The morning sun shone brightly through the dim glass of the Toyota Tazz. It was another day in the pitiful existence of Mazekien’s life, a day that could just as much spell an end to her rein and reputation in Rosemary. With an anxious sigh she took in a deep breath and centered herself.

“Are you ready?” Hunter asked. They had purposely arrived 5 minutes before the first bell as there were less learners outside to worry about.

"Let's get this show started." She said more to herself than to Hunter. Maze opened the door for herself and looked at the school gates before her. They looked bigger than they usually did, or maybe that was because of how small she felt standing there.

"Chin up, back straight and shoulders back." Mazekien said to herself as she started going through the motions. She strutted with a veil of confidence floating on her. She had done this dance enough times for it to become second nature. The wind was light but her hip length dark hair swayed effortlessly. As usual eyes fell upon her as she made her way inside the school. Her onyx eyes demanded respect, yet her soft and kind smile could trick anyone into a false sense of security. It was a wonder if those qualities of hers had the same effect.

The bell rang when she entered the senior building, which meant all students should’ve been in their homeroom classes. The hallways were as empty as she’d hoped, but her hopes were dashed the second she saw one member of the news club.

“Maze,” they called in disbelief at her arrival but that soon turned to a determined, “Ms. Mazekien.” As he figured out his newest scoop had just entered the building. One thing Maze knew about the news club was that if one saw her then you’d best believe that the others would catch on to her scent. She kept her confident smile, her gaze unfazed by the sudden tailing from the news club member. She quickened her pace as she was still a floor away from her homeroom. One of them turned to two, two turned to 8 and then in no time she was swarmed by all the members of the news club. Her photo being taken from every angle while the reporters tried to get her to speak.

She had gone through these enough times before, to know that saying anything that wasn’t planned would end in disaster for her, as they had a knack for twisting her words into the next controversy.

“Ms. Schmidt, can’t you tell us where you’ve been all this time?”

Away from this craziness is where I’ve been. She thought, maintaining the look of perfection she had on her face.

“Ms. Mazekien, a full week went by without you stepping into the office. Should we worry for the school’s reputation because of this absence.”

You should, because after me this school will definitely lose its spot in second place. What am I saying, knowing Vander, he probably already has a contingency prepared. She could feel her blood boil, but despite that she kept the look of perfection on.

“Mazekien, is it true that you and Bastien broke up, or are you his main with Tiffany being the side?”

The fuck kind of question is that? Me and Bastien are done… There’s no way we can ever be with each other again... I have no friends. Her eyebrow twitched at the realization, nearly breaking her façade of perfection.

This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

“Ms. Mazekien, are you aware Mr. Fry went absent the first day you were absent? Are those two events connected in any way?”

How perceptive of you. Well you’re right, they are connected, but lord knows I’m not telling you any of that! She could feel a giggle coming, but she breathed it out, maintaining her look of perfection.

“Mazekien, with what happened after the party are you confident that you will maintain your position as Head Girl?”

Nope, you will have to look for some other sucker to take my spot. The feeling of exhaustion began taking over. Her world spinning as a ringing went off in her ear. Despite all of this she maintained her look of perfection, her gaze not faltering for even a second. She made it to her homeroom which was where the cameras had to turn away. She walked to her seat, trying her hardest not to fall over.

“Mazekien, are you okay?” Out of all the questions she had been bombarded with from the news club, this one question, coming from the boy she had only known for a short time, was enough to break the dam she was struggling to keep up.

Chris stood to check on her, but she laid out a hand between them. “I’m fine.” She said, covering her face with her other hand as she wiped the tears that had managed to escape. She sat down next to him and laid her head in her arms.

A few minutes later Hunter, or better yet, Mr. Fry, came in looking as tired as she felt.

“Morning class, I see Mazekien has decided to join us today. I ask that none of you bother her while she readjusts back to school mode.” Whispers began carrying over the back seats of the classroom, but lacking the energy for it, Mr. Fry ignored them.

“Now, let’s get role call over with---”

[Can Mr. Fry and Mazekien Schmidt please report to my office immediately, I will not be repeating myself.] Headmaster Vander’s voice called over at the intercom, cutting him off mid-sentence. Maze and Mr. Fry looked at each other, both with a tired expression, but Mr. Fry gave her a reassuring nod as he began walking out of the classroom.

It was finally here, the end of her reign as Head Girl. Though for a change she didn’t feel as anxious as she thought she’d feel. Sure, she was going to lose the position she fought tooth and nail for, the position her brother left for her to inherit, but there was still a chance she could negotiate with her parents for her position in Rosemary. She could still be a student at Rosemary High. She could still be with Hunter.

Yes, it wasn’t over. Not yet. As long as she still had Hunter, she could still get through it. Just like how she got through her brother’s death.

Her eyes burned with determination as she left the class alongside Mr. Fry. The two walked silently to Vander’s office, both swallowed by the thoughts that ran rampant in their heads.

Maze was pulled out of her thoughts when Mr. Fry threw his arm over her shoulder. She shot him a questioning look only to see a confident smile on his face.

“That fever must’ve done a number on you. You can barely walk.” It took a second, but Maze caught on to his antics. She gave her hand to his and leaned into him for support.

“I thought I was going to die with how sick I was. You should have seen me on the first day.” Maze played along, hiding the giggle that threatened to escape.

“You must’ve been a mess.” Mr. Fry said giving her a playful bump.

“Oh I was, I was all wet and snotty and sweaty. It was disgusting.” Maze scrunched her face to show an exaggeratedly disgusted look.

“I’m just glad you found the strength to come back to school.” Mr. Fry’s, or better yet, Hunter’s voice softened, the hand over her shoulder brushed her gently.

“I would’ve stayed another week, but I can’t disappoint my favorite teacher now, can I?” Everybody that passed, looked curiously, but smiled when they saw Mr. Fry’s “hospitality”. They arrived at the Headmaster’s office, and Maze squeezed the hand Hunter gave her. With one final sigh they both entered the office, ready to face whatever came next.