It has been a long week.

I got my mom checked in for therapy and drug addiction.

After our moment, she confessed everything to our family.

They were all shocked to hear of it, especially Kate, who insisted that Mom get checked in at the rehabilitation centre.

Thus far, Mom is still getting accustomed to life at the centre. I visit her every day because she says she wants to try to be a better mother to me.

I read to her and we have dinner together.

Our relationship is still rough around the edges, but I'm confident that everything will work itself out.

*******************************

It was the last day of the Christmas term.

I got dressed, wearing the usual uniform, but instead of a shirt, I wore the school sweater.

I combed my hair into a neat puff, making sure to lay my edges.

I grabbed my bag and headed downstairs.

Today was going to be an important day.

***************************************

When I got into school, everyone eyed me warily.

Dinah was back from the hospital.

She approached me.

"Homewrecker, you must be pleased with yourself," she sneered.

I simply smiled at her.

"I do believe your doctor told you not to do anything that'll cause you pain," I said, pushing past her.

"Octavia Hale!" she screamed.

I stopped in my tracks and turned around.

"My name, Ms Koch," I said.

"You think you're so tough because a whole school fears you! You think you're some great person! You're fucked up in the head!" she yelled.

Everyone gasped.

I took a few steps towards her, watching as she stepped back out of fear.

"I know exactly what I am," I said, "but do you know what you are?" 

She paled.

Just then Refael came in. He shot a glare at Dinah and walking towards me, kissed my cheek.

"Babe, is she bothering you?" he asked.

I shook my head.

"She's not even worth my time. Let's go."

Holding Refael's hand, I walked away, leaving her be.

************************************

"Did she tell you anything?" asked Refael.

"Nah."

"How are you feeling?" he asked.

I smiled.

"I feel freer than I've ever been," I said.

"Are you sure you're ready to make this move?" he asked.

I gave his hand a squeeze and nodded.

"It's about time I do this."

"But at assembly? Are you sure you want to do it then?" he asked.

I laughed and kissed him on the lips.

"Moves are meant to be made with impact."

***********************************************

We were all seated at the final assembly for the Christmas term.

The usual announcements were made.

The principal and I had a deal.

The only thing I would respect was the school's activities.

Alas, today I'd have to break that deal, for the school's sake.

It was funny.

But it has to be done.

After the principal was done and he dismissed the assembly, I got up from my seat.

"Everyone, remain seated."

Nobody moved as I made my way to the podium.

I took the mic and looked at everyone.

There were various expressions.

I never noticed the impact I had on people.

For six years, I've ruled over this school, fear being my main power.

I focused on the one person who had my attention.

And my heart.

He smiled at me, giving me a thumbs-up. I smiled and spoke.

"Good morning everyone," I said.

The response was automatic and shocked me.

Were they that scared of me?

"I don't think that there's a single soul here that sees me as a stranger," I said laughing, "I did the most here for the past six years."

No response. I cleared my throat.

"I know, I've instilled fear in everyone here, from the Principal straight down to the 7th graders. I can't undo all that I've done, but I'd like to apologize."

That did it. There were murmurs all around.

"What I did to you guys was terrible. None of you deserved what I threw your way. I don't deserve your forgiveness, however, I'd like to let you all know one thing. I will be gone from this school next year."

"Thank God!" yelled one of the students.

I laughed.

"Indeed. Thank God! Thank God that I don't have to wear this shitty uniform anymore!" I yelled.

"Thank God we don't have to live in fear of you for long!" yelled a girl.

I smiled.

"Thank God that after today I will not be terrorizing you guys!"

There was silence.

"For real?" asked a 7th grader.

I nodded.

"Yes! I'm done."

"You're not messing with us right?" asked a sophomore.

I shook my head.

"I have no reason to. Therefore, I do hope that you guys enjoy your Christmas holidays.

I turned to leave when it began.

**********************************

It started with a tomato.

And then I became a food target.

Refael was about to get up to stop them, but I told him not to.

I beat up these people.

I blackmailed them.

I did horrible things to them.

Surely, I could handle their food fest.

When it was all over, I simply wiped the chocolate pudding off of my face and looked at the thoroughly satisfied students and teachers of Ajax High.

I smiled at them.

"Thank you for putting up with me!" I yelled.

Then I left the auditorium and headed to the girls' locker room to shower.

*********************************************

"You're brave," said Refael, "I should've been down there with you."

I was dressed in one of his hoodies and black leggings.

"Nah, they'd hesitate," I said, "I wanted their frustration to be let out."

He shook his head and pulled me into a hug.

"One of the things I love about you Octavia," he said, squeezing me tightly, "is that you're so weird."

I snorted.

"I love that you're weird too," I said, giggling.

He pulled away and looked at me, his eyes dancing with mischief.

"You love that?" he asked.

Now I was wary.

I took two steps back.

"What on Earth are you trying to-"

I didn't get to finish as he picked me up and slung me over his shoulder, running down the halls.

"Put me down Refael!" I yelled.

******************************************

So in case you haven't noticed, I haven't put any quotes in front.

Meen able.

Anyhoo, another update.

Gonna put y'all in a calm before I hit y'all.

Enjoy.

-Safiello