VAMPIRE’s QUEEN

Second Meeting

After escaping from the West Wing, I sprinted straight to the cafeteria where my friends were waiting.

As soon as I entered, I spotted them gathered around our table, deep in conversation. I hurried over and plopped down on the chair, still catching my breath.

“Oh, there you are! What took you so long?" Jason asked, his eyebrows raised in curiosity.

"Here's the video. I completed the dare," I said, placing my phone in the centre of the table for everyone to see. I hoped it would be enough to distract them from asking too many questions about what had happened back there. Mathew, Jason, Amelia, and Hailey all leaned in, eyes glued to the screen as the video played. The camera panned around the West Wing, showing the grand hallways, the shiny lockers, and the plush carpets.

It looked just as fancy and exclusive as the rumours said, but honestly, it wasn't all that impressive to me.

“Dude, that wing is just like ours," Mathew commented, squinting at the screen.

“Nothing that special, except maybe the fancy decor."

"Yeah, seriously," Amelia chimed in, brushing her blonde hair behind her ear.

"I was expecting something more... I don't know, extraordinary?"

"So, did you meet anyone there?" Hailey asked, glancing at me with curiosity.

"Yeah, how'd your phone screen get all cracked?" Jason added, his tone shifting to concern as he pointed to the shattered glass. I sighed, feeling the annoyance bubble up again.

“Yeah, an egotistical bastard happened," I muttered, my tone laced with frustration.

“What happened, Eve?" Mathew asked, his expression serious as he leaned closer, eager to hear the details. I took a deep breath, trying to keep my voice calm as I explained.

“I was just minding my own business, recording the video, when this rich asshat came out of nowhere. He pushed me onto the floor, and that's how my phone screen broke," I said, holding up the phone with the cracked screen for emphasis.

"What the hell?" Amelia exclaimed, her face twisted in disbelief. "Who does that?"

"And then he had the nerve to tell me to leave, saying that scholarship students aren't allowed there," I continued, my voice rising slightly as the memory replayed in my mind.

“He basically insulted me, acting like he owns the place just because he's got money." Mathew's face darkened with anger.

“Who does he think he is?" he growled, his fists clenching on the table.

"I'll teach that jerk a lesson." He started to get up, but I quickly grabbed his arm.

“Mathew, don't," I said firmly, pulling him back down into his seat.

“It's not worth it. He's just some stuck-up rich kid. I don't want you getting into trouble because of him." "But he pushed you!" Mathew argued, his eyes blazing with fury.

"He can't just treat people like that."

“I know, but it's fine," I said, trying to sound more confident than I felt.

“I'll handle it. Besides, we've got class to get to, and I don't want to waste any more time on that jerk." Hailey looked at me with concern.

“Are you sure you're okay? That guy sounds awful."

"I'm fine," I assured her, forcing a smile.

“I'm just annoyed more than anything. Now I have to save up to get my phone fixed," I said, rolling my eyes.

"But hey, at least I got the video, right?" jason shook his head.

“People like that think they’re untouchable just because of their money and status."

“Exactly," I agreed. "But I'm not going to let him get to me. Let's just get to class before we're late."

With that, we all got up and headed toward the classroom.

As we walked into our next class, I was still fuming about that guy from the West Wing. We all sat together, and this time, Hailey took the seat next to me. I tried to focus on the lecture as the professor started talking about some boring history topic, but my mind kept wandering back to that jerk. Who the hell does he think he is? Just because he's some rich kid doesn't mean he can push people around like that. My phone screen was a complete mess because of him. How am I supposed to save up enough money to get it fixed? I already have two jobs and a ton of bills to pay. I don't have time or extra cash for unnecessary expenses like this.

My frustration kept building as I stared at my notes, barely registering what the professor was saying. I tried to push the thoughts aside and pay attention, but it was hard.

Every time I looked at my phone, I felt that wave of annoyance all over again. The lecture dragged on, and I found myself glancing at the clock every few minutes, just waiting for it to end. During the class, Hailey nudged me and whispered

"You okay? You seem really out of it." I forced a smile and nodded.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Just... still annoyed about earlier." She gave me a sympathetic look. "Don't let that guy get to you. He's not worth it."

"I know," I sighed, twirling my pen between my fingers.

“But it still sucks, you know?"

“Yeah, I get it," she said, giving my arm a reassuring squeeze.

“We'll figure something out for your phone." I nodded, grateful for her support, and tried to focus on the lecture.

The professor went on about ancient civilizations, but all I could think about was how I was going to save up to repair my phone.

I started calculating the extra hours I'd need to work at the diner or the library, already feeling the exhaustion creeping in just from the thought of it.

After what felt like forever, the class finally ended.

We gathered our things and headed to our next lecture.

The day dragged on in the usual way, with a mix of boring lectures, quick chats with my friends between classes, and trying not to fall asleep during the more tedious parts. Hailey and I stuck together through the rest of the classes, and we both managed to scribble down some notes while sneaking glances at each other every time something boring came up. It was just another day in our routine, classes, lectures, a few jokes here and there, and a lot of trying to stay awake. By the time our last class rolled around, it was nearly 5 AM. College had this weird schedule that always threw me off, but I was used to it by now.

As soon as the professor dismissed us, we all stood up, stretching and yawning after a long night.

"Finally, we're done!" Jason exclaimed, slinging his bag over his shoulder.

“Yeah, I thought that last lecture was never going to end," Mathew groaned, rubbing his eyes. We all gathered near the entrance, saying our goodbyes.

"See you guys tomorrow," Amelia said, giving us a wave as she headed out.

“Yeah, see you," I said, offering a tired smile.

“Take care, Eve," Hailey said, squeezing my arm one last time.

“And don't worry about the phone. We'll figure something out." I nodded.

"Thanks, Hails. I'll see you tomorrow." With that, we all went our separate ways. I started my walk home, the sky just beginning to lighten with the early morning sun.

My mind wandered back to the day's events, the lectures, my friends, and that stupid rich guy who had ruined my phone. I shoved my hands in my pockets and sighed. It had been a long day, and I was exhausted. But despite everything, I was determined not to let that guy get to me. I'd fix my phone, keep working hard, and prove that I didn't need anyone's help or pity. As tired as I was, I knew I could handle it. I just had to keep pushing forward, no matter what came my way.

NEXT DAY

After doing my daily routine at home, I rushed off to my two jobs. First, I headed to the diner, where I spent hours serving customers, cleaning tables, and trying to keep a smile on my face despite feeling completely drained. Hailey was working the same shift, and seeing her there was a little comforting.

We shared a few jokes and complaints about the day as we moved between tables, making the hours pass by quicker than usual. Before I knew it, my shift at the diner ended, and I had just enough time to run to the library for my second job.

At the library, it was the usual routine, shelving books, helping students find what they needed, and making sure everything stayed quiet and orderly. It wasn't the most exciting job, but it helped pay the bills, so I couldn't complain too much.

The day went by in a blur, and soon, it was time to head back to college for my night classes. By the time I left work, I was running late. I sprinted across campus, hoping I could make it before the lecture started. But as I pushed open the classroom door, my heart sank. I was too late.

The class was already in session, and all eyes immediately turned to me as I stumbled in, trying to catch my breath. My friends were staring at me, and I could see the worried look on Hailey's face.

Professor Adam stopped mid-sentence, glaring at me from the front of the room. I knew I was in trouble.

“Look who finally decided to show up," Professor Adam said, his voice dripping with annoyance.

"You're late again, Miss Roy." I tried to explain.

"I'm really sorry, Professor. I got caught up with...." He cut me off, his voice sharp and unforgiving.

"Excuses, excuses. This is becoming a habit, Evelyn. You know the rules. You need to manage your time better." I bit my lip, feeling embarrassed as the whole class continued to stare.

"I really am sorry, it won't happen again."

“That's what you said last time," he snapped.

“I've had enough of your tardiness. You can't just stroll in whenever you feel like it. Since you can't seem to respect my class, you can wait outside until it's over." I felt my face flush with embarrassment as 1 nodded and mumbled

“Yes, Professor."

I turned and walked out of the classroom, the door clicking shut behind me. The hallway was completely empty, silent except for the faint murmurs of other classes going on. I leaned against the wall, taking out my phone to pass the time, scrolling aimlessly through messages and apps. It felt like forever as I stood there, trying to push down the frustration from Professor Adam's scolding.

After a few minutes, I glanced up from my phone and saw a figure at the far end of the hallway. My heart skipped a beat. Who's there? I thought, squinting to get a better look. I put my phone away and cautiously walked towards the end of the hallway, curiosity pulling me forward. As I got closer, my heart sank, and anger bubbled up inside me. It was him. He is the same arrogant guy from the West Wing. The one who shoved me and ruined my phone.

"You?!!!" I said, my voice sharp and filled with anger. He turned around, looking at me with the same smug expression he had the first time we met. His presence made my blood boil. Out of all the people I could have run into, it had to be him.

"What are you doing here?" I demanded, crossing my arms and glaring at him.

“Are you following me or something?" He smirked, looking me up and down as if he was amused by my anger.

“Relax, sweetheart. I don't have time to follow around with scholarship students." His arrogant tone made me clench my fists, every word he said fueling my frustration even more.

"Then why are you here? Shouldn't you be in some fancy class or whatever? But wait, you know what. You aren't f*****g allow here. Get the f**k out of here" i yelled at him.

He shrugged casually, as if he didn't have a care in the world. "I go where I want. I don't need to answer you." I rolled my eyes, my patience running thin.

“Unbelievable," I muttered, turning away from him. He didn't respond, and I didn't bother waiting for him to. I walked back down the hallway, trying to shake off the anger and annoyance that seemed to linger whenever he was around.

I couldn't believe I had to deal with him again, but I wasn't going to let him ruin my day any further.

As I stood outside the classroom, I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself. I couldn't afford to let him get under my skin, especially not when I had enough to deal with already. As i looked at the empty hallway he wasn't there. Thank god, he's gone.