you understand why we think this might be a good idea?” he asked, his tone still gentle.

I nodded, albeit reluctantly. “Yes, sir.”

I knew that if I gave any other answer, he would delve deeper into why this was a necessity. The truth was, I understood the moment I walked into his office. I could read between the lines—this was going to happen, whether I wanted it to or not.

“Good. I would like you to meet Ms. Ryton during your second period; you will be excused from World History,” he informed me.

I nodded again, feeling a sense of resignation wash over me. “Was there anything else? Or may I be excused?”

“I wanted to discuss what happened yesterday with Lilliana Blythe,” he said, his expression growing more serious.

“Sir, I apologized for that. I regret my actions,” I said quietly, ashamed.

“I understand, which is why the school has decided not to take any action against you or Lilliana. However, both of you will be monitored closely. We have a zero-tolerance policy on bullying, and I expect better from both of you,” he said sternly.

I nodded vigorously, desperate for him to understand my sincerity.

“You may go,” he concluded, waving me off.

I offered him a weak smile and stood up, making my way out of the office.

As I stepped into the hallway, a wave of confusion washed over me. I felt lost again. Dammit!

I wiped away the tear that threatened to spill and tried to push the conversation from my mind.

“Hey, Ivy.”

I turned to see Jayce standing there, a concerned look on his face.

“Jayce,” I replied, attempting to mask my discomfort.

“You alright?” he asked, his brow furrowed with worry.

I nodded, forcing a smile. “Yes.”

“Good. We should head to English before April sends out a search party for us,” he joked, trying to lighten the mood.

I smiled back at him, grateful for the distraction as we walked down the hall together.

As we made our way, I spotted Lilliana with her group of friends, glaring daggers at me. I did my best to ignore them, focusing instead on Jayce.

What I had learned in the last few days at Langston Park Academy was that Jayce McKinney did whatever he wanted. It didn’t matter if you avoided him; he pursued what he wanted.

And he wanted to spend time with me—especially after what had happened yesterday.

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

(The Day Before)

“Come on, Ivy. Jayce is a good guy. Why are you avoiding him?” April pressed as we stepped out of the school and into the courtyard.

“April, can we please let this go?” I replied, trying to deflect her persistence.

I hadn’t wanted to have lunch near Lilliana. I knew her type, and I also understood the damage she could do anywhere. I didn’t want to be in her line of fire; I wanted my low-key school experience.

“Ivy, wait,” April called, catching up to me.

I looked back at her, and she continued, “Look, Lilliana is a total b***h. We all know it, but trust me, you’re safer with Jayce by your side than without him.”

“April, I know what you’re trying to say, but I’m honestly not interested in Jayce. I want to be crystal clear about that to her. I just want to go unnoticed here,” I explained, trying to assert myself.

April smiled knowingly at me. “Good luck with that. You’re the talk of the town—or at least the school. Everyone wants to know you, but the reason no one’s bothering you is Jayce.”

“That may be true, but it doesn’t mean I want to deal with his girlfriend and her jealousy over something that shouldn’t even be an issue,” I told her, taking a seat on a nearby picnic bench.

“Oh please, they aren’t even together. She’s just crazy and can’t take a hint. But I know he’s into you,” April insisted.

“April, please. I’ve only been here for three days. There isn’t anything to like yet,” I replied, my frustration bubbling beneath the surface.

“More than you know,” she said, her tone suggestive. “I bet he won’t be able to stay away, even if you’re trying to hide.”

I turned to look behind me and saw Lilliana striding toward us, her expression dark with anger.

“What do you want, Lily?” April asked, standing up to confront her.

“I’m telling you for the last time to stay away from Jayce!” Lilliana yelled, her voice loud enough for everyone in the courtyard to hear.

I remained quiet, uncertain and confused. I hadn’t wanted to provoke anything; I didn’t know what was going on.

“I’m talking to you!” Lilliana shouted again, her voice dripping with disdain. “Did your parents not give you any manners? Or did they only teach you how to latch onto a rich guy and use him up?” She sneered, and her words hit me like a slap.

I could handle a lot, but not a dig at my parents.

Anger surged through me, and before I could think it through, I stood up, walked up to her, and slapped her across the face.