Chapter Four: Don't Be Afraid

Dylan Cruz, Dylan Cruz, what a nice name he really had. I slightly raised my eyebrows and I met his gentle gaze, asking,"what is my name?".

"Mine, is Skylar, Skylar Williams".I retorted looking very shy. I really don't know how to talk to strangers.

How would I even know how to talk to strangers, when I hardly go out. Even in school,no one wants to make friends with me. They all say, that I am a bookworm and that they don't want to get entangled with someone like me.

The last time I wanted to make friends with the three J. Jocelyn who was the leader made it clear to me,

That I Skylar Williams, can never fit in and that am too boring to be among human.My heart stopped and shattered into thousand pieces. That very day,I was certain that I crossed the line.

"Giving shelter. "That's the meaning for Skylar right?". He asked. His voice was calm and deliberate as a smile spread across his face. I love that smile, I must confess that I'm Bewitched by his smile.

"Yes....."

At that moment, I saw the three J from a distance, walking towards my direction. I anxiously stood up.My hair stood on end at the thought of what was about to happen. As they got closer to me,I saw Jordyn, there was a bandage on her forehead and her expression was unreadable. Jocelyn and Juliana at the other hand where both smoldered with resentment. I broke out in a cold sweat.

Just then, I noticed that the guy named Dylan had disappeared right before my eyes. For a reason, I felt very disappointed in my heart. Just when I was at a loss on what to do, I heard a familiar voice behind me.

"Don't be afraid". Those four words, had a magical effect on me. I slightly turned my head to confirm if it was really Dylan.

Behold it was him. He appeared sweet and alluring in that vulnerable moment. I couldn't restrain a smile as I met his gentle gaze. How I wish I had met him first before Memphis. My childhood sweetheart. Who left the country eight years ago.

"Look, they are almost here ".He whispered, bringing me back to reality. Did he by any chance see through my thoughts.

"Skylar,you dare to hurt one of us you wench". Juliana yelled,as she kicked the table in front me, sending the rest of my snacks flying all over the dining hall, followed by the cup of milk. That fell to the ground and shattered into pieces.

Wench?..... huh... what a joke.

At that moment, everyone attention had turned to us. Some took out their phone to video. While some of them started gossiping.

"They are the three J in senior class one".

"I heard the three of them ganged up on one person. How shameless". Another student disclosed.

"I also heard the three J, broke that senior's phone. A phone worth $12,800 and denied it along with the entire class."They really are so despicable".

Juliana and Jocelyn was stunned and thier expression turned flustered. "What did you just call us? Juliana roared in anger, her temper sparked.

That junior student fearlessly looked at her, "Despicable.That's what you all are.You are all despicable." instead of going around bullying the weak, why not use that time to study hard and make your parents proud".

"You!" Juliana yelled as she took a step towards the young guy who,I was sure must be in junior class two. But Jordyn managed to stop her on time.

"Stop making a scene "she uttered timidly.

Jocelyn suddenly realized something, she held Jordyn hand's and whispered into her ear's. Only the heavens knows what she said.

Jordyn then turned to my direction, by the expression on her face, she wasn't exactly enjoying this. I somehow felt sorry for her. Aside from me, she was the second victim here,but her two friends where too vicious to realize that.

I took two steps forward. Dylan who had been standing beside me like a tutelary gods. Also followed my steps. I looked at Jocelyn and Juliana,the expression on their faces reflected both humor and interest. I guess they wish for me and Jordyn to fight. But I was certain they came to a wrong address because I don't intend on fighting.

Was it that I don't intend?,or that I'm too weak and inexperience in fighting.

"...."

I don't even know how to fight, and I dare to use the word "INTEND". Hahaha...Laughable right?....

"Jordyn, am sorry that it has to be you". I pointed out,my voice sounded emotionless.

"I... you..". She stammered awkwardly. Then her expression grew bland. She didn't expect that I could actually say the word SORRY to her.

That's right,who would want to say sorry in such a situation. My phone was broken, what I expect is for them to pay the damages and then apologise. But here I'm, apologizing. Isn't that a stupid personality.

... I'm such a... "..."

"You,is this how you were taught to apologise?, if you hurt someone?". Juliana argued, not giving up. She stepped forward and stood in front of me.

She was at least 175 cm tall,so it was easy for her to cover Jordyn who was 154 cm in height with her tall figure. She had a sculpted figure which was twine thin. Immediately after Juliana questioned me, Jocelyn walked steadily to Juliana side. And placed her hands on both of her shoulders.

"Don't you get it Juliana, she isn't trying to apologise. She's just trying to point out the fact, that it should have been me in place of Jordyn. "I really feel sorry for you Jordyn, you are the victim here but she still find it hard to apologise". She ridiculed with a mocking smile.

At that point, Jordyn walked to their side. For a moment she gazed at me, her expression was unreadable.

"You,if you really feel sorry for what you did to me,then I want you to show it by genuflecting in front of me". She smirked with a disdain look.

For a moment, I was stunned by her words and it made me staggered backwards. But I quickly regained my posture.

I should genuflect?,huh! in her dreams.

"I.... you.. can't mean what you just said right?" I asked with a bright smile.

"You heard what she said. So do it, right now. "unless, you don't feel sorry for what you did".Jocelyn sneered her contempt with a cold smile.

"Or maybe we should help her to her knees". Juliana scoffed,looking very happy.

I looked around the hall, all eyes were on me. I guess they all want's to see the end of this. By the looks in their eyes, they expect me not to listen to the three J. But I really wanted

this to end quickly. So I made up my mind to do the genuflecting and leave.

I expected Dylan to say or do something,but who am I to ask for his help. I felt angry and disappointed that I wished he could just get lost.I clenched my hand tightly by my side and bite hard on my lower lips that I felt pain and the taste of blood.

I bent down my legs to knee down, but I was suddenly stopped.....