"Seriously, you're giving me such a hard time."

I said to Austin who was busy messing up all the books I've just packed. It's our first day cleaning the library and he's more of a hindrance than a help.

"No I'm not."

He argued.

"If you don't wanna clean then just leave. I can do it all by myself."

I said rearranging all the books he just placed down.

"If I leave, that ugly woman will just give me a much worse punishment and we don't want that now do we?"

He answered leaning on the shelf I was packing.

"What could be much worse than being punished to clean the library with an arrogant bad ass who thinks so high of himself?"

I asked walking towards the door to get the broom.

"You should be happy sugar plumps, other girls would wish to be in your place right now."

He said moving away so I sweep where he was.

"I am not other girls. How many times do I have to tell you that? Ou and please don't call me sugar plumps."

It was baby doll and now sugar plumps?

"I'll call you sweet cheeks then."

He said and I rolled my eyes at his choice of words.

"Even worse."

"Ou, honey dovey then."

"That sounds even more stupid."

I retorted and he chuckled.

"Now what should I call you?"

"Just my name. Alice."

I said my name with a smile. I just love it.

"Nope. Everyone calls you that. I need something unique. Something that only I will call you."

He said and I shook my head in disbelief.

"You aren't even unique yourself so how do-"

"Yes. Ali. That's it, I'll call you Ali."

He said with a smile. Which I suppose was real because all I've ever seen on that face of his, was a smirk.

I continued sweeping without answering. Besides, arguing with him was just pointless. Plus, Ali doesn't sound so bad.

"Do you have any siblings?"

He asked taking a cloth to dust the shelves. Atleast he's doing something.

"Nah. I always wanted to have a lil brother though."

I said imagining how cute he'd look. I would make him master my favourite song so he sings it to me when I'm sad.

"You can still have one I'm sure. Your parents just need to put more effort on... You know."

I glared at him and he laughed at my expression.

"You're being disrespectful you know."

I said referring to his last sentence.

"Ou Ali, have you ever seen a bad boy with manners?"

He said with a laugh and I shrugged.

"I'm sure I can still get a baby brother though."

And if I do, it'll definitely not be from mom. Probably dad and his girlfriend. Since she's my step mom, that would make my sibling a half-brother. Not like I really mind anyways.

"I think we're done here."

Austin said staring at me.

"Well I'm done but you're not. You have to pack all those books you've messed up on that shelf over there.

I said pointing at the last shelf.

"I didn't mess it up. You pushed me into it and the books fell."

He answered and I glared at him. I was getting exhausted now and he did absolutely nothing. It didn't even matter whether I have pushed him into the shelf or not, I'd pack the books either ways. I walked angrily and started packing the books.

"Is that really something to make you angry?"

He asked walking towards me. I'm so not going to answer him.

"And now you're ignoring me."

He said and I didn't even take a glance at him.

"Fine I'll pack them."

He said as he picked up the remaining books and packed them on the shelf.

"Was that really hard?

I asked him with a silly smile on my face. Atleast he did something. He chuckled at my change of mood.

"You're too used to getting your way Ali."

He said and I smiled walking out of the library.

"I'm sure tomorrow we can do something better. Like something that involves getting naked."

He smirked.

"Keep dreaming boy because I won't be cleaning that library again. Not tomorrow or ever."

I said and he looked amused by my words.

"Stop flattering yourself Ali, you're cleaning that library with me tomorrow."

He responded.

"Trust me Austin, I won't."

I said with a smile and left. I know exactly what will make Mrs Finn take back her punishment on us and I'm sure it'll turn out just well.

                      ***

I ran a hand through my hair as I opened the door to her office. I entered and closed the door.

"Sit over there Alice and please make yourself comfortable."

She said softly and I sat down. Mrs Suarez always had a smile on her face. A welcoming smile indeed. She's the only social worker in school and she has a lot of free time since only few students come to her.

"Thank you."

I smiled warmly.

"You said you wanted to talk to me. What about Alice? And please be absolutely free and open with me because I'm here to help you. Everything we talk about in here will remain confidential."

She said and I wanted to roll my eyes at her words. Does she really think I'm here for counselling?

"Ofcourse. Well isn't it the principal's duty to try by all means to prevent teenage pregnancy among learners?"

I asked and I hope that came out right.

"I'm not quite getting your point Alice."

She replied and I sighed.

"What I mean is, between preventing and promoting teenage pregnancies in school, the principal has to side with preventing them right?"

I asked and I suddenly started feeling anxious. I was kinda scared my plan would fail but I can't back out now.

"You're right. It's the teachers' and principal's duty to try and give the learners bright futures by preventing pregnancies. And that is why a rule prohibiting sexual activities in school was established."

She said and I smiled at her last statement. That rule will save me somehow.

"That's it but I am not sure teachers in this school are implying that rule."

I said and she gave me a questioning look.

"Why do you say that?"

She asked.

"Well the thing is, Mrs Finn has been locking students in libraries and store rooms for detention. And when I talk about students, I mean a male and a female. I'm sure you know what that would result in."

I said pausing for a while so she takes in what I've just said.

"This is promoting teenage pregnancies in the school premises instead of putting an end to it. As a social worker, I'm sure you can talk to her about the bad consequences of locking students in store rooms."

I said and she nodded after a while.

"I fully understand your concern and I'll surely do something about it. You can rest assured."

She said and I thanked her. I stood up with a smile and proudly walked out of the office. Now I'm sure I won't be cleaning that library again. Atleast not with Austin.

Although I doubt Mrs Finn will let me go so easily. Anyways I can withstand any other punishment as long as it's not with the bad boy.
             
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