The whispers and stares I got as I walked through the halls were no different from usual. I walked towards the library which was on the first floor of the school, down the winding halls, lined with lockers until I finally arrived at my destination. I passed through the door and went right over to the shelves filled with books, searching for what I was looking for.
“This aisle.” I found the row that would have what I needed and began browsing. I was happy this was a school for the rich since there was a decent selection of books here. But I only needed one to confirm my thoughts. A college entry-level book on business that one would need to read when they first entered college. It was very simple and had all the basics of business written in it.
I flipped through the pages one after the other with what I know to be a silly grin on my face. The book was indeed the same one from my dream and I knew everything in it. “Life has given me a blessing. The Thatchers think they have me under their thumb… hehe…”
I couldn’t help but giggle. I wonder what they will do when I begin to manipulate the market. Although I will need one final confirmation to make sure I had really been reborn. Sadly it's still a bit early to be going to class so I will need to wait a little longer to confirm things.
If Billy really does try to trip me today, then I will act as if I know the future from that moment on. This also means I will be able to give David a kick to the face once I see him. Heh, just thinking about it makes a wide grin appear on my face. I can’t seem to contain it. Luckily, my hood was hanging down over my face, so no one could see me.
One thing I needed to figure out was why the sun made me feel so weak. I guess it was a good thing that it is currently fall and the weather was on the cooler side or else I would not be able to hide from it. If I am recalling correctly, I remember my mother not only had wide-brim hats but also sunscreen. I wonder if this is some kind of condition? Either way, my current self is stronger, faster, and instinctively reacts on its own. Despite the weakness I need to make sure to use the other changes to my advantage.
After reading the book for a while, the first bell finally rang. I grabbed my backpack, stuck the book I grabbed from the shelf inside, and made my way to class. No librarian was on duty, so taking a book or two wouldn’t harm much of anything.
I had a locker, but I never used it. It kept people from destroying my things. I used to keep my books in there, but for some reason, they decided my books were in need of a bath and would flood my locker all the time. The teachers did nothing about it, which is the main reason I carry my books in my bag. It avoids the hassle of dealing with them.
Although, I don’t think I will need them with how I have already learned everything in the books. I might have been almost ready to graduate with a master’s degree, but that did not mean I had forgotten my senior-year curriculum. I could skip college this time, but I do not think I will be done with my playing before then. I need to make sure they think their plans are all set in motion beforehand. I also wish to find the people who kidnapped me in the first place. If I am to take revenge all players need to be present.
The key to all of this is to make sure that that good-for-nothing father of mine and his entire family are wishing they never crossed me. I need them to be at the very top before they fall. I will also need to make sure the lawyer in charge of the estate still turns over all company shares and rights to me as soon as I turn eighteen.
I will be sure that I let that idiot still run the company. But only for a short while. I will slowly make the company sink under his name before bringing it back up once again. My confidence has never been so high. With the company in my name, I can easily sweep in during my second semester of college and take a bunch of contracts and kick the shit bag out.
A smile was once more creeping up on my face. I really wanted to yell out in glee. Just thinking about how their faces will look once they have realized they have lost everything. I will take care of them and anyone who dares to help them. I want them living in a dumpster, begging for change on the side of the road. I want to look down and step on them as if they were nothing more than trash, and as for that bitch Maria… heh… I wonder how she will cope with having nothing? Will she sell herself? Will she try to get a job? Will she will charge at me and try to kill me again? Whatever she decides, I will be waiting. I will be ready.
“She’s here.” A voice entered my ear. I looked up slightly, making sure my hood didn’t reveal my face, to see a blonde-headed girl named Kelly Carter, Maria’s best friend, whispering into Billy Harris’s ear. He gave a slight nod before looking at me with a mocking smile plastered on his face. I wonder how long he can keep that smile for?
All eyes were on me as I did the normal routine of keeping my head low. I also gripped my bag in a show of nervousness. My seat was in the back row near the window. Luckily, on the way here, I noticed that the sun, when passing through glass, did not cause me to feel weak. So I did not need to worry about the sun shining down on me.
I watched out of the corner of my eye as Billy extended his leg out in front of me. You would think such a childish means of bullying would not be used in this day and age, but well, I was witnessing it happening now and have been subjected to it in my past life where I really did fall, but this time.
I stepped forward, hooked my right foot onto Billy’s leg that was in my path, kicked forward as if I were walking normally, and continued walking, all while thrusting my foot out with a good amount of strength.
“Ah! Bitch!” Billy’s cry was followed by gasps from those watching the show as Billy spun around in his seat and fell to the floor. Luckily, I used just enough strength. It was then that I pulled my hood up to show my face and looked down at the young man who was holding his leg and staring up at me with a scowl on his face.
“You shouldn’t sit on the floor like that, you will catch a cold.” I gave him a playful smile before walking to my seat. It took him a second before he could react.
“You!” He stood up and was about to rush over to me when the bell rang once more, and the homeroom teacher walked in, in her usual tracksuit, which was red today.
“Everyone sit down!” The teacher scanned the room back and forth before her eyes fell on me. I just gave her a glance without a word since I have no need to care about her. But for some reason, her gaze was a bit heavier than normal. It was like she was giving me some kind of warning. Not sure why. Unless some rumors have already started spreading. Probably about this morning.
I am sure Maria is playing it up as if I did something horrible to her. They have a name in Chinese literature for people like her, Green Tea Bitch. It means to act sweet, pure and innocent on the outside but manipulative and scheming on the inside. I never thought there would be such an amazing word before that fit a person so well. But it describes her perfectly.
Not that it matters. A small teacher can’t do much to me. She might not think highly of me, but she can’t do anything to me either. I would just need to speak to the good for nothing and with a small threat of going to the police will do wonders to make sure he treats me like his most favorite child and would deal with the situation.
So, essentially, I can get away with a lot at this school as long as I do not go overboard. Even the two young Thatchers will not be able to do much to me at school since they will need to keep up their own public image.
Public image is very important for people in high society. Bad publicity can affect not only you but your parent's company as well. So, most things are done in the dark, like hiring others to attack a person or using your background at school to keep people's mouths shut.
Not many would go out of their way to piss off the richest kids in school since partnerships also hold value. And it is normally these richer families that kids try to suck up to even if they are doing things that make them sick. Societal rules are more complex than normal laws.
But for now, I can only let class continue and deal with what is to come after…
- - -
Back at Noelle’s home, inside her mother's old office, which now looked nothing like it used to. What was once a spacious office with a desk that faced the window to look out at the backyard garden was now a dreary place filled with a musty smell. It still had its bookshelves, but they were now half empty and slightly dusty as if no one had cleaned them in a long time. At this time, though, Weston Thatcher, Noelle’s stepfather, was having a headache. “Weston, how come you let that bitch take our Maria’s room!?”
“What else can I do!? We need her around right now. Until I have full control of the company I can not deal with the little bitch. I have no idea what happened between yesterday and today but she seems to have woken up and is now acting like her mother!” Weston was not in a good mood. He disliked Noelle’s mother and he disliked Noelle even more.
“I still don’t like it. The smug smile on her face as she looked at me. It reminded me of that bitch! If only we could have gotten rid of the little she devil just like her mother!”
“Shut up! Don’t speak about that!” Weston quickly shut Linda up. “For now we will just act like she matters. We just need to treat her slightly better is all. None of this would have happened if you and Maria did not push her into moving down stairs. She is getting close to eighteen. It is crucial that we keep her in her place or else she might start asking about her inheritance!”
“I know… I am trying to keep myself under control. But you can not expect me to be nice to her. I have already treated her like she is dirt. There is no way she will fall for it.”
“Just ignore her. Keep to yourself. And control Maria. She is too hot headed. If she slips up and ruins her reputation how will she marry into a good family? She can not ruin her future over that little bitch.”
“I will keep her in line…”
- - -
Classes were quite boring. Each class was something I had learned before, so it was not like I needed to study these things. My grades were really good in my past life so I remember everything that is being taught. I am one of those people who can remember things just by looking at it once. I think they called it photographic memory, like how some species of bees that, if you mess with them, will remember your face for the rest of their lives and will always attack on sight.
That’s actually a scary thought so I will forget I ever thought of that. Try to anyway. Me and bees do not get along. At any rate, time ticked by slowly, and it was now lunch. My school did not have a normal cafeteria. Instead it was a separate building that had a food court like you would see in malls with a bit of a richer taste. You did not need to pay for food since it was included in your tuition. But for me, I like the simpler type of foods, which is normally just a ham and cheese sandwich, which I can get quickly and easily before heading to my eating spot.
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
One thing I have noticed is that throughout the day, my hearing seems to be getting better and better. I can pick up on people’s conversations even from a distance if I concentrate. Like the two girls near the entrance of the food court are talking about a boy, one of the girls likes. It seems both of them like the same boy, though, because as the girl who confessed to liking the boy walked away, the other one clenched her fists and mumbled: “Just wait and see who will get him.”
I can understand liking the same person, but is it really worth ruining a relationship over? If she liked him so much, why not admit that she liked him too? I might be a girl, but I am not too smart when it comes to relationships. After all, I dated an asshole. Cherished him even.
As I made my way into the food court, I lowered my hearing range to normal standards, trying my best not to concentrate too much on what people were saying. That was until I saw a bandaged-up Maria off on the other side of the food court, waiting in line for food. One of her friends was holding her arm, supporting her to make sure she did not fall.
“A perfect green tea bitch as always…” I muttered softly before homing in on their conversation.
“I can’t believe your sister treated you in such a way even when you are so good to her.”
“It’s not my sister’s fault. She was just in a bad mood this morning. I might have said the wrong thing to make her angry at me. I am sure she will apologize when I get home.”
“We should make her apologize to you in front of everyone!”
“No, don’t! If you make a scene, won’t she get mad at me again? What if…” I listened to her voice trailing off as if suggesting I would beat her up or something. But I find it funny how these people fall for her act so easily. They will probably not act today, but tomorrow is a different story. I wonder if Maria’s friends will try to fight with me? If so, will they fall from a single slap?
It would be amusing to slap them once and have them fall to the ground. If I am lucky I can get a few slaps in. I can’t punch them since punching would leave too much damage, but a few slaps shouldn’t be too much, right? Plus, being slapped silly is more embarrassing than being punched.
Ignoring the green tea bitch, I made my way to the one stand that hardly got any attention. As soon as I walked up, the lady who normally made the sandwiches looked at me in surprise. “You look really pretty today!”
“Hi, Miss Hills. Thank you.” I smiled softly at the older woman. She was in her forties and had always been very nice to me. She had short curly hair wrapped in a hair net and wore a white apron over her black work shirt. I guess she was stunned to see me with my hood down for once.
I tilted my head to the side when I saw that Miss Hills was just standing there staring at me. “Miss Hills?”
“Ah! Sorry, deary, it was just that your smile was captivating. I see now why you always hide your face. Being as beautiful as you is a sin in its own right.” I couldn’t help but chuckle at her words. But I do have to admit I did look really good when I looked in the mirror this morning. I also heard some whispers in class, but no one had actually spoken out about it. My hair was no longer hiding my face. And since being reborn it seems I had become more beautiful than before.
Now that she mentioned it, I also saw many people staring at me, not with hate but more in surprise, as if they had no idea who I was. Whether or not they would actually talk to me is another story.
“Hehe, I will have the usual.” I only had so much time, so I could not sit and chat forever.
“You should smile more often. It would be a shame to hide such a beautiful smile.” Miss Hill was truly kind. I gave her my thanks as she handed me my food and made my way out of the food court. My destination was my usual eating spot near the supply building. There was a set of stairs that was slightly hidden from view and allowed me to eat in peace.
I opened my ears as I walked down the path as students passed by. Many gave me a strange look as if trying to figure out who I was. But this was also a good thing. Since before, they called me ugly and other names because I always had my hair covering my face. This couldn’t be helped due to my self-esteem being so low. I had the Thatchers to thank for that. I never once thought of myself as pretty until I met David. Speaking of which, I am supposed to run into that asshole tomorrow. That ought to be fun…
I had just rounded the corner and was steps away from the supply building when I saw three guys pulling a girl toward the back side of it.
“Let me go!” The girl cried out. I recognized the three boys. They were all heirs to their families. I did not have any issues with them besides them talking about me behind my back. I couldn’t care less about that kind of childish act. But I can’t let the girl they are dragging get hurt. I, in good conscience, couldn’t allow it to happen.
Although I have no idea who this girl is. Brown hair braided up into pigtails and thick black-rimmed glasses. I have no actual impression of her at all. But maybe it is because of this incident that kept her from continuing to go to school?
Not that it matters. I tapped my toe off the ground and raced over to where the three boys now had the girl pinned against the back wall of the supply building. “Let go of me now!”
“Shut it! Do you have any idea who we are?”
“Three idiots who are about to get their balls kicked in.” I replied while bringing my foot back and thrusting it forward in between the legs of the first idiot.
“Iee!!” The young man cried out as he crumpled to the ground. I think I heard a crack just now, so I am not sure if this kid can even have babies anymore.
“Who the fuck are you…” the second of the three idiots turned around to look at me and, for some reason, seemed to freeze. He was just staring at me, so I ended him as well with another swift nutcracker.
I slowly turned my gaze to the guy who was still holding the girl. He and the girl were both just staring at me. I gave him a sweet smile as I asked: “Are you not letting go?”
“Huh? Right…” The young man quickly let go of the girl before taking a few steps back. I stepped forward, and he stepped back.
“Why make things hard? Just resign yourself to your fate, and I will make it quick.” I guess my words snapped him out of his daze because he quickly shook his head and took off running. I, of course, was not going to let him get away. I tapped my toe off the ground once more and shot forward. I felt like I was flying with how fast my body moved. It did not even take me more than a few seconds to catch up to him, grab him by his shirt, and drag him back to his friends.
“Please let go! I won’t do it again!” he kept begging me to let him go, but I ignored him as I tossed him in front of the girl.
“Apologize to her and then get hell out of here, taking them with you.” The young man nodded his head as if his head was broken and quickly apologized.
“I’m sorry! I did something I should never have done! I will never do it again, nor will I go near you from now on!” The young man continued spouting a bunch of nonsense, so I kicked him in his thigh.
“Just get these two out of here!” I snapped at him, causing him to shrink back before quickly dragging his two friends away. At least he was strong enough to help them both to their feet and lead them away. Maybe the first young man got lucky.
Watching the two leave, I turned to the girl who was still just standing there in a daze. “If you are hurt go to the nurses office. Otherwise go home or just go to class.”
I waited a moment, but the girl still did not respond, so I just waved at her and walked to my eating spot. Now that I am thinking about it. If I recall correctly, those three guys ended up dropping out of school a few days after senior year started. I did not pay attention to much of what happened but I do recall them leaving school at some point.
I couldn’t help but look back at where I just came from before tilting my head slightly and then shaking it. Not worth my time to think about it. At least I was able to help the girl out.
I sat down on the hard cement step and stared off at the track field that was not too far away. There were actually a few people out there doing some stretches. I munched on my sandwich, it was the first thing I had eaten all day and would normally taste really good, but for some reason, it was slightly blander than normal. But I couldn’t put my finger on why it was.
I still ate it as always and sipped my drink, which was nothing more than a juice box and then gathered my trash before heading back towards the classrooms.
What’s strange, though, was that I don’t remember the scene of the girl from my past life. But now that I am thinking about it. I went to the nurse’s office during lunch to get my head checked out since I had hit it pretty hard when I was tripped in class. The teacher did not seem to care about it and would not let me go to the nurse until lunch. I guess maybe I changed that girl’s life as well, which is not a bad feeling. Maybe she will have a different outcome this time.
As I walked down the hall, I looked up at the young man marching towards me with a look of hate and disgust written all over his face. This made me realize that I seemed to be getting caught up in too many issues today. Aw well. Let’s see if I can piss off Ryan enough to break his image and strike out at me as he does at home. Oh, my dear step-brother, it is time to play…
“Noelle Alastor!” Ryan yelled at my full name as he normally did. He always seemed to enjoy yelling it any time he was mad.
He walked right up to me, stopping only a few inches away, which made me frown. “Did you not shower and brush your teeth this morning? You stink.”
“You!” Heh, I guess he was not expecting me to say anything back since I would normally cower in his presence.
“What about me, Young Thatcher? You come over yelling at the hand that is feeding and clothing you. Don’t you know that even dogs know not to bite the hand that feeds them? You really do not seem to be very loyal when you act in such a manner.” I smiled mockingly at Ryan. I can not even remember how many times it has been that he would hit me. I still remember being punched and kicked by this bastard since I was young.
I might have cowered to him before, but not anymore. I want him to be angered to death or lash out like he used to. I want to see if he can keep his head held up high when it ends up being shared millions of times on the internet.
“So you know how to speak now? You say that I am biting the hand that feeds me?”
“Are you not? Everything you have right now is on my dime. You have to remember little boy, you are not related to me by blood, neither is father. Everything will go to me in a few months.”
“Even if that is the case does that give you the right to hit my sister!?”
“Hit her? I am sorry I have no idea what you are talking about. When I left this morning your dear sister was still sound asleep.”
“Liar!” I watched as Ryan’s face began turning red with anger. I only chuckled and gave him a teasing smile.
“Am I? I wonder? If I was lying, do you have proof that I did hit Maria?” I asked, raising an eyebrow. I had not planned to step out in the open like this, but since he had decided to make such a grand stage for himself, I really do wish to see how far he is willing to go. If I can get him to raise his hand to me I can slap him stupid.
“Apologize!” Ryan’s face was filled with hatred as he made his demands, but I could only let out a soft chuckle.
“And what am I apologizing for? You came up to me making such a scene without any proof or evidence! If you ask me who are the people who should apologize? Why don’t you act like you do at home? Don’t you usually call me a waste? A bitch? The slut’s daughter? You have so much to say at home but here you are acting as if I am the enemy. Even if I did hit Maria, she would have deserved it. But sadly for you I did not raise my hand to her.” I was not lying; I did not raise my hand to her. I only grabbed her by the ankle and dragged her out of bed. She hit her own head on the floor. It’s not my fault she can’t protect herself.
“You Bi…” I watched as Ryan gripped his fist and bit his lip. He was trying so hard to protect his image.
“If you have nothing else to say, then I need to go to class. Unlike some, I do care about my grades. So have fun, Dear Brother.” I gave him a sweet smile before stepping to his side and walking past him. The veins in his forehead were popping out. I am sure this will spread throughout the school soon. I am sure I will be yelled at once I get home, but since I am not realizing how much of an upper hand I have I can use it to my advantage.
I keep thinking I need to stay low, but in truth, I can still stick it to them as I slowly set things up so that they all have a horrible end. Why should I endure when I can have so much more fun?
I do have to admit that being able to break out of my shell is now allowing my true personality to surface. And to be completely and utterly honest, I am loving it! I have never felt so free.
Afternoon classes went by smoothly yet very boring. Having to relive this part of my school life was no fun. I do, however, wish to go to college, so I will endure and make sure I still end up at the top of my class.
As I was exiting the building a certain class bully stood in my path. I had wondered where he had run off to. But here he was, staring at me as if he wanted to eat me. It truly is amazing how much I am sticking out today. I looked at Billy, crossed my arms in front of my chest, and asked: “What now? Was the floor not fun enough this morning? Do you want me to make you eat the cement too?”
“You changed.” Billy suddenly spoke which made me slightly confused. But when I think about it, going from an introvert who was meek and let everyone bully her to an extrovert who doesn’t give two shits within a single night can be a bit much for a simpleton like Billy to take in.
“Not so much changed, but more like you all forced me out of my shell. Years of bullying can do that to a person. Anyway, I am in a hurry so unless you are here to eat cement let me pass.” Just like Ryan, I stepped past Billy and kept walking. I don’t want to deal with unimportant people.