On My Way To Mr. Right

Chapter 14

We parted our ways and I made my way to my class. I only had two more minutes. This is why I can't study Science. It starts way too early and there'd be times that Mr. Rhodes came earlier than me. At least to say, that is why I get into trouble.

"Ah, Ms. Charlotte Smith. Tardy as always." Mr. Rhodes was resting his back on the huge whiteboard, eyes focused on me.

"Sorry sir," I bowed my head as I walked to my seat.

"I'm afraid that's not gonna save you this time, Ms. Smith." He grimaced. "You're gonna have to proceed to the principal's office."

"But sir—"

"Proceed!" He said with his slightly intimidating voice. I sighed and trudged to Mrs. Laine's office.

Mrs. Laine is this tall and intimidating African-American woman. She has this deathly stare and creative way of punishment. But I'm not sure, since I've never been punished before. I hope I don't get in too much trouble. I don't want this going off my record.

I nodded politely to her secretary, Ms. Farrell. "Please come right inside, Ms. Charlotte."

"Hm, Charlotte Smith," she stared at me from head to toe and I couldn't help but feel smaller.

I stood in the doorway awkwardly fumbling with the hem of my shirt. I have such small feet. They're almost freakish. I noticed while looking down on them.

"Take a seat, Charlotte," she offered with a wicked smile. I anxiously occupied the seat in front of her.

"Mr. Rhodes informed me about your misdemeanor."

"I'm sorry, ma'am. But I promise—"

"I wasn't done speaking, Ms. Smith." She said each word slowly and calmly. Just like how a predator would play with its prey before eating it.

I clamped my mouth shut and stared at whatever was on her desk. Just never into her eyes. They were far too scary.

"And if I may confirm it, you've been late for class for ten consecutive days this month," she read from a folder.

She looked at me and I frantically nodded my head. A little too strong and fast, if you ask me.

"More or less than that amount each month since the school year started, am I right?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"I'm not as mean as you think me to be," she smirked, which was out of the blue. I thought we were getting scared? "I want you to explain and state your promises."

I stared at her wide-eyed for a second, then the realization hit me. "It's just that I cram almost every night to study and finish my homework as early as I can, ma'am. Then I sometimes forget the time and class the next day. It was never my intention to be late so often. But I promise if you give me one more chance, I won't ever be late again." I blabbered.

"Never say ever, Ms. Smith," I think the saying goes 'never say never. "I'm going to cut to the chase here, Charlotte. I like you, you're a good kid. You've got your grades sharp. And I don't wanna ruin your record." She scoffed.

Nevertheless, the breath I had been holding was released. I think this is going well. She's saying she likes me.

But who doesn't like me?

That's a rhetorical question. Nobody should answer that.

"Charlotte, if I let you go, would you never be late again?"

"I promise, ma'am."

"Here," she handed me a little white paper with scribblings on it. "I need you to show up for this school event on the twenty-second. That way you can redeem yourself."

I stared at it for a little while, confused. I thought she was letting me go? Why is she sending me to an event?

"Ma'am, if I may ask,"

"What is it?"

"What am I supposed to do with this?"

"That's an address, Ms. Smith." She said. I could sense the impatience in her voice.

I stifled a groan. I could see that this was an address. I'm not retarded. "What for?"

"That's your punishment."

The crease on my brows deepened. Punishment? "I thought you were letting me go, ma'am."

She chuckled. "Dear, no one leaves this office without a punishment. You should be happy. That's nothing compared to what all your tardiness would have brought you," I frowned. Did she know?

"I've heard Mr. Rhodes has been giving you late passes instead of detention slips, Ms. Smith. Now leave my office." So she does know. She was writing on her desk, head bowed. I took it as my opportunity to glare at her. The back of her head. But still at her.

It looks like I have an appointment on the twenty-second. How wonderful.

I sighed. I can't believe I'm doing something on the twenty-second. That's like three days from Christmas. I could be chilling at home drinking hot cocoa with foamy whipped cream, or sledding with mom and dad, or even gift shopping on that day. Well, I'm a little bit surprised that it took five months for someone to do something about my frequent tardiness.

I decided to skip science since I wasn't exactly on the best terms with Mr. Rhodes. Besides, I only had fifteen minutes for that class anyway. Mrs. Laine took all her time talking.

I was walking to the picnic tables with a gloomy ambiance. I still can't get over how my twenty-second is already ruined.

"So Lottie's the little badass now, huh?"

I recognized the voice almost instantly. I sighed in frustration, I don't have the time for Damien White right now. He sat right across from me and I tried my best to ignore him. I was studying and I can't be disturbed right now.

We continued not speaking to each other for five minutes. Can he go that long without speaking? Surprising. But it's got to end somehow.

And of course, I'm correct. "You skipped class to study. Wow, that's a little something." He let out a low whistle.

Still, I ignored him. I'm good at doing this.

I heard him take a long breath. I looked up at him. "Charlotte, do you still like Harper?" I stared at his grey eyes, taken off guard.

"Yo-you're asking me about Harper?" I stuttered. This wasn't exactly my everyday talk with Damien. They mostly consisted of sighs and glares. So this is more than different.

"I figured I'd got to apologize at some point," he rubbed the nape of his neck.

I gaped at him. He's apologizing? "Do you even know what you did apart from kissing me?"

I remember the kiss as if it was yesterday. I admit it was good. He's experienced in that field. I didn't expect any less from him. But still, the aftertaste felt terrible. I felt like I was rotten inside. I cheated on the man I loved. Loved. Past tense.

"I'm not oblivious Charlotte," his eyes were dull, and he looked like he was forced. "I didn't wanna do this but I've hurt you and somehow it doesn't make me feel good."

Damien is apologizing. It's not much, but it's still there. I'm not exactly very happy about it. His apology won't change anything. And I don't think I want to change anything. But knowing that he had a conscience and some guilt behind that bad boy frame is good to know.

I never thought I'd be the first to make the bad boy apologize. It feels great, but I won't ever forget what he did.