Twisted Devil by Ivy Blake
Chapter Three
Ruby
“Do you want us to come with you?” I looked up from my coffee and flashed Dad and Zoe an unimpressed look.
“I’m 18, Dad. I don’t need you to babysit me,” I said, a bit more harshly than I intended. “Besides, it’s school. What’s the worst that could happen?”
I shrugged and turned my attention to my cup, hoping that my expression didn’t betray my biggest fear. I’d been feeling anxious all night and all morning, ruminating on the situation that had taken place yesterday, hoping that it was a one-off incident.
The worst thing that could happen is that the other students at Valley High could be just as bad as Tyler and Amber, or even worse than them. I didn’t know how I’d be able to cope with a bunch of snobby, rude kids like them all on my own. I also knew for a fact that if I did tell Dad, he’d just brush it off and tell me that it’s not that deep and that I should stand up for myself more.
But how the hell was I supposed to stand up for myself when he barely gave me the chance to? Anytime we had a disagreement, he barely let me get a word in edgeways. Hence why I’d stopped even trying, at least where I could.
“C’mon, me and Zoe will take you to the gate. I wanna see my baby at her fancy new school,” Dad cooed.
“Me too!” Zoe added as if we weren’t age mates . I grimaced and gave them both a pointed look.
“I’m good, thanks,” I said with a forced smile. “I should probably go now, anyway.”
I got up and put my cup and plate away, grateful that I’d woken up early enough to have breakfast because the way my stomach loved to make noises at the most inappropriate times would not be a good look for my first day at a new school. I wouldn’t want Amber to think that I couldn’t afford to feed myself now, would I?
Fuck Amber, and fuck Tyler, I reminded myself.
“You look so smart in your blazer and tie!” Dad exclaimed as I walked past him to grab my bag. I had to agree with him. The new uniform suited me a lot more than I expected.
Skirts were a rare occurrence in my wardrobe and when I did wear them, they were always long, flowy numbers as opposed to short pleated ones. Seeing my legs out adorned with thick knee high socks made me feel a bit exposed and a little self-conscious but also reminded me just how nice my figure was.
“You wanna pose for a picture?” Zoe chimed in while pulling her massive phone out of her pocket.
God, why is she such a try hard?
It’s like she was constantly trying to score brownie points with Dad, acting as if she could ever be my stepmom or anything more than what she was. Which I hoped was just a short-lived fling. It had been 6 months and my eyes were firmly on the clock, hoping that Dad got bored with her and told her to kick the curb. And yet, Zoe’s clothes remained comfortable in her chest of drawers and her shit all over the bathroom, which barely gave me any space to put my stuff.
“No pictures, I’m off!” I exclaimed. I hurriedly wished Dad and Zoe goodbye and made my exit out the front door before they could stop me.
I was glad for the walk to school, as it gave me time to go over my plan. Keep my head down. Stay away from Tyler, Amber, and anyone like them. Make sure I don’t have anything on me that marks me as different. This was the one time I knew that it would be crucial to keep an eye on my appearance to make sure that I didn’t land myself in any type of trouble.
It was senior year, things were already going to be hard moving to a new school when the semester had already started. I just wanted to blend in as easily as possible.
On my way to school, I saw a few other students wearing matching uniforms and walking in the same direction as me. A couple of them looked over at me and surveyed me from head to toe, making me look down at myself to make sure I hadn’t left the house naked or accidentally tucked my skirt into my underwear.
I tried to smile back politely, but only got a few in return, so after a while I decided to keep my gaze forward and focus on making it to the gates without falling flat on my face or making any more enemies.
I watched the cars go in the main gate and caught sight of students filing into the smaller gate on the left that was human sized and followed suit. I turned off my music and tucked my earphones away, realising that I’d need all my senses to figure out my way around this colossal building.
The courtyard was full of chatter as people caught up with their friends and boys shoved each other. A few looks and hushed whispers ensued as I walked past certain groups, but I didn’t stop or look to see who was responsible for them. I’d been told to report to the principal’s office to pick up my timetable and had begun to panic, as there were so many massive buildings to choose from.
“Hey, you look lost. Can I help you?”
I was about to search for a map of the school campus on my phone when a friendly female voice grabbed my attention. I looked up to see the shining smile of a black girl with twinkling eyes. My own lips curled into a smile at the sight of hers.
“Is it that obvious?” I chuckled lightly. “I’m looking for the principal’s office-”
“Follow me, I know a shortcut!” The girl exclaimed, gesturing for me to follow her.
“Thanks,” I said, grateful that it’d met at least one nice person so far.
I walked beside the girl and found myself instantly attracted to her energy even though we’d barely exchanged words. Not to mention, she was absolutely stunning in an effortless yet ethereal way. It was so unfair that some people could just wake up looking like that.
“I’m Bella by the way,” she said, turning to me as she led me past a massive statue, of what I assumed was some old white guy that had some shit to do with the school, and into the building behind it.
“I’m Ruby,” I said quietly, my eyes drawn to the sky high ceiling above us. It was like walking into a cathedral or something. I cleared my throat and tried to keep cool. I didn’t want to draw any more attention to myself than I already had.
“Ruby,” Bella said softly with a smile, her eyes crinkling cutely in the corners. “Are you a Libra, by any chance?”
I almost burst out laughing, but didn’t want to offend her. I barely knew anything about astrology and wasn’t even sure I believed in it, but I couldn’t say that Bella was wrong for guessing my sign.
“How did you know?” I chuckled, genuinely curious as to what energy I had to be putting out for her to pick up on that straight away.
“You give off really calm vibes- this is Principal Higgins’s office, by the way.” Bella stopped outside a big oak door with the aforementioned name carved on a metal plaque.
“I feel anything but calm right now,” I giggled.
“Don’t worry, I tend to really get on with Libras anyway,” she said with a wink.
“That’s a relief then,” I teased.”
Bella played with the cords around her neck absentmindedly, and I glanced down to see what was attached to them. I was surprised to see some crystals of different colours hanging on her upper chest, which was exposed because she’d undone some of the buttons on her shirt. It definitely made her uniform look more unique. I wonder if there was anything about such jewellery in the school rules? Either way, it really suited Bella, and I admired her confidence to express herself in the way she wanted.
“What sign are you?” I asked politely, even though I barely knew anything about zodiac signs myself.
All I’d gathered from Twitter was that Scorpios and Gemini were evil, Pisces were sweet but emotional as hell, and that’s about it. But now that Bella had brought it up and I felt so drawn to her, I wanted to keep her talking, even though I knew that I should be attending to Principal Higgins.
Bella’s eyes lit up, and I felt a rush of warmth in my chest as I watched her get excited about something that she was clearly so passionate about.
“I could tell you my whole birth chart, but I’m sure you don’t care,” Bella said hurriedly before she started listing signs off on her fingers.
“I’m a Pisces Sun and Pisces Moon but I’m a Cancer Rising.” She started listing off some more placements that I was unfamiliar with and I nodded along, as if I knew what she was talking about.
“That sounds like a lot to remember,” I said once she’d finished.
“I’d be more than happy to go over yours if you want. I’m sure you have a very interesting one,” Bella said brightly.
“Sure,” I said.
“I should probably let you talk to Principal Higgins,” said Bella, gesturing to the door. “Hopefully we’ll see each other soon.”
“I hope so too!”
We waved goodbye to each other, and I watched as Bella walked down the corridor, taking the sunshine with her as I was left by myself outside the intimidating oak door. I took a deep breath and knocked lightly on the door.
“Come in,” said a stern booming voice from the other side. I wonder how much he’d heard of me and Bella’s conversation through the door?
I tentatively pushed open the door and let myself into the massive ass office that looked like it had come straight out of a Sherlock Holmes novel.
“Ruby Jones, I presume,” said the middle-aged man sitting behind the desk.
Principal Higgins looked like the stereotypical old fashioned principal that you’d expect to work at a school like this. His hair was greying and the deep lines on his forehead indicated that he frowned a lot. He wasn’t exactly the most friendly looking person if I had to be completely honest, surprising considering the fact that he was probably the first person most students and visitors saw when they came to the school. Even though he wasn’t being explicitly rude or cold, I found something a bit unsettling about being in the same room as him. Compared to Bella’s warmth, Principal Higgins was Jack Frost.
“Yes,” I squeaked. I continued standing awkwardly by the door, unsure of whether I had permission to move around his quarters.
“Take a seat,” he ordered.
I followed his command and pulled out one of the vintage leather seats on my side of his desk. I shuffled nervously in the chair and waited for him to speak. Principal Higgins’s eyes surveyed me from head to toe, and I quickly brought a hand up to my tie to make sure that I’d done it correctly. I watched in silence as he rummaged through papers on his desk until he came across what he was looking for.
“Here’s your timetable and a map of campus,” said Principal Higgins, sliding a pile of sheets towards me. “I’m sure there’ll be plenty of students on hand to help if you’re lost, but it’s better if you just read properly in the first place.” He shot me a pointed look over his rectangular glasses.
Okay, attitude much?
“Thanks,” I said quickly as I pulled the sheets close to me. “Is there… urm, anything else I should know?”
“Do you have any specific questions?” The principal shot back, and from the tone of his voice, I could tell that he was already bored of our conversation and wanted me to leave.
“Nothing in particular, I just thought-“
“If you have any issues or questions, you’re better off going to the guidance counsellor or checking in with the secretary at reception.” He leaned over the desk and pointed at a square on my map. “That’s where it is.” My eyes were drawn to his dry and haggard old fingers and I nodded quickly, very much relieved when he pulled them away.
“Good, you probably want to get to your first class considering you’ve already missed home room,” said Principal Higgins as he looked up at the giant clock on the left side of his office.
“Oh, I didn’t realise I was late-“ I began, but of course the old man cut me off before I could even get my whole sentence out.
“Don’t worry, I’ve sent an email to your tutor. Best be on your way now, Miss Jones.” Higgins flashed me a tight smile, which I took as my cue to leave.
“Thanks,” I said shortly. I tucked my chair in and left the principal’s office, hoping that I didn’t have any icicles hanging off of me from the frostiness that the old guy had directed my way.
I checked my timetable and saw that I had maths first. I followed the map to the building where my class was supposed to be, noticing how empty the hallways were now that class was about to begin. I wasn’t used to that because at my old school, kids would mill about in the hallways all the time, refusing to go to class, dealing with some urgent drama or making dodgy deals in the hopes that the teachers wouldn’t see them. Which they probably did, but it seemed like they didn’t have the energy to bust every kid that they came across.
I pushed open the door to my maths classroom and immediately the room fell silent and all eyes were on me. I felt my heart constrict in my chest as I tried to avoid the fierce gaze of twenty students trying to figure out who the hell I was and why I was interrupting their class.
“You must be Ruby!” I turned my gaze to the teacher at the front, a very put together lady with curly brown hair and an elementary school teacher smile and instantly felt a bit more relaxed in her presence.
“I am,” I said lamely as I shifted my weight between my feet.
I heard some whispering and laughter begin, but I couldn’t tell where it was coming from and didn’t want to be rude to the teacher by trying to figure out who the voices belonged to.
“I’m Miss Green by the way.” Miss Green held out a hand, and I shook it quickly, slightly taken aback by the formality of it all. “You can take a seat wherever you like. Class, I hope you all do your best to make our new student feel welcome, okay?”
Some more giggles and hushed words ensued, causing my cheeks to get hotter. I gave Miss Green a polite nod and glanced around the room for somewhere to sit. My eyes landed on Amber, which was unsurprising because her bleach blonde hair was incredibly bright. The sneer across her face cut deep into my chest. Just my luck that she’s in my class, go me!
“Why don’t you take that seat next to Amber?” Miss Green said lightly, probably thinking that she was doing me a favour, which couldn’t be further from the case. Before I could make up some excuse as to why I couldn’t sit next to Valley High’s resident bitch, Amber had already let out a disgusted sound and had an expression on her face to match.
“Eww, I can’t sit next to her. What if I catch her fleas or something?” she said indignantly.
The class erupted into laughter and I just wanted the ground to swallow me up right there and then. What could I say to that, especially when my teacher was present? I didn’t want Miss Green to get a bad impression of me when it was only my first day.
“Now Amber, that’s not a nice or appropriate way to speak to anyone, let alone our new student,” Miss Green said sternly. She flashed me an apologetic look, which only made my cheeks burn even hotter.
“I’d prefer to sit at the back anyway,” I said in the most confident voice that I could muster.
As I walked past Amber’s desk, I gave her a cruel side eye that I hope betrayed the correct message. You don’t faze me. Even if she did, she didn’t need to know that.
I made my way to the back of the classroom as quickly as I could. As I took my seat, I silently cursed Higgins. He could have just sent me an email with all my stuff instead of making me late for no reason. That way, I could have avoided this whole awkward situation and not had everyone’s attention on me in such an obvious way.
I took my notebook and pens out and released a grateful sigh when Miss Green resumed the lesson. I started making notes and doodling in my books as I wondered what my other teachers would be like. The desk next to me was empty and the other people in my row seemed more interested in Miss Green or their phones to pay me any attention, which I was grateful for. I looked up at the sound of the door and froze in my seat.
“Tyler, why are you so late?” Miss Green exclaimed.
God, no, this isn’t happening.
“Stuff and things,” said Tyler with a lazy smile playing at the corner of his perfect lips.
He ran a hand through his dark hair and I felt an involuntary pulsing between my thighs.What the fuck? I pressed my legs together and willed my body to have some common sense.
“Well, you’re just in time for the test. Hurry up and take your seat,” said Miss Green, gesturing for him to sit down.
Not only were Amber and Tyler in my class, we had a test too? This day was turning out to be more miserable than I could have ever imagined.
I tried not to stare at him as he made his way through the desks, but it was impossible not to when he looked like that. It’s like Tyler had this fiery aura that threatened to burn anyone that came close to him or dared to challenge him. As he got closer and closer to the back row, I realised that I was just as afraid of Tyler as I was attracted to him.
I lowered my head to my notebook, hoping that if he couldn’t see me, I’d be out of the firing zone. Maybe I was being too egotistical to think that he’d remember me from our interaction the day before. Surely, I could have only been a blip on his radar and nothing more, right?
“You’re in my seat.”
Tyler’s voice was somehow simultaneously as smooth as silk and harsh as nails, and I felt every syllable drive deep into my eardrums as I realised he was talking to me. I glanced up, and he was standing directly in front of my desk, his perfect features twisted into a stormy expression.
“That seat is empty,” I murmured, casting a sideways glance at the seat beside me even though I’d rather be in a completely different room to him. It was the only thing that made sense.
“But this is my seat,” said Tyler, this time more harshly, his blue eyes flashing dangerously.
He placed a hand on the edge of the desk and leaned towards me. His alluring scent washed over me and threatened to send my mind loopy. I felt hot, and not in a good way. I could feel that more eyes were on me now, anxious to see what move I was going to make. Was Tyler always like this or was his stubborn rage reserved only for me?
“Move, Pauper,” he spat at me, quiet enough that only the people in the back row could hear.
That stupid name again. This guy was declaring war. Tyler locked me in his gaze and I felt helpless beneath his stare, even though I knew that he was probably just taunting me for the hell of it. He probably didn’t even want this seat, he just wanted to make me feel as small as possible, and to be fair to him, it was working.
“Make me,” I hissed, unsure of where the confidence came from to challenge Tyler. I knew it was dangerous, but the fire in his eyes was too tempting for me to back down.
“You’d like that, wouldn’t you?” Tyler purred, a cruel smirk spreading across his face. I got the sense that Tyler was being serious and could feel my pulse racing in my ears. What was this guy capable of?
“What’s going on in the back row? Tyler, can you sit down, please?” Miss Green’s voice sliced through our bubble and a slither of hope entered my body. Maybe she could be my saviour. Teacher always trumps student right?
“The new girl is sitting in my seat,” Tyler said calmly, as if it was the most logical thing to say when there were empty seats dotted all around the classroom. Not to mention the one that was literally next to me!
“Tyler, there are plenty of seats-” Miss Green began.
“But this is my one,” Tyler said stubbornly as he stood to his full height.
I could hear Amber and a few of the girls around her snickering, probably at my continued humiliation rather than Tyler’s stubbornness. Miss Green folded her arms across her chest and I could tell that she was reaching her limit.
“Tyler, I swear to God if you don’t sit down right now, you can go to the principal’s office,” she said sternly, a wary warning in her eye. I could tell that even she knew she had limited resources to get Tyler to follow instructions. Tyler cocked his eyebrow at her.
“If you send me to the principal’s office, I assure you I’ll get my parents in and they’ll be less than pleased by the fact that you’re removing your star pupil from class over something so trivial,” said Tyler simply, even though anyone who was listening could hear the underlying threat in his voice. “I’m sure I could throw in some more details too-”
I couldn’t deal with it anymore. This had gone too far, and it was too early in the morning. I didn’t care that much about some dumb seat and Miss Green was too nice to have to put up with Tyler’s shit and his parents, who were probably equally just as awful and up themselves.
I quickly gathered up my things and moved to the next seat without saying a word. I put my head in my hand and returned to my notebook, hoping that my hair could conceal the flames that had erupted on my cheeks.
“Now that’s a good girl,” I heard Tyler purr beside me. I decided to ignore him, using my hair as a curtain between us.
“Thank you Ruby,” Miss Green said in a tone that betrayed her discomfort at the whole situation. “Can I carry on with the lesson, Mr Katz?” She shot this question pointedly at Tyler.
“You may,” he said smugly as he got himself comfortable in ‘his’ seat. Miss Green started handing out test papers and I couldn’t be more relieved to have the attention off of me while everyone focused on the papers in front of them.
“That’s not even his seat,” the girl beside me whispered. I looked up at her and she shrugged apologetically. Of course it fucking wasn’t.
This was going to be a long fucking day.
